What Tools Do You Need As A Do-It-Yourself Plumber?

If you want to be a do-it-yourself plumber, make sure that you have following tools available to you.

Wrenches

There are many types of wrenches, but the two main types that will prove very handy for you as a do-it-yourself plumber are: adjustable wrenches and pipe wrenches.

Adjustable Wrenches

You can open or close adjustable wrenches to fit nuts, bolts of several sizes and fittings that have flat sides. You can find different sizes of adjustable wrenches that may range from 4" to 2' long. However, you, being a do-it-yourself plumber, can do with 10" to 12" handle only. They are good general-purpose-size wrenches. When you are using an adjustable wrench, make sure you have positioned it in such a way that the force applies against the fixed jaw.

Pipe Wrenches

Pipe wrenches are useful when it comes to gripping and turning threaded pipes and pipe fittings. Their adjustable and toothed jaws are specially designed for the purpose. These wrenches are available in various sizes that can range from 12" to 18" in length. Larger wrenches are suitable to fit larger pipes. In pipe wrenches also, make sure while using it, you are applying the force against the permanent jaw, and not the adjustable one.

Pliers

A do-it-yourself plumber must have the following pliers available to him/her.

Rib-joint Pliers

These tools are very handy when it comes to turning pipes, nuts, and fittings. You can adjust the size of its jaw by sliding the pivot along the slot and engaging it at various positions. This way, you can use it to firmly grip objects of various sizes.

Locking Pliers

You can use these pliers for clamping actions. You can use these tools to lock a bolt or a pipe. You can also adjust the size of the grip by using the knurled screw mounted in one handle.

Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are multipurpose tools. Whether it is changing faucet washers or dissembling plumbing related appliances, these tools come in handy. You must have various sizes and types of screwdrivers available to you. It is better if you have two or three sizes of each standard. If you have a 4-in-1 driver, it can be very useful for you. Make sure that the drivers fit closely in the screw's head, otherwise both the screw and the tip of the driver can be mangled.

Pipe Cutters

A few types of pipe cutters are also very handy for the purpose. There are pipe cutters that you can use to cut copper or steel pipes. Their sharp cutting wheels and adjustable jaw are specially designed for such purposes. Another type is a plastic tubing cutter that you can use to cut rigid and flexible plastic tubing like sprinkle pipes.

Measuring Tape

Sometimes, you need to measure runs of pipe. In such cases, measuring tapes come very handy. When it comes to measuring tapes, a retractable steel tape is the best choice for you. Moreover, it is better if you have a 25-footer measure tape, as you can easily extend its blade for several feet without any support.

Drain Clearing Plumbing Tools

When you face the problem of clogged drains, drain-clearing tools can be very useful for you. Some of the drain-clearing tools include drain augers, toilet augers, hydraulic blow bags, and toilet and sink plungers, etc.

These tools are essential for do-it-yourself plumbing jobs. They are very useful and can make your work much easier.

Owen Walcher writes for the a Find A Plumber Site which provides plumbing tips to consumer and helps people find quality plumbers in California.

Top Ten Reasons For Becoming A Plumber

Have you ever been told you need a college degree if you want a high paying career?

Do you know over 25% of all college graduates work in jobs that don't require a degree?

Do you know you don?t have to go to college to get a great job or a great salary?

It?s true, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics; eight of the top ten fastest growing occupations do not require a bachelor?s degree.

One of the hottest job opportunities right now is plumber. Here are the top ten reasons why you should pursue a career in plumbing:

1. It?s a hot opportunity- Human resource issues are a serious threat to the plumbing industry. There is an ongoing shortage of skilled workers and the coming wave of Baby Boomer retirements will cause the current large problem to explode into a gigantic one.

2. The great pay- Plumbers are one of the highest paid construction occupations. Pay rates of $20-25 per hour are common. And depending on your
location, you can earn up to $35 per hour and more.

3. Awesome benefits- The competition for quality plumbers is causing employers to put together amazing benefit packages including; paid vacations, retirement, and medical coverage including dental and vision insurance. If you join a union, the benefits are even better.

4. Incredible training opportunities- Most people enter the plumbing trade through an accredited apprenticeship program. By training as an apprentice you?ll earn a living wage, train with a seasoned veteran, and depending on the program you join you can earn college credit for the classes you take and the work experience you gain.

5. Employment stability- Employment of plumbers is less sensitive to changes in economic conditions than other construction trades. When construction activity declines; maintenance, rehabilitation and replacement of existing systems provide many jobs for plumbers.

6. Job advancement- Starting out as an apprentice and then reaching journeyman status you can accelerate your career by becoming a foreman, general foreman or even a piping superintendent. With additional training you could move into construction management or building inspection.

7. Create something that lasts- Plumbers help build homes, offices, hospitals, factories and sports facilities. You can be a part of something that lasts for generations.

8. Never be bored as a plumber- As a plumber you can work with gas piping, medical gas, water supply, waste water treatment, vacuum piping, underground utilities, residential service, residential and commercial construction? the possibilities are endless.

