PlumbingPicks

Know what to check. Decide what to do next.

Plumbing repair guides, fixture comparisons and help choosing parts that fit.

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Isaac Daniels

Written by: Isaac Daniels, Licensed Journeyman Plumber (JP507711)

Every pick on this site is a product he has used.

Illustration of plumbing repair parts: a shut-off valve, a braided supply line, a toilet flapper, brass compression nuts and thread-seal tape
Disclaimer: Illustration for visual purposes

Start with the problem

Each one lists what to check first, before you buy a part.

All guide topics

Running toilet

Check first
  • Overflow tube
  • Dye test
  • Refill tube
Disclaimer: Illustration for visual purposes

Clogged drain

Check first
  • Hair
  • Plunger
  • Drain trap
Disclaimer: Illustration for visual purposes

Low shower pressure

Check first
  • Bucket test
  • Showerhead screen
  • Shut-off stops
Disclaimer: Illustration for visual purposes

Under-sink leak

Check first
  • Drain or supply
  • Drain slip nuts
  • Basket strainer
Disclaimer: Illustration for visual purposes

Water odor

Check first
  • Drain
  • Water heater anode
  • Well water
Disclaimer: Illustration for visual purposes

More common problems

Compare fixtures and tools

Press fittings and tools

If I could stock only one copper press fitting brand, it would be Viega ProPress.

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Plumbing guides by topic

406 guides in 7 topics, from a five-minute repair to choosing your next tool.

Browse all 406 guides
  1. Toilets & repairs36 guides
    Start here
  2. Faucets & fixtures65 guides
    Start here
  3. Drains & clogs64 guides
    Start here
  4. Pipes & fittings57 guides
    Start here
  5. Water & heating82 guides
    Start here
  6. Tools & supplies97 guides
    Start here
  7. Planning & costs5 guides
    Start here

Isaac Daniels

Licensed Georgia journeyman plumber

About PlumbingPicks

I’m Isaac Daniels, a licensed journeyman plumber in Georgia. PlumbingPicks helps you understand repair options, compare parts and check fit before you buy.

  • I’ve used every product I pick on this site.
  • I’ve installed Viega ProPress, NIBCO Press and Apollo press fittings on real jobs, and I’ve used Milwaukee M12 and M18 and RIDGID RP-series press tools.
  • Guides are built from maker specs and named sources, checked for fit. Comparisons are research, not lab tests.