Archive for November, 2009
Common Household Plumbing Tools
Common Household Plumbing Tools
Every household needs some sort of plumbing tools. Many of the most common plumbing tools are not plumbing tools at all. In fact, you probably already have many of the tools necessary for simple plumbing jobs around your house right now. However, certain plumbing jobs may require more specialized tools to complete the job. At a minimum, you should have wrenches, a plunger and an auger available to solve your simple plumbing problems. Having basic plumbing tools around the house will prevent routine calls to a licensed plumbing company.
Pipe Wrench
Buy yourself a sturdy pipe wrench for when you need a wrench that is the appropriate size and with the appropriate grip to loosen pipes. A medium-size, adjustable pipe wrench will suffice to tighten and loosen pipes and other plumbing connections. Your local hardware or plumbing-supply store will have these in stock in a variety of styles and prices.
A basin wrench is a specialized tool that will enable you to reach tight spots under sinks and basins. The jaws of a basin wrench are adjustable and accommodate nuts of different sizes. In addition, a basin wrench, when flipped over, allows you to keep turning the wrench without removing it from the nut.
A socket wrench set is another useful plumbing tool to have around. It is used for removing recessed packing nuts and on tub and shower fixtures. You’ll also find it handy to have around to complete other do-it-yourself household repairs.
If you need to change a toilet seat, a deep socket wrench will do the trick. And to remove a toilet for replacement or repair, you’ll most likely need a spud wrench. Older toilets sometimes have a large pipe (called a spud) which connects the tank to the bowl. An extra-large hexagonal slip nut holds the bowl to the tank. Consequently, a spud wrench is required to remove these slip nuts. Purchase an adjustable type of spud wrench as it will be more versatile than the nonadjustable type, which has a fixed opening at each end.
Other Plumbing Tools to Have Around
Augers, plungers, and snakes are tools designed specifically for plumbing. You’ll find these useful in almost any home repair project as well as most plumbing repair tasks. Plumbers’ snakes (or drain-and-trap augers) vary in length. For general use, a short snake is all you’ll need for most plumbing repairs. Look for a closet auger, a version of the plumbers’ snake designed specifically for clearing clogs in toilets. It will be a bit shorter than a regular snake, and comes encased in a plastic or metal housing with an easy-to-use crank.
Having some plumbing repair tools available to solve simple plumbing issues is paramount to being a responsible homeowner. Investing in these tools is ultimately an investment in the longevity of your home.
Post provided by: Bathroom Repair Plumber Alpharetta GA
Clearing Kitchen Sink Clogs
Clearing Kitchen Sink Clogs
Nothing takes the life out of an evening at home, like a clogged kitchen sink. The standing water and odor alone will have you desperate to solve the problem. If you have a plunger handy, you may be able to clear the clog quickly.
Your first attempt to unclog your kitchen drain should be to use a plunger. Plungers with a large rubber bell are best as they provide more thrust; however, for a kitchen drain other types will suffice. Before you begin, if you have a garbage disposer, check that it is off. Rotate the disposer blades manually with a screwdriver or other such tool (never use your fingers) to dislodge any objects stuck in the disposal; and if you have a dishwasher, clamp the flexible part of the drain line to prevent dirty water from going into the dishwasher as you plunge. If rotating the blades dislodges a stuck object, you may be finished. However, if you still have standing water, you will need to proceed to plunge the drains of your kitchen sink. Plunge the disposer side of your sink first (most stopped-up kitchen sinks are the result of a clogged garbage disposer). Hopefully this will force the clog down the drain. Press the reset button located on the bottom of your disposer and test the garbage disposal.
If the disposer works and you still have a clogged sink, you will need to plunge the drain without the garbage disposer since this is probably the source of your clog. To accomplish this, fill your kitchen sink with three or four inches of water to make sure the plunger will seal around the drain. Use a wet rag or basket strainer to plug the garbage disposal drain opening and create a vacuum in the pipes. Plunge the open drain by rolling the head of the plunger into the water to force water, not air, into the drain. You can create extra pressure by popping the plunger off the mouth of the drain during upstrokes. If the water doesn’t clear, continue plunging for several minutes. If plunging doesn’t clear the clog, you may have a clog located too far down your drain for you to reach and should consider contacting a qualified licensed plumber to clear the clog.
