Plumbing Tips

Top Plumbing Tips

If you have ever gone camping for a weekend, you know it doesn't take long to miss running water, flushing toilets, clean clothes, and hot showers. These modern conveniences are the benefits of plumbing systems. Your house has several separate plumbing systems. Sinks, toilets, washers, bathtubs, and related fixtures. Types of pipes for different plumbing usage may vary, from:

1. Copper

2. Plastic

3. Lead

4. Concrete

5. Steel

6. Cast iron

Plumbing is something we use every day and which most of us know little about. Shopping for your own plumbing fixtures rather than getting them through your plumber allows you choose from a wider selection and save money.

Most people are familiar with plumbers, who come to their home to unclog a drain or install an appliance. When construction plumbers install piping in a house, for example, they work from blueprints or drawings that show the planned location of pipes, plumbing fixtures, and appliances.

Water enters your house through a pipe that connects either to a municipal water line or a private well. Faucets, like all plumbing fixtures with moving parts, are apt to require more repair than non-moving fixtures. The less strain you put on your faucets, the less frequently they need repair.

If your plumbing fixtures drain slowly, the problem may be a clogged vent. This happens when vents are improperly located and when birds or animals deposit debris in the vent where it exits the roof.

Whatever your intended plumbing projects, the first step is to familiarize yourself with the water system in your home. At the very least it is important to know where to switch off the mains in case of an emergency.



By Roger King
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/104577

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Residential Plumbing - Looking For Plumbing Tips? Check Out This Article!

Residential Plumbing

If you invest some time in teaching yourself how to maintain and repair your plumbing system, your efforts are going to be apparent. It reflects a level of care in the maintenance of your home and the ability to address concerns in your own way. People see this and admire it a lot. And like most things in life, there's always more to learn and ways to improve. The following hints and tips can help you get started.

Noisy pipes is an easy do-it-yourself project. Exposed pipes need to be anchored. If these pipes on the ceiling, or in the floors or walls, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you finish the project.

If you have a clogged toilet and a plunger is not helping to clear the blockage, if the water level is low, pouring a bucking of boiling water from a height into the toilet bowl could resolve the problem. The water needs to be at a low level again in order to repeat the process.

Do not attempt to fix your garbage disposal by reaching in with your hands. Garbage disposals can be very dangerous, so take caution when fixing it, even while it's turned off. Use the Internet to find a diagram of your device, or a troubleshooter.

Don't put oil, grease or fat into your drain. As they cool off, they can solidify and effectively create clogs and blockages in your drains. This is primarily true if you are someone who has a garbage disposal; the fats will make the blades go slower and less freely. Make sure you dispose of oils away from the sink.

To maintain your garbage disposal and avoid malfunction, you should regularly clean it. By regularly using a mixture of dish soap, cherry pits and citrus rinds, you can ensure that your disposal runs smoothly and smells as fresh as one that is brand new.

Keep the drain in your bathtub working well by pouring one cup baking soda into the drain quickly followed by about a cup of white vinegar. Cover it with a plug or rag, since a chemical reaction should happen in the pipes. Let it sit a few minutes, then wash it all away with boiling water. Doing this will clear your pipes of any soap scum or hair that has accumulated.

You should make sure that the holes are not stopped up on the overflow. The overflow holes are there to make sure the sink doesn't overfill, which can become a problem if they are blocked. Clean overflow holes as part of your annual maintenance, and any other time you are handling general plumbing repairs.

You have the tools, the knowledge, and the skill set to apply them all to your plumbing system. If a plumbing issue arises that you aren't sure you can handle, do some research about it before calling a plumber. The tips above were compiled to improve your plumbing skills; learning is never finished. Hopefully, you have gathered a good deal of new information and perhaps even developed a preferred method that was unknown to you before.



By Arkiki Dela Cruz 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8319335

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Top 5 Money Saving Plumbing Tips : Get Inspired

Top 5 Money Saving Plumbing Tips

 

Plumbing troubles at home are inevitable no matter how much we dread such events to occur. Your sink might completely stop during Christmas, Thanksgiving Day or any special day. Or the trouble could happen during the wee hours of the night. As much as we want to save money and do the necessary job, the most practical way to address any trouble in your plumbing is to call for help from an expert plumber. Living in Houston TX, I also have some share of plumbing dilemma myself and so I have listed below five money saving tips regarding plumbing issues.

