Plumbing in the Home/Expert Profile


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Expertise

I can help with most questions about residential plumbing problems including septic systems, and some questions about irrigation. I have no experience with commercial installations or codes.

Experience in the area

I have been a sole-proprietor service plumber in two small towns north of Phoenix Arizona for 26 years.

Publications

I had a monthly column in the United Steelworkers of America, local 1033, newsletter 1978 to 1982. I wrote an article for "The Theosophist" in 1977. I've written dozens of letters to the editor in many newspapers.

Education/Credentials

High school and three years of college. My step-father, having worked 40 years in the plumbing trade in Chicago, taught me for two years. The rest has been hands-on experience.

Past/Present Clients

Many hundreds of good people in Cave Creek and Carefree Arizona

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Janet11/23/0910101010Thanks Sharon, I did get a "oil .....
Ken11/22/0910101010 
John Bilnoski11/22/0910101010This sounds very easy. I did try .....
Venu11/22/0910101010Thanks Sharon. Your diagnosis and tips were .....
Marty11/20/0910101010 

Recent Answers from Sharon McCarthy

2009-11-23 Leak Repair:

Bill, Very wise not to tighten that anymore. It's considered a serious sin in plumbing to put male metal threads into plastic female threads. You said the drip was in the "downstream end of the pump"

2009-11-22 Draining Hot Water Heater:

Dear David, You had the right idea about opening a faucet in the house, the tiny opening in a faucet doesn't really allow enough air vent to allow the water to flow freely from the water heater.

2009-11-22 Toilet flush valve problem:

Dear Janet, I have to give you credit for taking on such a project! What you need is a very large ajustable pliers. Channelocks pliers are the best, they can be identified by the light blue rubber

2009-11-22 slow draining toilet:

Dear Ken, You hadn't mentioned before that the water comes almost to the top of the bowl when you flush. This is a sure sign of some blockage in the toilet trap in the bowl. You said a snake went

2009-11-22 sewer gas smell:

Bob, I'm not sure what you mean when you say the pipe under the crawl space is the sewer vent. In my experience, sewer vent pipes go up through the roof of the house taking gases away into the air. Usually

 

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