Mold in the Kitchen can be the Result of Plumbing Problems

Some people believe that mold is a basement problem or possibly it will appear on an outer wall. The facts are mold is not that choosey, it will happily develop anywhere the conditions are right. Leaky plumbing will make the inner part of the lower cupboards moist. The wet wood is exactly the kind of base for fungus to grow on. There are molds that will grow on wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and insulation. Mold spore are everywhere just waiting to grow. There is no real way to get rid of all mold and mold spores from your home. The only way to control mold growth is to control the moisture level in your home.

There are many pieces of plumbing in the kitchen that can spring a leak. Either the supply lines or the drain lines can erode and begin to weep then drip and finally run. Often these growing problems go unnoticed until the last stage. Longstanding moisture from the weeping and dripping is all the water necessary to provide the growth conditions. Now do not get in a panic if you have a pipe spring a leak and you catch it in a week or so. It is very unlikely that this would be long enough to establish a mold culture.

When you find a leak there are a few basic steps to follow. First close the water supply valve to the area. There is probably a zone shut-off valve or for that area of your home. If the valve does not stop the water close the main water valve for the house Now mop up the water and dry out the area, maybe use a fan if there is a lot of moisture. Now address the leaky item. If the faulty part is a faucet or a supply riser line, you will be able to replace it yourself. However if it is one of the soldered in pipes, you may be well advised to hire a plumber to replace it. Often amateurs will create more problems when trying to solder new pieces into old pipe systems.

Some repairs are easier to do than others are. Many just take time and some are a major hassle. Particularly difficult are those that involve working on pipes that are hidden behind walls or under floors. If in doubt wire a professional. If a small section of a line springs a leak, it is likely that the whole pipe needs replacement. Fix all plumbing problems immediately it is best for the home.

If you keep on top of moisture problems and run your kitchen fan whenever cooking causes steam, you should never have a mold problem in your kitchen. This not only saves you money but more important, it is healthier for you and your family.

Jim Stewart has been involved with home construction and improvement for over 40 years as a tradesman, contractor and site supervisor and has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. Jim is a student of the industry and gladly passes on what he has learned. Jim is now the also the publisher of http://www.best-kitchens.com/ and http://www.Basement-Central.com/

Jim can be contacted at Homes42005@yahoo.com

The plumber will find out sooner or later. Help them out and you will come out ahead!

You see your little one send something down the pipe!! It gets clogged and you try all kinds of different ways to solve the situation. You call the professionals. When the plumber arrives he/she asks if you know anything about what happened. You have a choice to make.

Now I ask you, Do you think they are going to find out anyhow what happened? If you tell them up front, Is it a better experience for you?

Believe it or not selling a home is just like plumbing. Professional Realtors sometimes are called in to fix things that not working. They come in, get down right smelly and dirty and at the end of the day the job is done! Is up to the client if they want to help the plumber by disclosing what they know. One thing is for sure, the professional is going to find out sooner or later the real reason why the thing is not working right. Knowing up front will make it better for the client not necessarily to the professional. He/she is going to do their job period.

As an active Investing Realtor I get to see and hear a lot of sellers. As of now, just in case we have not known, it is a buyer's market. That means that buyers pretty much get what they want. That is bad news for you if you are trying to sell your home.

Can I help focus your thinking about you are trying to do? * Why are you selling? * How much money do you really need? * How soon do you need to move to another place? * What is the average day on the market for homes in your area? * How much are Realtors getting paid at the end of the day to move your home? (For me it is one of the most critical questions you need to answer truthfully.)

The answers will bring up the real situation that you are in. I ask, can you live with the worst case scenario if you sell the house today? When I go to sell one of my properties all I really look at is the money that I will collect for me and my family the day of closing. You have to do the same.

Real estate is done in black and white and in a sheet of paper. No buyer or buyer's agent is going to get fooled by me or you trying to get them to see that they are getting a "plasma tv" or a years worth of association paid up front. My question is why not just lower the price and give THEM a true bottom line so they also know at the end of the day how much is going to cost them to buy.

About the only thing you can do is the old tried and true thing that "spruce" up a home. If you have no ideas on what do go to: http://www.IsellOrlandoHouses.com and get the reports on what to do to make your home more marketable.

Tulio Troche is a local Investing Realtor in central Florida. When ever he is not with his family he spends his time looking at the real estate market and getting his share of it. His latest quote: "One never owns enough real estate"

Tulio Troche, GRI Broker Associate Exit Real Estate Professionals 11555 Lake Underhill Rd. Orlando, FL 32825 407.581.7470 Tulio@TulioTroche.com www.IsellOrlandoHouses.com

Tulio Troche, GRI Broker Associate. Investing Realtor in Central Florida helping out some selected families to buy or sell homes

Plumbers Methods To Unclogging The Kitchen Sink, Tub Or Shower Drain

There are a few alternative methods to unclog the kitchen sink, tub or shower drain. If you know these methods, you can save yourself from the costly visit to your local plumber. The methods are not very complicated as people think. You can conveniently use them at your home. You just need to follow the simple steps as mentioned below.

