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A sewage ejector pump is necessary if you have any plumbing fixtures, such as a bathroom, laundry room, or sink, located below the level of your home's main sewer line. Standard plumbing relies on gravity to drain wastewater and solid waste into the municipal sewer system or a septic tank. For fixtures below this level, like those in a basement, gravity cannot move the waste upward. The ejector pump provides the force needed to pump the sewage up to the main line. Without one, wastewater from below-ground fixtures would back up, potentially causing a sewage overflow and flooding. If all of your plumbing is on the main floor or higher, gravity is sufficient and an ejector pump is not needed.

Yes, you should leave outside faucets dripping in freezing weather to prevent frozen and burst pipes. While a drip doesn't always prevent freezing, ice is less likely to form and there's less pressure in your pipes, meaning they’re less likely to burst. You can also winterize your outdoor faucets, eliminating the need to run a drip.

A water pressure regulator, also known as a pressure-reducing valve (PRV), is typically located near the main water shut-off valve where the main water line enters your home. Common places to check are basements, utility areas, or outside near the water meter. The device is usually bell-shaped. Its purpose is to control the water pressure coming into your home from the public supply, protecting your pipes, plumbing fixtures, and appliances. If you can't find a regulator, your home might not have one. In cases of high water pressure, installing a PRV is recommended.

You can remove air from your shower pipes in a few simple steps. Turn off the water at the main water supply and open all the faucets in your home, starting with those closest to the water supply and working away from those. Let the faucets run dry, then flush all the toilets in your home until there is no more water in them. From there, turn the water supply back on and let it flow for 10 to 15 minutes until the sputtering stops. To finish, turn off your faucets and flush your toilets in the reverse order.