Plumbing DIY, Replacing Taps

Plumbing is an aspect of home improvement that often comes about without choice. It is important to take care of the plumbing of your property in order to avoid emergency situations and to ensure that you are getting the best from your plumbing system.

When it comes to replacing taps it can often be more complex than you may realise at first. Replacing taps can either be required as part of the installation of a new bath/basin or because your old taps have worn down. You may, however, just wish to replace your taps simply on a more cosmetic basis.

It is important to understand how many 'holes' your sink has when it comes to changing your taps. The amount of holes will determine whether you can install two separate taps or whether you will have just the one serving both your hot and cold needs. If there is one hole you are restricted to the one tap and you will require a mono-bloc mixer when it comes to replacing your taps. With one hole you will have two diameter pipes coming out of the hole, one for hot and one for cold. It there are, however, two holes you are able to fit two separate taps to your sink, giving you a tap for hot water and a tap for cold water.

Ok now you have some basics about what to look for in your pipe work we can move onto the removal of your old taps. The first thing you need to ensure you do is to disconnect the water supply and then turn your taps on fully to drain any water left in your system. The way in which you cut off your water supply depends on what sort of water supply you are dealing with. If connected to the mains you should turn off your indoor stop valve. If your hot and cold taps feed off pipes from a cistern you should have a gate valve/mini stopcock available to turn off. The stop valve can be found alongside the cold water tank.

You should then use a wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a tap tool to undo the nut, which connects the supply pipes to the taps. You will probably experience some water coming from the pipes at this point so ensure that you have a cloth ready then loosen the nut that is holding the taps in place and remove them from the sink. You then need to clean the area the taps fit into as well as replace any old sealing compound.

Before you go ahead and fit your new taps you need to compare the pipe connections on the old taps to the new taps. If they are longer then you will need a shank adapter in order to make them fit.

When it comes to actually fitting your new taps you have to check to see if the tails of the new taps are plastic. If not a connector is required to prevent damage. One end of the connector fits onto the tail and the other provides a connection to existing pipes. To fit the taps you should position the tap in the mounting hole in the basin, ensuring that the washers are in place between the tap and the sink and when the tap is securely in place the supply pipes can be connected.

When your taps are firmly in place and have been securely connected to the pipes you can then turn your water supply back on. Once your water is on you should check for any leaks; if any appear they can normally be resolved by tightening your joins.

Tips For Bathroom Plumbing

To begin, it is important to note that in some states, laws are in place which prohibits home owners from engaging in their own bathroom plumbing. Check with your local municipality to make sure there aren't any restrictions against this practice in the area were you reside.

In any plumbing job, safety is the key. Be sure to disconnect the electrical source by turning off the power to a fuse or breaker box. Wear goggles, headgear, and gloves. Tools have insulated handles so hold them by the handles to reduce injury or electrical shock. Likewise, rubber-soled shoes should be worn at all times.

Though no job is the same it is important to have a few basic tools. Below are a few of the most commonly used.

1. Pipe Wrenches - You'll need an 18-inch, 14-inch, and 10-inch.
2. Basic Wrenches - In order to make gripping faucet attachments easier be sure to pick up a few with swivel jaws and long handles.
3.Tubing Cutters - Get yourself a standard-sized model as well as a mini in order to ensure you'll be able to cut through pipes even in tighter spaces.
4. Plunger - One with a heavy rubber head and good suction.
5. Level - To ensure pipes are level.
6. Torch - In case you need to solder pipes. A low cost simple torch should usually do the trick.
7. Drill - You'll always find a use.
8. Magnet - To help remove metal objects from clogged drains.
9. Cola is useful for removing rust.
10.Wire Brush - Helps remove debris prior to soldering pipes.

Aside from clogged sinks and toilets, one of the biggest bathroom plumbing problems are frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can damage your home by bursting and effectively flooding your home in minutes. Be sure to regularly inspect all outdoor pipes as well as those under sinks and in unheated crawl spaces. Preventing this problem is fairly simple and consists of covering the pips with foam rubber or insulation and securing the job with tape. If you've found a pipe to have already frozen, make sure to open the faucet prior to thawing in order to allow the blockage to move out through the pipes.

While many jobs can be accomplished with little more than common sense, there will always be those that will ultimately require an experienced professional. Don't hesitate to ask for help as it just may end up saving you a more costly repair down the road.

Master Plumber Shares Water Leak Secrets With Everyone

I wouldn't consider myself to be a master plumber, but I'm going to share with you, some of the information that I've learned from a few master plumbers over the years. These guys are the true pros of the industry and rarely share any of their secrets with anyone, but I got them to tell me some of their trade secrets with me.

I'm not going to tell you how I got these secrets from them, but it did involve some alcohol and a couple of sandwiches. Very few master tradesmen share their secrets with anyone that they don't trust or respect. Working in the construction industry for over three decades has gained me the respect from more than one master plumber.

Okay here's the secret that you've all been waiting for," Hand tighten everything." Now wait a minute, that's it, isn't there anything else. That's the master plumbing secret that we've been waiting for, to hands tightened everything, come on there's got to be more.

Well there is more, but that's going to be in another article, somewhere else in the future. If you're serious about eliminating water leaks from your plumbing drains and water supply lines, you should hand tighten everything and then check for leaks.

