You Can Do It Yourself! Tackling Diy Bathroom Plumbing

Do it yourself. A generational catch phrase born from the crop of reality-based television programming that has captured an audience with extravagant remodels accomplished over a weekend and elaborate decorating on a budget. Do it yourself ? or DIY - always existed as concept ? budget-conscious homeowners pulling up their sleeves to tackle a project armed with tools and the ability to think on their feet. But the phrase do it yourself has produced a whole new harvest of weekend warriors filled with newfound confidence and eager to experience the self-satisfaction of a job well done.

Nothing seems to urge on do-it-yourselfers like a DIY bathroom plumbing project. The evidence lays in the community of homeowners who have dug in their heels, refusing to shell out hard earned dollars to a plumber simply to rectify a leaky faucet. The DIY bathroom plumbing project runs the gamut from drippy faucets and running commodes to noisy nozzles and flooding floors. But even more diverse are the extended projects that result from this initial foray into DIY-land. Suddenly, a DIY bathroom plumbing project becomes a full-blown remodel ? vanities replaced; showers re-tiled; original floors swapped for their newer counterparts.

For those who have strapped on their tool belt and begun their journey into their DIY bathroom plumbing project, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is imperative that before beginning any repairs of sinks, toilets, and showers to turn off the water to that location. Nothing ends a DIY bathroom plumbing project quicker than a surprise flood. Further, any project involving electricity should be handled with extreme caution. Just as you turned off the water ? turn off the electric power in the bathroom before tackling any projects.

Secondly, be sure that you have the appropriate parts to complete the DIY bathroom plumbing project. Parts that don?t fit will elongate the project and can easily end with disastrous results.

Finally, do your homework. Be sure to research the DIY bathroom plumbing project prior to starting. The Internet can be an enormous source of information as can your local home improvement store. And remember, you may be doing it yourself, but that doesn?t mean you can?t call in a professional if you get in over your head. Sometimes a pro can actually wind up saving you money in the end.

If you are well-researched, organized, and on your toes, your DIY bathroom plumbing project can pay dividends. Not only will you have the bathroom you want, but you?ll have the unrivalled satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself.

For easy to understand, in depth information about plumbing visit our ezGuide 2 Plumbing.

You Can Do It Yourself! Tackling Diy Bathroom Plumbing

Do it yourself. A generational catch phrase born from the crop of reality-based television programming that has captured an audience with extravagant remodels accomplished over a weekend and elaborate decorating on a budget. Do it yourself ? or DIY - always existed as concept ? budget-conscious homeowners pulling up their sleeves to tackle a project armed with tools and the ability to think on their feet. But the phrase do it yourself has produced a whole new harvest of weekend warriors filled with newfound confidence and eager to experience the self-satisfaction of a job well done.

Nothing seems to urge on do-it-yourselfers like a DIY bathroom plumbing project. The evidence lays in the community of homeowners who have dug in their heels, refusing to shell out hard earned dollars to a plumber simply to rectify a leaky faucet. The DIY bathroom plumbing project runs the gamut from drippy faucets and running commodes to noisy nozzles and flooding floors. But even more diverse are the extended projects that result from this initial foray into DIY-land. Suddenly, a DIY bathroom plumbing project becomes a full-blown remodel ? vanities replaced; showers re-tiled; original floors swapped for their newer counterparts.

For those who have strapped on their tool belt and begun their journey into their DIY bathroom plumbing project, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is imperative that before beginning any repairs of sinks, toilets, and showers to turn off the water to that location. Nothing ends a DIY bathroom plumbing project quicker than a surprise flood. Further, any project involving electricity should be handled with extreme caution. Just as you turned off the water ? turn off the electric power in the bathroom before tackling any projects.

Secondly, be sure that you have the appropriate parts to complete the DIY bathroom plumbing project. Parts that don?t fit will elongate the project and can easily end with disastrous results.

Finally, do your homework. Be sure to research the DIY bathroom plumbing project prior to starting. The Internet can be an enormous source of information as can your local home improvement store. And remember, you may be doing it yourself, but that doesn?t mean you can?t call in a professional if you get in over your head. Sometimes a pro can actually wind up saving you money in the end.

