DIY Plumbing Repair - Down the Drain

One common plumbing problem that often occurs at the most incovenient of times is a clogged drain. Many home owners are tempted to reach for a bottle of their favorite drain cleaner - they are easy to use, supposed to be quick, and you don't have to get your hands dirty. The problem with quick fixes - as with many things in life - is that the quick fix may not be the best.

Most drain cleaners these days will not damage your plumbing when properly used. The key is to make sure that you use them properly. If your home has a septic system, make sure that any cleaner specifies it is safe for use in septic systems. Different types of drain clog removers may target different types of problems and have different instructions, make sure you follow them to get the maximum effectiveness.

Sometimes a liquid cleaner will not be enough to take care of the problem. A number of years ago we received a lesson in what not to put down your food disposal - cantelope rinds. The disposal had no problem grinding them up, but a few feet down the drain they re-assembled into am impassable clog.

The first attemps was the faithful old plunger. A plunger works on the concept of hydralic pressure (simply put, you cannot compress a liquid) to move the blockage. The problem with this approach in a kitchen or bathroom sink is that the drain may not be the only outlet - there are often multiple drains and/or overflow connections which make a plunger useless in these cases

The next step was to try and remove the sink trap. Once you get to this phase, you need to make sure you have a bucket and a few towels handy. If you had previously attempted to clear the clog using a chemical drain cleaner you need to be careful here as there may still be residew in the sink, pipes, or trap. Before removing the trap, make sure to drain as much of the sink water as you can.

Place the bucket under the trap and loosen the connection to the portion of the pipe leading down from the sink to the trap. By opening the down facing segment of the pipe first you should be able to confine the draining water to the bucket - if you remove the horizontal portion first you are likely to make quite a mess as the water drains in that direction. If the remainder of the water drains from the sink, you know your clog if further down the line. If the water does not drain, then you need to check the segment between the trap and the sink for obstruction. Usually a screwdriver or length of bent clothes hanger is sufficient to check and clear any blockages found.

Next check to see if there are any obstructions in the removed trap. Either take it to another sink and see if water flows through it unobstructed or use a length of clothes hanger to probe for (and remove) any blockage. If you found something blocking the trap, you should be all set. Re-install the trap and run the water. If you found no obstruction, it is time to search further.

So the sink and the trap are clear, what next?

This is where you may need tools that you might not have handy but it is definitly a job for the correct tool. Don't try to explore the pipe with anything that might potentially be dropped, break, or otherwise become lodged in your plumbing - the idea is to correct the problem, not cause bigger problems. The correct tool for the job at this time is usually a plumbers auger (also called a snake). This is a long, flexible, springlike contraption that is "snaked" down into the pipe. You can purchase a small, basic plumbers snake at any home superstore or plumbing supply store and they are fairly inexpensive (another example of a tool that pays for itself the first time you can use it instead of calling a plumber).

Push the auger into the pipe until you encounter a blockage. If you are using a manual auger, you may need to twist it (they usually have set screw and handle to help) to get around turns in the pipe. Once it reaches the clog, you twist it to "auger into" the blocking substance. If you have a fibrous clog, you will pull the auger back along with a portion of the clog - repeating as many times as necessary to remove it. For softer clogs (like grease) you may just force the auger through the clog and rely on water pressure later to help continue to remove the loosened clog.

If you are unsure that you have cleared the clog completely and you want to check before you re-assemble everything use a hose to run some water down the pipe. Run the water SLOWLY - you don't want to find out the hard way that the clog is still there. Keep your bucket underneath the pipe while testing. If it is cleared, re-assemble your sink/trap and run your water for a while - make sure that your drain is working normally - if it is slow, you may still have a partial blockage.