Prevention and Maintenance

Out of busy daily schedules, this aspect of your plumbing can easily be overlooked. Little problems if left unattended can turn into a huge nightmare coupled with bloated expenses. If you see a tap dripping, no matter how small it is, take necessary actions to fix the trouble. You can change the washer or cartridge yourself. If however you are not confident doing the job yourself, call for some help.

Take note of possible build up of grease, hair or any material that can clog your drain. Remember that grease solidifies when it cools which could certainly occur inside your plumbing. The best that you can do is gather excess grease in a different container then dispose it when it solidifies. Though simple as they may seem, preventive measures can save you from further expenses and worries.

Another option is to apply for a maintenance contract with a reputable plumbing company. If your plumbing system is regularly checked, you will surely be at peace of not having any major plumbing troubles in the future. A small amount of money spent now can save you a huge deal of money later on.

Replacement

Your plumbing at home surely eats a little share of your salary. If you have noticed any part of your plumbing that has been asking for regular repairs, then it is high time that you consider replacing it. Invest wisely. It's way better to spend money and have a well functioning fixture than paying recurring fees for repairs.

You check your faucets, showerheads, water-heater and taps. If you have applied for a maintenance contract, then don't hesitate to ask the plumber any possible replacement needed.

Get Referrals and Do Your Own Search

Now we go to finding someone who can help you with your plumbing trouble. If you have friends and families around your area, ask for referrals. Most common than not, they too have their share of some plumbing troubles. If however you are not comfortable with this act, ask Google! You will surely end up with a short list of reputable plumbing companies.

Only Go For Expert Plumbers & Compare Prices

Business around plumbing is very competitive and there are numerous entities offering such services. If you get the first plumber you can find, you may pay more than the regular rate. And please don't be tempted to go for a company simply because of lower price quote. Plumbing system is a fundamental and vital part of your home; quality service should come first before anything else.

The best way out is to make a short list of highly regarded plumbing companies, then ask for price quote from each. Read customer reviews or you can request for contact information of their past clients. With mediocre plumbers deleted from the list, you can now opt for the least expensive one.

Make a Checklist

To maximize your plumber's time, it would be best to check all possible troubles in your plumbing. Remembering another plumbing trouble after the plumber leaves can be very costly. You will ask for another price quote and set for another appointment. With everything laid out properly, not only will you be able to save money but time as well.

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10 Useful Plumbing Tips For Anyone!

Plumbing repairs are not something that's always included in the average homeowners budget. When it comes to plumbing, preventative maintenance can save a homeowner a substantial amount of money in costs and repairs. So, we would like to recommend a few helpful hints that might save you a little trouble and money somewhere down the line.

10 Useful Plumbing & Maintenance Tips (in no particular order):

1. Unless it's specifically labeled toilet paper, do not flush it down the toilet! Unfortunately, many items and substances are disposed of down the drain or in our toilets when they have no business being there. These items often include hair, feminine hygiene products, paper products, wipes, diapers, grease, and oils. Even facial tissues like Kleenex can cause clogs because the paper fibers do not disintegrate like toilet paper. This is not only bad for the environment, but it can also wreak havoc on a plumbing system causing blockages and failures.

2. Replace the flapper or ball inside the toilet tank once a year. This not only cuts back on the amount of water being wasted, but it also reflects in savings on your water bill. If you have the money and opportunity, perhaps you might want to look into upgrading to a more modern tank fill system.

3. Consider upgrading your plumbing fixtures. Next time you find yourself replacing a washer or inserting a piece to repair an old leaky faucet, why not consider upgrading to a better option, like a washerless faucet. Newer washerless faucets offer better performance and require much less maintenance. Your local plumbing expert can recommend the best products available to you.

4. Clean shower heads to remove sediment build up. The mineral deposits and sediment that can build up in a shower head can affect the water pressure, often lowering it to an undesirable level. No one likes a weak water flow when they're taking a shower, but fortunately there are plenty of options to be found at your local store including calcium, lime, and rust removal chemicals that can aid in removing the sediment. But, if you prefer a more organic and chemical free method, many homeowners have found that letting a shower head soak in white vinegar (often warm to hot in temperature) for a few minutes can help to remove the deposits.

5. Remove sediment buildup in your water heater tank. You might not think about it, but a lot of dirt and sediment can build up and settle at the bottom of a water heater's tank. This sediment buildup, if not dealt with, can cause corrosion and reduces not only the life span of the water heater, but also affects the water heaters ability to heat the water efficiently. To flush out and remove the build up a homeowner should drain several gallons of water from the faucet closest to the bottom of the tank. It's best to connect the faucet with a hose to direct the released water into a nearby drain.

