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A journeyman plumber is a licensed plumber with a state-issued permit who installs and repairs piping for water and heating systems under the supervision of a master plumber. Also known as a plumbing contractor, a master plumber is considered the highest level in this profession. In addition to passing all state-level requirements, master plumbers have several years of experience. They are allowed to lead teams, create blueprints, and design and install plumbing systems.

Some older homes have toilets in the basement to combat sewage backups. This type of toilet, also known as a Pittsburgh potty, acted as a safety valve over the incoming sewer line. If a line backed up, it would back up into the toilet because it was the lowest fixture in the home, keeping it out of sight and away from the finished areas of the house.

Basement toilets were also used by workers with messy jobs, like those who worked in coal mines or steel mills. This way, they could clean up and avoid tracking dirt through their home.

PVC pipes are more affordable and applicable in most parts of your home’s plumbing system than copper pipes. They also require less maintenance. The only major restriction with PVC pipes is their low heat tolerance. Therefore, they’re not your best option for supplying hot water from the water heater throughout your home. PVC pipes are also larger in diameter, so they may not fit into certain spaces in your home.

Besides opting for a professional inspection, there are some other telltale signs that a pipe in your home is ready to go. Keep an eye out for signs of leaks and spot-check exposed areas of piping. Musty smells, spots on your walls, and dripping sounds are signs an unseen pipe has a leak, for example. You can also check the tubing for stains, flaking, and discoloration, all of which are signs of corrosion.