9. Make lifetime friendships- The construction community is a close knit group that serves and protects its members better than almost any group. Working as a plumber, you?ll make lasting friendships with other plumbers as well as members of other trades you work closely with.

10. Recognition- Get the recognition you deserve by doing quality work in the plumbing trade.

If this article has helped you and you think a plumbing career is the right fit for you, then visit the www.escoweb.com for more information.

J.K. Stephenson helps people find jobs that pay more than $20 per hour. Visit www.escoweb.com for more information

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 Plumbing & Is It Advisable For Your Home

When it comes to DIY plumbing, everyone knows the basics. We all know how to unclog a toilet or clean out a drain pipe, but what if the problem is a little more complex? Most homeowners can handle the minor DIY plumbing projects, such as the aforementioned scenarios. But, what happens if those harsh drain cleaners are a worry to have sitting around the house or you worry about breathing with their strong smell in the air? Below are a few tips to some very simple DIY plumbing projects, which are followed by information on how to know when to hang up your hat and call a professional.

If you have children or pets in the house, harsh drain cleaners may not be the best products to have in your cabinet. Instead, using a new toilet plunger to unclog those stubborn drains is one of the best kept DIY plumbing secrets in existence. This process works perfectly on a single sink, but gets a little more tricky with double sinks. In the latter situation, you will need someone else to help you and you will need a total of two plungers. Your friend should use one plunger to secure the air from exiting out of the properly working side while you plunge on the sink that is clogged. Depending on the severity of the clog, this may take a few minutes and some strength in using the plunger, but it’s much safer than using harsh drain cleaners. When plunging a sink, you must take special care to not push so hard that you damage the sink. At the same time, you have to use enough force to unclog the drain. When using this DIY plumbing method, always use a new plunger.

If you are experiencing problems with your toilet, always turn the water off using the knob at the base before proceeding to work with the repair. This will prevent any overflowing or other situation that may hinder your repair efforts.

If water finds it’s way to the floor of your bathroom, a quick cleanup may make the difference in moisture that eventually leads to a weakened floor or not having any permanent damage. The best way to clean water out of your carpet is by using thick towels to soak up the moisture. Never leave water to dry on it’s own as this will almost certainly lead to rotting of the floor, which will eventually cause the structure of your floor to weaken.

When it comes to knowing whether or not to work on a DIY plumbing project or call a professional, it’s best to gauge a number of factors. Among them, your level of experience in repairing similar problems, the time that you have to dedicate to the project and your level of patience. Plumbing can be stressful, especially when it relates to your own home. If you are not comfortable in completing the project correctly or have complete confidence that you can repair a leak without further problems, it’s best to call a professional. The same is true if you do not have the time needed to correctly make DIY plumbing repairs or the patience needed to make them. Plumbing, like electricity, is essential for your home and family. When it comes to these, nothing but the best will do.

Find all types of home improvement contractors who specialize at installing carpet, doors, siding, roofing and much more. If you are a home improvement contractor or an author of home improvement articles, add your site or articles today.

Is There A Plumber In The House?

 

I don’t know about you but I get really frustrated when I have to deal with anyone in the plumbing, heating, or electrical field. For the most part, the service is horrible, the contractors are unreliable, and the lack of professionalism is rampant.

Case in point, we’ve been working on adding a new bathroom at our house. We had a plumber all lined up to do the work. When we were ready for him, we gave him a call only to be told he didn’t have time to do the work. If he had told us that a month before we might have had a chance to line someone else up to do the work. So instead of a bathroom, we had a real nice porch. Fortunately, we were able to find someone else to help us out and the construction project is moving along.

Hub Plumbing and Mechanical in Boston has initiated a program called “Red Carpet Service”. Get this…the technician shows up at your house or business and literally rolls out the red carpet to protect your floors. They wear boot covers, have badges for security, and they actually arrive ON TIME dressed in clean red uniforms.

When you call their offices for an emergency, their phone is answered by a customer service representative who actually works for the company—not an answering service that just takes a message. The customer service rep can dispatch a technician immediately in case of an emergency.

The company also offers consistent pricing for everyone—no extra charges because you live in a fancy house.

I don’t know who the genius was who wrote this press release but it is masterful. It does exactly what you want a press release to do:

*It is newsworthy—the customer service bar is set very low in the trades so a trade company that actually provides good service is, sadly enough, newsworthy.

*It shows why this company is different from its competitors.

*It tells exactly what problems the company solves—they assist “both residential and commercial customers with code violations, sewer/drain clogs, garbage disposals, water heaters…”

*They even specify where they work—Dorchester and Wellesley.

Print this press release and save it. Use it as a model for all your future press releases. It really is brilliant.

Caroline Jordan, MBA, is a veteran small business owner, accountant, consultant, trainer, and author. She is the owner of The Jordan Result, a company specializing in developing real world, practical resources to help small business owners improve cash flow and business operations. She is the author of “Stop the Cash Flow Roller Coaster, I Want to Get Off!” Jordan is also an accounting and business professor. For more tips and articles to help your business succeed visit http://www.CashFlowRollerCoaster.com and http://www.TheJordanResult.com