Copper Pipes: Risks from Lead Solder and How Modern Codes Prevent It
Copper Pipes: Risks from Lead Solder and How Modern Codes Prevent It Copper piping has been a go-to material for plumbing for decades because of its durability and resistance to corrosion. However, older copper pipe installations—especially those done before 1986—may have been joined using lead-based solder. In Billings and Laurel homes built in that era, […]
When That Toilet Won’t Stop Running: Hidden Fixes to Try First
When That Toilet Won’t Stop Running: Hidden Fixes to Try First A toilet that won’t stop running isn’t just annoying—it can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day and spike your utility bill. For homeowners in Billings and Laurel, Montana, where every drop matters, catching and correcting the cause early is key. At Brown […]
Water-Saving Upgrades Worth Adding During a Bathroom Remodel
Water-Saving Upgrades Worth Adding During a Bathroom Remodel Bathroom remodels aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re an opportunity to upgrade your space for better efficiency and long-term savings. In places like Billings and Laurel, Montana, where water conservation matters and utility costs can add up quickly, adding water-saving plumbing upgrades is a smart move. At Brown Plumbing […]
Understanding Fluoride Levels in Billings Tap Water—Is It Safe for Your Family?
Understanding Fluoride Levels in Billings Tap Water—Is It Safe for Your Family? Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been added to many municipal water supplies for decades to help prevent tooth decay. In Billings, like many cities, fluoride levels in drinking water are monitored and regulated—but some homeowners still have questions about safety […]
Why Homes with Old Galvanized Pipes Aren’t Good Candidates for Copper Retrofits
Why Homes with Old Galvanized Pipes Aren’t Good Candidates for Copper Retrofits At first glance, replacing old galvanized pipes with copper sounds like a smart upgrade—copper is durable, resistant to corrosion, and meets modern plumbing codes. But if your home still has its original galvanized steel piping, a full copper retrofit may not be the […]
The Growing Trend of Sensor-Operated Fixtures for Waste Reduction
The Growing Trend of Sensor-Operated Fixtures for Waste Reduction Touchless plumbing fixtures—once limited to airports and restaurants—are now showing up in Montana homes. From sensor-activated faucets to hands-free toilets, these modern upgrades offer more than just convenience. They help reduce water waste, improve hygiene, and support long-term savings. At Brown Plumbing & Heating, we’re seeing […]
Avoiding “Brown Friday”: Plumbing Tips for Holiday Hosting
Avoiding “Brown Friday”: Plumbing Tips for Holiday Hosting Every year, the day after Thanksgiving earns a nickname in the plumbing world: “Brown Friday.” While retail workers deal with Black Friday crowds, plumbers across Billings and Laurel stay busy responding to urgent calls about clogged sinks, overloaded garbage disposals, and backed-up toilets. The reason? Holiday hosting […]
Why Some Plumbing Fixtures Must Follow Strict Code (Even in Upgrades)
Why Some Plumbing Fixtures Must Follow Strict Code (Even in Upgrades) When upgrading plumbing fixtures in your home—whether it’s installing a new sink, replacing a toilet, or adding a luxury showerhead—it might feel like a straightforward job. However, many homeowners in Billings and Laurel are surprised to learn that even small plumbing upgrades must meet […]
Air Admittance Valves: Modern Alternatives to Roof Vents
Air Admittance Valves: Modern Alternatives to Roof Vents For decades, traditional plumbing systems have relied on roof vents to balance air pressure and keep wastewater flowing smoothly. But what happens when punching a hole in the roof isn’t practical—or when you’re remodeling a space that wasn’t originally plumbed for a full vent system? That’s where […]
Understanding Your Home’s DWV System (Drain-Waste-Vent)
Understanding Your Home’s DWV System (Drain-Waste-Vent) Most homeowners in Billings and Laurel don’t think twice about what happens after they flush a toilet or drain a sink—until something goes wrong. Behind the scenes, your home’s DWV system, short for Drain-Waste-Vent, plays a critical role in keeping waste flowing out and sewer gases staying where they […]