Plumbing Trade School

If you have a hankering to be wanted, then maybe plumbing is for you. It's one of those professions that most people can't imagine being without. And even if you think that plumbing isn't that important, one thing's for sure - when someone needs a plumber, they REALLY need a plumber! For most people, until the plumber arrives, they're left with what's likely to be a rather unpleasant problem to deal with. So if you want to feel appreciated for what you do, plumbing is a good choice.

One of the good things about plumbing as a career is the fact that it's not a job that's going to disappear overnight because of some new advance in technology. It's always going to be in demand. Most plumbers are entitled to belong to a labor union of some sort, which means that minimum wages and benefits are guaranteed, and you can be reasonably confident about what you can earn. With plumbers in short supply, it's quite possible that you can do much better than the minimums, and have reasonable job security as well.

So what do you need to do if you want to become a plumber? Well, the first step is to go to plumbing school. This usually takes 2 years, and you can attend either a community or a technical college. The usual qualification is an associate's degree in plumbing, and you may find that you have to gain this qualification in order to join the union.

At plumbing school you will be shown many different types of problems, and given instruction on how to deal with them. These include both residential and commercial property plumbing problems. Your course will start with classroom studies, together with other plumbing students, but over time you will generally end up spending time with a professional plumber as an apprentice, so that you can get some hands on experience. Often it's this real life training that will teach you the most.

If you want to train as a plumber, get in touch with your local college to see what courses they offer, or else spend some time online looking for plumbing trade schools. As a successful plumber you will always know you're wanted and appreciated!

If you want to find out more about plumbing trade schools, click over to Gordon's site at http://www.tradeschoolinfozone.com

Home Improvement Plumbing Projects

A simple project for a beginner to start with is to install a new dishwasher to stop that annoying and constant drip heard every time one walks into the kitchen. This is a not very complicated way to begin in the world of home improvement plumbing, before moving on to more difficult projects. Instructions on how to replace an old washer for a tap in the bathroom or the kitchen can be found on many websites or by visiting many how-to home stores for step by step instructions, such as the Home Depot.

Being Useful

A second project that is quite useful to a home owner, and is a simple and easy project for the amateur home improvement beginner to try is fixing a toilet that runs all continuously. This project deals with a Mansfield Fill Valve, and is an inexpensive but effective project in terms of home improvement plumbing, since no one enjoys hearing a toilet that never stops running water.

A third project for a DIY yourself plumber to warm up to more difficult projects is to hook up that ice maker on your refrigerator by installing a proper line for it. This is another fairly simple project with great rewards, who wouldn't want refreshing ice any time they want a cool drink?

Yet Another Project

Another project for the more seasoned home plumbing enthusiast is replacing a hot water heater. While this is not a terribly difficult plumbing project, it does require some basic proficiency in the art of plumbing. Again, there are many websites or do it yourself stores you can visit for helpful hints on how to replace your own hot water heater.

A final plumbing project that is sure to please the entire family is a new dishwasher. Imagine the convenience without the argument over whose turn it is to do the dishes? Install a new dishwasher for the ease of the dishes always being done while adding some value to your home. This project will be simple enough to do with the instructions that come with dishwashers, and again you can always turn to an expert online or at a do it yourself store. Just make sure the dishwasher fits before you start connecting it!

You can have fun while you learn with some easy home improvement plumbing jobs around the house, and before you know it you will be a real pro. Remember there are many more projects in home improvement plumbing that you can do, and cost can be a factor, so start small and inexpensive as you build up your experience as a home plumber.

Will King is the webmaster for Home Improvement DYI where you find many resources and other articles on just about everything related to home improvement.

Guide To Basement Bathroom Plumbing

Basement bathroom plumbing work needs considerable skill, experience and care. It is advisable to hire the services of a plumbing contractor for carrying out basement bathroom plumbing work. The existing floor needs to be busted and in the process drainpipes may also get broken if adequate safety measures are not taken up.

Basement bathroom plumbing procedure

Some concrete may need to be removed for installing basement bathroom plumbing system. The fixtures required for setting up basement bathroom plumbing - bathtub, one-piece shower unit etc. may not be easily obtainable. Special effort needs to be made to secure them.

Often, the concrete of the basement needs to be broken. Marks are made on the surface along some demarcations and the concrete is chipped away usually employing a jack hammer. The debris thus obtained has to be cleared and new plumbing pipes are well glued to the original setup. After completion the new setup has to be covered up with concrete.

Another approach to basement bathroom plumbing is installation of a plastic sump beneath the basement floor. A sewage ejector pump or lift pump is used to pump out the waste as the sump becomes full. The pumps have devices to grind solids. In case the pump fails the toilet will not be draining properly.

