Practical, locally grounded plumbing guides for homeowners and renters in Portland, Maine and nearby towns. They cover the questions people actually have: how to keep pipes from freezing, what to do in the first minutes after a pipe bursts, where the main shut-off is, what can wait until morning, how to choose a licensed plumber, when a water heater is worth repairing and how to keep a basement dry in spring. For an overview of every service, visit our page on plumbers in Portland, ME.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Portland, Maine
Which pipes freeze in a Portland winter, how to protect them and how to thaw one safely.
Burst Pipe? What to Do in the First 30 Minutes
The first half hour after a pipe bursts, step by step.
How to Find and Use Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
Where the main valve usually is, how to close it and what to do if it won't turn.
Is It a Plumbing Emergency? What Can Wait Until Morning
Burst pipes and sewage can't wait. A drip can. Here's how to decide.
Best Plumber in Portland, ME: How to Find a Reputable Plumber
Licenses, permits, reputation checks and red flags, so you can choose with confidence.
Water Heater: Repair or Replace?
What failed, how old it is and what a repair costs decide it. Here's how to weigh them.
No Hot Water? Common Causes and Safe Checks
The usual causes for each type of water heater, and what's safe to check yourself.
Sewer Backup in the Basement: What to Do
What to do right away, what causes it and how to keep it from happening again.
Sump Pump Checklist Before Spring Thaw
Fifteen minutes of checks that can save a basement when the snow melts.
Plumbing in Older Portland Homes: What to Know
Old pipes, lead questions and the quirks of Victorians and triple-deckers.
Leaving a Maine Home Empty for Winter? Protect the Plumbing
Keep the heat on or drain the water: how to protect an empty house's pipes.
Boiler Not Heating? What to Check Before You Call
Safe checks for a boiler that quit, and how to protect your pipes until help arrives.