Plumbing and water heaters

Solar-powered desalination, brackish water filtration, or a high-maintenance "power hog"? Is the RO membrane an option for homeowners? Can you really achieve water independence on a remote island without a massive battery bank and constant maintenance. How to choose the best watermakers for off-grid homes and…

Heat pump water heaters can help cut your hot water energy consumption by close to one third, particularly when partnered with an air source heat pump. Heat pump electric hot water heaters, good or bad idea? Water heaters are generally the biggest energy drain in a home after heating . so Air-to-water heat pump…

Choosing a water heater - tank or tankless. Tankless water heaters , on demand water heaters and instantaneous water heaters are different names for the same thing - domestic hot water systems that do not include the storage tank that comes with traditional water heaters. This type of water heating system can be…

Reduce water heating costs by up to 40% with drain water heat recovery. This guide covers vertical installations and horizontal units for slab on grade homes. Drain water heat recovery: a homeowner's & pro's guide Drain water heat recovery (DWHR) is a passive energy-saving technology that captures heat from gray…

Learn why a 60-gallon tank is often overkill. This guide explores recovery rates, standby loss, and how downsizing your water heater can accelerate home decarbonization while saving money. When it comes to hot water tanks, size isn't everything! Determining the ideal capacity for a hot water tank is a critical step…

Discover how composting toilets work, compare self-contained and centralized models, and navigate the legal requirements for off-grid homes, tiny houses, and ADUs. Composting toilets: a homeowner's & pro's guide For off-grid living, tiny houses, and sustainable residential projects, the composting toilet has evolved…

A comprehensive guide to the best under-counter water filters for 2026. Compare Reverse Osmosis, carbon block, and UV systems to remove lead, PFAS, and microplastics from your tap water. Home drinking water filters: a homeowner's & pro's guide Ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water is a top priority for…

Choosing the right water softener for your well is critical. This guide breaks down the types of systems, explains the importance of water testing, and outlines installation and maintenance for homeowners and professionals. Those that live off of municipal water systems tend to be more aware of the journey their…

If your sink is still plugged after trying plungers and drain cleaners, a simple DIY plumbing repair could save you from calling a plumber, save money and bring a sense of strange satisfaction. How to repair a clogged sink drain Has your kitchen drain started to drain slowly, or gotten to the point where it won’t…

Treating and recovering gray water in the home has always been a bit of a hit and miss affair, with DIY solutions often the only option - until now. At last, a packaged solution for gray water treatment & recycling - the Hydraloop Reducing home water consumption is an increasingly important issue, as the world is…

How to prevent flooding, sewage backup and leaks from appliances with a couple of 'smart' devices. Preventing flood damage in basements is a hot topic as we are regularly seeing the effects of climate change in the form of extreme weather events and unpredictable weather patterns. Snow melt combined with torrential…