If you are well-researched, organized, and on your toes, your DIY bathroom plumbing project can pay dividends. Not only will you have the bathroom you want, but you?ll have the unrivalled satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself.

For easy to understand, in depth information about plumbing visit our ezGuide 2 Plumbing.

 

Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures - It's All in Design

There is more to bathroom plumbing fixtures than meets the eye. Take for example the wide ranges in finishes - chrome, copper, gold, brass, nickel, and more; or the varieties in design - traditional to minimalist.

In the bathroom, consumers have access to a vast array of finishes and design options through manufacturers such as Sigma, Perrin & Rowe, Sussman, and Porcher. Take for example Sigma faucets and basins, which come in literally dozens of finishes. One particular finish, called "the living finish", oxidizes and changes with use, creating a dynamic yet rustic look. Other Sigma finishes include matte, gloss, and polished finishes in everything from chrome to gold.

Sigma, along with Perrin & Rowe, offers a wonderful selection of traditional faucets and basins that vary from traditional English style plumbing to a Greco-roman look in a vast array of available finishes.

For those seeking simplicity, Porcher, featured on FinestFixtures, has a line of products offering some of the latest in European minimalist design by leading designers such as Gae Aulenti (Monoblock Faucet) and Enzo Mari (Angular Ceramic Sinks). Minimalism involves stripping away the frivolous and unnecessary, leaving clean and simple lines, but without sacrificing luxury and style. Basins by Art Ceram and KWC faucets also offer bathroom and kitchen designs to those seeking simplicity - take for example the KWC faucet "Eve", which was featured in Time Magazine in October 2006.

Toilet manufacturers have made leaps and bounds in delivering products offering easier maintenance and greener more environmentally friendly designs. Toto and Porcher both offer lines of sleek dual flush toilets imported from Europe and Japan, which dramatically reduce water consumption without sacrificing functionality. Toto boasts the world's most expensive toilets, with seat options that include a remote warm water wash and dry feature for huge savings on your toilet roll consumption.

President of www.finestfixtures.com, an e-commerce website specializing in the delivery of bathroom vanities and other fixtures, Glen Albert Phillips was trained with a masters in business administration (MBA) at HEC Montreal and ESADE Bracelona. With Coordinated Kitchen and Bath and Colours By Paula, he has completed a number of collective construction projects in the residential re

What To Expect From A Plumbing Contractor Service?

Any home runs and functions properly only if all the allied services and systems function the way they should be. A building structure like a home building depends heavily on various systems that work round the clock to serve the residents. Some of these systems are

*Electrical system
*Plumbing system
*Security systems

Out of these the plumbing systems is primarily divided into water intake and drainage. All those points that take in water and throw or carry the waste water out of the building, follow a system.

Every single element of this entire plumbing system has to be 100% "water tight". By water tight I mean leak proof. When a pipe starts to leak, it happens usually at joints. The leaking of joints can happen because of two reasons.

1) The pipe is carrying more water than what it is designed for. Because of this the water flowing inside extra pressure from inside. And the only possible weak point is at joints.

2) The joinery of pipes is itself weak at the time of installation of pipe.

* A plumbing contractor must first understand the various standard diameters of the pipes required for the type of service the pipe provides.

For example the water intake pipe has a lower diameter than a drainage pipe. Also the material of both the pipes is different. It can range from PVC to cast iron.

* If you are planning to hire a plumbing contractor service, ask for a quotation before the work starts.

* A good plumbing contractor will always give you alternative solutions for a given problem to be solved. These alternatives can be with respect to budget alternatives or material alternatives.

* Always hire a licensed plumber. A licensed plumber is always a pre-qualified professional from the government of the country in which you reside. most countries have such kind of certification available for professionals.

