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No—you should always shut off the power and the water supply to the tank. Shutting off the water ensures that your water heater won’t continuously refill while you are trying to drain it, which would likely cause a big mess! Make sure to allow the hot water to cool completely before continuing the process of draining the heater.

The best way to unclog a bathtub drain is to pour a pot of boiled water down the drain, being careful not to splash yourself. However, take precautions, as boiling water can damage PVC pipes and joints. Follow up with ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a small sink plunger and let it sit for 15 minutes. Pour boiling water down the drain again and replace the drain stopper.

Homeowners insurance may cover shower pan leaks, but it depends on the type of coverage you’re looking for. Typically, home insurance policies cover sudden or accidental water damage, for example, if it comes from a busted pipe or malfunctioning appliance. Damage to a shower pan is usually gradual. A repair or replacement of your shower pan usually won’t be covered by your policy. If your shower pan leak causes water damage, chances are your standard policy—if it includes water damage—will cover the repair.

Installing a plumbing system is a project best left to professional plumbers. Plumbing systems involve tons of moving parts—water supply lines, pipes, drain lines, sewer connections, and connections to appliances like water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers. Improper installation of your plumbing system can leave your house vulnerable to potential damages that could result in flooding or damage to your home’s foundation. While you can DIY your way through common plumbing problems like fixing clogged drains or leaky faucets, it’s highly recommended that you contact a plumbing professional for most of your plumbing-related tasks, especially installing the system.