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Professional, Licensed Plumbing Services
in Hickory and Surrounding Areas for over 16 Years
Call Today! 828-324-0500


Welcome to the 3rd Rock Plumbing Blog: Your Trusted Plumbing Experts
Company owner Jim Barbano introduces 3rd Rock Plumbing and its service history since 2009.
Jul 252 min read


Typical Toilet Issues Homeowners Face - And How to Prevent Costly Water Leaks
Typical Toilet Issues Homeowners Face - And How to Prevent Costly Water Leaks. Most toilet issues start small, and with a little awareness, homeowners can catch them early and keep their plumbing in great shape.
Dec 23 min read


Essential Water Heater Maintenance Tips
Your water heater is a hardworking hero that deserves a little TLC. Taking care of it can save you from surprise breakdowns, sky-high energy bills, and the dreaded “no hot water” mornings.
So, let’s dive into some essential water heater care tips that are easy to follow and will keep your hot water flowing smoothly. 3rd Rock Plumbing is here to help!
Nov 144 min read


Stop Water Damage Before it Starts With a Smart Shutoff Valve
Stop Water Damage Before It Starts with a Smart Shutoff Valve
Water damage is one of the most common — and expensive — issues homeowners face. At 3rd Rock Plumbing, we have found without a doubt that most of it can be prevented with the right technology and a little proactive maintenance. about 1 in every 60 insured homes experiences a water damage or freezing claim each year.
Oct 243 min read


How to Winterize Your Home: Protect Your Plumbing from Freezing Temperatures
When temperatures start to dip, your home’s plumbing system becomes one of the most vulnerable parts of the house. A single frozen pipe can burst and cause thousands of dollars in water damage, not to mention the stress of emergency repairs in the middle of winter.
The good news? A few simple steps now can keep your plumbing system safe and your winter worry-free.
Oct 142 min read


How to Find Your Water Shut-off Valve (And Why Every Homeowner Should Know)
Why Knowing Where Your Shut-off Valve Matters - Imagine this: You wake up to the sound of rushing water. A pipe has burst in the middle of the night, and water is spraying everywhere. The different between a quick fix and thousands of dollars in damage is knowing where your water shut-off valve is and how to use it.
Most homeowners don’t think about their shut-off valve until it’s too late so here’s what you need to know.
Oct 12 min read


Top Benefits of Commercial Plumbing Services
When it comes to keeping your business running smoothly, plumbing is one of those things you don’t want to mess around with. Whether you’re running a bustling office, a cozy café, or a large retail space, having reliable plumbing is like having a good pair of shoes - you barely notice it until something goes wrong. And then, oh boy, you notice it fast!
That’s why investing in professional commercial plumbing services like 3rd Rock Plumbing can offer is a smart move.
Sep 114 min read


Five Reasons Filtration is Fitting. Don't overlook water filtration
Better water equals better life. And most homeowners don't realize what could be hanging out in their home's water supply. When water filtration is overlooked, your health, home plumbing and long-term savings may suffer.
Aug 282 min read


Is Your Faucet Weak or Sputtering? Check Your Aerator
If your faucets are sputtering, spraying sideways, or the flow just isn’t what it used to be, the tiny hero called an aerator is probably clogged. Good news: cleaning it is quick, costs almost nothing, and can lower water bills by keeping fixtures efficient.
Aug 213 min read


How Hydro Jetting Keeps Your Drains Clear
What Is High-Pressure Drain Cleaning?
High-pressure drain cleaning is exactly what it sounds like: using powerful water jets to clear out your pipes. Instead of relying on chemicals or mechanical snakes, this method uses a specialized hose that shoots water at extremely high pressure. The force of the water scrubs the inside of your pipes clean, removing grease, hair, soap scum, and even tree roots.
Aug 154 min read


Plumbing Inspections: A Good Investment in Your Home and a Great Money Saving Measure
When it comes to home maintenance, plumbing often flies under the radar—until something goes wrong. A burst pipe, a leaking water heater, or a hidden clog can turn into an expensive nightmare in a matter of hours. The good news? Most plumbing disasters are completely preventable with a professional plumbing inspection.
Aug 132 min read


Getting to Know Your Plumbing Better
Have you ever wondered what the purpose is of those "J" bends underneath each one of your sinks? And why they are shaped the way they are? These are better known as P-traps and every single fixture in your household must have one.
Aug 62 min read


Why Licensed and Insured Plumbers Matter
When it comes to plumbing, you might think, "How hard can it be? Just fix the leak and move on." But plumbing is one of those things where cutting corners can lead to a flood of problems—literally. That’s why choosing licensed plumbing services isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must.
Aug 15 min read


When Do I Need a Plumber?
Picture this: You're in your car headed out of town on vacation. Suddenly the world's worst icon pops up on the dash and it's the dreaded check engine light. Now your wonderful getaway has turned into a vehicular nightmare.
Maintenance. It's a word we dread to hear but with a routine maintenance plan we can save our cars, our pets, our shoes, our health and yes, our homes as well! A study in April of 2023 showed that...
Jul 282 min read


Lower Your Water Bill with Simple Plumbing Upgrades
We offer several easy, low cost ways to save you on your water bill!
Jul 282 min read


The Most Common Plumbing Problems in Hickory—And How to Prevent Them
Plumbing problems can be frustrating, especially when they strike unexpectedly. At 3rd Rock Plumbing, we’ve been serving homeowners across the foothills region for years, and we’ve noticed some common patterns. From older homes with outdated pipes to seasonal issues like frozen lines, here are the top plumbing problems we see—and what you can do to avoid them.
Apr 292 min read

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