Test the water heater's pressure relief valve. First of all, be careful because the water coming from the tank's pressure relief valve will be extremely hot. Carefully lift up on the pressure relief valve lever. Don't' hold it open; just let it quickly snap back into place after lifting it. The valve should spit out a short burst of hot water. If it does not, then there may be a problem and it is highly suggested that you call a professional plumber to have a new pressure relief valve installed as soon as possible.

6. Repair all leaks ASAP! Even though it may not seem like much, that little leak can drastically increase a home's water bill. Turn off the water supply to the leaking area as soon as the leak is noticed.

Be on the lookout for leaking hot water. Whether it's from a faucet, pipe, or other supply line, a little hot water leak can be big trouble. A hot water leak uses the hot water contained in the water heater's tank. If it continues to leak it can eventually completely drain the water in the tank, which then burns out the water heaters heating element. That's not a repair any homeowner wants to deal with! If a hot water leak is found, the homeowner will need to shut off the main water supply. Also, the breaker that feeds the electric supply to the water heater will need to be shut off. Then the leak can be repaired and the water heater will not be damaged. A costly repair can easily be avoided by simply shutting off the electric supply to the water heater at the first sign of a leak.

7. Use strainers in your drains! The easiest preventative step any resident can take to eliminate the likelihood of clogged drains is to make sure all shower, bathtub, and sink drains have strainers. A strainer's job is to keep hair, soap, and other unwanted solids from entering the drain and clogging the connected pipes. Strainers should be cleaned regularly to allow for proper drainage of water.

8. Be aware of where the water shut off valves are located in your home. One of the first things a new homeowner should do is to locate their water shut off valves. There's no worse time to try to find them than in an emergency. Some are easy to spot while others may be hidden behind an access panel or elsewhere.

9. Watch out for corrosion! Take a stroll through your home, look at the pipes, what do you see? Are there green stains around shut off valves or fittings? Perhaps there's some orange or yellow coloration on your pipes? What about when you turn on the water in the shower or sink, is the water discolored at first? If any of the previous situations apply to you, then you more than likely have corroded or rusted pipes. Corrosion and rust can contaminate your water and cause the breakdown of the plumbing's pipes. It's the small beginning to a big problem. It's best to have the corroded or damaged sections replaced by a professional. If all of the pipes in the home are relatively the same age, it might be wise to have them all replaced to avoid continuous replacement of small sections.

10. Choose a trusted plumber! Let's face it, not all jobs are meant for the self-proclaimed handyman. Sometimes you need a professional to handle the job. For those situations where DIY just won't cut it, have the name and number of a reliable plumber on hand.

When we think about the valuable components that make up a well maintained home, we often forget about the plumbing system. But, without a properly installed and maintained plumbing system a homeowner can quickly find themselves in a world of trouble, full of expensive repairs and inconvenience.



By Rocky Capano
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8101422

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Plumbing Tips - Save More Money

Most homeowners will be aware that plumber costs can be a regular expense and in some cases, a costly one. Wear and tear on your property along with the fixtures and fittings is a normal expense, however most of us don't think about it until there is a plumbing problem that needs to be fixed urgently. This usually results in ringing the first plumber from the phone book and getting the job done.

A little research before the problem occurs can save you money in the long-term and will save you on costs. In many situations, a little regular work and knowledge will avoid most small plumbing expenses. If you are still not sure that plumbing costs can be expensive, think about this: There are five times more claims made on house insurance policies relating to water damage than related to fire, theft or vandalism.

1. Buy your own plumbing fixtures

Eventually your plumbing fixtures will need to be replaced and this gives you the opportunity to save some money in two ways. First, try to buy water saving fixtures for your shower, toilet and sink. This will cut down your water consumption, which is not only good for the environment but will reduce your water bills, saving you money every month. Another reason for buying your own plumbing fixtures is that you will get them cheaper direct than buy through a plumber. Most plumbers or plumbing companies will mark up the price so you can save here too. If a plumber comes to inspect a job in your house, ask him what fixtures are needed and then buy them yourself. Go for quality here as bad quality fixtures can cost you more in the long run as they will require additional maintenance and are more likely to cause problems.

