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A shower cartridge is a component located inside the shower valve. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are two different parts. The shower valve is the entire device that regulates the flow and temperature of water in your shower. The cartridge is the inner part of the valve that connects to the shower controls, allowing you to adjust the water's temperature and flow by balancing the mix of hot and cold water. While the signs of a failing valve and cartridge can be similar, if you are experiencing issues with water temperature, you may need to replace the entire valve.

Yes, frozen pipes can prevent a toilet from working correctly. If the pipes are frozen, water cannot flow, which means your toilet tank won't be able to refill after a flush. This will prevent the toilet from flushing again. Depending on which lines are frozen, the ice can also block the drain pipe, preventing water from flushing away.

As a temporary workaround, you can manually add water to the tank for each flush. To clear a frozen drain pipe, you can try filling the toilet bowl or tank with warm water and flushing to help thaw the ice. However, the best long-term solution is to unfreeze the pipes to get your toilet back in working order.

No, vinegar won't hurt PVC pipes. While vinegar is acidic, it’s not caustic enough to damage PVC. Pouring baking soda and vinegar down your drains is a great DIY solution for clearing minor clogs. If the problem isn’t resolved with vinegar and baking soda, it’s likely time to call in a pro. Avoid using more caustic solutions like drain cleaners, as these will damage PVC pipes, especially if there’s a clog.

There are many reasons why water pipes leak. The most common reasons include clogs, broken rubber seals that deteriorate over time, corrosion on copper, brass, or galvanized pipes, and damaged pipe joints.

You might also have a leak if your water pressure is too high (usually higher than 60 psi) or if your fixtures have a crack. Moreover, natural changes in the area around your underground pipes, like growing tree roots, flooding, or earthquakes, can cause leaky water pipes.