Every house has its own sounds. The sump pump cycling after a heavy rain, or the ductwork snapping as it heats up and expands, or that unexplained cracking we hear late at night when we are all alone.

Dear James: I plan to add a new bathroom, and some old plumbing should also be replaced. I’m not comfortable using a torch and solder, so would plastic plumbing be good? — Laura W. Dear Laura: ...