Hot Water Leaks

May 16th, 2012 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Have you noticed unusually high water bills accompanied by high energy bills?  Have you been running out of hot water sooner than normal?  If your home is built on a slab, have you noticed a warm spot on the floor?  If you answered yes to these questions, you may have a leak in your hot water pipes.

It is not uncommon for a home to develop a leak in the hot water lines that goes unnoticed for weeks or months, especially if the home is built on a concrete slab.  In a home built on a foundation with a crawlspace or basement, a leak in the hot water pipes is usually noticed quickly since the pipes are often visible in the basement or crawlspace.  Even when the pipes are hidden in the walls or ceilings, a leak will result in noticeable wet spots on the ceilings, floors, and walls.

However, in many homes built on a slab, the hot water pipes run under the slab and a leak can go undetected for a long time.  This is a very common problem especially in homes originally plumbed with polybutylene pipes.

If you suspect a leak in you hot water pipes, you should have the leak repaired as soon as possible by an experienced plumber.  Leaking hot water wastes water and energy.  Your water heater has to work overtime to keep the water in the tank hot which will drive up your energy bills.  Even a small hot water leak can cost you hundreds of dollars per year in high water and energy bills.

In addition, water leaks under a slab cause erosion problems and attracts termites and other insects.  Avoid wasting money on expensive repairs by having hot water leaks fixed by a reputable local plumber.

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Fixing Leaky Toilets

May 16th, 2012 Posted in Toilets
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Leaky toilets are one of the most common sources of water leaks in the home.  A toilet with a small leak can waste more than 20,000 gallons of water per year and according to EPA estimates, a toilet that leaks so much that it runs constantly can waste as much at 200 gallons per day – that’s 73,000 gallons of water per year right down the drain!

A leaky faucet or shower head is easy to identify since you can see the water dripping, but how can you tell if your toilet is leaking? The most obvious sign of a leaking toilet is the sound of the toilet running. If your toilet runs constantly, you definitely have a leak. If your toilet runs after flushing it and you have to jiggle the handle to make it stop, that’s another sign of a leak.

“Ghost flushing”, or a toilet that runs briefly even when nobody flushed it is a sign of a slow leak.  To be confirm a leaky toilet, carefully remove the lid from the tank and put a few drops of food coloring in the tank.  If the water in the bowl changes color, you know you have a leak.

Toilet  leaks are usually due to a leaky flapper valve or a bad fill valve.    The flapper valve is the big rubber stopper in the bottom of the tank.  When you move the handle, the flapper valve opens and the toilet flushes.  Replacement flapper valves are available at your local home improvement store and are not difficult to install.

A defective fill valve can also cause a toilet leak.  A fill valve that does not shut off properly will allow water to constantly fill the tank and trickle into the commode through the overflow pipe.  A fill valve is a little more complicated to install than a flapper valve, but still within the capability of many homeowners.

If you are not comfortable handling your own bathroom repairs, your local plumber will be able to fix your toilet leaks.

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Repairing a Leaky Toilet Wax Ring

May 16th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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If you find water coming out from under the base of your toilet every time you flush, this is a sign of a defective wax ring.  It is very important to replace the wax ring and stop the leak as soon as possible.  Otherwise, the water will rot the flooring under the toilet and you will soon not only need toilet repairs, but also a very expensive floor replacement.

Detailed instructions for replacing a wax ring are easy to find on the internet.  The job involves disconnecting the toilet from the water supply, unbolting it from the floor, removing the old wax ring, installing the new wax ring, re-attaching the toilet to the floor, and hooking up the water supply line.

You should be aware that although the process sounds easy, there are several ways that things can take a wrong turn.  For one thing, the water shutoff valve can be corroded and either start leaking after you shut off the water or you can force it too hard and crack the water supply line.

Further, the hold-down bolts can be corroded and you can round off the nuts, snap the bolts or strip the head.  Next, a toilet is very heavy and if you drop it you could damage the toilet or the floor.  Also, if you don’t place the toilet on the wax ring just right, the wax ring can be damaged and you will have to start over again.  Another potential problem is that if you over-tighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor, the base might crack and you will need a new toilet. Finally, the water supply line may leak or the tank could leak at the tank to commode connections.

If you have any concern at all about your ability to do it yourself, call your local plumber and let them handle the bathroom repairs.  It’s money well spent to get the job done quickly and professionally.

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Solutions for a Sweating Toilet

May 16th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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If you notice water collecting around the base of your toilet, you either have a toilet leak or the toilet is “sweating.”  Sweating occurs when condensation forms on the outside of the toilet tank and drips on the floor.  Sweating is more of a problem in warm, humid climates than it is in other parts of the country.  When cold water fills the toilet tank, moisture will condense on the outside of the tank just like on the outside of a cold drink.

If you have a toilet or toilets that sweat, you will need to take steps to stop the problem.  Chronic sweating will eventually lead to a rotted subfloor and mold and mildew growth.

One way to reduce or eliminate toilet sweating is to install a whole house dehumidifier in your heating and air conditioning system.  Reducing the humidity in the home will eliminate the sweating problem.

