If you’ve never heard of polybutylene piping, chances are you’ve never needed a major plumbing renovation in your house. Polybutylene is often called “poly,” “Poly B,” or “PB.” These days, it no ...

Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience ...

I have regrets. Who doesn't? But looking back on the messy process of building my own house, it stands out that my strangest tale of DIY regret was everything that involved the plumbing. Doing the ...

Dear James: The water pipes are loud in our house, especially at night; they make a knocking sound when we shut off a faucet. What causes this loud noise and how can we stop it? It sounds like ...

Dear James: Whenever I shut the water off quickly, there is a banging sound. I am building a new house and want the plumbing to be quiet. What can I do to stop the banging noise? — Kenny T. Dear Kenny ...