I hope this article was informative.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

Are you a homeowner looking for a plumbing contractor? register FREE with your ZIP code and get a list of pre-qualified licensed plumber contractor service in minutes. No work begins without your approval. Visit http://bedroom-design-and-decorating-ideas.com/plumbing-contractor.htm

DIY Plumbing Repair: Finding Out How to Do the Job

When you have plumbing problems, and need to get the plumbing fixed, you need DIY plumbing repair. However, if repairing your plumbing is not something that you know how to do yourself, you might be wondering how you can learn this. There are many places that you can learn how to fix your plumbing problems yourself and you will not have to rely on a contractor to come and do this job for you. More and more people everyday are starting to do their own DIY repairs from plumbing to everything else that might need it. But not everyone knows how to go about doing this. There are several places below that will be great for learning how to DIY.

1. Library

Going to your local library and looking for books that show you how to DIY plumbing repair will be a great big resource when you are learning DIY plumbing repair. You will find that there are many books on this subject at your local library, and you will be able to check them out and take them home to study them. When you study them, be sure that you take notes, especially on any problems that the books say you might encounter. This will ensure that you can get your plumbing fixed with little hassles, and you will have running water again in no time.

2. Online

Searching online for DIY plumbing repair will bring you to many places that you will be able to read up on fixing your plumbing problems. You will see that there are many website that explain this job in great detail, and then getting it done will be a breeze for you once you have read over the how tos that you find online. You might even come across an email address so that you can ask questions to the expert that is giving advice as well.

3. Plumber

Asking an experienced plumber about DIY plumbing repair is a great way to find the information that you need for doing this job yourself. Most plumbers are straight up about any problems that you might have, and you might even run a across a plumber that will walk and talk you through the process. If you have a good friend that is a plumber, ask him if he will come over and tell you what you need to do to fix the problem yourself. You will see that any plumber friend that you might have will be more than willing to help you learn the ropes of keeping up your own plumbing.

As you can see, there are many places that you can go to learn how to DIY plumbing repair. You will find that the picturers you find in the library books will make the instructions seem easier, and if you happen to have a plumber friend, well that is the way to go for the easiest DIY job that you can do.

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 diy plumbing when you visit http://www.alliedesolutions.com

Plumbing Problems May Require a Plumbing Contractor

Most plumbing woes require a licensed professional, whether repairing a leak, or insuring trouble-free installation of new plumbing and fixtures. This article gives insight to common plumbing problems, and tips for remodeling or new construction.

Plumbing is something everyone must deal with, whether finding a plumbing contractor for new construction, a remodeling project, or just providing plumbing repair.

When Do I Need to Call a Plumbing Contractor?

Some common problems found with plumbing include: Rattling pipes; may be caused by several factors, most commonly because they are not sufficiently secured or strapped to the wall frame. The pipes may need to be properly secured. Slow drains; may be partially clogged. If a kitchen sink, the dishwasher may be improperly plumbed. The drain may need to be unclogged, or the dishwasher plumbing corrected. Loss of hot water when another faucet is turned on; especially in older homes when hot and cold water pressures are not balanced. A pressure balance valve may be required. Toilet tank leaks; plumbing parts inside the tank or seals may need replacing.

To make sure these plumbing repair problems are properly addressed, or when doing a remodeling project, you may want to enlist the services of a licensed plumbing contractor.

Plumbing a Remodel or New Construction

A remodeling project might include new plumbing design or new plumbing installation. You will want to meet with the plumber and all contractors involved and develop a timeline, so everyone works together and the project goes smoothly.

Before taking bids from potential plumbing contractors, make sure you have detailed plans. Provide each candidate with an identical copy of the plans. Rule of thumb is to get at least three different bids for a project.

Ask candidates if they are licensed to do plumbing. Also request references. Ask each candidate when they could start, and when the project would be completed. Take the time to check references on other projects they have completed.

To find a licensed Plumbing contractor in your area, use references from people you know, or check with a local licensing agency. Online resources are also available; people in Canada can find a qualified, licensed plumbing contractor at www.handycanadian.com.

Max Sheppard is Co-Owner of Handy Canadian.com at http://www.handycanadian.com and Handy American.com at http://www.handyamerican.com. Handy Canadian.com and Handy American.com is your one-stop renovation information web site.

Repair Your Plumbing? You Can Do That!

