How To Prevent Plumbing Problems In The Future

Wednesday, September 22, 2010 @ 04:09 PM
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How To Prevent Plumbing Problems In The Future

Are you tired of wasting your time and energy solving your home’s plumbing system problems? Well, if you find yourself in such a situation, then you need to get in touch with a licensed plumber as soon as possible. However, if you have not faced any plumbing related problems yet, then do not wait till these problems catch up with you. There are plenty of things that you can do in order to avoid plumbing related problems in your home.

One of the most basic things that you can do in order to avoid plumbing problems is to make sure that you drain the hot water heater every now and then. One of the most common plumbing problems in households is the growth of sediments in the water heater over time. Sediments start to build up just after the hot water heater installation. A typical homeowner does not draining the water heater periodically. However, by draining it on a regular basis you would ensure that there are no accumulated sediments and save yourself from a very common plumbing headache.

Another very important thing which you can do is simply keep a check on the pipes and make sure that there is no leakage. Many plumbing problems are a result of a leakage in one of the pipes in the house. Keeping a check on the pipes on a regular basis also means that you would be able to repair the pipe in case you come across a leakage. This could be as simple as checking the fittings to make sure they are securely tightened.

Many homeowners, especially in the United States, follow most of the above suggestions and therefore, avoid situations where they have to worry and fret over plumbing issues.

Top 10 Plumbing Tools

Wednesday, September 22, 2010 @ 03:09 PM
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Top 10 Plumbing Tools

The drum auger, also known as sink auger, drum auger or canister auger comes in handy when dealing with clogged drain repairs. The cup plunger is a must have and a very common plumbing tool in any home. It is shaped in a rubber cup form with a wooden handle and helps with unclogging showers, tubs and sinks.

The faucet valve seat wrench for typical compression faucets are the oldest styled faucets and least expensive. The faucet valve seat wrench comes handy in grabbing a nylon or rubber washer opposite a valve seat in faucet bodies. Teflon tape technically known as PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene) is a silky textured, strong tensioned tape breaks in a stringy style preventing leakages at threaded water line links, plumbing links, sealing pipe threading and shower heads. Teflon tape is typically white in color. The closet auger consists of a hand crank, a lengthy sleeve grip, and a strong auger bit at the end. A flexible shaft connects the auger bit to the crank handle, reaching about 3 feet. This tool will help with any stubborn clogs in the toilet drain line.

The flange plunger is a special shaped ball plunger comes in real handy in clearing congested toilets by applying vacuum and water force. Unlike a standard goblet shaped plunger used in tubs and sinks, this tool’s unique silhouette shuts the gap at the floor of a toilet bowl. A faucet valve reseating tool, also called the valve seat grinder or dresser, aides in smoothing out the valve seat of the faucet. The tube cutter is an ideal tool when working with copper pipes for smooth, well fixed joints. The adjustable pipe wrench, a quintessential plumbing tool, this provides incredible force and grip. The wrench tightens around pipes by jabbing its spiky saw–like teeth into the pipe with the pressure increasing on turning the wrench. Faucet packing and washers/compression faucets are still old fashioned with nylon/rubber washers with sealed faucet stems. Newer models come with rubber washer or O–rings for the stem–retaining nut.

A homeowner will usually have most, if not all, of these tools in their arsenal. These plumbing tools will make dealing with plumbing problems much easier for either a homeowner or professional plumbing contractors.

Tips For Unclogging A Sink Drain

Wednesday, September 15, 2010 @ 01:09 PM
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Tips For Unclogging A Sink Drain

A general issue faced by homeowners on a regular basis is a clogged sink. However, with the following tips, it will no longer be a Herculean task. First, check the kind of drain that is being used (i.e. – metal J–Trap kind or a PVC kind of tubing). Generally a J–Trap would create a 180 degree bend in the tubing causing a water clog between the sink and the remaining drain system of the house.

Next proceed to detach the drain stopper, which is normally done by lifting it up after turning it right or left to 90 degrees. Also, don’t forget to disconnect the pivot rod beneath the sink below the drain’s tail pipe. Now if the J–Trap is connected with couplings, it can be unscrewed either with your hands or with channel pliers, in case of tight ones, not to forget to put a bucket below the J–Trap to catch the stranded water. Having removed the couplings, now all you got to do is to slither down the J–Trap off the sink’s drain sleeve away from the rest of the house’s drain system.

After having emptied the contents of the J-Trap into the bucket, you can now remove the semi solid and solid culprits that were the reason for the clogged drain. Finally, using a brush or rag, thoroughly scrub the J-Trap. After taking these steps, you will have a free flowing sink drain.

The advantages of Sewer and Septic

Friday, June 4, 2010 @ 02:06 PM
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The advantages of Sewer and Septic

Have you ever wondered how you would live in your home without a sewer or septic system? Well, don’t even try to imagine because the result would be so horrifying to say the least. Well, a sewer and septic system are an integral part of any household.

