When outside temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your pipes are at risk of freezing. To prevent this, especially when you are away from home, set your thermostat to a range of 55 to 60 degrees to provide enough warmth. Maintaining this temperature can help you avoid costly water damage from burst pipes.

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.

Replacing a toilet typically takes two to four hours. Several factors can impact this timeline, including the condition of the old toilet, flange, flooring, and pipes. If a professional discovers issues like a cracked flange, damaged flooring, leaky pipes, or a broken wax ring, the installation will take longer. Additionally, some toilets, such as wall-mounted or in-wall-tank models, are more complex to install and may require cutting into and repairing drywall, which adds to the project time. Given the weight of toilets and the importance of proper placement, it is often best to hire a professional for the job.

We highly recommend leaving the work of replacing drain pipes to a professional plumber. Drain pipes are a key part of your plumbing system, and making mistakes during the installation or even using the wrong size pipes for your specific fixture can lead to an elevated risk of leaks and clogs. Additionally, drain pipes prevent harmful sewer gas from entering your home, so hiring a professional plumber is essential to keeping the risk of leaks and clogs low and avoid reducing your indoor air quality.