Pumps, pressure, and machines that outlived their makers
Is an Expansion Tank Required for a Water Heater by Code?
See when water-heater codes require thermal-expansion control, what closes a plumbing system, and how an expansion tank must be sized and installed.
By Walt Brenner · 26 September 2026 · 5 min readLatest
Sump Pump Lifespan: When to Repair or Replace
Compare pump age, wet-test performance, workload and backup protection to decide whether to keep testing, diagnose a fault or replace the unit.
Camlock Hose Selection: Match the Whole Assembly
Select a camlock hose by fluid, duty, pressure, vacuum, temperature, flow, materials and attachment—not fitting size alone.
Sump Pump Valve Check: Test, Diagnose, and Fix It
Learn to check a sump pump valve with a wet cycle, then trace drainback, rapid restarts, poor flow, leaks, wrong direction, and water hammer safely.
Sediment Filter Cartridge Selection: Microns, Flow and Pressure Drop
Match a sediment filter cartridge to particle size, housing, peak flow and allowable pressure drop—and know what its micron rating cannot promise.
Spindle Bearing Identification and Failure Checks
Learn what a spindle bearing does, how to identify the correct replacement, and how to trace heat, noise or play without erasing failure evidence.
How to Choose a Sump Pump for a Crawl Space
Size a crawl-space sump pump by inflow and total head, then check the basin, float, discharge, power, cover, alarm and backup.
More articles
What Is a Proximity Switch? Types, Uses, and Selection
Compare inductive, capacitive, magnetic, photoelectric and ultrasonic switches, then match sensing range, output wiring, mounting and environment.
What Is a Well Pump Control Box?
Learn what a well pump control box does, how it differs from a pressure switch, and why voltage, horsepower and motor type must match.
Y Strainer Selection, Installation and Pressure Drop
Select a Y strainer by fluid, debris, screen opening, pressure drop and service limits—then install its pocket in the correct orientation.
How to Prime a Well-Water Pump Without Running It Dry
Prime a surface jet well pump safely, identify systems that do not need manual priming, and diagnose a prime that will not hold.
Liquid-Filled Pressure Gauge: Selection, Installation and Troubleshooting
Choose a liquid-filled pressure gauge by range, media, temperature and connection—and know when a snubber, seal or siphon is still needed.
Aerator for Septic Tank: How to Choose
Check system identity, airflow, pressure, dimensions, controls, treatment capacity, local approval and warranty requirements before buying.
Reducing Washer: Size Selection and Bonding
Match the existing knockout to the desired fitting trade size, then verify quantity, orientation, listing, conduit compatibility and bonding.
How to Choose a Water Tank With a Pump
A selection worksheet covers demand, pressure, elevation, suction, piping, reserve, power and exposure, plus controls, certifications and total cost.
Crimped Hose Selection and Safety Checklist
Match the exact hose, coupling, ferrule, dies, crimper and current specification, then verify crimp diameter, routing and required tests.
Normally Open Contact: Meaning, Test, NO vs NC
Defines the unactuated reference state, explains what counts as actuation, and separates NO behavior from PLC logic, electrical ratings and safety.
Wiper Seals: How to Select and Install
Match gland construction and dimensions first, then verify profile, compound, fluid, temperature, speed, contamination duty and outward-facing lip orientation.
Brass PEX Pipe Fittings: How to Check Compatibility
Match purpose, size, PEX type, barb or expansion system, fastener and tool, then verify potable-water documents and complete-assembly limits.