One other potential solution is the "as seen on tv" water blaster variety of drain clearers. These gadgets are usually very inexpensive and typically consist of a small rubber nozzle with a hose fitting on one end. The concept is simple, you stick the nozzle into the drain, hook it up to a hose, and turn on the water. The water pressure first makes the nozzle swell to fill the drain or pipe opening and seal/hold it in place. Then the nozzle forces water into the pipe hopefully clearing the block by building up pressure behind it. If you listen, you will hear the clog clear and water flow rapidly down the pipes.

A couple problems to be aware of with these systems: If you have PVC drain fittings (as many sinks do), you better make sure you connections are good - if there are any minor leaks or loose fittings you are likely to end up with a sprinkler system under your sink. From personal experience there is one other problem you may run into. When you turn off the hose, the pressure that previously swelled the nozzle to hold it in place is gone - however there is still water and pressure in both the line and the nozzle. The results similiar to shaking up a soda bottle and removing the cap - it makes a great funny story to tell you friends in hindsight, but it's not quite so funny when you are mopping up the kitchen.

Finally, if none of the above have worked, it is time to call in the professionals. As I have noted in previous articles, a good contractor is worth every penny they charge you. Most will not only help you out with your problem but will also suggest how you can prevent it in the future and if necessary point out problems that need to be addressed.

Ray Breitenbach writes for Simple Home Repairs. Please visit for more information on how to perform you own basic home repairs

Discount Plumbing Supplies: Saving Money on Supplies

When you need a lot of plumbing supplies, you need discount plumbing supplies. This way you can get all of the supplies that you need for the job you have to do, but get them all at a discount. No one like to pay full price for anything, and getting something at a discount just makes it so much better. You will find that they are not hard to find, and you can find the supplies at a discount most anywhere if you know where to look.

The first place that you should look for discount plumbing supplies is your local discount plumbing supply store. You will see that they can offer part, pipes, and fittings at a lower price than your plumber might be selling them to you for. Going into a discount store like this is sure to pay off in the end if you are looking to buy a lot at one time. You will need to know what size fittings that you will need, as well as the right size of pipe for the most perfect fit that you can have. Some plumbing parts will have a standard size, and if you are not sure what size it is that you need for your plumbing, you can just buy the standard, and be sure that you will be able to use them in some project down the road that has to do with plumbing.

Many times plumbers will offer discount plumbing supplies if you have a large plumbing job for them to do. This is because they probably got the parts at a discount in the first place, and you can then get a discount from the plumber as well. If you have a plumber that will only charge you cost for the parts and supplies, that is a great deal. You know some plumbers make a lot of money off the supplies that they will use to get the job done. But to have plumber only charge their customers cost for the supplies is great. You will not find many plumbers that will do this, but if you have a plumber that is your friend, you just might get lucky in the money saving department.

If you can use used parts, you might be able to find many discount plumbing supplies that you will be able to use. While not every part that you might come across used, will be able to be reused, you might be able to save some money and cut some corners by using some used parts. This is a great help to anyone that is trying to get a plumbing job on a budget themselves, and you will be glad that you checked out the used parts as well when you were looking for a discount.

As you can see, there are many ways to get discount plumbing supplies that you need. Just because the piece is not brand new does not mean that you can not use it. Always be sure that your plumbing parts have a tight fit for the best results, and you will not go wrong.

Carl has been a professional plumber in a company he owns for more than 10 years not only is he experience in unclogging just about anything but also an expert in installing plumbing fixtures and installing new water lines. Carl will give you some helpful tips on plumbing installation when you visit http://www.alliedesolutions.com

Great Reasons You Might Need Plumbing Consulting

Plumbing consultants are the people that will come out and give you plumbing consulting, and tell you what your plumbing problems are. Not only are they problem solvers in the plumbing area, they can do so many things for you where your plumbing concerned. There are many reasons why you might need to hire a consultant, and they are all listed below.

1. Building a New Home

If you are building a new home, you are going to need a plumbing consulting. Having a consultant come out to the site, and tell you what you need to do, or which direction you should take your plumbing, will be the best thing that you can do. This way you hear from a professional, the right way to do the plumbing. You should have this done wether you are doing the plumbing yourself, or hiring a plumber to get the job done.

