Plumbing Guides for Star Homeowners
These guides answer the questions Star homeowners ask when something in the house stops working. Each one is written in plain language, with honest notes on what you can do yourself and when to stop.
Some topics are simple repairs, like swapping a faucet cartridge. Others, such as gas water heaters and sewer problems, involve safety or costly damage, and the guide will say so early.
What you will find here
We cover water heaters, drains, sewer lines, toilets, faucets, sump pumps, and leak hunting. Guides explain the method, list the steps, and point out the mistakes that turn a small repair into a bigger one.
We do not print prices in these guides. Costs depend on the house, the access, and the parts, so the cost guides explain what drives a quote and what to ask for in writing.
How to use them
- Read the first paragraph. It answers the main question quickly.
- Check the safety notes before you pick up a tool. Shut off water, power, or gas as the guide says.
- Stop when the guide says to call a plumber. Some repairs are not worth the risk.
- Call (208) 679-8357 if you are unsure. A short call can save an afternoon.
When reading is not enough
A guide cannot see inside your wall. If water is spreading, a drain is backing up, or you smell gas, put the guide down. For gas, leave the building and call the gas utility or 911. For water and drains, call our 24/7 line and we will talk you through the first steps.
Our services page sorts every job we handle by problem, which can help when you are not sure what to search for.
All plumbing guides
Sump pump installation
What a sump pump installation involves, from the basin to the discharge line, and where a homeowner in Star should stop and call a plumber.
Cast iron pipe repair
How to read the signs of failing cast iron drain pipe and choose between a patch, a cut-in replacement, and a liner.
40-gallon gas water heater cost
The factors behind the price of a 40-gallon gas water heater swap, and the line items a good quote should spell out.
Replace water heater thermostat
A shock-safe walkthrough for testing and replacing the thermostats on an electric tank, plus the signs it is time to call a plumber.
Size a tankless water heater
A plain walkthrough of flow rate, temperature rise, and gas supply, so you can size a tankless unit before you buy.
Install a toilet
Step by step toilet installation, from pulling the old one and checking the flange to setting the bowl and testing for leaks.
Epoxy sewer pipe lining
How epoxy pipe lining works, which sewer problems it can fix, and the cases where digging is still the better call.
Carbon monoxide and water heaters
How to spot carbon monoxide risks around a gas water heater, what to do first, and what a plumber checks afterward.
Underground water leak
A home test with your water meter, the yard clues that point to a buried leak, and when to bring in a plumber.
Garbage disposal installation
A homeowner's walk-through of replacing a garbage disposal, from the mount to the dishwasher hookup, and where a plumber helps.
Enzyme drain cleaner
An honest look at what enzyme and bacterial drain cleaners can and cannot do, and when a cable or jetter is the real answer.
Sewer line clog repair
How to tell a main sewer line clog from a fixture clog, what to do first, and how clogs are cleared or repaired.
Single-lever faucet repair
Step-by-step cartridge replacement for a dripping or stiff single-handle faucet, plus when to call a plumber.
Basement waterproofing time
Realistic timelines for basement waterproofing methods, and why finding the cause matters more than the clock.
Have a question the guides do not answer?
Call (208) 679-8357. A plumber will talk it through with you.
☎ Call (208) 679-8357