Updating Old Tub Faucets

June 28th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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Many homes built in the 1990’s or earlier have a two handle or three handle tub and shower faucet.  The right and left handles control the hot and cold water.  On a three handle model, and the middle handle operates the diverter valve that controls whether the water flows out of the shower head or the tub spout.   With a two handle unit, there is a diverte incorporated into the tub spout that handles this task.

These faucets usually work well for years, but many of them are now beginning to leak or wear out.  Parts can be hard to find for older models and in many cases, the design is a little dated.  Upgrading an older compression type three handled faucet to a modern single handle faucet can be a significant improvement.  Modern single handle faucets work great and last longer than compression type faucets because they use a modern cartridge design or disks to control water flow.  It doesn’t hurt that these new faucets look great too!

Unfortunately, replacing tub faucets requires more plumbing skill than replacing a sink faucet.  In addition, most homeowners will encounter a couple problems with upgrading their tub faucets.  They will likely be faced with limited access to the plumbing and also need to deal with the holes left behind by the old faucet.

Fortunately, your plumber has the skills and techniques needed to handle all types of bathroom plumbing repairs including replacing your tub faucets without tearing up the walls behind your tub.  Conversion plates are available in different shapes and sizes that cover the holes left behind by the old faucet and give your plumber sufficient access to do the entire job from the tub side.

You don’t have to put up with that ugly, worn out two or three handled tub faucet any more!  Call your plumber today and ask about converting to a modern single handle tub faucet.

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What Do Backflow Prevention Devices Do?

June 28th, 2012 Posted in Backflow Testing
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A backflow prevention device is a common method of protecting our drinking water supplies from contamination.  Not all water authorities require backflow prevention devices, but if you live in an area where backflow prevention devices are required by local municipal codes, it is important to understand what role they serve and how to keep your backflow prevention device in good working order.

In general there are two types of municipal water supply systems:  open systems and closed system.  A typical municipal water supply system supplies water to homes and businesses through water supply lines connected to the municipal water main. Most of the time, the water pressure coming from the water supply is much higher than the water pressure in the home so water flows from the supply into the home.

However, under certain circumstances such as a broken water main or some other event that causes the municipal water pressure to drop, water can flow backwards from a home or business into the water supply.  A water system that can flow in either direction is called an open system.

In a closed system, a backflow prevention device prevents water from flowing backwards from the home or business into the water supply lines and helps protect the water supply from contamination.  In a home, water in irrigation sprinkler systems can become contaminated by pesticides and fertilizer.  In addition, if the home has an automatic pool filling device, the water can become contaminated with chlorine and other pool chemicals.

Backflow prevention devices can only do their job if they are regularly tested by a knowledgeable plumber.  Where backflow prevention devices are required by local ordinance, backflow testing is often required by law.  Even if it is not required by law, it is good practice to have your backflow prevention device tested annually.

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How to Prevent a Sweating Toilet

June 28th, 2012 Posted in Toilets
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If your home is located in a humid climate, you may be familiar with “sweating” toilets.  Toilets sweat when humid air condenses on the outside of a toilet tank filled with cold water.  This condensate drips onto the floor and unless the problem is corrected, it can lead to mold and mildew growth.  Even worse, over time the condensate will find its way to the subfloor which will eventually rot away.

If you are having problems with sweating toilets, talk to your plumber about your alternatives.  Plumbers are experts in toilet repairs and may suggest one or more options for correcting a sweating toilet.

One such option is called an anti-sweat valve.  This valve is installed in the water supply line that leads to the toilet and mixes warm water with the cold water that fills your toilet tank.  Filling the toilet tank with warmer water will prevent the toilet from sweating.

If installation of an anti-sweat valve is impractical, you can try installing a foam liner on the inside of the toilet tank.  The foam liner is permanently glued to the inside of the tank to insulate the porcelain tank from the cold tank water.

A more effective solution is to install a low flow toilet or pressure assist toilet.  Pressure assist toilets have a second inner tank that holds the flush water.  This water never reached the outer porcelain so sweating is eliminated.  In some cases, just installing a low flow toilet will solve the problem.  A low flow toilet does not empty the tank with every flush.  Cold incoming water is diluted with the leftover warm water in the tank and sometimes this is sufficient to stop condensation formation.  The benefit will be lost if you routinely “double flush” your low flow toilet.

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Thermal Expansion Tanks For Home Plumbing Systems

June 28th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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Thermal expansion tanks are a relatively new addition to most home water supply systems that prevent pressure from building up in the plumbing system.  When a storage type water heater is installed in a home, there needs to be some provision to allow for the water to expand as it heats.  In older systems this was not a problem since the water could flow backwards through the water service line.