I can't tell you how many times I grabbed a pair of channel locks or a pipe wrench to tighten a sink drain or toilet supply line, only to find out that I had applied too much pressure and now water is leaking all over the place.

Master plumbers and other master tradesmen rarely share secrets, but this one is easy to grasp. The value of this secret is priceless. The next time that you have a water leak or are assembling any plumbing products, don't over tighten any plumbing parts and it won't be long, before you are the master plumber in your house.

Planting On Your Septic System Drainfield Or Leachfield

Thinking about planting on your drain field or leach field? Many varieties of plants assist your septic drain system in functioning at optimal capacity by continually removing water and organics found in the soils that encompass your field. A lush bed of grass also assists in keeping the entire structure from eroding and plants work the same way. Large drain fields can be somewhat of an eyesore and many homeowners have learned to use that natural landscape as a perfect setting for a landscape masterpiece. No matter what your situation is, there are many options and solutions for beatifying your drain field or leach field and most will hardly dent your budget.

As a rule of thumb, look to add shallow rooted plants and shrubs when designing your drain field landscape. Some species of herbaceous plants have minimal root depth and only require a moderate water supply to flourish. Most drain fields and leach have perforated piping that run anywhere from 6 to 46 inches below the surface and heavy thick roots from the wrong type of flora can greatly inhibit or degrade the systems performance. Always consult an expert of what plants and shrubs might work best for your situation and do a little research before taking the plunge since digging up freshly planted shrubbery is not on the agenda.

Some plant recommendations might be shallow-rooted plants such as flowering perennials and annuals, turf grass, and other short root additions most often will not damage the lines and their root system is usually contained within a few inches of the base stem or trunk. When working with your drain field or leach field, remember to proceed with caution and carefully move the soil as you prepare for the additional shrubbery. Small trees and medium to large shrubs are possibly not the best choice for your drain field being their root systems might wander too deep and therefore interrupt the function of your field through root damage, soil shifting and excessive water absorption.

Keep trees to a minimum and stick to varieties that truly have a very shallow root system and the same applies to shrubs. I you do have a requirement in your design to add trees or heavy shrubs to the drain field or leach field system, attempt to place the flora outside of the drain field perimeter thereby allowing the root system to develop and thicken outside of your systems footprint. If you currently have deep rooted shrubs or trees near your drain field, you may want to consider relocating them to another are of your yard or removing them al together.

The cost of a new drain field can run into the tens of thousands of dollars range and can be a heavy hit to any ones budget when an unexpected collapse or shutdown occurs. Large trees should be kept at least 30 feet from your drain field system and regular checks for root invasion are an excellent precaution to avoid problems. Root blockades and barriers are also an advanced method of allowing specific varieties to be planted nearer the drain field than normally would be suggested.

Consider the following as a "near drain field" shrubbery when making your choices;

o Carpet Bugle

o Dogwood Hemlock

o Sourwood Crape myrtle

o Japanese Spurge

o Blue-silver fescue

o Periwinkle

o Sword Fern

o Irish Moss

o Blue Star Creeper

o Vaccinium

o Creeping Rubus

o Kinnikinnick

o Blue oat grass

o Vaccinium

o Flowering cherry Crabapple

o Black gum Goldenrain tree and the list goes on and on.

Keep in mind that your drain field and septic system are "alive" and need proper care to function at peak performance. Always think ahead before altering your leach field landscape and plan for the future when adding any flora to your yard and surrounding areas.

Plumbing Pipes For Potable Water

There are many varieties of plumbing pipes available in the market. While going in for a kitchen remodeling project or building a new home you will have to choose which material would be best for you. A brief look at the most popular pipes:

Copper: pipes are very popular and are used for drain, vent and potable water supply. It is durable, easy and flexible to install, safer in natural disasters, resistant to intense weather and microbes and competitively priced. For many years contractors have preferred copper plumbing for its dependability and solid value. Homeowners also prefer copper plumbing because it generally increases the resale value of homes. It also ensures a clean, safe water supply. Lead has been removed from the manufacturing process so it no longer poses a health risk unlike with galvanized pipes

CPVC pipe (Polyvinyl chloride) is a rigid plastic pipe that is put together with solvent joints. They are perfect for areas of the country that have aggressive water that eats away at copper pipes. This aggressive water can sometimes eat through copper pipe within eight years. CPVC is unaffected by aggressive water, and its smooth inner surface won't collect mineral deposits. Though these pipes have many advantages they suffer from one major drawback. In case of fire or electric spark they omit poisonous gases. If this is an issue with you or your kitchen does not have a good exit point stick to copper.

PEX Pipe: is the newest entrant in the plumbing scenario. It is a flexible plastic pipe than can be installed much like electrical wiring. Suitable for use with both hot and cold water they can be used in conjunction with steel, copper, PVC and CPVC plumbing pipe. They are also highly resistant to bursting.

Plumbing Alternatives - How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

You just finished using the toilet, flushed, and suddenly you're in the midst of a plumbing disaster. Your eyes go wide and you start to panic as you see the water rising towards the brim of the toilet and there's nothing you can do. We've all been there before, and sometimes it even happens at someone else's house. Although you might not be able to fix the embarrassment, you can certainly fix a small plumbing problem such as a clogged toilet. Most people think the solution is sticking in a plunger. While that can work, you need to use the proper technique. There are also some other ways methods and ideas you can use to make the job easier.

