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Yes, you can absolutely remove rust from a bathtub drain, and doing so can improve the appearance of your tub. Combine three parts baking soda with one part vinegar and mix into a paste. Apply the paste over the drain and let it sit for about an hour before rinsing with cold water. Repeat the process if some rust stains remain. If the stains return, consider installing a water softener, as ongoing issues with bathtub drain rust usually indicate hard water.

The size of the pipe you use for your shower depends on the part of the shower you’re installing. Shower drainpipes have a 2-inch diameter, and the water supply lines (both hot and cold) have a ½-inch diameter. You may want to slightly increase the size of the vertical pipe if you have dual showerheads. Check the local building code prior to installation for guidance.

The air admittance valve, or AAV, is a spring-loaded mini-vent that sits right next to your washer. It acts in place of a standard vent stack connection, opening to let air into the drain whenever pressure builds up. It otherwise stays closed to prevent sewer gas from escaping into your home. This gives the washer’s plumbing system the air it needs when water enters or drains.

Different plumbing systems may sound different when a pipe is about to burst, so sounds alone are not a definitive indication of a burst pipe. However, dripping sounds indicate a leaking pipe, and there’s a thin line between a small leak and a bursting overflow. Metallic sounds like clanging and rattling are common when a pipe bursts, though they can also indicate a normally functioning hot water system.