Another alternative is to install a foam liner inside the tank.  The liner is glued to the inside of the toilet tank and insulates the porcelain tank from the cold water.  In some cases, an anti-sweat valve can be installed that mixes some hot water with the cold water that fills the toilet tank.  The warmer water will eliminate formation of condensation on the tank.

Finally, consider installing a new low flow toilet or a pressure assist toilet.  Some low flow toilets don’t have as much of a sweating problem because they don’t drain all of the water out of the tank.  The room temperature water in the tank mixes with the cold incoming water and keeps the water temperature in the tank high enough that sweating is not a problem.  Pressure assist toilets use a separate inner tank to hold the water so sweating is not a problem.  A plumber who handles bathroom repairs can help you find a new toilet or another solution to your sweating toilet problem.

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Comparing Copper and PEX Plumbing

May 10th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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If you are replacing old polybutylene plumbing, upgrading the plumbing, doing a kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel, or have been the victim of copper pipe theft, your plumber has probably given you several options for what type of pipe to install. These days, the two most common types of pipe are traditional copper pipe or modern PEX pipe.  Both have their advantages so the “right” choice depends on your situation and personal preference.

Copper pipe has been used in plumbing for decades.  It has proven to be a very durable, user friendly pipe for hot and cold water distribution lines.  It will last a very long time but like all metals, it will someday corrode.  It is very sturdy and resists punctures and can be installed indoors and outdoors.  The copper in the pipe makes it highly resistant to bacteria growth.

The primary drawback to copper pipe is that it is very expensive.  In addition, the value of copper makes it a prime target for criminals who have been known to cause thousands of dollars in damage to homes by tearing out the copper pipes.  Copper pipe is inflexible and can burst in below freezing weather. Finally, it takes a certain level of skill to work with copper pipe.

PEX is a type of plastic pipe that is very durable and much less expensive than copper pipe.  It is very flexible and comes in long lengths which means that your plumber does not have to install any fittings to make it bend or go around corners.  Fewer fittings means fewer opportunities for leaks to start. It can expand enough that it is far less likely to burst in freezing weather.

The disadvantages of PEX are that it is not recyclable and since it is affected by UV rays, it cannot be used outdoors.  Also, installing PEX requires special tools.  Your plumber can help you decide whether copper or PEX is the best choice for your plumbing project.

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Plumbing Repairs With SharkBite Fittings

May 10th, 2012 Posted in Remodeling
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SharkBite fittings are a recent innovation in the plumbing industry that can solve problems and make many plumbing jobs easier for professional plumbers and do-it-yourselfers alike.  SharkBites are push-fit fittings that connect all types of plumbing pipes including copper, PEX, and CPVC.

SharkBites are an excellent alternative for homeowners who lack the skill necessary to sweat copper pipes.  Just cut the copper pipe to length and push it into the SharkBite fitting.  No need to fool around with flux, solder or a torch.  They work great for repairing a section of broken or leaky pipe or making minor modifications to your plumbing system.

Even a professional plumbers who are proud of their copper pipe sweating skills will find SharkBites to be a handy addition to the toolbox.  SharkBites work great when it is impossible to eliminate water from the pipe, in tight areas, or where using a torch would be unsafe.  Even a skilled plumber can have difficulty sweating a copper pipe that is full of water.

SharkBites are also very useful for easily connecting two types of pipe.  They make it easy to connect copper, PEX, and CPVC.  They are particularly useful for repairing or connecting old polybutylene pipe.

Polybutylene was taken off the market years ago due to its propensity to develop leaks.  In most cases, a repair consists of replacing the polybutylene pipe with copper or PEX, but sometimes it is necessary to splice in a section of pipe or to connect polybutylene with the new pipe.  SharkBite connectors make this job fast and easy.

Another advantage of SharkBites is that they are removeable which means they are especially suitable for temporary repairs or for use during kitchen and bathroom remodeling.  SharkBites are easy to remove without damaging the pipe and can be reused.

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Replacing Polybutylene Pipe

May 10th, 2012 Posted in Polybutylene Pipe
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Are you one of the millions of Amercans whose homes were plumbed with polybutylene pipe?  Maybe you’ve known about the pipe for years or perhaps you just got a great deal on a foreclosure home and discovered the polybutylene piping.  In either event, a whole house repiping is in your future, and not very far off either.

Polybutylene piping is blue or gray semi-flexible piping that was installed in millions of homes built up to 1995.  This pipe was discovered to have a defect that causes it to deteriorate and split over time.  In some homes, the pipes last for many years before they start to split but once it starts, all of the pipe needs to be replaced.

Attempting to repair polybutylene pipe is a waste of time and money.  Even if your plumber can successfully repair a burst pipe, it won’t be long before another pipe bursts.  The only effective solution is to have all of the piping in your home replaced with copper, PVC, CPVC, or PEX piping.

