While some water heater problems may be fixed with little mechanical knowledge, some issues require professional help. When hiring a plumber, make sure the plumber is licensed and is established in your local area, request a quote for the repairs before authorizing work, confirm the plumber has liability insurance and worker's compensation, and confirm their expertise in water heater repair and replacement. Learn more about the cost for water heater repair and replacement and considerations before hiring a professional plumber.

Understand the cause of water heater noises - including popping, crackling, humming, hammering or knocking, screeching, ticking or tapping, sizzling, and more - and how you can resolve the sounds with simple maintenance or if you need a professional.

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are electrical outlets that shut off when it senses an overload or surge in electricity. The GFCI outlet instantly trips when experiencing a power surge, triggering the breaker to cut the electrical current to reduce the risk of electrocution. Most building codes require the use of a GFCI outlet when installed near a water or moisture source due to the increased risk of an appliance shorting.

Typically, a furnace will last 15-20 years. With routine maintenance a furnace can last even longer. On the other hand, a neglected furnace may not last beyond its warranty. Oil-fueled furnaces have the longest life expectancy, and gas-fired furnaces have the shortest. Learn about ensuring the longevity of a furnace and costs for replacement.

There are 5 types of bathroom bidets - the stand-alone bidet, built-in bidet, bidet seats and bidet attachments, handheld bidet, and portable bidet - and all are considered more sanitary and efficient than a traditional toilet. Additionally, the bidet offers cost savings with the elimination of toilet paper. Learn more about bidet types and benefits.

Tankless water heater installation cost is impacted by several factors, including the type of system, whether it’s a single-point or whole-house system, type of fuel it uses, flow rate, system size, brand, labor, materials, permits, accessibility, and charges for removing the existing heating system. Learn more about the benefits of a tankless water heater and costs for installation.

The main reason given for not caulking around toilet bases is that it could hide leaks and the resulting damage could become severe. While that thought process would be true if there was a sudden and major break in a pipe, the majority of leaks are small and don’t spread onto the bathroom floor, but instead soak into the underlying structure. Learn more about caulking around the toilet base in a bathroom.