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Applying drain cleaner is a common DIY solution to clogged drains, but it can be extremely harmful to your pipes and lead to corrosion and leaks. It is almost always better to try snaking a clog than using a drain cleaner, but the best solution is to hire a professional plumber. They can locate the clog and gauge the severity using a camera system and then decide if using a plumber’s snake, auger, or drain cleaner is the best option to remove the clog and limit damage to your plumbing system.

If a pipe bursts in your home, the first step is to shut off the water supply as quickly as possible. You can often use a local isolation valve, such as the one under a kitchen sink, to cut off water to a specific area. However, if you cannot see the burst pipe or if it involves a large water supply line, using the main water supply valve is the best option to stop the flow. After the water is off, open all your faucets and flush the toilets to drain the pipes and relieve any remaining pressure. Finally, call a plumber to make an emergency repair.

Pool leaks most commonly occur at joints or where different materials meet. The most frequent leak spots include:

• The Pool Skimmer: Where the plastic skimmer meets the pool's liner or shell.

• The Pool Liner: Tears can develop in vinyl liners, especially those between 5 and 20 years old. Leaks also occur around the liner's edge.

• Fittings and Accessories: Areas around return lines, the main drain, and pool lights are common culprits.

• Pool Equipment: The pump, filter, and filter housing can also leak.

While leaks in underground pipes are less common, they can be costly to fix. It's usually best to check the more common spots before investigating the plumbing system.

Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but the actual temperature that can cause frozen pipes can vary. Generally, it takes 12 hours for pipes to freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Uninsulated pipes can freeze if it’s 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder for over three hours. If your pipes are insulated, it can take six hours or longer for pipes to freeze. Note that some pipe types freeze more often than PEX pipes. Copper pipes freeze more often because the copper conducts energy and loses heat quickly.