Until recently, most home water supply systems were “open” systems that allowed water to flow in either direction from the municipal water main.  In these older systems, there was nothing to prevent water from flowing backwards through the water service line which had the benefit of accommodating water expansion in the home’s water heating system.

However, more and more municipalities are installing check valves or backflow prevention devices at the water meter to prevent water from flowing backwards into the water main and potentially contaminating the water supply.  In these “closed” systems, water has nowhere to go as it heats and expands.  In a home plumbed with copper pipes, the water pressure can rise above 150 psi due to the expansion of the water as it heats up inside the water heater.

A homeowner may notice water escaping from the pressure relief valve at the water heater when this happens.  Too much pressure in in a home’s water lines can cause leaks, broken pipes, or a ruptured water heater.  To prevent these problems, have your plumber install a thermal expansion tank. These tanks cost less than $100 and use no energy.  They allow your home plumbing system to maintain a constant, safe pressure.  In many areas, a thermal expansion tank is now required by local building codes.

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Hire a Plumber For Your Water Heater Replacement

June 26th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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If it’s time to replace your water heater, you may be tempted to go to the nearest home improvement center, buy a similar sized storage type water heater, and let a contractor from the home improvement center install it.  However, for best results you should call a reputable local plumber before you commit to purchasing your new water heater.

An experienced professional plumber may charge a little more for the installation than the handyman from your home improvement center, but like most things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to plumbing and a water heater is a very important component of your home’s plumbing system. A good water heater will last from 15 to 20 years so it’s worth spending a little extra for expert, professional advice and installation from your local plumber.

A good plumber can help you save money in the long run by helping you choose the most energy efficient way to meet your family’s hot water needs.  You may be better off with a tankless water heater or an energy efficient storage type water heater.  In either case, your plumber will help you choose the right size water heating system to avoid spending too much for an oversized system or running out of hot water with an undersized system.

Professional installation is important too!  An experienced plumber will make sure your water heating system is up to code and properly installed for maximum efficiency and service life.  In addition, if there is any problem with your water heater or the installation, you can rest easy knowing that your plumber is licensed and insured, unlike that guy from the home improvement center.

It pays to have a professional help you choose the right water heater for your home and to install your water heating system.  You can count on an experienced plumber for expert water heater advice and installation.

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New Toilet Installation Problems

June 21st, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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If you are replacing that outdated toilet with a new water efficient model, you may be tempted to tackle the job yourself.  Replacing a toilet seems like a job that should be within the ability of most homeowners with basic mechanical skills and in theory it is.

However, there are several problems that can arise when replacing a toilet so if you are not completely comfortable with your ability to meet these challenges, it is well worth the expense of hiring a professional plumber to install the new toilet.

One thing to consider is how long the existing toilet has been in place.  The older the toilet is, the more likely you are to encounter problems with the replacement.  Fittings are more likely to be corroded in place or damaged during removal on an older toilet.

One of the first things that can go wrong is the water shutoff valve.  If this valve has not been operated in years, it can be stuck open and be damaged when you try to close it. The valve can start leaking or worse, the force required to close it can cause it to break or to damage the water supply line.

Another common problem is corroded closet bolts.  These are the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.  If these bolts are rusty the nuts can be difficult to remove and many times the effort to remove them will crack or damage the flange under the toilet.

Over tightening the closet bolts during reinstallation can crack the base of the toilet.  The same thing can happen with the bolts that hold the tank and base together.

The new toilet can leak at the wax ring if it is not properly installed.  You may not notice this leak which can damage the floor under the toilet.  Other places with leak potential include the water supply line, the base of the fill valve, and between the tank and the base.

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Low Flow Toilet Myths

June 21st, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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Ever since government regulations took effect in the early 1990’s low flow toilets have suffered from the misconception that they do not perform well, cause problems with plumbing systems, and are too expensive.  The reality is that modern low flow toilets have excellent performance, meet all national plumbing standards, and are inexpensive to buy.  Your local plumber can help you choose a great low flow toilet and handle the installation and any other bathroom repairs.

The misconceptions about low flow toilets are based on the toilets sold in the early 1990’s and unfortunately persist to this day.  Toilets sold in the U.S. prior to 1994 were designed to use 3.4 gallons of water or more per flush.  When government regulations took effect in 1994 limiting the amount of water used per flush to a maximum of 1.6 gallons, many toilet manufacturers simply reduced the amount of water used per flush in existing toilet designs which understandably resulted in poor flushing performance, clogged toilets, and other problems.