There may be some houses where the building drain lies below the basement level. So, no pump is needed. A plumber can help in this regard by providing various estimates of drain line locations and plumbing setup plans.

Again, there may be homes where the main drain lies at floor level. To help out in such cases you may build a false floor for the bathroom. Of course your ceiling needs to be high enough in such case. The false floor erection would ensure that the fixtures are higher than the sewer line. This will do away with the necessity of installing a sewage ejector pumping unit.

Basement bathroom plumbing - a special plumbing

Basement bathroom plumbing is a special kind of plumbing setup. Therefore, special care needs to be taken while proceeding with the installation, maintenance and repair or replacement of the basement bathroom plumbing system. If you are contemplating basement bathroom plumbing for your home then you may conveniently hire some competent plumber for helping out.

Masni Rizal Mansor provide tips and review on basement bathroom plumbing, 12 volt appliances and kitchen cabinetry.

Are Ceramic Taps For DIY Plumbing?

Not every plumbing job needs a licensed plumber. In fact there are many small jobs that can easily be handled by the do it yourself plumber. When it comes to DIY plumbing are ceramic taps an option for you to install?

Well let's start by better understanding ceramic taps. It is only in the last few years that ceramic taps have appeared on the market. And each year they become increasingly popular.

There are no washers in these taps like in the old taps systems. Rather they use two close fitting ceramic discs instead of the washers. The one disc is in a fixed position and the other turns up to 90% with the handle. These two disc are aligned in the open position.

When it comes to obvious features it's the quarter turn verses the two and half turns of the washer system that stands out. The ceramic taps don't have the washers. Instead they have the two ceramic discs. The upper disc is controlled by the tap itself while the bottom disc is in a fixed position on the base of the tap itself.

There are lots of pros to installing ceramic over rubber washers. The ceramic discs are really hard and so they withstand a lot of punishment. They are very good at withstanding the erosion from the water over time. They still wear out but it just takes a lot longer. You'll know when it's time to replace by the drip.

A ceramic top requires little effort to turn because it is such low friction. You can actually turn it on with your pinky with little problem. So if you are older, have arthritis, there is any other reason you lack hand strength a ceramic tap will be a real treat.

What you have to remember is you don't have to turn the tap as far as you do on a washer based tap. If you do you turn it on too far too fast you'll get a real blast of water.

Installation of ceramic taps is no different than installation of traditional taps. There are some basic steps to follow to remove the old and install the new.

1. Turn the water off to the sink, shower, or tub where you'll be replacing the taps. 2. Turn the hot water tank off. 3. Pop off the cold and hot water tabs on top of the taps. They are usually plastic. 4. Use a screwdriver to remove the tap handles. 5. Use a wrench to remove the faucet. 6. Go underneath the sink and disconnect both water lines and unscrew the nuts that hold the taps into place. 7. Remove the entire fixture. 8. To install new tap set it's basically the reverse procedure. Follow the directions provided with your new ceramic taps.

DIY plumbing isn't that difficult if you know what you are up against. When you understand your options you can choose the best repair and get busy.

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 Tips For Around the Home

Your house has several separate plumbing systems: Sinks, toilets, washers, bath tubs, and related fixtures. Plumbing is something we use every day and which most of us know little about. Shopping for your own plumbing fixtures rather than getting them through your plumber allows you choose from a wider selection and save money.

Types of pipes for different plumbing usage may vary, from:

1.Copper

2.Plastic

3.Lead

4.Concrete

5.Steel

6.Cast iron

Water enters your house through a pipe that connects either to a municipal water line or a private well. Faucets, like all plumbing fixtures with moving parts, are apt to require more repair than non-moving fixtures. The less strain you put on your faucets, the less frequently they need repair.

Most people are familiar with plumbers, who come to their home to unclog a drain or install an appliance. When construction plumbers install piping in a house, for example, they work from blueprints or drawings that show the planned location of pipes, plumbing fixtures, and appliances.

If your plumbing fixtures drain slowly, the problem may be a clogged vent. This happens when vents are improperly located and when birds or animals deposit debris in the vent where it exits the roof.

Whatever your intended plumbing projects, the first step is to familiarize yourself with the water system in your home. At the very least it is important to know where to switch off the mains in case of an emergency.

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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

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

How Plumbers Replace Bathroom and Kitchen Sink Faucets

If you are considering upgrading your bathroom and kitchen sink faucets, you have come to the right place. The following explanation will make your task much easier and will save your time as well.

However, before we start, make sure that you have following materials ready with you.

- New faucet assembly
- Basin wrench
- Adjustable wrenches
- Slip-joint pliers
- Scouring pad

Now follow these simple steps. (Assuming that you are replacing the old two-handled faucet with the more modern single-handled type)

Replacing Kitchen Sink Faucets 1. Before you start, go at the shut-off valves under the sink, and turn off the water.

