Category Maintenance and Replacement

Guides, tips, and checklists for maintaining and replacing components of home water systems, including water softeners, water heaters, filtration units, and plumbing, to keep your water clean, efficient, and reliable.

Maintenance and Replacement

RV Antifreeze Calculator: How Much You Really Need

Pink bottle of RV antifreeze and a clear measuring cup sit on snow beneath an RV’s water connection, illustrating the winterizing process for the RV’s fresh water system.

RV antifreeze amount for winterizing your fresh water system: dosage for lines, heater, fittings, filters, softener, safety.

Bob McArthur
November 7, 2026

Maintenance and Replacement

How Often to Swap Your Water Heater’s Anode Rod

Close-up of a technician's gloved hand working inside a water heater, exposing copper pipes and internal components.

When to replace your water heater anode rod, signs of wear, steps, and how water softening, filtration, and plumbing affect it.

Bob McArthur
October 27, 2026

Maintenance and Replacement

Gas Water Heater Thermocouple: What It Does and Where to Find It

Close-up of a gas water heater thermocouple assembly, showing the sensor tube extending toward the burner and surrounding components.

What a thermocouple does and where it's located on a gas water heater; troubleshooting, replacement, safety for water systems.

Bob McArthur
October 22, 2026

Maintenance and Replacement

Backflow Preventer Testing and Replacement Cost: A Straight Talk Guide

Technician in a blue shirt tests a backflow preventer, using a pressure gauge and holding a tool near the unit, with a clipboard in the foreground.

Backflow testing and replacement costs for home water systems incl. softeners, heaters, filtration; factors, ranges; pros vs DIY.

Bob McArthur
October 14, 2026

Maintenance and Replacement

Rheem Water Heater Warranty: Your Straightforward Guide to Coverage and Checks

Close-up of a metal block surrounded by blue flames in a dark setting.

Rheem water heater warranties: lengths, coverage, exclusions; verify status by model/serial for home systems.

Bob McArthur
October 12, 2026

Maintenance and Replacement

Heating System vs. Water Heater: The Hidden Efficiency Battle

Close-up of a yellow water droplet splash forming a column above a rippling surface with a soft blue background.

How heating systems affect water heater efficiency and performance, with tips for home water softeners, filtration, plumbing.

Bob McArthur
October 11, 2026

Maintenance and Replacement

Well Pump Burnout in a Drought: The Causes and Shutdown Damage Explained

Green outdoor water pump mounted on a vertical pipe beside a tree stump in a dry, outdoor setting.

Causes of well pump burnout in drought; shutdown impact on home water softeners, heater, filtration, plumbing, and water systems.

Bob McArthur
October 3, 2026

Maintenance and Replacement

Can You Use Water During a Water Softener Regeneration? The Straight Answer

Can you use water during a water softener regeneration cycle? Guide for homeowners on plumbing, water heater, filters, and waste.

Bob McArthur
September 28, 2026

Maintenance and Replacement

Does Home Insurance Cover a Broken Well Pump? The Straight Answer

Group of people gathered around a brick well, drawing water from a communal pump in a rural setting.

Does homeowners insurance cover well pump repairs/replacements and water systems (softener, water heater, filtration, plumbing)?

Bob McArthur
September 25, 2026

Maintenance and Replacement

Keep Your Water Pressure Strong: The Homeowner’s Guide to Pressure Tank Maintenance

Close-up view of a pressure gauge on a water pressure tank.

Maintain and recharge your water pressure tank for steady home pressure; tips for softeners, water heaters, filtration, plumbing.

Bob McArthur
September 17, 2026