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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.

The general rule of thumb is that you should clean your pipes every 18 to 22 months, although the process for cleaning depends on the severity of the issue and what type of pipes you have.

That being said, regular maintenance on your pipes can help prevent the need for a full-on replacement and help extend the lifetime of your pipes by quite a bit.

In most areas, drain cleaning professionals don’t technically need a license, as they aren’t altering your plumbing system in any way. However, we recommend hiring a drain cleaning professional with a plumbing license and certification. Certified plumbers are more likely to provide professional solutions to drain clogs without damaging your system. They’ll also have the diagnostic tools and experience necessary to remove the clog entirely rather than providing a temporary solution, as a handyperson might. Use Angi’s state licensing tool to check your plumber’s professional licenses before hiring.

Plumbing repairs cost $180 to $500, depending on the scope and urgency of the issue. A knocking pipe is usually caused by a problem with the water pressure or air pockets, so the costs will likely fall closer to the low end of that range. Pipe replacement will likely cost more than that since it’s a major project.