Author: Aaron Michaels, P.E.

So, you’re standing there—maybe in a towel, maybe elbow-deep in dirty dishes—just trying to get some hot water when BAM, your trusty Navien tankless water heater flashes an error code on the display like it’s trying to communicate in Morse code. And you’re thinking: “What the heck is error code E110? Should I be worried? Is my hot water gone forever?” Relax. You’re not alone—and most of the time, these codes are less about doom and more about diagnostics. Navien water heaters are actually pretty smart systems. They’re designed to throw up error codes so you can catch issues early,…

Let’s talk pipes—because if you’ve ever stood in a hardware store staring at rolls of red and blue tubing next to rows of shiny metal pipes, wondering “Which is better?”, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve been there myself. The PEX vs Copper debate isn’t just about price tags—it’s about peace of mind, ease of installation, long-term value, and yes, whether your pipes will freeze or fail at the worst possible moment. Over the years, I’ve installed both PEX and copper piping in homes big and small. And today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned—so you can make a smart, stress-free choice.…

Let me tell you, there’s nothing like stepping into the shower expecting a rejuvenating blast, only to be met with a sad drizzle. I’ve been there. That’s when I decided to take a deep dive into understanding my home’s water pressure—and how to fix low pressure once and for all. Water pressure issues are more common than you think. But what causes them? And what can you do about it without tearing out your entire plumbing system? Let me walk you through everything I’ve learned. We will learn from first-hand experience, research, and a few plumbing surprises. What Is Water…

Picture this: I was enjoying my morning coffee when I noticed a gurgling sound coming from my bathroom. Then came the smell. You know the one—like something had died in the pipes. Long story short? My sewer line was screaming for help, and I didn’t listen right away. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have lived in your place for years, knowing the signs your sewer line needs immediate attention can save you thousands—and your nose. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the symptoms I ignored, what they meant, how I finally fixed the problem, and how you can…

So, picture this: You flush the toilet and just as you’re about to walk away, your bathroom starts sounding like it’s trying to join a symphony. A sharp, high-pitched whistle rings out. It’s loud. It’s weird. And frankly, it’s kind of embarrassing if guests are over. If your toilet’s making noise like a tea kettle after every flush, you’re not alone. This is one of those oddly common plumbing quirks that people know is a little off—but they’re not quite sure what it means or whether they should be worried. Spoiler: your toilet isn’t haunted, but it is trying to…

Have you ever had a plumbing emergency and found yourself frantically searching for the shut off valve only to realize you had no idea what type it was, how to operate it or even where to find it.  Trust me I have been there. Last year, a pipe burst in my basement while I was away on vacation. By the time I returned the damage was severe and it could have been avoided if I had better knowledge (and access) to the right type of water main shut off valve.   That experience got me thinking: How many homeowners and renters…

When I built my first home, I naively thought that plumbing would be one of the simplest parts of the process. Water goes in, water comes out, right? Wrong. I learned the hard way that overlooking even the smallest plumbing detail can lead to big (and expensive) headaches. In this post, I’m sharing the most common plumbing mistakes in new construction projects based on my experience—and how you can avoid them. Why Plumbing Planning Is Crucial During Construction The plumbing system is one of the first things that needs to be laid out in a new build. Get it wrong,…