Tucker's Toolbox

Plumbing & heating tips from a master plumber

Straight answers to the problems we fix every week around Budd Lake and Morris County.

Tucker's Toolbox: Slow Drains and Recurring Clogs: Causes and Fixes

Slow Drains and Recurring Clogs: Causes and Fixes

Most slow drains come from hair, grease or soap buildup close to the fixture. Here is how to clear them safely, why chemical drain cleaners are a b...

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Tucker's Toolbox: Tank vs Tankless Water Heaters for New Jersey Homes

Tank vs Tankless Water Heaters for New Jersey Homes

Tankless heaters last longer and never run out, but they need a big enough gas line, proper venting and regular descaling on hard water. Tanks cost...

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Tucker's Toolbox: A Pipe Just Burst: What to Do in the First 10 Minutes

A Pipe Just Burst: What to Do in the First 10 Minutes

When a pipe bursts, the first few minutes decide how much damage you get. Shut off the water, stay away from wet electrical, drain the lines and st...

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Tucker's Toolbox: Sump Pump Checklist Before Storm Season

Sump Pump Checklist Before Storm Season

A sump pump only matters on the worst day of the year, so test it before that day comes. Here is a simple checklist for the pit, float, discharge l...

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Tucker's Toolbox: Boiler Not Heating? What to Check Before You Call

Boiler Not Heating? What to Check Before You Call

Before you call for a boiler that will not heat, check the thermostat, the emergency switch, the fuel supply and the pressure gauge. Here is what i...

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Tucker's Toolbox: Why Is My Water Pressure Low? A North Jersey Guide

Why Is My Water Pressure Low? A North Jersey Guide

Low water pressure usually traces back to one of a few things: a clogged fixture or filter, old galvanized pipe, a well pressure tank or switch pro...

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Tucker's Toolbox: Oil to Gas Conversions in Morris County: What to Know

Oil to Gas Conversions in Morris County: What to Know

Switching from oil to natural gas starts with whether gas is on your street, then covers the gas service, the new boiler, venting and the old oil t...

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Tucker's Toolbox: Hard Water and Well Water in Morris County

Hard Water and Well Water in Morris County

Hard water leaves scale in water heaters and pipes, and private wells need regular testing. Here is what New Jersey law requires, how to test, and ...

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Tucker's Toolbox: Water Heater Warning Signs: Repair or Replace?

Water Heater Warning Signs: Repair or Replace?

Most tank water heaters last roughly 8 to 12 years. Here are the warning signs to watch for, what you can safely check yourself, and how we decide ...

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Tucker's Toolbox: How to Keep Lake Home Pipes From Freezing

How to Keep Lake Home Pipes From Freezing

Most frozen pipes in lake homes come from cold crawl spaces, outside walls and low thermostat settings. Here is how to protect them, how to thaw a ...

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