2. Fixing small problems yourself

Most homeowners shirk away from DIY but many small plumbing problems can be solved very easily and with minimum cost. At the very least, it is advisable to have some idea how to do the simple jobs. A leaking faucet is one of the most common plumbing problems and a plumber can charge a lot for something that can be fixed in 5 minutes. A blocked drain is also quite common and can be fixed very easily. There are many resources and videos on the Internet that can show you how to do many of these small plumbing jobs.

4. Get quote details in writing

This may seem like an obvious tip but many people are initially happy to accept a figure over the phone or during a conversation, leading to problems when the job is completed and the bill being different than expected. Many plumbers will insist that it is not possible to give you a concrete figure due to unexpected complications. In this situation, ask what their hourly rate is and keep a record of time spent on the job. If you have any doubts once the bill arrives, don't be afraid to question it.

5. A little knowledge goes a long way

Although many homeowners will avoid the DIY route as mentioned previously, this is the next best option. Understanding the basic principles of the plumbing in your house will put you in a better position when dealing with a plumber or when having to choose one to work in your house. There are many guides available that allow you to learn the basic principles quickly which is very useful if you are presented with some options or choices by your plumber as well as helping you recognise a good plumber from somebody chancing their arm. This knowledge will also be prevent you from becoming vulnerable to unscrupulous plumbers during a crisis in your home.

6. Get a professional

So the time has come to call the plumber, you have checked everything and decided the job is necessary to call in the professionals. Ask friends, family members and neighbours if they can recommend someone with good experience. There are many plumbers and plumbing companies in most metropolitan area so making a decision can be difficult but with plumbing, experience is essential due to the many different problems that can present themselves. Remember, cheap and inexperienced plumbers may sound like a good idea initially but will most likely cost you more money long term.

7. Saving time = saving money

You've called the plumber and are waiting their arrival. This is the time to prepare your house for the work as most plumbers will charge per hour so cut down on any obstacles that can result in one hour becoming two hours. Check that the pipes are easy to get to, move anything out of the way. Remove everything from under the sink if that's where the problem is. If you have a basement and the plumber will need to check the pipes, make sure as much is moved out of the way as possible. You are paying the plumber for plumbing work, not to move your stuff out of the way before doing the plumbing work. Check that the lights work in your basement and that any trap doors can be accessed easily.




By Garrett Cooper
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7138522

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Do-It-Yourself Plumbing Tips

If you're like most people, plumbing jobs are outside your comfort zone. When we see water overflowing a basin and blockages where it should flow freely, we're at a loss, and our only solution is to call a plumber ASAP. Actually, most plumbing problems fall into only a few categories, and the fixes are simple enough that anyone can do them provided they have the proper tools. For tips on repairing easy plumbing issues without involving the expense of a professional plumber, keep reading.

The most common plumbing issues involve clogs and leaks, and they can happen anywhere within your plumbing system. Acquaint yourself with where the shut-off valves are located in your home so that if you develop a leak, you'll be able to turn off the water running to that area until it's diagnosed and repaired. Just this little knowledge can end up saving you from a lot of expensive damages and repairs.

The tools that you'll need to fix most plumbing issues can be purchased in your local hardware store, and it's a good idea to have the basics already on hand, because when a water emergency happens, and it will, you'll be ready to respond immediately. Some of the items you should have include:
* rubber gloves
* safety goggles
* a heavy-duty rubber plunger
* a plumber's snake
* plumber's putty
* both a regular and a Phillips screwdriver
* simple household cleaning products, such as lemon juice and baking soda
* slip-joint pliers
* adjustable pipe wrench

Although the list may seem intimidating, you don't have to buy everything at once. Start with a plunger and then add to your plumbing toolbox gradually as you can afford to.

Clogged drains are the most common plumbing problem. It's just something that happens from time to time. A plunger is an absolute necessity. Usually a clogged toilet or sink can be cleared by just plunging it several times. A plunger forces water and air into pipes which usually is enough to clean it out and let water run freely again. If this doesn't work, you can try running a plumber's snake down the drain to see if the metal tape will free it up. Once you've opened the pipe, run plenty of water down it to make sure it's clean.

Leaking faucets and shower heads can be removed using a pipe wrench or screwdriver. Take the fixture apart and clean every piece inside and out with a gentle solution of baking soda or lemon juice and water. Replace worn screws and gaskets. Once the faucet is reassembled and back in place, make sure everything is tight. Most times, this will correct the leakage problem. Be sure you shut off the water before tackling this job, though.


By Kristie Brown
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7285602

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