One of the most important advantages of both sewer and septic is the fact that they dispose off the human waste out of the home in a systematic manner. Human waste is biodegradable in nature. However, this human waste has to be disposed out of the home in a proper manner as this human waste is nothing but the dirt coming out of the body. Sewer and septic systems make sure that this dirt does not spoil the home.

Another very important advantage of sewer and septic systems is the fact that it also disposes off all the other household waste out of the home. This waste mainly consists of all the waste water which is left over after washing the clothes, utensils, your home, and also all the left over water after the process of cooking. Another advantage of sewer and septic systems is that kitchen waste water as well as bathroom waste water can cause clogged pipes in your plumbing system. However, a sewer and septic system makes sure that this does not happen and disposes the waste in a very sophisticated manner.

These reasons are why it is very important to make sure that your sewage and septic system is maintained properly to avoid any unwanted problems in your home.

Blog Post provided by:  Atlanta Sewer & Septic Plumbers

The history of septic and sewage

Friday, June 4, 2010 @ 01:06 PM
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The history of septic and sewage

The wastewater disposal system is probably one of the oldest systems in the world. Infact, most of the experts believe that humans invented waste water and sanitation system many centuries ago. However, one can always argue for the fact that the methods and ways used during that era were completely different than what they are used today!! One of the most important differences between the methods used then and today is technology of course.

Many experts believe that the septic tank was first invented in France. The septic tank first came in use in the year 1860 and the credit of this discovery goes to John Mouras. John built a septic tank himself and placed it in the backyard of his home. He used the septic tank for as long as 10 years. Finally, after 10 years John decided to dismantle the septic tank. Many people in his town believed that the tank would still have all the solid human waste inside it. However, this was not to be the case. There was absolutely no solid waste in the septic tank when it was opened.

On the other hand the exact origin of the sewage system is not very clear. The sewage system was invented in more than a couple of places around the world and hence the exact origin is very difficult to trace. However, one of the first cities which started using the sewage system was Melbourne.

Melbourne is one of the biggest cities in Australia. By the year 1881 Melbourne was facing a pollution problem. At that time the sanitation system was extremely basic. All the human waste and other household waste was simply dumped into street channels which were open and then this waste was disposed off in the rivers. However, in 1897 the first sewage treatment plant started functioning in the city.

Blog Post provided by:  Mobile AL Sewer & Septic Plumbers

What exactly is Sewer and Septic?

Friday, June 4, 2010 @ 01:06 PM
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What exactly is Sewer and Septic?

Even licensed plumbers will tell you sewer and septic is a whole different ballgame. It is very essential that you know the basic functions of both sewer as well as a septic system as it will in turn encourage you to keep them properly maintain in the best possible manner.

The sewage or sewer system is defined in a very easy manner. The system which transports waste water from the home to the outskirts is known as the sewer or sewage system. The sewage system is the backbone of any home supported by city services. It is very important that your household waste is successfully driven out of your home in a systematic and sophisticated manner and the sewage system does exactly that.

There are many different types of sewage systems. One of the most common is the sanitary sewage system wherein the human waste is disposed off. Another type of sewage system is the storm sewage system which drains off the storm water.

On the other hand, the septic system consists of a tank which is responsible for storing the household waste outside the home. The septic system is mainly used in small towns and rural areas. It is a well known fact that as many as 25% of the houses in North America use a septic system to dispose off their household waste.  On average, you need to have your septic tank pumped ever couple of years.

Eventhough the definition of sewage and septic systems differs from each other, their basic function can be termed as almost the same.

Blog Post provided by: Birmingham AL Sewer and Septic Plumbers

The Hazards of a Poor Sewage and Septic system

Friday, June 4, 2010 @ 01:06 PM
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The Hazards of a Poor Sewage and Septic system

As a homeowner it is your prime responsibility to make sure that all the different parts and aspects of your home are maintained properly. However, incase any part of your home stops functioning in the right manner then be prepared to pay the penalty – ugh.

A sewage and septic system is one of the most important and valuable parts of the home. One can define it as the key part of the entire plumbing system of your house. A sewage and septic system is delicate like any other part of the plumbing system. This system requires you to take proper care of it. However, what would happen if the sewage and septic system of your home fails?

· Your sewage and septic system makes sure that all the human waste and other household waste is disposed off in a proper manner from the inside of the house to the outside. However, if the system stops functioning properly then the entire human waste and household waste would get choked up inside the pipes and would not move out of the house.

· Once the human waste and other household waste gets choked up in the pipes you and your family would have to face a very serious odor problem. Another problem which you would face is the fact that you would no longer be able to use your toilets and washrooms as the waste water would simply refuse to travel through the clogged pipes.

These are some of the hazards which you would experience incase a sewage and septic system of your home fails.

