Winterizing Your Outdoor Plumbing System

July 30th, 2013 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Depending upon the part of the country you live in, one of the most important things that you can do prior to the arrival of cold weather is to winterize your plumbing system.  Usually this will take place in October before temperatures at night dip below freezing.  Most homes have one or more exterior faucets or “hose bibs” where the homeowner can connect a garden hose to water their lawn and flowers, as well as wash their car.  It is critical that any water in the faucet itself, as well as the pipe, be eliminated before it can freeze.  Frozen pipes that fail are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes!

A plumbing contractor can assist a homeowner in two ways to assist in the winterization of the plumbing system, which services the exterior of the home.  First, a service call can be scheduled where the plumber will perform the service and drain all water from the pipe and shut off the water servicing the exterior faucet.  They will be sure to drain any water out of the pipe as well.

The second way the plumber can assist the homeowner is to install specialized faucets, which automatically drain the faucet and a portion of the pipe when the faucet is turned off.  Although most new homes are equipped with this type of faucet, most homes that are more than 15 years old have standard faucets.  As a part of this replacement, a qualified plumbing contractor will install a specialized shut off valve in the mechanical room as well, which will allow water in the pipe to be drained after the water is shut off.

A qualified plumbing contractor will be able to complete either of these tasks quickly and economically.  Remember that water pipes and freezing temperatures is not a good match!  To avoid unnecessary water line repairs, make that call today and get ready for winter.

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Bath Tub Replacement

July 30th, 2013 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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Often homeowners will elect to upgrade or renovate their bathrooms in an effort to improve the functionality or the bathroom, as well as the appearance.  Typically, these upgrades are part of a larger bathroom renovation, which may include other new plumbing items including faucets and toilets.  If you are considering a bathroom renovation project, you should definitely consider replacing the existing bathtub or the soaking tub with a new unit.  While tearing out an existing tub may seem like a massive undertaking, a qualified plumbing contractor can make the replacement quickly and economically.

While it may appear that a bathtub is just a bathtub, this is not the case!  There are many options available, as well as different sizes in length as well as width and height.  The same thing applies to soaking tubs, which are available both with whirlpool jets and without the jets, as well as different shapes.   Standard bathtubs as typically available in cast iron, steel or a high performance plastic, while soaking tubs are typically a high performance plastic, such as acrylic.  The most popular colors are white and almond, but other colors are available as well.  Major manufacturers include Kohler, Sterling and Jacuzzi.

The plumbing contractor that you select will be able to select the tub that meets your needs as well as your budget.  In addition, they will recommend a product that will require the least amount of modification to the existing plumbing system in order to keep the costs down.  There is no need to settle on a partial bathroom renovation, when replacing that old tub is easy!

 

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Is PVC Pipe Better Than Cast Iron Pipe?

July 30th, 2013 Posted in Drains
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One of the most common questions many people have when building a new home, building an addition or remodeling is if they should use PVC or cast iron pipe for their drain lines.  The answer depends upon many things, as each pipe type has both advantages, as well as disadvantages.  In addition, budget also pays a role in the decision.

In general, PVC drain lines are more economical and because of the materials used, grease and other buildups within the pipe are generally eliminated.  However, PVC wastewater drain systems are typically “noisier” than cast iron systems, meaning that the residents of the home will hear water running in the pipes when toilets are flushed and water is drained from tubs or sinks.  This is particularly true when on the first floor of two story home.  The drawbacks to cast iron drain lines is the potential for grease and other buildup in the pipe over time.  While more expensive, it is significantly “quieter” than PVC pipe.  In general, it is used in higher end residential applications, as well as in many condominium projects, where the reduction of “noise” is critical.

In many cases, the two products can be used together to provide an economical alternative, as well as a “quiet” plumbing solution.  The best mix is to use PVC under the slab and then transition to cast iron on the main vertical drain as well as the horizontal branch drains to the fixtures.   PVC is then used again on the vents.

A qualified plumbing contractor will be able to recommend the best solution for your project, as well as your budget.  Talk to your plumbing contractor about cast iron and PVC and see what they think!

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Sump Pump Maintenance

July 30th, 2013 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Typically homes with basements will have a sump pump system connected to the perimeter drain tile, which removes ground water from the footings of a home.  Water is collected in the drain tile, where it flows into a pit within the basement.  As the pit fills up with water, it is pumped to the exterior of the home by a pump, which is connected to a discharge pipe.  A float within the pump “senses” the water level and will turn the pump on and off automatically as needed.  This system, as well as the waterproofing of the walls, is what keeps your basement dry.  On many homes with exterior stairs to the basement will have a drain in the areaway, which drains water into the sump pit.