If you notice the water level rising alarmingly fast, and you still have your wits about you, the first thing you should do is turn off the water. There's normally a small knob behind the toilet towards the base. Turn it tight to shut off the flow and prevent a potential flood. If it looks like there won't be an overflow, whatever you do, do not flush it again. There is always the temptation, especially if the water manages to drain itself out, but a second flush will greatly increase your plumbing woes.

If you can, allow as much water as you can to drain out of the bowl. If it doesn't appear to be draining or is taking a long time, you can slap on some gloves and a brave face and remove some of the excess water with an old cup or coffee can. You'll want most of the water to be emptied from the bowl before attempting to unclog the blockage. Pick up any rugs or towels off the floor to prevent them from getting wet or soiled. If possible, cover the floor in something absorbent to catch any stray drops, such as newspaper or old rags.

The most common reaction of people is to rely on the plunger to solve all of their plumbing issues. Before you reach for it, there is an easier solution. Grab some dish soap and squirt a good amount straight into the toilet. Chase the soap down with some hot water, but make sure it isn't boiling as you could crack the bowl. After five minutes or so the water level should start going down as the clog dissolves. If the bowl is nearly empty, you can give it a flush, but be cautious because if you failed to break up the clog you might get an overflow.

If soap and water doesn't work, another great method is using a wire coat hanger. All you have to do is unravel it and straighten out as best as you can. Insert the coat hanger into the pipe and gently push any obstruction you come across. You might have to twist it a bit to hit the right spot. This is sort of a plumbing bargain version of the snake tool that professionals use, but you'll save a bit of cash.

What to Look For When Choosing a Plumbing Contractor

Choosing a plumbing contractor to service your home's needs is one of the most important house-related decisions a homeowner will ever make. After all, you depend on healthy pipes each and every day to bring you water for showers, baths, laundry, dishwashing, drinking, keeping your yard green, washing the dog, and a host of other jobs we take for granted! Like any service industry, there are fantastic professionals and some not-so-fantastic contractors. Here's what to look for when choosing a plumbing contractor you can trust.

Licensed and Insured

The last thing you want to have happen is waste your money on a fly-by-night plumbing service that does terrible work, doesn't finish the job, or worse: disappears altogether. Request proof of licensing with the state from any plumber before you sign any sort of agreement. In addition, you want to be sure that all technicians who work in your home carry their own liability insurance policies, for your own protection.

Years of Experience

The longer a plumbing contractor has been serving a community, the better. Plumbing is a very competitive field, and those who don't make the grade simply will not be in business very long. Only highly-trained and certified technicians should be allowed to set foot in your home: your plumbing is simply too important to leave to chance.

Ready When You Need Them Most

Your plumbing contractor should respect your time by offering flexible scheduling options and then coming when promised. Look for a plumbing contractor that offers 24/7/365 service, who will be able to serve you both in emergency and non-emergency situations.

There are some real differences between plumbing professionals: take the time to choose wisely.

Clearing a Toilet Choke

It can be a very time consuming task to deal with when there is a choke toilet bowl. However, there are ways in which to clear it up therefore eliminating the cost of a plumber and taking up too much time in waiting for one to arrive. It is not hard to fix a toilet that has clogged. Just make sure the tools needed are handy. A few things that may be needed are plunger, bleach, gloves, and a bucket. It can be a bit messy, so do not wear clothes you do not want to get dirty, or splashed on.

First, gather all items needed. Remove the toilet tank to give you access to where the water comes from. There may already be water in there. Just make sure there is not too much water in there. But inside the toilet there should be some water. If there isn't sufficient water to plunge, then add some water in the bucket, be sure it's hot water. Pour that water into the toilet bowl. The point is to just make sure there is enough water in the bowl, to be able to plunge, without it overflowing the choke toilet bowl.

Now take the plunger and insert it in the toilet, base side downwards. Make sure the base is to the bottom of the toilet, lined up with the hole. The point of this is to form a tight suction between the plunger and drain. This will aide when it is time to plunge.

Next push down firmly and pull up, steadily and rapidly to loosen up the choke toilet bowl. This should be done until the gunk from the choke comes up. This is proof that the plunging is working. Continue plunging until it seems the choke is no longer there. Bleach can be poured into the toilet at this time.

Finally, flush the toilet. The toilet should flush as normal. This is how to remove a choke toilet bowl. Rinse off the plunger and put away the tools used. Remove the gloves and be sure to wash hands after the procedure.

Plumbing Tool Advice

What's interesting about plumbing, whether it's installing lines in a new house or fixing a leaky faucet, the job always takes a tool or two more than it seems like it should. I can tell you that this fact foils many would-be do-it-yourselfers. After working for several years as a master plumber in Atlanta, I consider myself a plumbing expert. Thankfully, you don't need to be an Atlanta plumbing expert like myself to handle basic home plumbng tasks. Let's go over some necessities: First, outfitting a complete tool box is a must.

What constitutes a complete tool box?

