Uncle Buck's Tips and Bits

Plumbing Myths Busted: A Plumber's Guide to What's Really True Alright, folks, gather ‘round the proverbial water cooler. It’s time for a chat. I’ve been a plumber for more years than I care to count, and in that time, I’ve seen things. Beautiful things, like a perfectly soldered joint. And horrifying things, like a sewer line clogged with what can only be described as a “wipeberg.” And you know what causes most of those horrors? Not bad luck. Not fate. But well-intentioned people believing in plumbing myths passed down through generations like a bad heirloom. Consider this your intervention. This is the real, unfiltered truth from the trenches (and sometimes from under your sink). Let’s bust these myths wide open so you can save your pipes, your money, and my lower back from another preventable catastrophe.   Myth 1 : “Flushable Wipes are My Toilet’s Best Friend.” The Myth: The package says “flushable,” so it must be true! They disappear down the bowl, so all is well, right? T...

Don’t Get Drowned in Dollars: Your Guide to Easy DIY Plumbing Fixes (and When to Call for Backup!) Save money with simple at-home fixes — and know exactly when to tag us in. 📞 Buck’s Plumbing LLC — 936-828-1145 See Quick Fixes Plumbing problems rarely show up at a good time. A sink pools, a toilet runs, or the shower pressure drops. The bright side: plenty of small issues are safe to handle with basic tools. This post gives you the easy wins and the clear signs it’s time to call a pro. Need help now? Serving North Zulch and nearby Texas communities. Same-day windows when possible. Call 936-828-1145 Quick DIY Fixes You Can Handle 1) The Plunger Play For most clogs, start with a plunger. Use a cup plunger for sinks and tubs, and a flange plunger for toilets. Cover the opening, keep the seal tight, and use steady plunges. If nothing changes after a dozen solid pushes, stop and switch...

  The Silent Watcher of Brookside Court In the quiet cul‑de‑sac that curled around the old brick schoolhouse, the town of Brookside had one street that seemed to exist on a different frequency. It was a place where the houses were older than the town’s first railroad, where the front yards were overrun with roses, and where the maple trees stretched their silvered branches across the sky like quiet guardians. At the end of that street, where the gravel gave way to a narrow wooden fence, stood the home of Mr. Samuel Ortiz. Samuel had lived there for twenty‑seven years, ever since his parents had passed the house to him. He ran the local hardware store, and his wife, Marta, taught piano at the community center. Their two children, 14‑year‑old Mateo and 10‑year‑old Lina, loved the backyard where the raccoons would come to gnaw at the apple tree, and the old stone well that Marta used to fill the bathtub with a plastic bucket. The house, like the town itself, was a patchwork of history...

Is It Safe to Use Chemical Drain Cleaners? | Buck's Plumbing LLC Is It Safe to Use Chemical Drain Cleaners? Got a slow-draining sink or clogged tub? You might be tempted to reach for that bottle of chemical drain cleaner sitting on the store shelf. These products promise fast results, no tools needed. But the big question is — are they safe to use? Need help with a stubborn clog? Call Buck’s Plumbing LLC at 936-828-1145 – Serving North Zulch, TX & surrounding areas. Why People Use Chemical Drain Cleaners When your kitchen sink backs up in the middle of dinner prep, it's natural to want a quick fix. Chemical drain cleaners are fast, cheap, and easy to find. No wonder they're the go-to for many homeowners looking to fix a clogged drain fast. Fast-acting — some work in minutes Available at most hardware stores No plumber or special tools required How Chemical Drain Cleaners Work Most drain cleaners fall into one of two categ...

Do You Really Need a Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a House? Do You Really Need a Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a House? Buying a home is a big step—financially and emotionally. While most buyers know to get a general home inspection, plumbing systems often get less attention than they deserve. And yet, plumbing problems can cost you thousands after you move in. So, do you really need a plumbing inspection before buying a house? In short: yes. 🛠️ Buying a house near North Zulch? Call Buck’s Plumbing LLC – 936‑828‑1145 for a professional homebuyer plumbing inspection. Why Plumbing Inspections Matter The plumbing system is one of the most used (and abused) parts of any home. It’s also mostly hidden. Pipes run under floors, behind walls, and underground—so unless a seller tells you something is wrong, you may not know there’s a problem until it’s too late. Hidden leaks can cause major water damage Old pipes can need full replacement Sewer li...

How to Protect Your Plumbing During Power Outages: A Winter Preparedness Guide Let's face it – Mother Nature has been throwing some serious curveballs lately. Between ice storms, blizzards, and polar vortexes, winter power outages aren't just inconvenient anymore; they're becoming regular unwelcome guests. And here's the kicker: when your power goes out in freezing temperatures, your plumbing system becomes a ticking time bomb.     Picture this: It's 2 AM, the power's been out for six hours, and you suddenly hear the sound every homeowner dreads – water gushing where it shouldn't be. A frozen pipe just burst, and now you're dealing with thousands of dollars in damage. The good news? With some smart preparation and know-how, you can avoid this nightmare scenario entirely. Why Power Outages Spell Trouble for Your Pipes When your furnace stops running, your home's temperature drops faster than you might think. Most homes lose about 1-2 degre...