 Blog Post provided by:  Conyers GA Sewer and Septic Service

Can I take care of my own sewage and septic system?

Thursday, June 3, 2010 @ 07:06 PM
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Can I take care of my own sewage and septic system?

Your Sewage and septic system is considered to be the backbone of the plumbing system. You need to make sure that this system is functioning in a proper manner otherwise you will be in for a real troublesome repair job.

Most of the people always wonder if they can take care of their own sewage and septic system. However, before you get excited and make your first move to repair your sewage and septic system then here is something that you need to understand carefully.

Taking care of your sewage and septic system all by yourself is only recommended if you have all the basic knowledge of plumbing which is required. Another thing which is extremely important is that you are equipped with all the different tools which are needed in order to take care of the sewage and septic system. Well, after all you cannot repair the pipes with just your hands – right?

There is a lot of information available on the internet in case you want to learn more regarding a sewage and septic system. This information not only consists of the know how about the system itself but it also tells you how you can take care of the system all by yourself by doing certain basic things regularly.

However, it is always recommended that you take assistance of a professional sewer and septic plumber if the problem is big and serious. For all the other minor problems and regular checkups you can always test your own talent.

Blog Post provided by:  Jonesboro GA Sewer and Septic Plumbers

5 EASY STEPS IN INSTALLING A NEW TOILET

Thursday, June 3, 2010 @ 07:06 PM
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5 EASY STEPS IN INSTALLING A NEW TOILET

Installing a new toilet is a relatively easy task and could be done in a couple of hours.

For the most part, toilets come with the necessary gears, nonetheless you might have to buy a few parts like toilet tank, wax ring, toilet seat, channel pliers, screw driver and bucket.

First shut off the water connection to the toilet removing any stagnant water.

With the help of channel pliers wrench, unscrew the nut of the water line that is fastened to the ball cock valve beneath the tank on the left side. Next using a crescent wrench, unscrew the two nuts that is gripping the bowl to the floor flange. Now take out the old toilet.

That being done, you are ready for installation of the new toilet. Place the two bolts on the side holes of the flange with bolt heads on the flange. Place some wax in this spot in an attempt to grip the bolts vertically and diagonally from each other. Place the new wax ring upon the flange with the flat side up, if tapered.

After setting the new toilet bowl straight down centering on the wax ring with the bolts holding each side of the bowl. Sit on the bowl with your weight bowl flushing the floor. Tighten with metal washers and nuts making sure not to over tighten them as it could crack the bowl.

Next place the two inch rubber gasket upon the tank where it sets on the bowl placing rubber washers on the bolts such that they are on the inside of the tank. Place the tank and set it on the bowl. Now sit on the bowl facing the wall. Place the bolts from inside the tank, place metal washers, nuts and tighten.

Holding the tank level tighten it bringing down the tank level. With the help of a screw driver on the insides of the tank use the end wrench to back up the nut below the bowl. Restore water supply and check for leaks securing the bolts to the floor.

Blog Post provided by:  Birmingham AL Plumbers

WASHERLESS FAUCETS

Monday, March 1, 2010 @ 01:03 PM
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WASHERLESS FAUCETS
Washerless faucets are considered to be a type of faucet that usually lasts longer than compression faucets.   However, washerless faucets are also more prone to leaks than compression ones.  Consequently, when a washerless faucet is in need of repair, you will have to replace some or possibly all of the flow parts and the fixture.  The type of washerless faucet you have will be the determining factor as to what parts must be replaced to alleviate a leak.

There are two styles of washerless faucets available (single lever or two-handled) and three types of washerless faucets (ball, disc, and cartridge).

BALL FAUCETS
Having a free-moving handle that attaches to a rotating ball inside the faucet body, a ball faucet works when the rotation of a ball stops at a position where the ball aligns with the water flow of your hot water or cold water inlets to dispense water.  When the handle of one of these type faucets leaks, a tightening of the ring or replacement of the cam washer usually solves the problem.

DISC FAUCETS
Disc faucets have a ceramic disc assembly at their core.  These handles rarely wear out but leaks do develop when any of the faucet’s rubber seals become corroded.  With three rubber seals for hot, cold, and mixed water flow, you’ll need to remove and replace all three seals when leaks occur.

CARTRIDGE FAUCETS
Most cartridge faucets are of the single-handed variety and are easily identifiable by their narrow metal or plastic cartridge sitting inside its faucet body.  Cartridge faucets develop leaks when their O-rings or cartridge assembly becomes worn.  To alleviate these leaks, you’ll need to replace either or both of these parts.  The main thing to remember with a cartridge faucet is to make sure you replace the O-ring or cartridge assembly with an exact duplicate part; otherwise, you’ll still have a leak when you finish your repair job.

If you have a more extensive leaky faucet problem that isn’t solved by the above suggestions, contact qualified plumber contractor to take care of that leak for you.

Blog Post provided by:  Marietta Licensed Plumbers