Tips to Avoid Kitchen Sink Clogs
Most kitchen sink clogs are a result of drain line abuse. You can avoid abusing your kitchen line by not overloading your garbage disposer with meat, high starch foods (pasta, potatoes, rice), or high-fiber foods (corn husks and celery). In addition, be sure to run lots of cold water down your drain while using the garbage disposer. A good practice is to let the disposer catch up after every cupful of food you put into it. Never dump grease, egg shells, onion skins, or coffee grounds in the garbage disposal drain because these tend to solidify in the drain and can cause major pipe obstructions.
Post provided by: Clogged Drain Repair Plumber Marietta GA
Clogged Drains
Clogged Drains
If you have become frustrated trying to fix a clogged drain with a plunger, there are other options to unclogging that pesky back-up. You can begin by cleaning your P-Trap. Clogs in the P-trap or trap arm of your drain are usually a result of coffee grounds or grease; in which case a plunger will not clear the pipe. You can try the suggestions below or call a licensed plumber to unclog your drain.
To disassemble and clean your P-trap, you should begin by using a sponge to soak up the water from the sink to reduce water flow under your sink when you remove the trap. Put a bucket or pan beneath the sink to collect the dirty water from the clogged pipe. Gently loosen the slip nuts attaching your trap to avoid bending or cracking the trap. First, unscrew the slip nut between the trap arm and the P-trap. Next, unscrew the slip nut at the bottom of the waste tee. If your trap is clogged, all you need to do is clean it, reinstall it, and test the line by running warm water through it. When reassembling the P-trap, be careful not to over-tighten the slip nuts.
If once you disassemble the P-trap you do not find a clog, then your next option is to snake the line to try to clear up your clogged drain. To begin, loosen the setscrew of your snake (also called a cable auger) at the tip of the snake and pull out six to ten inches of cable. Tighten the setscrew and feed the cable into the pipe until you feel some resistance. Pull out another twelve to eighteen inches of cable, tighten the setscrew, and crank the handle of your snake clockwise while pushing forward to drive the cable farther into the pipe. Repeat this process until you break through the blockage. Should your cable get bogged down or catch on something, crank the handle counterclockwise and pull back a bit before continuing. At some point, you should feel the cable clear the clog. Once the clog is cleared, pull the cable out, clean it, replace the trap arm and trap, and run hot water into your sink until it drains properly. It may take a few minutes for the water to flow smoothly while the clog you dislodged breaks up or dissolves.
As an added precaution, while the drain is open and before reassembling the traps, pour ½ cup of white vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda into the drain, cover the openings and let it sit for a few minutes. Run about a gallon of warm water through the pipes to flush out the mixture. This should clean the drain even more and remove any lingering odor.
Post provided by: Clogged Drain Repair Plumber Alpharetta GA
Going Green to Clean
Going Green to Clean
Mold in bathrooms and kitchens is an inevitable byproduct of these areas where moisture collects. While harsh chemical cleaners will definitely rid you of mold and mildew, there are some environmentally-safe substances that will do the trick as well. Three of these all natural ingredients are vinegar, tea tree oil, and grapefruit seed extract. Of the three, vinegar, found in most household kitchens, is the cheapest and most easily found. Tea tree oil, found in most health food stores, is a powerful, spectrum fungicide, but has a very strong smell and is expensive. And grapefruit seed extract, while odorless, is also expensive.
Vinegar
Vinegar is purported to kill eight-two percent of molds. You can easily make yourself a good vinegar spray by pouring white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle to spray on mold. Let the sprayed vinegar set for a few hours and then rinse for a clean mold-free area.