For the average homeowner the answer is relatively simple. Just enough tools to handle the basics. Most basic plumbing chores can be accomplished with a straight screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, a set of channel locks, a pair of pliers, a 14" Crescent wrench and a 14" pipe wrench.

In addition, since a bucket will always come in handy when it's time to bleed a water line down, some guys like to carry the tools in a two gallon plastic bucket. A five gallon bucket will hold more tools but these are too tall to fit under a sink or behind a toilet.

Know the Location of Your Home's Shut off Valve

There is one more thing that's a must when it's time to do a plumbing job. Knowing where the main shut-off valve is located. Even the most experienced plumbers might start by closing the main supply to the house or the apartment. In the event the job is a simple faucet washer replacement, the angle stop valves on the hot or cold line will likely shut the flow of water off at that faucet. However, on occasion these smaller valves don't seal completely closed and when that happens, the main shut off valve will have to be closed.

The final element to a home or apartment plumbing repair is a clear determination of the problem. Water on the floor can be the result of several things and most often, a visual inspection, with the water running, will disclose the source of the leak. Overall, most plumbing problems that occur inside the home are of a minor nature. These repairs can be learned easily and performed in a relatively short time once they have been identified.

How To Use Plumbing Tapes And Sealants To Seal Hoses And Pipes

When embarking on a plumbing project, be sure that you seal the pipes and hoses well. It might be harder than you think. Do read up on how it can be done. However, it is also very important to make sure you have the appropriate tools.

Never use a sealant that is not designed for what you are doing. Use plumber's putty to seal the sink flanges of a garbage disposal unit. There are types of special wax or grease sealants that are suitable to be used on the base of the toilet. Shower pipes and spouts should be sealed with caulking, and the list goes on from there.

Most will learn from their mistake of utilizing the wrong sealant for certain jobs. Do not substitute PVC Pipe glue when instructions ask for plumber's putty. If you use these things rather than Teflon plumber's tape on hoses, you will never be able to remove it should you ever decide to replace the hoses.

Be sparing but not stingy. It's also important to use the right amounts. For example, a ¼ inch bead of plumber's putty is sufficient to seal around a sink. Too much of it will certainly mean that more cleaning up is needed. If insufficient amounts are used, water will leak under the sink.

Remove the excess but make sure not too much is removed. Too much sealant will tend to crack and tear after it hardens. Using your finger or a damp sponge, lightly wipe away any extra and you should be fine. In addition, ascertain that all smears are removed before they are dry.

Do not stingy about the use of Teflon plumber's tape. It is uncommon to use too much, but in some cases, it can create gaps for water to seep through. Because it is relatively malleable it can be difficult even if you want to overdo it. You want to ensure that not too much is being used as it can make it near to impossible to fit the new pipes or hose back on.

Wind it in the proper direction. If you are handling hoses, the direction is not a problem, however if you are threading pipes, direction will matter. If it's not done correctly, the tape will twist off. The tail of the tape should be facing the direction you will be threading onto it. It will create a seal that us tight as the tape will extend in the similar direction as the pipe while the pipe is being threaded. If the tape is facing the opposite direction, the seal will not be tight.

Avoid torn ends. Do not tear or bite the tape off using your teeth. It can seem like a good idea if you are working in a cramped space that is hard for you to move around. This can lead to stretching and tearing of the ends. If the tape is stretched too much before it is threaded on the pipe, it will not seal correctly.

If the tape is cut cleanly, it will set in the threads better and not leave any ridges that could cause leaks. This should be done on the front and back of the tape. If you have ridges, you will create small openings for water to escape from.

If you utilize the appropriate sealant for the job and follow instructions faithfully, your project should be free from leaks.

Clogged Drains and Blockages - Plumbers Help You to Repair Your Own Clogged Drains

Clogged and blocked drains can ruin your plumbing system very quickly. Calling in the plumbers will give you the help you need, but this can be very expensive. They have the latest technology available, but that is not always what is necessary to unclog your drains and blockages to your plumbing system. Your goal may just be to unclog the drains without using harsh or dangerous chemicals. Remember that the professionals are there to help. However, many people prefer to try to unclog and unblock their own drains first, before calling in the experts.

It may seem like your drains in the kitchen and bathroom get clogged on a regular basis. We can recommend some green ways to keep your drains open, without using powerful industrial chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. These industrial products usually contain acid, lye, or other chemicals, and can be dangerous in many ways - including your wastewater system, the PVC pipes, as well as to your health.

You may want to use a more gentle and natural approach to keeping your drains from getting clogged. Many health food stores now carry natural cleaners that are bacteria based enzyme cleaners. Pouring a cup of baking soda down your drain will also work in many cases, if followed by pouring three or four cups of boiling water down the drain immediately afterward. This works as long as water has not yet begun to back up in your drain. This is effective because the chemical composition of the baking soda is then changed by the boiling water, which makes it more alkaline.

Your toilets, showers, laundry areas, and sinks can easily become clogged for a whole variety of reasons. Sometimes the drain may become sluggish, but will not be completely clogged. Before you call in the plumbers, try running the hot water for about ten or fifteen minutes. Many times you will find that this will open the drain, at least partially. Sometimes you can also remove the basket strainer from a sink's drain, and then carefully use a plunger to open up the clogged drain completely.

