Fixtures and repairs
4 tools · 5 guides · 5 comparisons · 14 pages
Water heaters, drains, valves and the rough-in dimensions behind the finished wall.
Service
Calculators
Water heater sizing calculatorService
Peak-hour demand into a gallon size, or a tankless GPM at your rise.
FHR · GPM
OpenLeak cost calculatorService
Drip rate into gallons a year and dollars at your own water rate.
gal/yr · USD
OpenSump pump sizing calculatorService
Timed pit rise and discharge run into the gpm at head a pump curve must meet.
gpm · ft TDH
OpenWater softener size calculatorService
Household use, hardness and iron into grains, then resin size at your salt setting.
gpg · ft³ · lb salt
OpenGuides
Frozen pipes: what to doFreeze mechanics, the thaw sequence, and prevention by climate zone.9 minHow to unclog a drainBy fixture, in escalation order, and when to stop and cable it.9 minShower valve replacementCartridge versus full valve, access panel versus tile cut, anti-scald code.10 minPlumbing rough-in dimensionsHeight and offset per fixture, with an elevation you can work from.9 minWater heater anode rod replacementCheck intervals from three makers, the swap step by step, and the rotten-egg fix.9 min
Comparisons
P-trap vs S-trapSiphonage, code status and the retrofit path when you find one.compareCopper vs CPVC vs PEX for a repipeThe whole-house repipe decision: labour, wall access, risk and inspections.comparePedestal vs submersible sump pumpMotor in air or under water: cooling, pit size, switches, backups and the RPZ rule.compareJet pump vs submersible well pumpSuction lift, 2-wire vs 3-wire, tank settings and what a pull involves.compareBest water heater brandsFive makers' tank, tankless and heat pump lines, how each is sold, and what the warranty covers.compare
Keep the code book handy.
Every table on this site is dimensioned, sourced and dated. Bookmark the calculator you use most and it will be there on the next callout.
Open the calculators