Not to long ago my water heater went out. Just like that you think all is well then whamo a small leak appears. I was faced with a decision, fix it myself or call the plumber. Well after getting several estimates ranging from $1500 to $2500, I decided to do it myself.

It's really not that to hard to repair plumbing. In this article I will give you some pointers to help aid you in this endeavor. And hopefully spare you from the high cost of paying for a plumber. Nothing against plumbers but this project is doable.

Steps it will take:

1) As soon as you realize that the old water heater has to go start draining it. It can take several hours to drain. Remember to turn off the main water valve and open up all of the faucets to eliminate any pressure. if it's a gas unit make sure that you turn off the main gas line in the house and if it is electric turn off the breaker. Think safety first.

2) Try and purchase the same unit. This will prevent you from adding pipe and new valves.

3) Size up the job and disconnect the tank from the water pipes, gas line or the electrical connection. If it's gas you will need to disconnect the flue as well. Save all parts in order to match them up when you purchase your supplies.

4) You will need to have on hand plumbers tape, small gas torch, solder, flux, plumbing sandpaper, pipe cutter, gas tape (to seal gas line) and maybe some pipe glue. Ask the sales person at the hardware store for a more defined list.

Once you have disconnected the tank remove it from your work space. Do a thorough measurement of the remaining pipe for reference when you go to the hardware store. I will be honest with you, you might need to make a few trips back to the store. Once you get the new tank, slide it into place to line up the plumbing.

If you bought the same unit it should line right up, if you were unable, you will need to remove or add length to the existing piping. This may require you to splice together copper with plastic, don't let this scare you the hardware store will have all of the necessary parts.

If you need to add copper pipe make sure that you clean the old and new pipe by using sandpaper, inside and out. If it's not clean the solder will not flow into the joint. Another tip is to not over wrap the mail threaded pipe with tape, this can cause a leak. Twice around should be enough. Also, don't over tighten it.

This may sound complicated but trust me, if I can do it, anyone can. Just take it slow, ask questions from the hardware specialist and go online for more instructions. One last item, if you have a gas unit your county or city may require an inspection. The inspector will verify that the gas connection is right and that the angle of the flue is right. Don't take a chance with gas, make the call to have someone come out and inspect your work.

Your should be able to complete this job for $500 or so and the tools and supplies will be available for when your dishwasher goes out. Good luck.

Dennis Watson - Just helping others succeed.

Zeoh.com Free Classifieds Web Site =>http://www.zeoh.com/

You Can Do That - Blog =>http://www.you-can-do-that.blogspot.com

Building a New Home? Don't Take Plumbing for Granted

Today there are alternatives to metallic systems

(ARA) - Building a new home means having choices and making decisions. So if you're planning to build a new home, be prepared to spend an endless number of hours looking at options and making final selections.

When it comes to cabinets, faucets, light fixtures and floor coverings, everyone expects a lot of choices -- different styles, colors, finishes, price ranges, etc. Even windows come in different shapes, sizes and energy efficiencies.

Yet, when it comes to something as important as the home's plumbing, most people don't ask any questions. They assume they don't have a choice. For many generations, metal (in the form of galvanized steel or copper) was the only material available. Look in the basement of any home built before the Kennedy era and it's unlikely you'll see anything but metallic pipes.

Today is a different story as a host of alternative materials -- many of which are plastic -- now garner significant market shares.

Why has plastic gained such popularity? Metal has demonstrated a number of pitfalls through the years that have been documented by numerous studies and lawsuits. Pinhole leaks and premature system failures, caused by metal's natural tendency to pit, corrode and scale, have opened the door for more reliable, virtually maintenance-free systems.

Of these, CPVC (post-chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) plumbing systems, which have 40 years of proven experience, are the most popular. CPVC pipe and fittings, such as those used in FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing systems, offer a number of benefits over metallic systems. Primarily, they never pit, scale or corrode, which eliminates the risk of premature failures and costly re-piping, in addition to possible property damage.

FlowGuard Gold CPVC systems are also highly energy efficient with natural insulating properties that keep hot water hotter and cold water colder than metallic systems. In addition, condensation, which is a common problem with metallic pipes that can cause drip damage to walls and foundation, is virtually eliminated.