- There are many reasons that can lead to clog in your kitchen sink, tub, or shower drain. Some of the major reasons include food, hair, or even jewelry. The best and most convenient solution for this problem is to use an environmentally safe chemical drain unclogger. You just have to pour the product down the drain, and when it is dissolved in a few minutes, flush the drain with running water.

- Check if there is any problem with the drain pop-up stopper. Sometimes it is clogged with hair and debris. Therefore, see if it is opening fully.

- If the drain pop-up stopper is clear, there might be a problem with the drainpipe. You can use a plumber's snake to clear the clog in the drainpipe. Stick it down the drain and try to dislodge the blockage by pushing it down. If it does not work, turn the snake clockwise, and once it grabs onto the clump, pull the snake up and dispose the clump.

- You can also use a wet or dry vacuum to unclog the drain. Its sucking power can be very effective for the purpose.

- Another alternative way is to use a plunger. Pull the sink strainer or pop-up stopper straight up in order to take it out. Now, run a good flow of water into it and put the plunger cup over the drain. Push it down, then pull up sharply; do it several times. Gradually, the clog will come loose and you will be able to dislodge the same. You can increase the plunger suction by stuffing a rag into the overflow drain of the kitchen sink.

- After using a plunger or a vacuum, you should run a good flow of water into the drainpipe so that the clog could be washed completely out of the pipe.

- In case of a clogged tub, there might be a problem with the trip. The trip normally collects hair that causes clogging. In order to pull out the trip and remove the hair, first remove the assembly plate by unscrewing the screws that hold it. After you have cleared the trip, put it back down and screw the screws of the assembly plate.

Some Handy Tips

- When you use a chemical to unclog the drain, do not forget to use eye protection and gloves for safety.

- Make sure whatever chemical product you use will not damage the plastic or rubber pieces in the pipes or the garbage disposal.

- When you are using a plunger, and you are unable to pull out the sink strainer or pop-up blocker, just make sure that it is open wide enough to use a plunger.

Hence, if you follow the above steps and the precious handy tips, you will find it very easy for you to unclog the kitchen sink, tub or the shower drain.

Owen Walcher writes for the Best Plumber Resource which provides plumbing tips to consumer and helps people find quality plumbers in Illinois

What is Plumbing Consulting?

In just about every important thing we do in our lives, we look to find authorities that understand the intricacies of what we want to accomplish. If we want to build a building, we turn to an architect. For advice on how to grow a business we seek out marketing experts. It only makes sense that if we have a major project that involves plumbing, we would go for plumbing consulting.

Not often understood as the profession within a profession that it is, plumbing consulting is a task that is only undertaken by the most knowledgeable of persons in the plumbing field. There is not really a school to go to or a degree that can be obtained in the certification of plumbing consulting. Rather, proficiency in plumbing consulting is a result of years of training, practical experience, and good old-fashioned common sense.

In addition to requiring years of experience, consulting can be a highly lucrative choice of career. Because the cumulative knowledge of a plumbing consultant goes far beyond that of a typical plumber, a person who chooses to go into the field can be a great asset to any building project. Whether the project is the reworking of a plumbing network for an existing structure or creating a brand new one for a new one, competent consulting can result in huge net savings. Local municipalities may find plumbing consulting to be helpful as well. A professional consultant can save time and money when it comes to laying out new water systems or adding to an existing one.

Of course, it is fairly easy for anyone to claim to be proficient in plumbing consulting. Before hiring someone for your building project, check their credentials with your local and state plumbing associations. Make sure to get references and follow up on them. Verify their certification. Remember, a true professional will not only be happy to provide you with the information to do this, but will insist that you check them out before they contract with you.

Hazman is the owner of Plumbing Consulting, Do visit us to learn more about Plumbing, Plumbing Consulting, Plumbing Design, Plumbing Installation and Plumbing Supplies

How To Train As A Plumber

There are many sources of plumbing training, not all of which is classroom. Standard residential or commercial plumbers, pipe layers, steam fitters and pipe fitters all vary their training in one or many of a variety of methods. Most residential and commercial / industrial plumbing training is offered in technical schools or community colleges. This classroom plumbing training is almost always supplemented by on-the-job training. Steam fitters, pipe layers, pipe fitters and plumbers that work primarily in commercial settings usually get their training through very formalized apprenticeship programs.

Apprenticeships are generally the best plumbing training in terms of a comprehensive look at what the job constitutes. These apprenticeship training programs for plumbers and other pipe specialists are administered by local labour unions and the companies with which they are affiliated or by organizations that represent non-union contractors. Examples of organizations through which one can get plumbing apprenticeship training include the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices – part of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the U.S. and Canada; The National Fire Sprinkler Association; the National Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors; and the Home Builders Institute. The latter is a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders.