When a fixture such as your sink, tub, or toilet will not drain properly, or has become very slow to drain, you know there is a drain blockage somewhere in your plumbing system. No matter what the problem turns out to be, it must be repaired quickly to avoid further plumbing problems. Try the do-it-yourself methods described here to see if that will solve your problem.

If you are not pleased with the results of your own efforts at unclogging your drains and blockages, it may be time to call in the experts. They will also check your entire plumbing system to make sure you do not have a bigger problem that may need attention.

The Major Benefits of Pex Tubing

Pex is an abbreviated form of cross linked polyethylene which in itself is described as polyethylene having cross links. Pex plumbing is mainly used in domestic water piping, hydronic radiant heating systems and for insulation for electrical cables. For extensive usage it is used for offshore oil application, natural gas, transportation of slurries and sewage and chemical transportation.

Pex is an alternate choice for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The sizes of the PEX ranges generally from ¼ inch to 4 inch, the widely used PEX sizes are ½ inch, 1 inch and ¾ inch.

Advantages of using PEX

• PEX is basically used for hot and cold water usage and it can be made adaptable to PVC and copper.

• PEX is very flexible and so it can be bent into a radius of 4 inch for 3/8 inch pipe and 5 inch radius for ½ inch pipe.

• It requires fewer fittings there is less breakage or leaking point.

• Since the pex tubing being flexible it can expand or contract on its own and there is a less chance for bursting.

• Since this form of tubing comes with kit repairing set, its usage is also simple.

• All typical fittings such as elbows, shutoffs etc. are available in pex tubing.

Installation

To install this kind of plumbing there are two methods namely compression and insertion. Compression involves more work as compared to insertion. PEX comes in rolls of 100ft or general 10ft length. Pex fittings under this kind of method are generally used for buried projects or for the interiors. Pex plumbing generally has freeze damage resistant property and requires no extra insulation. It is for this reason that this type of plumbing are perceived quite ideal for water plumbing.

People who are into the plumbing or tubing business mainly employ PEX for the plumbing purposes. The good thing about the PEX tubing is it lasts for a very long period. This tubing is not only used in household but is also used in offices as well. Further, it also has chlorine resistant property as well and so it makes drinking water much safer.

PEX has high density polyethylene polymer that makes the tubes stronger and long lasting as compared to the tubes that are made of copper, plastic, iron and lead.

Pex fittings come in different sizes and colors. The two main colors that are commonly used are red for hot water and blue for cold water. These fittings are suitable for those places where the temperature mostly remains freezing point. Besides, these kinds of fittings can also withstand high temperature up to 200 degree Fahrenheit or 93.3 degree Celsius.

In a nutshell it can be said that pex tubing is always beneficial for the people in terms of cost and time management.

Do Your Own Plumbing - Home Renovations Tips

The most expensive part of your new house is the plumbing. By the time you have run the hot water pipes and the cold water pipes and bought all the fixtures you have spent the most of any other part of the house. So it is wise in the planning stage to try and group your plumbing all relatively close together. It seems a bit silly to have a massive house and an en suite located way over on one corner all on it's own. You have to run cold water pipes to it and hot water pipes to it and waste water pipes away from it. Makes that one little room very expensive.

That being said, you will probably find that one must be a licensed plumber in most places to be able to install plumbing to a house. However, if you are just going to install an outside kitchen say, outside at your BBQ or something similar you may be able to do it yourself. Or if you have that cabin at the lake and you need some extra plumbing installed it is not difficult if you follow a few guidelines

The cold water is relatively easy to plumb with the easy to use 1/2" pipes and fittings available these days. It does pay to use the plastic piping if you are an amateur. These come with all the fittings you will need and just glue together. You can cut your plastic piping to length with a simple hack saw and glue it all together. Make sure you clean your cut inside and out side with some fine sandpaper to make sure all the burs are removed and to enable the glue to hold properly. Some products come with a solvent that you use to clean your joint before gluing. You can cut and lightly put together your pipe to make sure it is right before you glue it. T 's and straight joints and elbows in 90 degrees and 45 degrees mean you can make your plumbing fit anywhere. When you want to fit a tap say, there is the appropriate fitting that has attachments to fit to the wall and a threaded end for the tap to screw into. Use thread tape here as you normally would and you have a top job.

The hot water is best in 1/2" copper pipe and you don't need the gas and fittings that the plumbers use. There is screw up fittings you can use so with a couple of wrenches you can soon have your hot water in. You will need a tube cutter for giving your pipe a neat cut so that the fittings will be leak free. There is the same range of fittings as the cold piping so you can plumb anywhere. One advantage of copper is that it is flexible and you can bend it a little to get a better fit. Make sure all your pipes are held securely with brackets quite often so you don't get that knocking when the tap is turned on.

Your waste plumbing is done in 4" sewer pipe which feeds into the sewerage. Your other fixtures will feed into that in their relative sizes. Toilets are plumbed straight into the 4" sewer pipe while baths and sinks and showers etc. are in 2" pipe and have to be reduced to go into the sewer pipe. The exception is the bathroom vanity sink which is usually 1 1/2" pipe. All this piping is in the easy to use plastic so you can cut it with a fine hand saw and glue it together with same tools as the cold water pipe. Once you get into it it is really quite fun and very satisfying to see your plumbing all working. Make sure you do a water leak test before you put all your tools away as you may need to tighten a joint or two.

