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Hairline cracks—tiny cracks in the surface—in porcelain sinks can happen due to age, chemical damage from cleaning products, dropping heavy objects on the sink, thermal shock from drastic temperature changes, stress during repairs, and manufacturing errors. Hairline cracks often start very small and grow longer and wider over time. While they may appear problematic, hairline cracks don’t indicate structural problems and may not impact the performance of sinks. However, they can eventually cause water leaks and mold growth if left to grow.

Never pour used motor oil down the drain. Doing so can have serious environmental consequences, including contaminating groundwater, endangering animals, and killing vegetation. It can also clog your pipes, causing backups in your plumbing or the wastewater treatment plant. In most places, pouring motor oil down the drain is illegal, whether you do it in your home or a storm drain.

Many homeowners stress about cleaning before an emergency plumber arrives, but you’re far better off doing the following while you wait for your plumber to get to your home:

• Shut the water off at your water main if you have a leak or a burst pipe 

• Avoid using any water fixtures in your home, including appliances

• Clear a path to the problem area so that it’s easily accessible 

• Consider shutting your breaker if you’re concerned that the leak may affect your electrical system

The average cost to hire a plumber is typically between $45 and $200 per hour, with a common average rate around $125 per hour. This cost can vary based on your location, the plumber's experience, and the complexity of the job. Rates are often broken down by experience level: an apprentice may charge $45 to $90 an hour, a journeyman $60 to $110 an hour, and a master plumber $80 to $200 an hour. While hourly rates are standard, some plumbers may charge a flat fee for routine projects or offer project-based pricing. It's also common for plumbers to charge a minimum service or trip fee. For reference, some typical flat-rate costs for common jobs include: drain unclogging ($220), leaky faucet repair ($270), burst pipe repair ($400), toilet repair ($300), and water heater repair ($600). Note that these rates are for standard service hours; emergency, holiday, and after-hours calls will cost significantly more.