However, in response to complaints from consumers, toilet manufacturers have long since redesigned their products to greatly improve performance while 1.6 gallons of water per flush or less.  Some high efficiency toilets use less than 1.3 gallons per flush without sacrificing performance.

In addition, experience has shown that modern low flow toilets do not lead to clogged plumbing or other issues.  Any toilet will clog if used improperly, but low flow toilets do not clog any more frequently than older standard toilets.

Finally, low flow toilets are available in a wide range of prices and styles to fit any budget.  Starting at less than $100, low flow toilets are very affordable and when you factor in the water savings, a low flow toilet can pay for itself in just a few years.

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Shopping For a New Toilet

June 21st, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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Whether you are remodeling your bathroom, installing a bathroom in a new home or addition, or replacing your old toilet with a water efficient low flow toilet, here are a few things to take into consideration while shopping for your new toilet.

First, measure the area where the toilet is to be placed to make sure that the new toilet will fit.  Toilets come in different sizes and you can avoid a return trip to the store by measuring carefully before you start shopping.

Measure from the wall behind the toilet to the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.  Then, make sure that the distance from the back of the tank to the bolts on the toilet you are considering is less than this measurement.  In a tight space, you may also want to measure the side to side distance to make sure there is enough clearance.

You will need to choose between a one piece toilet or a two piece toilet. With a one piece toilet, the tank and bowl are combined into a single unit.  There is no connection between the tank and bowl to leak and these toilets have a sleek, modern appearance.  Two piece toilets have a separate tank and bowl.  They have a traditional appearance and are a little easier to install since each piece weighs less.

You can also choose between a round bowl which saves a little space and an elongated, oval shaped bowl that are a little more comfortable.  Toilets are sold in a variety of colors, but white is by far the most common.  You may be able to find what you are looking for in bone, but most other colors will most likely need to be special ordered.

Considering that most toilets will be used regularly for many years, professional toilet installation by a good local plumber who handles bathroom plumbing repairs is well worth the modest cost.  A poorly installed toilet can leak and cause damage to your bathroom floor.

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Replacing Leaky Flapper Valves

June 21st, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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A leaky toilet can waste over 20,000 gallons of water per year.  Fortunately, the most common cause of a leaky toilet is a leaking flapper valve which can easily be replaced.  In fact, most homeowners with basic mechanical skills can do the job themselves.  If you are unsure of your ability, your plumber can handle replacing the flapper valve and any other toilet and bathroom plumbing repairs.

A simple test can quickly identify a leaky flapper valve.  Remove the lid from the toilet tank and add a few drops of food coloring to the water in the tank.  Wait about 15 to 20 minutes to see if the water in the bowl changes color.  If it does, then your flapper valve is leaking.

The flapper valve is the rubber flap at the bottom of the toilet tank that is usually attached by a small chain to the handle.  Moving the handle lifts the flapper valve and causes the toilet to flush by releasing some of the water from the tank into the bowl.

To replace a leaky flapper valve, turn off the water to the toilet and then drain the tank by flushing the toilet.  You may need to flush three or four times to drain all of the water out.  Next, carefully disconnect the pull chain from the flapper, unhook the rubber flapper from the valve, and remove it from the tank.

Take the old flapper with you to the hardware store or home improvement center to make sure that the replacement flapper will fit properly. Installation is the reverse of removal.  You may need to adjust the length of the pull chain for the toilet to flush properly.

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Demand Water Heaters Offer Convenience And Energy Savings

June 21st, 2012 Posted in Tankless Water Heaters
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If you are thinking about replacing your standard storage type water heater with a larger capacity unit because you frequently run out of hot water, consider having a demand or tankless water heater installed instead.  With a tankless water heater you never have to worry about running out of hot water and you save money on your energy bills by eliminating standby heat loss.

Standby heat loss is the main reason that storage type water heaters waste energy.   These water heaters keep a tank of water hot around the clock whether it is needed or not.  During periods of low demand such as at night or while you and your family are away at work or school, the water in the tank of a storage type water heater will lose heat and the water heater uses energy (gas or electricity) to keep the water heated to the desired temperature.

Then, during periods of high demand, a storage type water heater may not be able to keep up.  Once the hot water runs out, it takes a long time for the water heater to heat up a full tank of water.

A tankless water heater solves both of these problems.  It eliminates standby heat loss by only heating water when it is needed.  When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water flows into the demand water heater where it is heated and then flows to the tap.  This way, a tankless water heater delivers an endless supply of hot water as it is needed without wasting energy on keeping a tank of water hot.

Your local plumber can install a tankless water heater in your home to help you save money and energy for water heating and to ensure that you never run out of hot water again.

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