So there you go. Pretty easy really. Have a go and you will find that you will enjoy it.

Most Common Plumbing Problems

Defective Toilet Flush

The first thing you will notice upon your assessment is a loosen flush handle. A working flush handle will produce a slight resistance or pressure upon pushing it down. Check the top tank and install this again for a quick fix. If this doesn't work, check of there is anything obstructing form the inside of the tank. Check the other parts regularly as it may need replacement or re- installment. Again if this does not fix your problem, consult with a plumbing service to save you from a more serious damage.

Clogged Drain

A common plumbing issue is a clogged drain. This is usually caused by the accumulation of waste products that eventually slows down the flow of fluids from the sink. Such waste products could be debris from the buildup of grease or food. Usually, the drain has some protective part for this kind of problem. After you have tried all possible means for this problem and if you assessed that there is already a long- term accumulation of debris in your drain, you might want to consider having your plumbing system checked.

In your bathroom drain, accumulated hair strands and soap chips may cause the drain to be clogged. To prevent too much build up of wastes, place a hair trap on the drain and check it regularly. Most plumbers such as the Provo Plumber suggest that homeowners should try all possible solutions first before consulting with a professional plumbing service. One common step is to use a plunger.

If this does not work and the drain is still clogged, you may use a chemical cleaner but bear in mind not to use a plunger after pouring it into the drain. This may result to splashing of the chemicals and may end up to a more serious problem. Be careful not to mix the chemicals because it may react rapidly. Be cautious after pouring the chemicals as it may produce gases. From these steps, the clogs will eventually dissolve and free the obstruction from the drain. If this does not happen, try calling for a professional plumbing service to assist you.

Most Common Residential Plumbing Problems

Almost all households have plumbing and drainage systems in place. And when problems arise, home owners often try to solve these issues by themselves. Although some problems can be handled by the average person, there will come times when it will still be best to call in professional plumbers to handle the situation. These residential plumbers can solve all plumbing issues with their expertise.

Homes in Reading, Berkshire are no different. Thus, it is essential to have reliable plumbers in Reading. Many Reading plumbers are trained to handle most, if not all household plumbing concerns. These residential plumbers are competent, and ready to assist.

Bathroom plumbing is the reason for most plumbing calls. Bathrooms have the most plumbing installations compared to other rooms in a home.

1. Toilets
Toilet clogs and toilet leaks are probably the two most common home plumbing problems. Easy fixes to these include the (almighty) plunger, and cement seals. Although most times these two solve most bathroom plumbing problems; sometimes it is best to call in a professional to ensure a clog or leak will not happen again.

2. Bathtubs and showers
Showers can sometimes be clogged, usually this means dirt, foreign materials, or other minerals have accumulated in the pipe and have to be removed. A reliable plumber in Reading can help dissolve the elements causing the clog.

3. Bad odor
It is not unusual for a bathroom to succumb to odor issues; be it from the toilet or bathroom drainage. This can be caused by burst pipes and dried up pipes.

4. Slow draining of water
Impeded drains are caused by various foreign objects in a bathrooms piping. Most often human hair is the culprit, but other things also contribute; such as soap scum, and bodily fats and grease. These cause slow draining of water and other liquids in the bathroom.

The next room to the bathroom that plumbers frequent is the kitchen. And the usual suspect is the sink. Any expert plumber in Reading can help you take care of kitchen plumbing problems.

1. Clogging
The clogged sink is the closest relative to the clogged toilet. Accumulated foreign objects blocking the drainage pipe underneath the sink often hinder the water from properly draining.
2. Imbalanced water pressure
When someone turns on the tap in the kitchen and the water in the bathroom stops, it is a bad problem. These imbalances are caused by poorly installed plumbing systems, and it is advisable to call a home plumber to check the lines.
3. Leaks
The kitchen is also susceptible to leaks, just like the bathroom. Although home owners have the option of plugging the leaks themselves, it is still advisable to have an expert check it out to make sure the leaks will not return.
These two rooms usually take the brunt of plumbing jobs. Finding someone who can effectively take care of these problems in a timely manner is essential. You may call someone in only to find that person to be a plumber reading a manual in the middle of work. It is best to find a professional, insured, reliable plumbing service in Reading to handle your plumbing at home.

How to Fix a PVC Pipe With Water Gushing Out

Down here in Florida, and I guess this would be true for other places in the south, where it never gets cold enough, long enough to freeze water pipes, a very unusual practice takes place. At least it's unusual to me, because I grew up in Michigan, where all pipes that have any kind of water in them must be buried under the frost line, and that is 4'6" where I'm from, deeper if you go further north.

The unusual practice that I speak of is, having the feed for lawn sprinkler systems exposed above the ground. Let me explain, the feed for this is usually a 1" PVC pipe that rises about 2' above the ground with a 90 degree elbow, then a short piece of PVC with a threaded coupling, this threaded coupling goes into a 1" brass ball valve, next there are back to back 1" cast iron backflow preventer's with strainers, then back into a 1" brass ball valve another short piece of PVC a 90 degree elbow and finally back in to the ground where it will usually go to the garage to a water management timer and from there it feeds the sprinkler system.

