Home Guides
Plumbing guides from the Pyper owners
Straight answers to the plumbing problems homeowners in Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties search for most, with the sources behind them.
Local stories
What Western Washington weather did to local plumbing
Local story
December 2025 Floods: What They Meant for Home Plumbing
What the December 2025 river floods in Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties showed about sewer backups, water safety, water heaters and crawlspaces.
Arko Smygov · 6 min read
Read the guideLocal story
January 2024 Cold Snap: Why Pipes Burst in Our Region
The January 2024 Arctic outbreak split pipes at Snohomish County schools. Here is why exterior-wall and crawlspace pipes freeze and how to protect yours.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideLocal story
Whidbey and Camano Plumbing: Water, Wells and Leaks
How island water supply works on Whidbey and Camano, and what it means for leaks, pressure and shutoffs inside the home. Wells and septic need specialists.
Zach Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideLocal story
December 2022 Arctic Blast: Cold and Pipes in NW Washington
What was reported about the December 2022 arctic outbreak in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish and Island counties, and what it shows about frozen pipes.
Arko Smygov · 5 min read
Read the guideLocal story
November 2021 Floods in Whatcom and Skagit: Lessons
What happened in the November 2021 floods in Whatcom and Skagit counties, how water systems fared, and plumbing lessons for homeowners after floods.
Mark Datskiy · 4 min read
Read the guideLocal story
Snohomish County Water: What Everett's Supply Means
Much of Snohomish County drinks Spada Lake water via Everett. What official reports say about its pH and hardness, and what that can mean for plumbing.
Zach Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideLocal story
Reroof With Solar Water Heating Collectors: A Woodinville Job
A Woodinville homeowner needed rooftop solar water heating collectors detached for a reroof and reattached after. Why it is plumbing work and what to ask first.
Arko Smygov · 4 min read
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Fix it, or know when to call
24/7 emergency plumbing
Burst Pipe: What to Do in the First 15 Minutes
A burst pipe is flooding your home. Shut off the main valve, handle power safely, drain the lines, document damage, and know when to call a plumber.
Arko Smygov · 5 min read
Read the guideSewer line repair
Sewage Backup in Your Home: What to Do and Avoid
Sewage backing up in your home? Stop using water, stay out, skip chemical drain openers, and learn how to tell a main line backup from a single drain.
Arko Smygov · 6 min read
Read the guideFrozen pipe repair
Frozen Pipes in Western Washington: Prevent and Thaw
How to prevent frozen pipes in Western Washington, thaw them safely without flame, and what to do if a pipe bursts during a cold snap.
Arko Smygov · 5 min read
Read the guideLeak detection and repair
How to Find a Hidden Water Leak: The Meter Test
Find a hidden water leak with the water meter test and a toilet dye test. Learn common hiding spots, what a high bill means, and when to call a plumber.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideWater heaters
Water Heater Warning Signs: Repair or Replace?
Water heater warning signs: leaks, rust, noise, no hot water. See typical lifespans, relief valve safety, and when to repair or replace.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideRepiping
Signs You May Need to Repipe Your Home
Signs you may need to repipe: galvanized or polybutylene pipes, discolored water, low pressure, repeat leaks, and lead pipes. Learn what repiping involves.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideDrain cleaning
Why Your Drain Keeps Clogging and What Fixes It
A slow drain that keeps returning usually has a cause deeper than the trap. Learn the common causes, safe DIY steps and when to call a plumber.
Zach Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideToilet repair and install
Running Toilet: Causes, Quick Fixes and Water Waste
A running toilet can waste thousands of gallons a year. Learn the dye test, how to fix the flapper, fill valve and float, and when to replace the toilet.
Zach Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideGarbage disposals
Garbage Disposal Jammed, Humming or Leaking: What to Do
Disposal humming or stuck? Follow safe steps: power off, use the hex key, press reset. Learn what causes leaks and when to replace the unit.
Zach Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideDrain cleaning
Sewer Gas Smell in Bathroom: Causes and Safe Checks
A sewer gas smell in the bathroom usually points to a dry trap, vent, seal or drain problem. Learn safe checks, health limits and when to call a plumber.
Arko Smygov · 5 min read
Read the guide24/7 emergency plumbing
Plumbing Checks After a Flood: What to Do and Avoid
After a flood, shut off utilities safely, avoid contaminated water, and have plumbing and water heaters checked. A step-by-step guide to what to do first.
Arko Smygov · 5 min read
Read the guideFrozen pipe repair
Winterize Vacation Home Plumbing in Western Washington
How to winterize a vacation home or cabin's plumbing: heat settings, draining vs. keeping heat on, water heater, outdoor spigots, antifreeze and checks.
Arko Smygov · 6 min read
Read the guideLeak detection and repair
Low Water Pressure: Causes, Tests and Fixes
Low water pressure at home? Learn the common causes, how to test pressure with a gauge, healthy ranges, and which fixes are safe to try yourself.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideWater heaters
No Hot Water? What to Check Before You Call
No hot water at home? Check the breaker, pilot, thermostat, sediment and leaks first, with safety tips on scalds and relief valves. Know when to call.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideRepiping
Banging Pipes and Water Hammer: Causes and Fixes
Why do pipes bang when water shuts off? Learn the causes of water hammer, what you can check safely, and when banging points to a bigger plumbing issue.