Tea Tree
Tea tree spray, with its strong odor is about the best mold cure around. Though expensive, tea tree spray is highly effective in the fight against mold and mildew, with a little going a long way. If you can stand the odor for the few days it will take for it to dissipate, it is well worth the trouble. To make your tea tree spray, combine two teaspoons of tea tree oil with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well and spray on mold or mildew. Do not rinse.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Your second best defense against mold and mildew is grapefruit seed extract spray. The advantage of using grapefruit seed extract is that you don’t have to endure any odor but still get a pretty good mold cleaner. Combine twenty drops of grapefruit seed extract with two cups of water and spray on mold and mildew. As with tea tree spray, do not rinse for best results.
Mold and mildew can be very dangerous to your health. And people with mold or mildew allergies are particularly susceptible to its danger. To reduce the likelihood of developing a mold or mildew problem, be vigilant about keeping basements and carpets dry. In addition, make sure you repair all leaks in plumbing and roofs.
Post provided by: Plumbers Lawrenceville GA
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless Water Heaters function to heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. Consequently, tankless water heaters avoid the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters. With a tankless water heater, when you turn on your hot water tap, cold water travels through a pipe into your tankless water heater unit. If you have an electric tankless water heater, an electric element heats the water; and in a gas-fired tankless water heater a gas burner heats the water. This results in a tankless water heater delivering a constant supply of hot water to your home. Thus, you don’t need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with water to enjoy your hot water.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
To optimize the energy efficiency of your tankless water heater you must make sure that it is properly installed and that you handle maintenance issues regularly.
Proper installation and maintenance of tankless water heaters depends on the climate you live in and local building code requirements. To determine if you are within codes, you should have a qualified, licensed plumbing contractor install your tankless water heater.
Precautions To Take To Ensure Your Tankless Water Heater Is Installed Correctly
Take precautions in choosing a contractor to install your tankless water heater by requesting a cost estimate in writing, asking the contractor for references, checking with your local Better Business Bureau to see if unfavorable reports have been filed against the contractor, and confirm that the company has a local permit and understands your local building code requirements.
Manufacturers of tankless water heaters usually provide installation and instruction manuals with their product; so make sure your contractor is aware of this and that he has a copy of these installation instruction materials. In addition, make sure that your contractor has contacted your municipality for information about obtaining a permit to install your tankless water heater, if necessary, and that your contractor is educated in the codes required to be followed when installing your tankless water heater.
Life expectancy of most tankless water heaters is more than twenty years, so verify that parts for your particular water heater will be available for at least ten to fifteen years.
Consult the manufacturer’s website or literature for detailed warranty information about your tankless water heater. And, remember, periodic water heater maintenance can significantly extend your water heater’s life as well as minimize your loss of efficiency. Be sure to read your owner’s manual for specific maintenance recommendations and follow those recommendations.
Post provided by: Licensed Plumber Marietta GA
Simple and Inexpensive Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
Simple and Inexpensive Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
If you want to give your bathroom a makeover but are not prepared to pay a plumber who remodels bathrooms a lot to do so, there are some simple and inexpensive things you can do to change the appearance of your bathroom without spending a lot of money. Simply changing out your old bathroom accessories may be all that’s necessary to give your bathroom a pick-me-up and create the visual appeal your bathroom needs.
With the variety of choices in cabinet knobs, draw pulls, towel bars, and even light fixtures at your disposal, you can spruce up your bathroom with a new look with great visual appeal.
Cabinet Hardware
Just changing the knobs on your bathroom cabinets will change the style of your bath in a matter of minutes. For example, chose old-fashioned distressed bronze or black laches to install on your vanity and cabinets to create a rustic feel; or for an elegant look, install crystal cabinet knobs or bejeweled draw pulls.
Towel Bars
Update your towels bars with a ring next to your sink or vanity for hanging a decorative towel. Or, hang a double-racked towel bar and place different colored towels on each rack for some added color and variety. Hang a stylish piece of artwork above the new towel rack and you can create a pleasing environment that will add a touch of class to your bathroom décor.
Light Fixtures
If you want to create a uniform look to your new bathroom, purchase and install light fixtures that match your new cabinet knobs and towel racks. Add paper holders, soap dishes, and other bathroom accessories and you have successfully remodeled your bathroom.