2. Remodeling a Home

Anyone that is remodeling their bathroom or kitchen will need to hire a plumbing consulting. This consultant will be able to let the home owner know the beat way to get the job done, and if the remodel will be possible. It is best if you call your consultant before you start the job, and you will see that this will save you time and money in the long run. This is in case you have already done something to the remodel that the consultant advises against. You will not have to go back and redo anything that you have already done. Be sure that you call the consultant first.

3. Leaks

Do you have pipes leaking under your home that you can not fix, and make them stop leaking? If so, it is time to call a plumbing consulting. This consultant will be able to come to your home, and tell you the best way to get your pipes fixed, and keep them from leaking. You will not have to worry about leaky pipes, and puddles under your home any longer when you fix your plumbing the way the consultant tells you to.

4. Plumbing

If you need to have your plumbing done, and do not want to tackle this yourself, calling a plumbing consulting will be your best bet. They can come out, and do the job themselves, or hire someone to get it done for you. Of course, you will have to pay for the job to be done, as well as the consulting in the long run. However, to keep from having to crawl under the house, this may be worth it to you, and to have it done rather than your having to deal with it yourself.

5. Installations

Having bathtubs, or sinks installed into your home might call for a plumbing consulting to come out and make sure that the job is going to go smoothly. You will need to be sure that you find one that is knowledgeable in what you are having done to your home, and make sure that they know the best way for the plumbing and installations to be handled as well. A reputable consultant should be able to help you with this.

As you can see, there are many reasons you might need a plumbing consulting. They are more than just a plumber, and will get your job done for you in the event you do not want to mess with it yourself. You will see that they can be found in your local telephone book, and you not regret giving one a call if you are in need of plumbing assistance.

Carl has been a professional plumber in a company he owns for more than 10 years not only is he experience in unclogging just about anything but also an expert in installing plumbing fixtures and installing new water lines. Carl will give you some helpful tips on plumbing installation when you visit http://www.alliedesolutions.com

Planning Your Plumbing Projects Carefully Before Starting

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!

Concentrating on latest developments in kitchen cabinet, he writes articles mainly for http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com. From his detailed publications such as http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/faucets.html, the author established his skill on topics associated with kitchen faucets and countertops.

Is your Plumbing Business Leaking Money?

Any Plumbing business Website not linked into other websites of Industry specialists is leaking money. Any plumbing business not using an Email address in their advertising campaigns is suffering a major money break.

To date, there has not been any organization to show Plumbers how to link together with other trades and their websites. Plumbers need to advertise and market their services better and to understand how linking their websites provides the strength that the World Wide Web now demands.

All the Search Engines on the ‘net have changed their search criteria and if you aren’t linked, you simply don’t get ranked beyond the 100,000,000’nth place. And precious few people look beyond the first 10 to 20 names. People simply haven’t got the time or patience required to search so far.

Constructing Profits shows Plumbers how to advertise their services better through their website and seminars.

Because each Trade in the Building Industry has its own professional Associations, the desire to link with each other simply hasn’t been required. This requirement probably hasn’t been realized yet because everyone is too busy looking after their own people and that is as it should be.

The WWW is now a very demanding monster that is based on content and relevancy. The deciding fact for relevancy is now very much dependent on who links to whom. And this is where constructing profits can provide the relevant ‘glue’ to all the different trade associations, or to independent websites, so that relevancy is established.

We need to construct our own industry network web within the WWW.

Something else that I have found in my recent research is that many (far too many!) Plumbers in Australia don’t even list an Email address in their Yellow Pages advertisements. In today’s world this could almost be called “Business suicide”.

If you are unfamiliar with the ‘net, that is still not a reason for not having an E-mail address to take requests in a written format for a job. You don’t have to have a website to have an E-mail address but you do have to have an E-mail address if you want your business to grow.