2. Open the faucet so that it could drain any excess water.

3. The next step is to disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines from the shutoff valves. You can use a small adjustable-wrench to do this.

4. Reach up behind the faucet. You will find the coupling nuts that connect the supply tubes to the faucet. Unscrew the same using a basin wrench.

5. Behind the faucet, you will also find mounting nuts that hold the faucet in place. Remove these nuts using the same basin wrench.

6. Now that you have disconnected the mounting nuts, you can lift out the old faucet. Lifting it out, disconnect the sprayer hose from the assembly using an adjustable wrench.

7. Lift out the sprayer hose, and remove the faucet.

8. Once you have removed the faucet, clean the surface of the sink thoroughly with a scouring pad.

9. Remove the escutcheon cap and replace the same with the one that is included with your new faucet.

10. Now you are ready to make the new connection. Bring your new sprayer hose, and slip it down through the sprayer hole.

11. Feed the sprayer hose up through the center faucet hole, and connect the hose through the sprayer nipple using an adjustable wrench.

12. If the hot and cold supply tubes of the new faucet have a different length, attach flexible connectors to the fittings on the supply tubes. Hold the faucet fitting stationary with one wrench and tighten each connection with another wrench.

13. Insert and feed the supply lines and the connectors into the center hole, and then seat the faucet.

14. Now crawl up under the sink and in order to hold the faucet in place, install a washer and nut to the end bolts.

15. First, tighten the nuts by hand, and then with a basin wrench.

16. Connect the supply lines to the shutoff valves, and turn the water on.

17. Turn on the faucet and check for leaks.

Replacing Bathroom Sink Faucets 1. Go underneath the sink. Turn off the water. Loosen the collar nuts on the drainpipe.

2. Drain any excessive water, and then remove the drainpipe.

3. Loosen the nuts that hold the pop-up assembly in place under the sink using slip-joint pliers.

4. Unscrew the pop-up flange in order to free the assembly underneath the sink.

5. Remove the fittings that join the supply lines of the old faucet to the shutoff valves, using a wrench.

6. Repeat the steps 4-15 as explained above for replacing kitchen faucet.

7. Now, you have to install the pop-up assembly.

8. Push the pop-up rod down through the body of the faucet.

9. Attach the flat bar.

10. At the bottom of the new flange, use a little plumber's putty to hold the tailpiece so that the whole assembly protrudes up through the drain hole in the sink.

11. Spin the ring to position the same with the tailpiece under the sink.

12. In order to secure pop-up housing in place, tighten the nut on top of the tailpiece.

13. Hook up the pop-up lever onto the flat bar in order to secure it to the pop-up housing.

14. Drop the stopper into the drain hole.

15. Replace the drainpipe.

16. Tighten the collar nuts.

17. Turn on the faucet and check for leaks.

Hence, replacing a kitchen and a bathroom faucet is almost similar except for the work related to the pop-up assembly that is included with the bathroom sink.

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

Plumbing - U-Trap Pipe Replacement

A few weeks ago, our family noticed water coming out of the cabinets around the kitchen and bathroom sinks. With a little inspection, we discovered the same problem in each case was at fault. The U-trap pipe was leaking due to being worn out from years of use. The pipe as its name suggests is U-shaped.

The importance of the U-trap other than keeping your floor dry and getting rid of water is that because some water is in the bottom of the pipe at all times, this helps prevent sewer gases from entering your home and harming you or your loved ones.

After diagnosing the problem, the next step is to go to the hardware store and get a replacement. Other than a flashlight (no matches or open fire source!), you will need a pipe wrench(only if you can't use your fingers to remove the nuts holding the pipe) and replacement pipe (either metal or PVC). You should check the pipe to see if you can remove it without a wrench, thus saving you some money if you don't need one, providing there is not one in the toolkit already. A word about pipe wrenches: You know that number they give such as 18"? That refers to the handle length AND the full opened width of the wrench jaws. Confusing, huh? Just be sure you pay for what you need.

After getting what you need from the store, unscrew the collars or nuts around the pipe, gently move it a bit to see if it moves, then pull out of position, and insert the new pipe and appropriate hardware. See that it is secure. Turn on the water. Check for leaks. If you have anymore problems with leaks from the same source, recheck all pipe connections for the U-pipe and P-pipe. The P-pipe is the one that leads from the U-trap pipe into the wallpipe connection, which, as the name suggests is the pipe leading into the wall and from there the sewer.

C. O. IRBY, III
bingle42@yahoo.com
I learned home improvement by doing it myself, but since I'm still learning I would be glad to hear from you any tips you have. I live in a 50+ year old house.