A whole house pipe replacement is a big job that involves locating all of the existing polybutylene pipe, removing it and installing new pipes.  In some areas such as Florida where homes are commonly constructed on a slab, the process is further complicated by the fact that the original piping is under the slab.

You can take some comfort in knowing that you are not alone.  Millions of homes have undergone polybutylene pipe replacement including homes built on slabs and there are some plumbing contractors who specialize in replacing polybutylene pipes.

If you have split or leaking water lines, or you suspect that your home is plumbed with polybutylene plumbing, schedule an appointment with a polybutylene pipe replacement specialist.  They will do a complete evaluation and explain your options to you.

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Fixing Leaky Qest Plumbing

May 10th, 2012 Posted in Polybutylene Pipe
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If you are experiencing problems with leaky Qest (often called Quest) plumbing in your home, you should consult with a plumbing contractor with experience in polybutylene pipe replacement before spending any money repairing your old Qest pipe.  Qest was a brand name for a type of polybutylene pipe that was taken off the market in the mid 1990’s.  Until then it was used in millions of American homes and manufactured homes for the hot and cold water lines and the water supply line from the meter to the home.

Qest hot and cold polybutylene pipes are usually grey although you may find some silver or black polybutylene pipes.  The water supply line is usually blue but can be gray or black.  If you suspect that you have Qest or any other type of polybutylene pipe, have it inspected by a professional plumber.  It is easy for a homeowner to confuse defective polybutylene pipe with modern PEX pipe.

Polybutylene pipe is no longer on the market because it tended to fail at a very high rate.  Early failures were experienced at the fittings, but later the pipes themselves began to fail.  It was discovered that chlorine in the water reacted with the pipe and caused it to break down.

Several class action lawsuits over the defective pipes were settled years ago.  Unfortunately, if you have not already filed a claim it is probably too late to join the settlement.

Repairing polybutylene pipe is a short term solution because it will soon fail again.  The only permanent solution is to have all of the piping replaced by a plumbing contractor that specializes in residential repiping.  Most plumbers can probably handle the job, but a specialist will have learned techniques for replacing the pipes with minimal damage to your home.

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Use a Specialist For Whole House Repiping

May 10th, 2012 Posted in Polybutylene Pipe
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If you need to replace the water pipes in your home, you have a choice between using a general plumbing contractor or a repiping specialist for your plumbing replacement.  Some homes have serious plumbing issues that require all of the water distribution plumbing to be replaced.  The most common reason for a whole house repiping is because the home was plumbed with polybutylene pipes.

After polybutylene pipes were installed in millions of American homes built from the mid 1970’s to the mid1990’s, it was discovered chlorine in municipal water supplies reacted with the pipe led to pipe failures.  Polybutylene pipe was taken off the market, but many homeowners are still dealing with the after effects.

Most general plumbing contractors can handle a repiping, but you are probably better off hiring a plumber who specializes in commercial and residential repiping.  Replacing all of the pipes in your home involves locating and removing the original plumbing and installing new PVC, CPVC, PEX or copper pipes.

The original pipes can run through the basement, crawlspace, or attic and are often hidden in walls, ceilings and floors.  If the home was built on a concrete slab, the plumbing may run under the slab or be embedded in the concrete.

A residential repiping specialist who has handled hundreds or thousands of commercial and residential repipings will have developed techniques for replacing the piping with minimal damage to your home.  They will have a better feel for what type of replacement pipe works best and how to run the new piping if access to the old piping is limited.

In addition, in most cases holes have to be cut in walls, floors or ceilings and a repiping specialist may have contractors who can quickly and professionally make the necessary repairs.

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Polybutylene Pipe Woes

May 10th, 2012 Posted in Polybutylene Pipe
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If your home is plumbed with polybutylene pipe, you are probably wondering what to do next.  The conventional wisdom is to have all of the polybutylene pipe replaced with new PVC, CPVC, PEX or copper pipe and that may be the best alternative, but take a few minutes to explore your options before you start tearing out the old plumbing.

Polybutylene pipe was installed in millions of American homes built starting in the 1970’s and ending in the early 1990’s.  Initially hailed as an inexpensive, easy to work with alternative to copper pipe, it was later discovered that polybutylene pipe reacted to the chlorine in the public drinking water supplies.  Exposure to chlorine caused the pipe to split.

The majority of homes have had their polybutylene pipes replaced, but there are still hundreds of thousands if not millions of homes with polybutylene pipe installed.  If your home is one of these and has not developed leaks in the pipes, you may have some time before you need to deal with the problem.  If you are on a well or your municipal water supply has a low level of chlorine, your pipes may not cause problems for years.

On the other hand, if your pipes have started to leak, then you will need to take action soon.  Fixing a leaking polybutylene pipe is a temporary solution because the rest of the plumbing will begin leaking soon.  You may be able to put off a polybutylene pipe replacement for a year or two, but a complete residential repiping is the only way to prevent future leaks.

One thing to consider is that your insurance company may deny any water damage claims due to leak water pipes once the initial problem has been discovered.  A plumbing contractor who specializes in commercial and residential repiping can help you make the right decision.

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