The other advantage is to being able to take job requests in writing to protect you legally. If something goes horribly wrong with a job, and you have the job request in writing, you then have legal proof of what the job request entailed.

Many people will write an E-mail but they won’t write a letter. In fact, I would recommend every acceptance of a quote for a job is confirmed by E-mail.

Constructing profits is showing Plumbing and construction contractors how to “link up” to make more profit and spend less hours doing it.

By constructing our own network web within the WWW we gain industry relevancy in the Search Engine algorithms which translates into more jobs from our Email and Websites and more profit for our various businesses.

Constructing profits in a business is the foundation of a sustainable business.

http://www.constructingprofits.com Showing contractors how to make more money ~ working less hours!

DIY Bathroom Plumbing - Sewer and Septic Odor

One common problem many homeowners run into is a sewer or septic odor in their bathroom. It may not be strong, it may not be constant, and it may only occur occasionally but it can be annoying and/or embarrassing when it does happen. Often the first inclination of the homeowner is to attempt to use a cleaner or deodorizing agent to stop the odor. While this may mask the problem, it usually will not address it. One important note for homeowners with septic systems - be careful of what chemicals you put down your drains - bleach and other cleaners can harm the normal operation of your septic system - check with a professional first.

Every drain in your home plumbing system should have a trap installed as part of the line. This is simply a curved section of pipe that "traps" water in it. If you look under your sink you should see an example of a trap. This will usually be a straight portion of pipe from the sink connected to a curved section that dips down and then back up before connecting to another horizontal section where the water exits. If you were to look inside your wall you would see a "T" section where the pipe goes down to your septic/sewer and up to an external vent.

The purpose of the trap is not to capture jewelry or other object dropped down the drain as many think but to hold water to prevent sewer/septic gas (and odor) from entering your bathroom. Every time you use the sink, shower, or tub some water collects in the trap blocking the gases and odor. If a component of your bathroom is not used frequently (i.e, the bath in a guest bathroom) then the water can evaporate and allow some gases to escape back into the bathroom. The good news is that this is very simple to prevent and/or fix. The solution: pour water down the drain. If you keep the trap full of water by running the water periodically you should not have any problems with odor. If this was the cause of your problem then the odor should dissipate in a short period of time once there is water in the trap.

Another possible cause for odor is the build up of slime, mold, hair, etc in the tailpiece (the portion of pipe that comes out the bottom of your sink) or overflow of your sink. The popup stopper in many bathroom sinks and tubs can also build up this "gunk". Use a small flashlight to check and see if you do have any buildup. If you do, clean the buildup out (remember to use a cleaner that is safe for your sewer or septic system) and see if that addresses your odor problem.

If the odor persists, it could indicate a more serious problem and you may want to consult a professional - they will have the tools to correctly diagnose and fix your problem.

Ray Breitenbach writes for Simple Home Repairs. Please visit for more information on how to perform you own basic home repairs.

Deciding When To Hire A Plumber For Plumbing Help

Life would not be very comfortable or smell very nice if we did not have proper water systems in place within our homes and offices. As with any system that is used on a daily basis, the essential elements that make up your water supply system eventually start to break down, requiring a good deal of maintenance. Kitchen and bathroom taps and faucets start to weaken and corrode.

Toilet seals set against the floor start to develop soft spots and wear, leading to potential leaking and flooding problems. When possible you should really try to learn the basic elements of the plumbing systems in your home in the event that you need to explain your plumbing problem to a contractor or even (gulp) decide to attempt the project yourself.

Not all plumbing help jobs require years of experience or expensive tools to accomplish. The main thing to remember is that you should always evaluate the particular problem you have to do and decide if you are up to do the work. Do not let your pride talk you into attempting a job that is clearly out of your grasp. You will only end up regretting your decision.

