Pictures and details courtesy of world traveler Bob Cromwell
Mr. Cromwell has spent many hours dedicated to documenting world toilet conditions and has spent a “fair amount” of time in west Asia, including eight trips to Turkey, a few trips to Syria, Cairo-to-Istanbul overland, etc. He has given us written permission to post his photos …
Continue reading Toilets Around the World – HistoricalGas hot water heaters have to be at least 18″ off the floor because combustible fumes sink, and to provide adequate air intake.…
Continue reading What is the appropriate height for a gas water heater?
WASHINGTON, June 02, 2015
Name of product: John Wood oil-fired water heaters
Hazard: The water heater’s combustion chamber can be misaligned and heat the exterior walls of the water heater instead of the water. Combustible material near the outside of the water heater can catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards.
Remedy: Replace
Consumers should …
Continue reading A.O. Smith Recalls John Wood Brand Oil-Fired Water Heaters Due to Fire & Burn Hazards
Illustrations of common island and toilet vent configurations
Continue reading Island & Toilet Vent Illustrations
The toilet shown here is a 1912 Victorian toilet made in Rotterdam, Holland. It is owned by Vic, the founder of PlumbingSupply.com. It is not for sale.…
Continue reading 1912 Victorian Toilet
WASHINGTON, March 31, 2015
Name of product: Gas water heaters
Hazard: On units with a space between the bottom of the water tank and the combustion chamber, the flame arrestor or flame arrestor plate can fail, posing a risk of fire or explosion if flammable liquids or gases are nearby.
Remedy: Replace
Consumers should immediately …
Continue reading Giant Factories Recalls Water Heaters Due to Risk of Fire, ExplosionCould be a loose washer. The pressure holds it down when no other faucet is running water and the lower pressure lets it rise up a bit when other water is used. …
Continue reading The bathroom faucet does not drip UNLESS the toilet is flushed or some other faucet is turned on.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2015
Name of product: Safe Step Walk-In Tubs
Hazard: The tub’s heated seat can get stuck in the “on” position. If a towel or other item is covering the seat of an empty tub, the seat can overheat, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Remedy: Label/New Instructions
Consumers should not put a …
Continue reading Safe Step Walk-In Tubs Recalled by Oliver Fiberglass Products and NuWhirl Systems Due to Burn Hazardby Noah Lamy
I see this all the time and nine times out of ten it’s the grout or a bad pan under the shower. Before anything else I try to determine if the leak is constant or if it is periodic. If it is constant there is a good chance the leak is in …
Continue reading Leak somewhere in the plumbing in my shower/bath?
