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

5 Ways To Get The Most Bang For Your Buck When Hiring A Plumber

For just about any homeowner the day will come when you need to hire a plumber, and it can be quite a costly phone call to make. There are ways, however, to get the most bang for your buck out of your plumbing.

1 - Reduce the risk

One approach to reducing plumbing costs is to avoid them before they happen. Among the most routine of plumbing calls are those pertaining to drain problems and frozen pops. Lots of houses have a drain or two that is a troublemaker while the rest are fine. Kitchen sinks commonly have a grease buildup in them. Counter this by being careful about what is poured down the drain and occasionally running some boiling hot soapy water down the kitchen sink. Hair in bathroom sinks is another common problem. If your bathroom sink doesn't have any sort of screened drain cover, invest in one and clean it off regularly. Frozen pipes the problem? If your water pipes aren't all connected to a heated portion of your house then make certain that you have these pipes insulated well. If it's late into the season and outdoor water isn't going to be used anymore, then disconnect any outdoor water connections.

2- Buy your own materials

One high-profit area of plumbing is the sale of hardware and fixtures. If you already know what the problem is or you know what your plumber is going to be replacing, then do some price-comparison shopping and purchase the items that will be needed ahead of time. It may be worth your while to make sure that the products you buy are of good quality and your plumber knows how to work with the brand, make, or model of fixture/hardware that you've purchased.

3 - Know your enemy to save chargeable time

No, the plumber isn't your enemy, plumbing problems are the enemy. Make a checklist of anything in your house that leaks, is clogged, or needs plumber attention. When the plumber arrives have him fix everything that is in need of repair at once rather than piecemeal repairing things when they get really bad and requiring multiple trips from the plumber. This will also help the problem get work done more quickly since they will spend less time hunting and diagnosing problem areas of your residence.

4 - Shop around for the best quality rates

Often times the only criteria people use for selecting a plumber to hire is their hourly rate. While saving money on the hourly rate can be helpful, use common sense and make sure that the plumber you hire is qualified and insured. Ask how the hourly rate is calculated. If a plumber offers you a good rate, but they are far away from you and charge for driving time, it may work out to be easier on the wallet to hire a plumber that is closer to your home.

5 - Use water-saving fixtures

Whether your residence makes use of a local sewer system or utilizes a cesspool, lowering water usage will do much to lower long-term plumbing related costs for you. If you have a sink or faucet that is old and uses a lot water, consider replacing it entirely rather than repairing it. The less water you are passing the less you will be charged for water and the less wear and tear your water disposal system will take.

Aaron is a writer for Find Plumbers at PlumberSpot.com

Listening Devices Aid Plumbers & Wild Life Lovers

There are all types of listening devices available on the market today. The can be as large as a twenty inch parabolic dish, as small as a wristwatch, or even as small as a matchstick lapel microphone.

Listening devices have many more uses than just surveillance work, too. Listening devices such as the Bionic Ear have been used for magnifying animal sounds for personal safety, recording bird calls for nature photography, and were even used during Desert Storm. You can even use listening devices with your recorder to make fantastic recordings as gifts.

Some listening devices can be added onto a camera or DVR system. Other devices can accurately pick up sound from as far as three hundred yards. Listening devices can increase sound up to thirty decibels and record with concert-hall quality sound. There are other listening devices called concrete microphones or electro-acoustic receivers that can pick up minute vibrations like those given off by a bomb, and professional plumbers can even use them to locate leaky pipes in the foundation of homes. Naturally, they can also be used to identify voice leakage and their sources in a room, as well. They can detect vibrations in virtually any solid surface whether it's steel, glass, concrete or wood.

One of the best uses for listening devices is to amplify sound for the hearing impaired. These listening devices can pick up sound from as far away as one hundred yards, and they are small enough to fit into a woman's purse or a man's shirt pocket. One of the best features about these listening devices is that they minimize feedback and scratchiness and weigh as little as three ounces.

To purchase Gps Products and Surveillance Products Read other related articles on our Spy products blog

Is An Arizona Water Softener the Answer to Your Plumbing Woes?

If you live in the southwestern American desert, chances are you are no stranger to hard water and its irritating side effects. In fact, the Southwest has some of the worst hard water in the country. This nettlesome problem has plagued homeowners for years and can cause numerous and sometimes costly results including hard water stains, corroded valves and faucets, and lackluster hair and skin. Even worse, hard water causes limescale, a hard mineral deposit that is chalky and off-white in color.

Scale is typically found in kettles, hot-water boilers, hot-water central heating systems, and other elements that employ the use of water. Limescale can also clog pipes and damage plumbing systems, as we found out the hard way.

My husband and I discovered the extent of our hard water problem a little too late. The realtor apparently did not know (or forgot to mention) the “minor” problem of the clogged plumbing pipes which had been the result of limescale build up. As the pipes become more and more clogged, the water flow would become restricted, thus dramatically reducing water pressure throughout the house. Not only was this a headache to deal with (showering felt like standing outside in a light rain), it also caused serious and expensive damage to our plumbing and heating equipment. Scale had built up on the central heating unit, insulating the heater, which caused it to use far more energy than it should have, resulting in a premature burnout. Replacing the system as well as having a plumber fix all our pipes was a very costly endeavor (not to mention our high heating costs prior to the burnout) that probably could have been avoided.

After having dealt with this ordeal, we found the best solution was to have an Arizona water softener installed to avoid future problems with hard water. The cost to have one installed was a mere fraction of the costs the hard water incurred in the first place. Not only will a water softener reduce limescale and heating costs, your water-using appliances will last longer, your clothes and dishes will come out cleaner and brighter, and the domestic tap water even tastes better.

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.

Welcome To Anything Possible Plumbing!

Driving home this morning from Hollywood, a van streaked across from the right to my left, and I was just able to catch the name of the company it belongs to:

ANYTHING POSSIBLE PLUMBING.

Of course, that name got me to thinking.

First thought: Is that grammatical? Shouldn’t it be anything’s possible?

Then, of course, it occurred to me that the owner may not know the difference, and being the melting pot that is Hollywood, it’s quite possible that the boss hails from a foreign country.

Well, then, isn’t that the perfect name for a business? You’ve come to the land where anything’s possible, right? This is the land of opportunity, where one version of the American dream is that anyone can start a business, from scratch, if necessary.

I can only imagine how they handle phone inquiries.

“Hello, Anything Possible Plumbing, how may I help you?”

“Can you fix a broken pipe?”

“Anything’s possible!”

“I like your attitude! Come on by, and give it a try!”

It makes you wonder why more of us don’t inject optimism into our business names.

Instead of Harry’s Flowers, it could be, The Gift of Flowers Is Priceless!

Phone companies could drop boring monikers such as A T & T, and adopt: Great Things Happen When You Phone People, Incorporated, or GTHWYPPI, for short. If they wanted to work another emotion, like guilt, they could name themselves, Isn’t It Time You Phoned Your Family?

All kidding aside, it’s nice that some people are bringing life and verve to their company identities and shying away from “tombstone” names, only. It’s like the folks who answer the line with the cheery words, “”It’s a great day at the Orlando Marriott!”

Even if it’s cloudy or raining, they’re trying their best.

Isn’t that the American way?

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of http://www.customersatisfaction.com/, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC's Annenberg School, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He is headquartered in Glendale, California, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com

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

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