If you’ve never heard of polybutylene piping, chances are you’ve never needed a major plumbing renovation in your house. Polybutylene is often called “poly,” “Poly B,” or “PB.” These days, it no ...

Dear James: Whenever I shut the water off quickly, there is a banging sound. I am building a new house and want the plumbing to be quiet. What can I do to stop the banging noise? — Kenny T. Dear Kenny ...

Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience ...

I have regrets. Who doesn't? But looking back on the messy process of building my own house, it stands out that my strangest tale of DIY regret was everything that involved the plumbing. Doing the ...