Plumbing Is Often Neglected In Home Improvement Plans

If you are planning to take on a home improvement project, the plumbing involved is probably something that is causing you to worry. Whenever you make major alterations to a property plumbing is usually involved and needs to be done properly. It is easy to gloss over the importance of plumbing in your home improvement projects, making sure it is done well can save you time, money and stress in the long run.

You should consider where plumbing will be involved in your project before you start and make sure you plan for it in advance. Usually home improvements that involve a kitchen or bathroom will involve a degree of plumbing work. Depending on the scope you may feel capable of tackling the project yourself, or you may want to play it safe and employ a professional. You should get a quote and ensure your plumber is available before you begin your project.

Plumbing is an area that most homeowners are not shy about admitting they don?t have a clue about. Many avoid the issue, being happy to pay someone else to tackle the problem for them, but there is actually a surprising amount the homeowner can do for themselves. There are whole range of books and websites available with diagrams and detailed instructions to guide you through simple or even fairly complicated plumbing tasks. The types of tasks that can easily be undertaken using an online plumbing guide or handbook include installing a new faucet or drain tap. If you want to replace long lengths of pipe, on the other hand, you may be best to find someone with plumbing experience. Perhaps you have a friend who would be willing to help out which will reduce the overall cost of your home improvement project.

Producing a detailed plan with timelines for your project and the plumbing activities involved, will help you to identify what you can do yourself and what you need to involve a professional to help out with. Your time line will be a good way to keep track of what needs to be done, how it will be done, and by whom.

Plumbing activities can involve anything from replacing a faucet to installing new pipes and most tasks are not as tricky as you may have been led to believe, as long as you have the correct information coupled with the confidence to do them properly. Thorough research on the tasks required will let you make an informed decision whether you can tackle the job yourself. Although not always difficult, plumbing does take a great deal of time so if feel you wouldn?t have the patience then your best option is to call in a professional.

Some people may find little reward in plumbing as no one can see the results of your efforts, but good quality plumbing will allow your home to function well without leaks or endless repairs. For those that feel comfortable trying their hand at plumbing, they may find it easier than they expect. For those that don?t there is no shame in calling the plumber!
Johnathan Bakers often publishes long articles on areas relating with kitchen cabinet and countertops. His contributions on kitchen faucets can be found on http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/faucets.html .

Cooking - Kitchen Valve And Hose Plumbing

When fixing a kitchen sink, you can experience a home improvement project that is either pretty straightforward or nightmarish. A lot is dependent on your hoses? and valves? overall condition.

Most people are capable of turning off the water supply valves, using some clockwise turns. However, aging valves or unused ones are subject to breakage, and may begin to leak. You should always have help nearby, ready to turn water valves controlling your house?s supply.

Your main water valves are near your curb and under a cement lid that has a tiny hole in it. This hole allows utility people to get the lid off with a hooked rod, but using a finger is okay.

If you live in the countryside, look for a special location or well. Find out where they are before starting.

When the water is off, there is only a tiny spillage amount from leftover water and, in the case of kitchen sinks, some cooking leftovers, within your pipes and hoses. Clear the area under your sink first, put some towels down, and keep a pan at the ready.

Next, look for nuts, screw-like clamps or tintype clamps, like the ones you find in your car?s radiator. These connectors have to be undone.

Make sure your hoses and valves are in good condition and if need be, replace them. Get all your supplies and some plumbers tape.

In some instances, old valves will need cutting off with either a tiny torch or hacksaw. You may also find that these old valves have been welded on, and if so, get threaded-type replacements. However, leave plenty of piping left for rethreading. If need be, get a plumber.

Few year old hoses and valves may have a build-up of calcium carbonate. It is a chalk-like substance on shower and bathroom.

If things stick, pry them loose with some quick turns. However, be careful not to loosen or break pipes, as you may have to replace or reseal them. Both ways are not pleasant, as breaks do not always occur in accessible locations. Then, when you have taken out everything, use fine sandpaper or steel wool to clean any surfaces.

The next step is easy enough, but tricky. Cover the smooth, threaded areas where your hoses and valves with plumbers tape, a few layers will do. Most importantly, always be sure to have the tape threaded in the turning direction of the hose or valve. Tightening the tape when you screw on the hose or valve is a good idea.

Then get the valve screwed on, the hose attached and the clamps tightened, but not too tight. Everything should be snug.

Test the valve slowly, making two turns, and check for leakage. If done properly, the tape and threads will prevent leaks.

Whatever happens, do not give into frustration; just restart if the job fails and try again. Thankfully, you should not have to go through this again for at least a few years.

Robert Carlton published first and foremost for http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com , a website on the topic of home improvement . You can come across his writings on kitchen sinks and cooking on his site.