Plumbing Readiness

There is no real way to accurately predict when you are going to have a plumbing emergency. One night you lay down to have a good sleep and the next morning you are wondering what to do with the new pool of wastewater in your basement. There are some minor problems that you can try tackling yourself, like fixing a leaky tap. However, there is always going to be those jobs that simply scream out to be handled by a professional. In addition, in this situation, that is not you.

Sometimes trying to do the work yourself can make the mess worse though so be wary of your decision to jump in and work on any plumbing problem yourself. There are some things you can do to try to minimize damage though, while waiting for the plumbing help to arrive. If the problem is a leaky pipe joint, try to seal the leaking area with tape or cloth. If the leak is too bad, find and turn off the main water valve in your home and call for professional plumbing help.

Helpful Tips

Even people, who know a lot about plumbing need help once in awhile, so do not feel shy about asking for help for your renovation project or plumbing emergency. You never know when you are going to need professional assistance so always make sure you find and keep a reputable plumber’s contact information nearby. To find a good plumber, do not be afraid to ask your friends and family or even the people you work with, to recommend a good plumber they have dealt with before. The yellow pages are not the best place to find a plumber because anyone can advertise their services, regardless of how badly they provide them.

When you are up to your waist in a plumbing help emergency, you do not want to be concerned with finding the best plumbing help at the cheapest rate. This is the reason that you should find someone capable and reputable before you need his services.

You can also find more info on Plumbers and Basement Plumbing. i-plumbing.com is a comprehensive resource to known about plumbing.

Finding A Reputable Local Plumber

If you are a homeowner, you will almost assuredly have plumbing problems once in awhile. Anything from simple tap leaks to more complicated problems like clogged or leaking pipes. If you find yourself in a plumbing situation that you cannot - or should not - deal with yourself, you need a professional plumber. Why knock yourself out trying to deal with the problem, when help is just a phone call away?

Finding the Right One

When searching for a plumber, stabbing randomly at the phone book listings is not the best way to go about it. The chances of finding a good plumber in this way are so low it is not even worth your time. It is more likely that you will go through many bad ones first before you find anyone who is even up for the job. There are, of course, several qualified plumbers in the phone listings but it is like finding a needle in a haystack - except that, in this case, you are likely up to your knees in a water emergency. There are many amateur plumbers out there, and it is up to you to weed them out from the professionals who can really do the job.

Getting referrals from your friends or people you work with is one of the best ways to find a good plumber. Of course, being a good plumber is not always enough if it takes hours to get the work done. You need to find someone who can do good work, fast. You really do not want some amateur plumber turning something the wrong way, breaking off a tap, and flooding your house, right. So make sure you always take the time to find the best plumber you can afford.

It is not always easy but before hiring a recommended plumber, you should really try to make sure of their reputation. It is important to know if anyone you are acquainted with has had any sort of bad experience with the plumber. It is important to have the right information to be able to evaluate your plumber’s ability to get the job done

Big Company vs. Small

One of the main problems with using a large plumbing company is the fact that they tend to overwork their employees. Unrealistic quotas placed upon the plumbers oftentimes results in quick, sloppy work. However, smaller companies have their own share of specific problems such as small budgets for training programs and not being able to hire the best employees. Referrals from friends and family are still the best way to find the all round best plumber to solve your problem.

You can also find more info on Plumbers and Basement Plumbing. i-plumbing.com is a comprehensive resource to known about Plumbing.

Fastest Plumber Always Gets The Job Done Right

If you find yourself in need of a fast and reliable plumber, the fastest plumber will do in this case. Some manufacturers, Kohler Co. and Ferguson Enterprises of Wisconsin, had a “Fastest Plumber Competition,” in which the plumber who could do the job the best and quickest took home the top prize. This competition allowed many plumbers to compete for a prize and world status as the fastest plumber. Although the completion is intense, the best plumbers from all over come to show their abilities.

