Workshop shelf of tools and cans on a concrete wall

The primer

The Primer: Plumbing Guides

Plain-language guides that help you understand your plumbing, prevent problems and know when to call.

Plain steps you can do yourself, safely
Clear signs for when to stop and call
Written for Newmarket houses and water
A plumber on the phone if it goes sideways

Read this before you open a wall

Most plumbing problems give a warning first. These guides explain what to watch for in a Newmarket home through the seasons: frozen pipes in winter, wet basements in spring, hard water all year, and the checks worth doing before you buy a house. If a guide tells you it is time to call, our number is (365) 517-0623.

Seasonal guides

Winterizing outdoor taps, preventing frozen pipes, spring thaw and sump pump checks.

Water heaters and water quality

Lifespan, tank versus tankless, renting versus owning, hard water and well testing.

Everyday know-how

Finding your shut-off, fixing a running toilet, keeping drains clear and choosing a plumber.

Every guide

Finding Your Main Water Shut-OffFinding Your Main Water Shut-Off: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
How to Winterize Outdoor TapsHow to Winterize Outdoor Taps: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Hard Water in Newmarket HomesHard Water in Newmarket Homes: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Spring Thaw Basement ChecklistSpring Thaw Basement Checklist: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
How to Test Your Sump PumpHow to Test Your Sump Pump: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Keep It Out of the Drain: Flush and Pour ListKeep It Out of the Drain: Flush and Pour List: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
How Long Water Heaters LastHow Long Water Heaters Last: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Owning vs Renting a Water HeaterOwning vs Renting a Water Heater: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Sewer Smells and Drain FliesSewer Smells and Drain Flies: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Why Your Water Pressure Is LowWhy Your Water Pressure Is Low: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Leaving Your Home Empty in WinterLeaving Your Home Empty in Winter: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Preventing Frozen PipesPreventing Frozen Pipes: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Galvanized and Poly-B Pipe ExplainedGalvanized and Poly-B Pipe Explained: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Maintaining a Backwater ValveMaintaining a Backwater Valve: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Plumbing Questions for Flood InsurancePlumbing Questions for Flood Insurance: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Well Water Testing Around NewmarketWell Water Testing Around Newmarket: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Keeping Grease Out of Kitchen DrainsKeeping Grease Out of Kitchen Drains: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
Using Your Water Meter to Find LeaksUsing Your Water Meter to Find Leaks: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.
When Plumbing Work Needs a PermitWhen Plumbing Work Needs a Permit: a plain-language homeowner guide from Newmarket Plumbing Co.