Now think about this for a moment. We have these two 1" PVC pipes sticking up from the ground holding up about 30 pounds of cast iron and brass components. I don't know who the genius is that thought of this, but it seems to be the standard for these systems here. The first house I lived in when I moved down here, this set up was right in the middle of the backyard. Pretty easy to spot when mowing the lawn, but it looked pretty ugly as well. The next house I moved to, it was tucked away in the back corner of the yard, out of the way behind the shed.

In the spring time down here we get a lot of rain and vegetation grows very fast, my weed wacker was broke and it had been a week or so since I had trimmed the yard. So I'm out there cutting the lawn on my riding lawn mower, which I had just bought a couple of months ago, because it is too damn hot and humid to be trying to push mow anything down here, and I was making my first pass around the backyard. as I passed behind the shed I knew that the sprinkler pipe was in this area but couldn't see it because the vegetation had grown up and hid it from my sight. I thought that I had given plenty of room and went right by. I don't think I moved ten feet when I could feel water landing on my back. I knew immediately what I had done. I pulled the tractor up another twenty feet, so it wouldn't get soaked and shut it off.

When I turned around I almost couldn't believe my eyes, water was shooting up into the air 15-20 feet. The first thing I thought of was to shut one of the ball valves, which was a great idea except for the fact that the pipe was broke before the valves and they were lying on the ground. At first the water felt kinda cold but after a couple minutes I was getting pretty used to it. I was really amazed at the water pressure coming out of that pipe. Being a pipe fitter I looked in my stuff to see if I had anything to cap this geyser off with, but I work on steel pipe and couldn't find anything. so I ran up to the hardware store and purchased a 1' PVC cap and some PVC primer and glue.

So the first thing that I wanted to do was to square off the end of the pipe that had been broken. I got out my 1/2" x 1-1/2" pipe cutter and cut it off about a foot above the ground. I then filed the end of the pipe so the cap would slip on to it nice and easy. Now keep in mind that the whole time that I'm doing this I am getting a steady stream of water dumped on my head, because it's shooting straight up in the air and coming right down on me. Not only that, there is now about 4 inches of water built up on the ground.

Alright, my pipe is cut an cleaned, so I put the primer on the pipe and then in the cap an then the glue on both. I then force the cap down onto the pipe and hold it with my hand in my crotch and applying all my weight on it. The water stops squirting out and I hold this position for about a minute, till my hand just couldn't take it anymore. I slowly start to take my weight off of the cap and then move away, thinking whew, glad thats over. I took maybe two steps backward and poof, the cap pops off and flies about 30 feet into the air and water is gushing everywhere again. Just about this time my wife comes out and says "maybe we should call a plumber". HAHA very funny.

After I found the cap, I saw that it had only gone onto the pipe about a quarter inch. Maybe the water was messing with the glue. so I cleaned everything back up and had her hold the other pipe, the one that had broken with the 90 on it, so it would shoot the water away from me and the pipe so the glue wouldn't get wet. At least I'm not the only one getting wet now. I reprimered and glued the pipe and cap. Once again I tried to force that cap back onto the pipe, but the pressure was just too strong and I just couldn't get it to stay. I again heard that little voice "maybe you should call a plumber". I am not paying someone $90 an hour to fix this when I know I can do it myself. Just then, it hits me, and I think to myself you idiot, you sure wouldn't fix this, like this at work.

So I head back up to the hardware store make my purchase and hurry home. By this time there is probably 6 inches of water on the ground and my wife says do you need my help? Nope I got it. I clean the pipe off one last time and apply the primer and glue to the pipe and the PVC ball valve I had just purchased from the hardware store. with the valve in the open position I slip it onto the pipe and make a quarter turn and hold it in place for about a minute. When I'm sure the glue has set I simply closed the valve and my nightmare was over. I purchased a ten foot piece of PVC pipe, three 90s, one straight slip coupling and a couple threaded couplings. It only took about a half an hour to completely rebuild the whole thing, and needless to say I don't let the weeds grow up that high back there anymore.

I hope that this story has helped you. I know that I could have just told you from the beginning what to do, but I think you'll remember it better this way.

Safety on the Go - Portable Water Filtration

Portable water filtration devices allow those of us who are not interested in living our lives inside the few walls of our homes a safe option when we go out. No one wants to worry about their health when going on a simple camping trip, or any other outing that is supposed to be fun, but with concerns about water safety on your mind that is exactly what happens. Water borne diseases are prevalent now, and will not abate with the carelessness inherent in so many all over the world. With this in mind, protecting your water supply from contamination is tantamount to protecting yourself.

A portable water filter is exactly what it sounds like, it is a water filter that you can carry with you when you are hiking or camping, to purify the water you plan on using there. It removes lead, chlorine, mercury, bacteria and parasites from the water you pump through it, allowing you to rest easy that you are not going to pick up a disease from these untreated rivers or streams that you so enjoy seeing.