As water quality becomes a significant concern in this country, CPVC piping has gained high marks for its ability to maintain water quality. There is no leaching or metal contamination into the water supply, so there are no related health concerns. And without pitting or corrosion, CPVC systems are able to maintain full water carrying capacity throughout their entire life. If you've ever looked inside a piece of old copper pipe, you've probably seen a thick layer of hard minerals. These minerals can dramatically reduce the diameter of the pipe, which reduces water flow and water pressure, and can inhibit the efficiency of many water-using appliances. Eventually, homeowners with corroded pipes must completely re-pipe their home at an average cost of $6,000.

Through the years, many homeowners have come to accept water hammer (or banging pipes) in their homes, which is typical of metallic systems. CPVC systems, on the other hand, resist water hammer. They also minimize water flow noise, which has been proven by independent testing laboratories to be four times louder in copper pipes.

Although CPVC systems are most often used in new construction, they are also compatible with other plumbing systems used in remodeling projects, the addition of a guest bathroom, or the replacement of a failed copper system.

For more information on the benefits of CPVC plumbing systems, visit www.flowguardgold.com or call (888)234-2436 (Ext. 7393) to locate a FlowGuard Gold professional near you.

Courtesy ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

Essential Plumber Tools For The Do-It-Yourself Plumber

In the journey of homeownership, there will undoubtedly come a time when a professional plumber must be called in to address repairs that are simply out of the average homeowner?s comfort zone. However, just as often there will occur those simple plumbing repairs that do not necessarily require the attention of a professional. For those of us who wish to tackle these repairs, it is essential to have certain fundamental plumber tools on hand in order to successfully complete the project.

There are several basic plumber tools that should be included as staples in the average household.

One plumber tool that is absolutely necessary in the common tool kit is called the plumber?s pliers. This particular plier ? also often referred to as channel lock pliers or water pump pliers ? is used to steadily hold a pipe in place while making a repair. Its serrated teeth make it an invaluable tool.

The pipe wrench is used to tighten pipes. The unique design of this plumber tool lends itself to tackling the most common of plumbing projects with ease of handling.

Another plumber tool of the utmost importance is a basin wrench which allows the at-home plumber to manipulate nuts and bolts underneath a sink. Because of the awkward positioning of this job, the basin wrench can be extraordinarily useful.

Additionally, an open-end wrench allows you to maneuver under a leak; you can tighten the bolts you need to tighten without losing your grasp. There are open-end wrenches of varying sizes; be sure to have several choices in your collection.

Be sure to also include pipe cleaning tools, tape, nuts and bolts of all sizes, and even a pipe cutter. If you are unsure about what to include as part of your essential plumber tools, visit your local home improvement store where you?ll likely find knowledgeable employees who will be happy to help.

Additionally, the Internet can be a valuable resource in gathering information about fundamental plumber tools. Do some research in advance to be sure to arm yourself with the most appropriate plumber tools for your tool kit.

Once complete your kit of plumber tools will prepare you for any at-home plumbing emergency. With proper preparation you can either perform a temporary fix until a plumber can arrive or simply repair it yourself. The rewards will be significant savings and the priceless feeling of self-satisfaction.

For easy to understand, in depth information about plumbing visit our ezGuide 2 Plumbing.

Crane Plumbing

When it comes to plumbing manufacturers Crane Plumbing is one of the biggest in North America and they've got huge line of products that are manufactured.

There are more than 20 facilities throughout North America that are responsible for producing all the product lines and there are more than 3000 employees all with specialized training in the plumbing industry. So whether you are new to plumbing or an old pro they'll be able to assist you.