Apprenticeship plumbing training lasts four to five years whether its union or not. Primarily on the job training it also includes a minimum of 144 annual hours in the classroom. The subjects for which the apprentice plumbers receive classroom training include blue print reading, drafting basics, applied chemistry and physics, math, local plumbing codes, plumbing and contracting safety, and legislated contracting and plumbing regulations.

The on-the-job part of the plumbing training includes basic plumbing skills such as learning to recognize the various types and grades of pipe, using the essential plumbing tools, and unloading plumbing materials safely. As the apprenticeship continues and the apprentice progresses in her or his experience, she can learn how to work with and install the various pipes, plumbing fixtures and piping systems. Those who want to apply for apprenticeship plumbing training have to be a minimum of 18 years old and must be in good health. An applicant may have to have a GED or high school education. Someone who has military plumbing training is considered a great apprenticeship applicant. In fact, they may be credited for the experience. Other suggested training that can grease the plumbing apprenticeship application wheels is drafting, general math, reading blueprints, computer skills and physics.

While there is no uniform standard plumbing license, most municipal and state governments in the United States require that plumbers acquire a license. Passing an examination that tests how well they absorbed their plumbing training and how well they can carry out their plumbing tasks is common in many areas. With additional training beyond the basic plumbing courses, plumbers can go on to become supervisors of other construction and plumbing employees, can go into business for themselves or find work as a building inspector.

James copper is a writer for http://www.newcareerskills.co.uk where you can find information on plumbing training

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.

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.

Help! - I Need a Plumber

 

Finding good plumbers in the UK is difficult. Need a plumber in an emergency and you’ve got a real problem.

There’s lots of articles available on selecting plumbers. We’ve all heard the advice - get quotes, follow up references and ask friends and families for referrals. All good stuff but it makes it sound as if people needing a plumber have a choice available to them.

This really misunderstands the issue which the average householder faces. Yes we do want to find a great plumber, that knowledgeable, polite, punctual, reasonably priced paragon of virtue but before we get that far, we have to find a plumber who is prepared to do business with us.

If you need a plumber in an emergency, you’ll either find the ones which have priced themselves out of the market and so are often available – Mr or Mrs “It’ll cost you!” or their more reasonably priced cousin Dave “Quickest I could get to you is next Wednesday.” Not great if you have a leak and it’s now Sunday.

Indeed the position is not much better if you are planning routine work such as having a boiler serviced or a bathroom installed. Getting a quote can be a challenge – getting the work started much more difficult.

Now, according to recent reports, the position should be easing.

Over the past few years, the press has run stories about a shortage of plumbers. In 2003, the British Plumbing Employer’s Council estimated that the plumbing industry would need to recruit 29,000 new entrants over the next 5 years. This led to reports of City workers leaving their jobs in the hope of earning £70,000 a year as a plumber.

More recently, however, there are accounts of workers with plumbing experience from Eastern Europe filling vacancies on building sites and a surplus of trainees trying to find jobs.

For the householder, this should mean that finding a good plumber who is available is much easier. The logic is fine but plumbers who are available for work are still an elusive breed. So if you have water pouring through the ceiling or your new bathroom arrives next Wednesday, read on for Hot Hints on tracking down a plumber.

Hot Hints for Finding a Plumber

 

• Asking for recommendations from family and friends is always a good first port of call.
• Check out one of the internet directories on-line – you can search for plumbers close to you and the better guides give the plumbers the space to provide details of their experience and specialist skills. Remember to mention the directory when you call – some have arrangements where the plumbers offer a discount.
• Look in your local parish magazine. Often the plumbers who advertise there live close by – in an emergency someone who is just down the road may well be quicker, cheaper and, more importantly, willing to turn out.
• Try your local paper. Some plumbers will advertise in the classified ads all year round, others will appear only when they are not busy – increasing your chance of finding someone who says “yes”.
• Ring your local letting agent – letting agents usually have a team of tradesmen and women who are set up to respond quickly to problems faced by tenants of the agent. Their plumber may be willing to help you.
• Call your plumbing supply shop – the staff get to know the regulars really well and are likely to be able to suggest someone who is not only good but who is available to take on your job.
• Plan in advance, every time, a friend has plumbing work done ask them who did it and if they were any good. Keep details of the recommended plumbers. Then, when the leak or blockage occurs you know who to ‘phone straight away.

 

Once you’ve found a possible plumber, do take steps to check them out. In reality, plumbers are no more likely to be rogues or cowboys than anyone else and most are extremely professional and hardworking. But erring on the side of caution is probably wise.

Take particular care if you are employing a plumber to carry out gas work. Check that your plumber is registered with CORGI. Registration numbers can be checked on CORGI’s website - www.corgi-gas-safety.com. Operatives working for a registered installer will also carry a card which can be checked by a householder.

Good luck finding your ideal plumber. If you find a really great plumber in your area, please do let me know via my website.

Caroline Blatchford is the founder of Local Service Guide which helps people to find the local services which they need in the UK. Whether you need a plumber, a restaurant or a letting agent, go to http://www.LocalServiceGuide.com