Now I am sure you are asking yourself, why should I filter that water rather than carrying bottled water or chlorine tablets instead? There are bacteria and parasites that chlorine tablets will not kill, so using them will not give you a 'safe' glass of water, nor will it do anything for the bad taste the chloride leaves behind. Bottled water might be fine for a day trip, but staying overnight means carrying a huge supply, which can get quite costly, especially if you enjoy the outdoors and spend as much time as you can there.

What is more, all bottled water is not created equal, some is more healthy than others and some is not healthy at all. There are no real standards set for its purification, and bottled water is put into plastic containers, which are being churned out to destroy the environment while we drink through one bottle and the next.

On the other hand the long term expenditure, portable water filtration, can eliminate the bad taste associated with chlorine tablets, get rid of those heavy metals that can be dangerous, and the rest of the contaminants present in outdoor sources of water. Even better, you won't have to put up with the odor that turns your stomach before the water passes your lips. Whichever way you look at it, there is no replacement for pure natural drinking water and once you put water in your portable filter, you get just that!

Los Angeles Plumbers - Clogged Drains in the Kitchen and Bathroom Call For Plumbing Experience

When you have a clogged drain, it may seem like your entire house is off balance. Whether it is a clogged sink, in the kitchen or bathroom, a clogged toilet, or a clogged drain in the shower or tub, plumbing repairs need to be handled as soon as possible.

Many people attempt to unclog their own drains when a problem arises. Whereas this may solve the problem temporarily, in the long run it will be best to contact professional plumbers to make sure your home and its plumbing system will work properly for the long term.

Excess hair in the bathroom sink, tub or shower is usually to blame when the plumbing becomes clogged. Many people will use a wire coat hangar or other household item to try to pull the hair out of the drain. This usually ends up making a big mess in the bathroom, and the clog will still be there. Using a plunger may also work temporarily, but again you will want to bring in the plumbers to clear everything up and get your pipes back on track.

If the bathroom sink is clogged up, the plumber will get under the sink and remove the trap. The trap is the u-shaped section of pipe under the sink. If they cannot locate the clog in the trap, the plumbers will go further down the line and use a cable auger, more commonly referred to as a snake. This process will not only locate the clog, but clear it out as well. Shower, bathtub, and toilet clogs can also be cleared out in a similar way. In any case, make sure to trust your plumber with these important repairs in your home.

Best Products For Clogged Drains

You can find various products on the market that claim to be the best Products for Clogged Drains. Well, All plumbing systems develop clogs and there is simply no way to avoid it. Still, you can fix most stopped-up sinks and plugged toilets without calling in a plumber. The only things you need to do that are the right tools and a little determination.

If you want to make the best use of the best Products for Clogged Drains, you must first learn how to clear stubborn clogs in a kitchen sink, bathtub, toilet and floor drain. There are many techniques that can help you dislodge virtually any clog.

However, you must keep in mind that if you cannot clear a clog after a few attempts of using the best Products for Clogged Drains, it is always prudent to turn the job over to a drain-cleaning service or licensed plumber. Always remember that exerting too much force can permanently damage a pipe or fixture. Little knowledge is very dangerous. Therefore, put your hand ion this only if you know the procedure and have the confidence that y6ou can do the job successfully without leaving any loose end.

The best Products for Clogged Drains and the specialized plumbing tools used to combat clogs are affordable. You can find them at any hardware store or home center. Some of them are even available on rent. Plunger is one of the best Products for Clogged Drains. This is the tool to reach for when trouble arises.

Common Plumbing Problems in a New Home

There isn't much in the way of testing out your plumbing configuration in new home construction until you move into the house and start to use the water system on a regular basis. When the plumbing is first installed into a new home, it usually undergoes a pressure test to ensure there are no leaks in the system. This is the only test that can be done until the homeowner moves in and contacts the utility company to have the water turned on.

Many times, even though the water lines are pressurized with air, it is not possible to find all the leaks - if they exist. When the water is initially turned on, it can wash any loosely sealed areas of the piping away. Because of this, it is not uncommon for small leaks to be detected in the plumbing after new home construction. In most cases, leaks can occur around threaded joints, but can also occur in glued joints. After the water is turned on for the first time, a plumber can tighten the joints with a standard plumbing wrench to ensure they are tight and not leaking. They may have to use new plumbing sealer to ensure that no further leaks are possible.

In a joint that has already been glued, however, the pipe will have to be cut out and replaced with a new one because there is no way to seal a glued joint without breaking it open. This type of leak is most common in the basement or foundation of the house near the water heater and hot water lines. The water pressure coupled with the heat of the water can lead to this type of leak.

Another common issue with plumbing in new home is with the fixtures. It is important to check over all the water fixtures in a new construction when the homeowner moves in to ensure that plumbers and installers correctly tightened them. It is possible that a faucet or a knob wasn't tightened properly during installation. It is also possible that the plumber may have tightened a fixture too much, causing damage. For this reason, it is imperative that homeowners properly look over any and all faucet, toilet and tub fixtures before they begin regular use.

After your initial inspection of your new home's plumbing system when the water is first hooked up, you should perform another inspection after 30 days. Leaks can sometimes show themselves after a month of regular use. If your plumbing is showing no signs of leaks or problems after 30 days, you can rest assured that your plumbing is in good condition and will last for many years to come. It is always a good idea to perform annual inspections of your pipes to repair any potential problems before they become a larger, more expensive issue.