Crane has been producing quality fixtures for more than 130 years. That's an awfully long time! You'll find their products in the home, in hospitals, apartments, schools, hotels, and commercial places. And even if you don't see the Crane name chances are you've seen a Crane product because they market under a variety of brand names which include.
1. Crane Plumbing - Full line of fixtures and accessories
2. Universal Rundle - Full line of fixtures and accessories
3. Showerite - Full line of shower doors
4. Fiat Products - Specialty plumbing products
5. Sanymetal - Bathing compartments

Wait, there's more. They have plenty of product categories to choose from too.
1. Vitreous China - toilets, lavatories, urinals, flushometer, marine fixtures, penal fixtures, hospital fixtures, counter top sinks, pedestal sinks.
2. Enamel Steel - lavatories, bath tubs, kitchen sinks.
3. Plastic Wall Surrounds - Tubs and showers.
4. Acrylic & Gel Coated Fiberglass - whirlpools, soaker tubs, steamsuites, showers, tubs, physically challenged bathing units.
5. Cultured Marble - lavatories and vanity tops.
6. Molded Stone - service basins, laundry tubs, shower floors.
7. Commander - commercial showers, change stalls.
8. Terrazzo - commercial shower floors.

If you don't believe how common Crane is have a look at the stamp on your toilet, or checkout the lavatory in your parent's home. You'll find the Crane stamp on more than 50% of the fixtures you check.

The warranty is excellent. Another reason to buy Crane. Of course it varies depending on the product but they range from anywhere from 1 year to 10 years depending on the item and there may be a few that are even longer. And warranty claims are handled professionally and with as minimal of hassle as possible.

Crane is well known not only for the quality products but also for the good prices and terrific selection. It's a great feeling to know you can hit one manufacturer and get everything you need without having to run all over the country.

It's even better when you can grab your comfy desk chair, turn on your computer, and let your fingers go shopping. In no time you can find exactly what you want and there is no looking for parking, and no running around town burning up gas and time.

The most important thing before you start shopping is to know what it is you really need. It's too easy to get caught up buying pieces that aren't necessary. Make your list and then stick to it. If you are looking at bigger items it also pays to set a budget and then to price compare online.

Crane Plumbing is a name you can trust in your home renovations.

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.

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.

Basic Plumber Tools For Any Job

Having the right tools for the job is important in any line of work. Some tools are specifically suited for plumbing work. While some tools are important for professionals to have, there are many lower-grade tools that will serve the amateur DIY quite nicely. If you find yourself a DIY project starter, you need to have the tools and materials needed to complete the job successfully.

For many homeowners, working on simple plumbing projects around the home requires a set of basic tools. While it is always, a good idea to buy the best tools you can afford, several jobs will only require simple, basic hand tools to get the work done

The Basic Plumbing Tools Needed

The important thing to remember about plumber tools is that they are specialized to do specific jobs. One important tool that no one every mentions is the plumbers tape. A true plumber keeps this right on his tool belt.

One of the first essential plumber tools you will need is a pipe wrench. However, just as wrenches come in many styles and sizes, they also have many purposes. A basic fixed size wrench set is a good place to start, as there will always be standard sized nuts to turn. An adjustable pipe wrench is one of the best tools to have in your kit as it can easily be adjusted to fit a wide range of nuts. There are several more specialized types of wrenches and they all serve a purpose.

A good set of pliers is also an important plumbing tool. A basic tool usually found in most tool kits is the sliding jaw pliers, which is capable of opening to fit various sizes of nuts and pipes. One of the most common tools to have at your disposal is a set of Vise grips, these are vital in many situations, the adjustable clamping pliers, which will handle almost every sort of clamping or turning job you have to be done. Some of these pliers also utilize a short length of chain to grip smooth pipes or irregularly shaped items. The chain also allows the grip to extend to turn larger diameter pipes.

Stay Prepared and Have Your Tools

Having these simple plumber tools in your home will help you prepare to handle almost any home plumbing repair situation on your own. If you have every wondered about plumbers tools, you now have some idea about the tools and the necessity to keep the tools on hand. Whether you have a big project or a small project, you need the proper plumber tools for the job.

If you need wrenches, screwdrivers, cutting tools or pipe cutters, you can find these at your local hardware store along with the plumbers tape. Keep the plumbers number handy in case a problem arises or you need assistance right away. This would probably cost you some money on the weekend, when most things go wrong, but in the long run a DIY project usually takes place without any problems.

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

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