You don’t really need to replace faucets and shower heads to match your other new bathroom accessories unless they are in disrepair; but if you have some leftover money from what you budgeted to update your bathroom, new faucets and shower heads will complete the new look of your bathroom.
Remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to be an expensive venture and you’ll have fun looking for just the right accessories to personalize your new bathroom look.
Post provided by: Plumbers Alpharetta GA
Kitchen Faucet Repairs
Kitchen Faucet Repairs
It’s difficult to imagine anything more frustrating and annoying than the drip, drip, drip of a leaky kitchen faucet. When faced with this frustration, nothing seems more important than stopping the dripping noise and the slow leak of your water-bill dollars.
Basics Kitchen Faucet Repairs
Should you choose to try to fix a leaky kitchen faucet, first examine the faucet closely to determine where the dripping water is coming from. Different repairs are required for leaks around the base of the spout as opposed to those around the end of the spout. Once you determine where the leak originates, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Usually you will find shutoff valves under your kitchen sink. However, if you do not have a shutoff valve under your kitchen sink, you’ll have to close the main water valve to your house. Once you have turned off the water, open the faucet in the center position to release water pressure. Make sure the water is shut off, and then, cover your sink drain holes with strainer baskets or rags so as to avoid losing the smaller parts of the faucet down the drain as you disassemble the faucet. If you are not handy around the house you may also consider hiring a licensed plumber to repair your faucet.
As you remove the parts of the faucet, pay close attention to the order and orientation of those parts as you remove them. A good idea is to use a digital camera or video camera to record each step of this process in case you forget as you go along. For an easier reassembly, be conscientious to set the parts aside in the order you remove them. When you have removed all the parts of the leaky faucet, inspect the interior areas of the valve for bits of deteriorated gaskets and/or mineral deposits. Using a cloth or fine nylon abrasive pad, clean the surface. You can loosen stubborn mineral deposits by soaking them in vinegar. Slow water flow can be caused by plugged holes in the faucet body, so use a small screwdriver or penknife to clean the holes out. Before you replace the worn parts of your kitchen faucet and reassemble it, hold a washcloth over the faucet and open the water shutoff valve slightly as a way to flush out debris that you may have loosened during cleaning and inspection.
Once you have reassembled the faucet, open it to its middle position, gradually open the shutoff valves to turn on the water, and leave the faucet open until water flows freely, thus, removing all air out of the pipe. If water flows at its normal rate, unhindered, you have successfully repaired your kitchen faucet.
Post provided by: Plumbers Marietta GA
Avoid Costly Water Line Repairs
Avoiding Costly Water Line Repairs
Has your water bill suddenly increased? Do you have standing water in your yard even when it isn’t raining? If you answered yes to either, or both, of these questions, you may have a broken or leaking water line. Water and sewer lines deteriorate and crack over time because of many factors including freezing ground and shifting soil that cause pipes to crack or collapse, build-up of waste, paper, grease and other objects that inhibit the flow of water as well as natural environmental conditions that corrode water line materials and cause pipe seals to break.
A common situation that results in cracked water lines and backed-up sewer lines is root infiltration. Tree roots and large shrub roots can grow into a water or sewer line, expand, and fill pipes with fibrous root masses. These masses then capture toilet paper, grease and other debris that travel through them from your home and clog the main sewer line. Consequently, as these roots continue to grow, the pressure they put on pipes will eventually cause the pipes to crack resulting in a major headache and expense for you as a homeowner.
Once a sewer or water line breaks and puddles form in your yard, finding the leak can be difficult at best and may require the tearing up your well-manicured lawn to find and repair. Thus, diagnosing a sewer or water line problem early is paramount and could save you thousands of dollars worth of hazardous backflow or property damage.
To assure that your water and sewer lines are intact, plan a time every month or two to stroll around your property to catch any puddles of water on an otherwise dry lawn area before your water bill goes up or you are faced with a costly repair job. And, should you observe standing water where it shouldn’t be or a sudden rise in your water bill, contact a licensed local plumber to evaluate your water and sewer lines for cracks or leaks.
Post provided by: Licensed Plumber Alpharetta GA