Mark Datskiy · 4 min read
Read the guideToilet repair and install
Toilet Won't Flush or Keeps Clogging: Causes and Fixes
Toilet won't flush or keeps clogging? Learn the common causes, how to plunge safely, and the signs that point to a main line problem.
Zach Datskiy · 6 min read
Read the guideFaucets and fixtures
Dripping Faucet: Repair or Replace? A Homeowner Guide
Dripping faucet? Learn what causes drips in each faucet type, how to shut off water safely, and when repair or replacement makes more sense.
Zach Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideDrain cleaning
Kitchen Sink Clogged or Backing Up: Causes and Fixes
Kitchen sink clogged or backing up? See common causes, safe DIY steps with a plunger and trap, what to avoid, and when it points to the main line.
Zach Datskiy · 6 min read
Read the guideSewer line repair
Tree Roots in Sewer Lines: Signs, Causes and Repair Options
Learn the signs of tree roots in a sewer line, why roots get in, how a camera inspection works, and how clearing, repair and trenchless options compare.
Arko Smygov · 6 min read
Read the guideFrozen pipe repair
Protect Outdoor Faucets From Freezing in Western Washington
How to keep outdoor faucets and hose bibs from freezing and splitting: disconnect hoses, drain lines, frost-free spigots, covers and post-freeze steps.
Arko Smygov · 5 min read
Read the guide24/7 emergency plumbing
How to Choose a Plumber in Washington State
Hiring a plumber in Washington? Verify the license, plumber certification, bond and insurance with L&I, and learn about permits, estimates and red flags.
Arko Smygov · 6 min read
Read the guideLeak detection and repair
Slab Leak Signs and What to Do First
Warm floor spots, running water sounds, a moving meter? Learn the signs of a slab leak, the meter test, what to do first and how repairs compare.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideWater heaters
Water Heater Leaking? What It Means and What to Do
Water heater leaking? Learn where the water comes from, what to shut off right now, when a leak means replacement, and why not to ignore it.
Mark Datskiy · 4 min read
Read the guideRepiping
Brown or Discolored Tap Water: Causes and Fixes
Brown, yellow or rusty tap water? Learn the common causes, how to tell hot from cold and one tap from all, what to do, and when pipes may need replacing.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideToilet repair and install
Toilet Leaking at the Base: Causes and What to Do
Toilet leaking at the base? Learn the likely causes, how to tell a failed seal from a supply leak or condensation, and when to call a plumber.
Zach Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideDrain cleaning
Slow Shower or Tub Drain: Causes and Safe Fixes
Shower or tub draining slowly or holding water? See the usual causes, safe fixes, what to avoid, and when it points to the main line.
Zach Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideGarbage disposals
Garbage Disposal Smells: Causes and Safe Fixes
Garbage disposal smells? Learn what causes odors, how to clean it safely, what never to grind, and when the smell is sewer gas instead.
Zach Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guide24/7 emergency plumbing
How to Find, Test and Label Your Main Water Shutoff Valve
Find your home's main water shutoff, learn how it differs from the meter valve, test it gently, and know what to do if it sticks or leaks.
Arko Smygov · 6 min read
Read the guideSewer line repair
Sewer Cleanout: What It Is and Where to Find It
A sewer cleanout is a capped access pipe on your sewer line. Learn where to find it, why it matters in a backup, and what not to do with it.
Arko Smygov · 5 min read
Read the guide24/7 emergency plumbing
Water Damage: What to Do in the First 48 Hours After a Leak
Stop the water, stay safe around electricity, document damage, start drying, and know when wet materials must go in the first 48 hours after a leak.
Arko Smygov · 5 min read
Read the guideRepiping
Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes: Causes and Fixes
Pinhole leaks in copper pipes: signs to watch for, causes reported by utilities and researchers, spot repair versus repiping, and what to ask a plumber.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideRepiping
How to Identify Your Home's Plumbing Pipes
Learn what copper, PEX, CPVC, galvanized steel, polybutylene and PVC/ABS pipes look like, when they were used, and which ones often lead to repiping.
Mark Datskiy · 4 min read
Read the guideWater heaters
Tank vs Tankless Water Heater: What to Consider
Tank vs tankless water heaters: how each works, efficiency per the U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR, sizing, venting, and where lifespans differ.
Mark Datskiy · 4 min read
Read the guideFaucets and fixtures
Faucet Low Flow: Clean the Aerator, Check the Cartridge
Weak flow at one faucet? Learn how to clean an aerator safely, when the cartridge or a valve is the cause, and when it points to supply or pressure.
Zach Datskiy · 4 min read
Read the guideDrain cleaning
Gurgling Drains and Plumbing Vents: What It Means
Gurgling sinks or toilets can mean a blocked vent, a partial clog or a main line problem. Learn what to check safely and when to call a plumber.
Zach Datskiy · 4 min read
Read the guideToilet repair and install
Repair or Replace Your Toilet? What to Consider
Should you repair or replace your toilet? Compare age, cracks, leaks at the base, water use, WaterSense labels and what installation involves.
Zach Datskiy · 5 min read
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