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There are three main types of shower valves: pressure-balancing, thermostatic, and diverter. Pressure-balancing and thermostatic valves are both considered mixing valves because they regulate water flow and temperature, but they do so in different ways. A pressure-balancing valve senses changes in water pressure, such as from a flushing toilet, and adjusts the incoming hot and cold water to maintain a consistent temperature; these typically use a single knob. A thermostatic valve uses a thermostat to precisely control the water temperature and requires a separate control to adjust the water volume. A diverter valve directs the flow of water from one fixture to another, such as switching from a tub faucet to a showerhead in a tub-shower combination.

If you live in a place with cold weather, you can winterize your outdoor spigot whenever you finish using your hose for the year. Start by disconnecting and draining your hose, then store it until springtime. Next, close your water shut-off valve and open the bleeder cap, releasing any water inside, and open the outdoor faucet to get rid of any excess water in the fixture. Finally, put an outdoor faucet cover over your spigot until the weather warms up again.

When learning how to design a plumbing system for a house, it's helpful to know that ABS pipes have fallen out of favor because they are less safe and efficient compared to alternatives. ABS pipes are made from a chemical called bisphenol (BPA) that may cause neurological and hormonal effects. Due to the fact that it has a lower melting point, ABS can also be flammable in high-temperature situations. Finally, ABS is prone to warping caused by heat and UV exposure. It can also fracture in frozen conditions.

Plumbers use a variety of tools to help unclog the toughest of drain clogs, but the most common tools they use are drain snakes and augers. They try a plunger or drain snake to start, then move to heavy-duty augers, and finally try using a hydro jetter to blast away the clog with high-pressure water. Hiring a plumber to unclog a drain costs $125 to $300, largely depending on the extent and location of the clog and which of these methods is best for clearing it.