As with any other component of a home, this system requires regular maintenance to keep it working properly.  Maintenance includes keeping the pit itself clean, as sediment that is in the perimeter drain tile can find its way into the pit and clog the pump.  Also, pumps can fail, so it proper operating condition should be verified a couple of times a year.  In addition, the discharge pipe needs to be clear of any debris to keep the water flowing away from the house.  Any of these items can prevent the system from working properly, leading to a wet basement.

A qualified plumbing contractor specializing in residential service work can perform this maintenance very quickly and economically.  In addition, they can assist you in the installation of a sump pump system if your home does not have one.  Removing ground water away from the home is the most important step in keeping your basement dry!

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24-Hour Emergency Plumbing Services

July 30th, 2013 Posted in Emergency Plumbing
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Sometimes you need to have a plumber that is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year to deal with plumbing emergencies that can impact any business or home.  Typically plumbing emergencies will involve such things as water pipe leaks, backed up toilets, clogged drains, frozen pipes and water heater issues.  In general, plumbing contractors consider issues that have the potential to damage property or make a business inoperable or a home inhabitable to be an emergency.

A vast majority of qualified and established plumbing contractors will have a dedicated service department that is available 24/7 to resolve their customer’s commercial or residential emergency needs.  Typically, the contractor will have a series of number of service plumbers that are on call, with a fully stocked vehicle, to handle most emergencies.  In most cases for after business hours emergencies, the customer calls the contractor’s main number, which is answered by an answering service, who then calls the service plumber on call.  Once the service plumber gets the call, they contact the customer to find out the nature of the problem and make arrangements to have it corrected as soon as possible.  The plumber will make sure that the problem is a true emergency prior to responding in order to keep the costs down.  If it is an emergency, they will respond immediately!  In addition, if necessary, they will bring in additional plumbers to resolve the issue.

It is advisable to develop a relationship with a plumbing company, so that when there is a commercial or residential plumbing emergency, you know whom to call and they know that you are an established customer.  In many cases the responding plumber may have worked on your property before!

 

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Water Line Leaks

July 8th, 2013 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Unless your home is on a well, it is probably connected to a municipal water supply.  Many homeowners don’t realize that the water line between the meter and their home is their responsibility.  Water supply lines generally give years of trouble free service, but they can break or spring a leak.  Usually the first sign of a leaking or broken water line is an unusually high water bill or a wet spot in the yard that never seems to dry out.

Wet spots in the yard and high water bills can have other causes.  For example, your water company may only actually read the meter every few months and estimate your water usage during the in-between months.  If their estimate is low, you may see a jump in your water bill for the month when they actually read the meter.  If you have a swimming pool, you water bill will likely be higher in the summer as you use more water keeping the water level in the pool topped off.

If you suspect that you have a leaking or broken water supply line, try this simple test before calling the plumber for water line repairs:  take a reading on your water meter, then shut off the water supply inside the house.  Wait a few hours and take a second meter reading.  If the reading has changed, then you have a leak in the water line between your home and the meter.

Leaking water line repairs can be a little tricky.  The natural inclination is to start digging at the soft spot in the yard, but sometimes the water migrates several yards from the source of the leak before making its way to the surface.  In other cases, you can have a leak and all the water percolates into the ground without leaving a tell-tale soft, mushy area at the surface.  Your plumber can usually pinpoint the leak without digging by using modern leak detection devices.

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Selecting The Right Showerhead

July 4th, 2013 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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As important to an individual’s restorative sleep is the optimal mattress; so, too, is the function of the showerhead to an individual’s satisfaction and comfort. A shower should also be restorative, leaving one feeling refreshed and energized. How disappointing and unsatisfactory, even downright irritating, is a showerhead that doesn’t function correctly.

Of course, it all boils down to personal preferences and, in today’s market, you have plenty to choose from. First, decide on your priorities. For instance, would you need the flexibility of a handheld shower or would a fixed-mount showerhead suffice? Is water conservation one of your priorities? Today you have the option of low water flow showerheads or ones that will automatically stop the flow of water while you scrub. If you are not concerned about the gallons of water used per minute in your shower, you can indulge in rain or downpour showerhead, whose name is self-defining.

If you suffer from dry or damaged skin, some showerheads today have filters that remove those discomfort causing contaminants. In addition to adjustable spray patterns, showerheads can also be purchased to be easily adjustable for height and position. Your local plumbing professional can help you easily wade through all of these options to find just the right showerhead to meet all of your needs and preferences.