Regional Competitions and Finalists

This competition evolves around doing the job, getting it done quickly and professionally. For the pass six years, these businesses have sponsored and hosted the event with the competition being kicked off with forty-six regional competitions across the country. In order to qualify for the finals, the plumbers were required to install a bathroom consisting of a Kohler toilet, lavatory faucet, and faucets and taps in a ceramic shower. The final eight plumbers were then asked to compete in the final round of competition, in which only one of them would be chosen the winner.

Competition at its Best

The final was held in 2006 at Green Bay, Wisconsin. For the final test, they were judged on skills, these amazing plumbers had to install a toilet, a bathroom faucet, and the famous, but difficult three-piece shower unit. However, this time, to show their professional quality, they also had to hook up the water line. Normally taking as long as a day to complete, the new winner completed this project in record time and beat the standing record of a full day.

As part of the contest, the plumbers selected and their families were treated as guests of Kohler Company at Kohler’s well known American Club for the weekend and as a the football game played by the Green Bay Packers football game that took place after the winner was announced at the competition.

Who Was The Winner

Robert Rousch was given the title after finishing the competition with a time of one minute and eleven seconds short of the best record the competition has had since the beginning. Mr. Rousch was also blessed with a cash award of three thousand dollars. It pays to be fast and competent in the plumbing business. After starting out as an entry-level plumber, Robert has spent the past ten years working for one company who provides excellent service to their customers.

The Speed of Things And Quality

While you want a speedy plumber with the qualifications to get the job done, you can assure that even if your plumber did not win an award, he is still trained and qualified for this type of work. Plumbers do spend hours in school to learn everything needed. As apprentisits, they receive hands on training during the learning process, which provides for quality plumbers who stand by their work.

If you think your plumber is fast, maybe he needs some encouragement to enter the next competition to see if he can win the title. You never know, he might even surprise himself.

You can also find more info on Plumbing Repair and Toilet Plumbing. Sressmanagementmethods.com is a comprehensive resource to known about stress management.

How To Become A Fully Licensed Plumber

 

Starting At The Beginning And Training Up To Fully Licensed Plumber Status

It takes a lot of work to enter the world of plumbing. Starting off as an apprentice, you develop skills and gain experience during this time, but you want to take it to the next level. The next step is going out on a limb. On your own as a licensed plumber.

How To Become A Licensed Plumber

In order to apply you must have gained 3 years of more experience as an apprentice plumber. Once you have done so you are eligible to apply and sit the plumbers license exam. You need this experience beforehand, it's imperative. You must also have worked under a master plumber during this time and done in excess of three hundred hours of theory work.

What Is The Minimum Age I Can Apply?

You will need to be a minimum of eighteen years of age and in a position to meet the requirements outlined above. You will also need to actually pass the exam before you can gain certification as a licensed plumber. Your term of apprenticeship will enable you to gain the skills and experience necessary to successfully undertake this exam and pass.

Other Skills And Knowledge You Will Need

You will need to be able to work almost unsupervised

You will need to be able to read documentation and understand it. You will need to understand technical diagrams and accurately estimate how much jobs are going to cost any potential customer. Setting a fair price and being able to accurately assess this using estimates is essential.

You should be able to do basic mathematics and have good dexterity.

You will need to display an aptitude for mechanically related tasks as well as being comfortable using hand and power assisted work tools.

You must be able to relate well to your customers, and communicate in a clear and easy to understand manner.

You should be able to draw up paperwork showing what work was undertaken and the materials used.

You will need to be physically mobile and able to lift modestly heavy weight.

Even though this may sound daunting at first, do not be discouraged. Providing you have the above attributes or the capability to learn what you currently are not able to do, over time you will develop the skillset required to apply and successfully pass the plumbers license exam.

These skills are currently in high demand and the wages are very good, which makes it a worthwhile career undertaking.

Richard Davies writes for Plumbing Problem Solutions. Find out more about becoming a licensed plumber, hourly rates, emergency plumbers and lots more for free at => Plumbing Problem Solutions