Use Caution When Using A Plumber Torch

A plumber torch is one of the most important tools he uses on the job. Usually consisting of a small tank of propane with a gas control nozzle attached, the torch is essential to many of the tasks he has to perform. For some jobs requiring work in close quarters, a larger tank of gas with the control nozzle attached to a set of flexible hoses is used.

Most of the plumbing being installed in today’s homes is made from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) material. Special adhesive (plumbers tape) is used to make joints that melts the surface of pieces being fit together to create a watertight seal. Not long ago, most home plumbing consisted of copper piping, which was put together with solder and a plumber torch. A good plumber needed to know not only how to fasten all these pieces of pipe together properly, but also how to do it without wrecking the rest of the water pipe system.

With plenty of experience, some plumbers are able to claim that they can make the solder they work with run uphill. Using his torch to make the top of the pipe hotter than the rest, the plumber can actually get the melted solder to flow towards the hottest part of the joint, thus causing the solder to indeed flow uphill to the other pipe and make the seal.

The Dangers Of Using A Plumber Torch

When using a plumber torch near flammable materials such as interior walls or floors, it is very important to take extreme care not to allow the flame to come into any long-term contact with the materials. Your water emergency will seem like a day in the park compared to a real fire emergency!

In the winter months, some homes develop frozen water lines that a plumber torch can help to thaw out. The plumber will usually start working the flame of his torch from the joint nearest the tap and work his way along the frozen pipe thawing the freeze. The tap is opened fully to allow the melting ice to flow towards that opening. If the thawing procedure is attempted without first opening the tap, the resulting steam build-up could easily cause the pipe or the joints to burst.

If you find yourself with older piping and fittings, you may decide to replace them, which does not cost that much or use a plumber torch and fit the existing piping. You might find the expense well worth changing to PVC piping and getting rid of the old piping in the home.

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

My Plumber - What a Salesman!

It all started with a leaking shower faucet, one of those mixer types with no markings or available seal kits from my local home products store. In the 17 years since we had built our home, I had no occasion to call a plumber until now. I opened the Yellow Pages to find a qualified, local plumbing house. There were quite a variety listed but one caught my eye right away, not because of some fancy ad, but because of their phone number, which was displayed in a larger font next to their relatively small logo. It read 732-DRIP.

I did my due diligence and called three plumbing outfits, seeking pricing on my needed repair. It was once again, back to the folks with the unusual phone number. They were the ones that I would hire.

The plumber arrived early the next morning right on time. He was a bit younger than I had expected, but had everything he needed as he had already been advised by the home office as to the nature of my repair. He was neat, clean and friendly. His van had their now familiar logo and phone number painted on the sides. He also had them embroidered on his new looking coveralls.

He introduced himself with a smile and a handshake as I invited him in. Paul and I chit-chatted for just a minute, as I bragged about my plumbing prowess but relative inability to properly identify the needed parts. He chuckled and asked for the whereabouts of the problem shower faucet. I offered him a cup of coffee which he graciously accepted on his way up the stairs, being so very careful not to bang his toolbox or spill the coffee. I showed him the shower stall and let him go about his business.

Paul came downstairs about 20 minutes later with the faulty, 17 year-old parts in hand. He also handed me the empty parts container so that I would know what to order from him if we had need of additional parts for the two other faucets located in the other bathrooms. He explained exactly what he did and reminded me of their unconditional two-year warranty. I gladly signed his work order and handed him his payment. He shook my hand and handed me a refrigerator magnet as well as several business cards. He asked me to please keep him in mind for other repairs that might come up as well as if I would pass his business card to some of our neighbors. With that, he was on his way.

Nobody likes to pay for home repairs. A few people may tackle the job on their own, but most will call in an expert. Paul is indeed that expert. He is also quite the salesman for his company. He did everything right, including fixing my shower problem. I’ll never need to consult the phone book for a plumber again. He is an impressive young man and his company should be proud of him. In fact, they are!

You see, I called their office after he left to commend this young plumber on his professionalism and skills. I reported to the owner that Paul was on time and well prepared. He was neat and clean, dressed in a company uniform. I commented on his handshake, friendliness, careful nature and warm smile. I told this company owner of his employees’ commanding knowledge of the project at hand as well as his review of the job and reminder of their impressive warranty. Paul made it easy for me to order additional parts without incurring the cost of another service call and asked for referrals before he left. He was all too aware that the other homes in our neighborhood were approximately the same age.

All in all, quite an impressive salesman… especially for a plumber!

Daniel Sitter, author of both the popular e-book, Learning For Profit, and the highly anticipated book, Superior Selling Skills, has extensive experience in sales, training, marketing and personal development over a successful 25 year career. http://www.learningforprofit.com/