Now that you know what kind of showerhead you’d prefer, all you have to do is to decide on the style and finish that would compliment your current bathroom fixtures. While polished chrome seems to currently be the most popular because of its low cost and versatility in matching existing fixtures, there are a variety of materials from which to choose including bronze or nickel. Your bathroom repair plumber can assist you in selecting a showerhead that fits with your both your needs and wants.

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Plumbing Tips When Replacing Your Dishwasher

July 4th, 2013 Posted in Dish Washers
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Replacing your dishwasher is a relatively simple kitchen repair project that takes just a few hours of your time. Many handy homeowners can do the job themselves, but if you have any doubts about your plumbing abilities, it’s worth hiring an experienced plumber to do the job right.

First, measure both your existing and replacing dishwashers to make sure that the new appliance will fit in your cabinet space without alteration. You may have difficulty getting that old dishwasher out of the cabinet space if the floor in front of it has been built up over time. If you find this is the case, you will either have to remove some flooring or loosen the countertop.

Make sure to turn the electric power off, either at the main panel or unplug the old appliance, and turn off the water at the nearest shut off valve. Disconnect the electrical cable and water line underneath and behind the front panel of the dishwasher.

When removing the 90-degree fitting on the water supply line, remember to put it on the new machine in exactly the same manner so that the water feeds correctly. Remove the drain line under the sink and slide the old machine out of the cabinet. You may need to lower the feet, or hacksaw them off, to get the old machine out of the cabinet.

Reconnect the 90-degree fitting. Be sure to loop the new drain line all the way up to the countertop to avoid backup of sink clogs into the dishwasher. You will need to consult with your local plumbing professional as to possible code requirements of a special air gap fitting in the drain line. Slide the new dishwasher into the cabinet and adjust the feet for proper fit. Reconnect the water supply line and electrical cable; turn the water and power back on, checking for leaks.

 

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Choosing A Plumber For New Construction

July 4th, 2013 Posted in Choosing a Reputable Plumber
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If you are considering new construction for your home or business, then you’ve probably already sought out the help of a general building contractor for designing and building your project. General contractors are also responsible for bringing your job into completion within an estimated timeframe and within budgeted costs. A general contractor will usually “subcontract” to the specific trades required to finish your job, such as the electrician, HVAC and plumber. Most often, the decision as to who works on your building project comes down to the lowest bid made by the most competent and experienced company, as determined by your general contractor.

However, perhaps you are self-building or self-managing a project, only using specific trades’ people as needed on a time and material basis. In such a case, you may be making these selections yourself and need some basic guidelines. If you’ve not yet needed a residential or commercial plumber, you may want to question others that you trust in your community as to their experience.

Usually, neighbors and other acquaintances have had some experience to make a recommendation as to a plumber’s reputation. Also, you may contact a general contractor in your area and ask them for a referral; they would be a knowledge source of local plumbers that do quality work at reasonable prices. Another reliable source would be your local trusted real estate professional.

Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, make sure to get your plumber’s license number and ask for verification of required business insurance to ensure your freedom from any liability. Ask your plumber to provide you with a firm estimate and be sure to check on their service warranty policy.

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Choosing a New Toilet for Both Looks and Function

July 4th, 2013 Posted in Toilets
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Life used to be much simpler when our choices were few. In times past, there wasn’t decision making necessary when it came time to replace or install a new toilet. Such is no longer the case.

There are so many options today that, even choosing a new toilet, can be confusing and overwhelming.

You may choose a toilet based on looks, such as the newer sleek one-piece toilets that are also easier to clean. Or, you may make your choice based on the shape of the bowl (elongated or round). In some homes, the height of the toilet may be an important consideration.

Those who prefer environmentally friendly options, there are choices to be made as to water conservation (how many gallons per flush). Toilets can be gravity flushed, in single or dual flush models (dual flush provides the option of a half-flush, if full-flush isn’t necessary). Also available for your consideration is the “assisted-flush” toilet where your standard flushing power is increased with air pressure. And, finally, should we discuss the possibility of adding to your toilet a refreshing Bidet?

We haven’t even begun to discuss the selection of styles that could compliment your other bathroom fixtures and accessories. Furthermore, space required for plumbing fixtures, the location of water connections and plumbing lines, as well as building code requirements must all be considered and addressed. As you can see, with so much to choose from, it would be greatly beneficial to discuss your preferences with a local plumbing professional who can realistically help you make the best decision that would be the needs of you and your family.

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