Repair Your Plumbing? You Can Do That!

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

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

Steps it will take:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dennis Watson - Just helping others succeed.

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

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

Plumbers and their Mates

Plumbers today are usually far too busy to take time out of their busy work schedule to learn new marketing methods. Yet when a quiet time comes, they often don?t know how to advertise their services better.

Or how to market their capabilities better and put themselves on the tendering lists for those bigger and sometimes more profitable jobs.

Yet on a jobsite, they usually have a radio on and are listening to either a talk-back programme or music. Yet they could be listening to audio books to learn while they earn.

Up until recently, audio books comprised of a broad subject range have not been available. But now they can all be downloaded off the Internet and listened to at their leisure or while earning.

When a Plumbers work quietens down, they usually approach their mates. This has worked well and will continue to work well for the foreseeable future. But they aren?t always the best paying work a plumber could be doing.

Yet if he was to learn a few new methods and ideas, a plumber could be joint venturing on a range of much bigger jobs. It all comes down to ?know-how?.

There are some books that have been read for the past 60 years and are just as applicable today as when they were first released. This ?evergreen? book subject is still as applicable today because people haven?t changed.

To market well, a Plumber needs to have a very broad understanding of people and what makes them tick. He needs to know so much more than just ?how-to? Plumb well.

So now he can listen to an audio book to learn more as he earns. Marketing info has never been as available as it is today.

http://www.books-that-talk.spokennetwork.com From Huckleberry Finn to Hanoi ~ Audiobooks are here for you to Enjoy!

Is Your Tap Still Dripping? Then Call Your Plumber Now

If you have a dripping tap now, just think how bad it?s likely to be after the holiday break. Apart from that, think of the environment. Water is the one thing in life we can?t live without.

We can all survive all the other inconveniences for a surprisingly long time; but water isn?t one of them.

Every drip that runs down the drain, unused and unwanted, is like a nail into your coffin. Here in Australia, we are suffering a prolonged and worsening drought.

The City of Brisbane is now on severe water restrictions where people can?t even water their pot plants unless they have saved the water in a bucket or from their washing machines.

You know when you go to have a shower and you have to let the water run until the temperature gets to the right warmth? Well, it?s this water that is now watering pot-plants in Brisbane homes.

If you think that?s crook ~ just wait and watch what will be happening if we don?t get the rain next March-April. Many people will be leaving the city in droves; hordes of people having to leave their homes. Just think of what is likely to happen to the Real Estate prices?

Just thinking about worst case scenarios right now gives me the shivers!

And you want to know the worst truth? Brisbane is not the only city in Australia this is happening to. All around the Country, North to South, East to West ~ there?s a water crisis.

Australia and the United States have roughly the same land-mass. If you can imagine a water shortage from the Canadian border to the Mexican border, from Boston to Seattle, Miami to San Diego and everywhere in between, then you can get some idea of the affected area.

And some people still have dripping Taps! I shudder to think of the outcry they will raise when it finally dawns that hey ~ where did all the water go?

OK, apart from that if you don?t live in Australia, and you aren?t currently suffering a drought; but are your Taps still dripping? Or do you have a toilet that constantly runs?

If so, don?t you think a Plumber might be a good investment about now before the extended family arrives for the holidays and increases demand on your facilities?

It?s not going to get any better when there is a heavier load put on the services; and if you have to call a Plumber out over the Christmas / New Year break because you didn?t get the problem fixed before the holidays started ~ don?t you think he should be entitled to charge an exorbitant charge for his services?

Or will you complain if s/he does? Hardly fair, Um? I mean, how would you feel about having your Christmas dinner spoilt by being called to someone?s crisis because they couldn?t be bothered to have something fixed prior to the holidays? Believe me, I?d be charging for every mouthful of Turkey missed.

Love and respect your environment enough to care for it and about it. Plumbers do a mighty job in protecting the only thing you can?t live without.

http://www.constructingprofits.com Showing contractors how to make more money ~ working less hours!

Ten Ways to Save Water With Your Plumber's Approval

1. Fix all Dripping taps and running toilets

2. Don?t turn taps on full bore when you just want to rinse hands ~ use the sink plug

3. Don?t take long showers. If you want to enjoy the peace that water gives, run a bath half full and enjoy the soak with a clear conscience.

4. Don?t let the tap run when you clean your teeth. Just turn it on when needed

5. Make sure you have a water-limiting shower head.

6. If you have Teenagers, put them on an agreed timer so they appreciate why it has to be so ~otherwise threaten them with bathing in the same tub AFTER their brother/sister has had their bath!

7. When having a shower, if you have to let the water run then catch it in a bucket so it can be delivered to pot-plants/garden.

8. If you catch the ?grey water? from your washing machine you can water plants and shrubs~ so be careful of what you wash clothes in. Do you really need to bleach your clothes? Ummmm?..really?

9. Use plugs to limit the amount of water needed everywhere. Only do the dishes when you have enough dirty dishes to warrant a sink-full. Only put the dishwasher on when it?s full of dirty dishes. Don?t do half-loads.

10. If you decide to do the laundry, make sure you only use the amount of water needed to wash the size of the load.

The important thing is to THINK before automatically doing jobs involving water. Make your Plumber proud and help save lives~ the way things are heading, it could well be your own.

http://www.constructingprofits.com

Showing contractors how to make more money ~ working less hours!

DIY Heating and Plumbing: The Best Ways to Learn

If you are interested in doing DIY heating and plumbing, you first have to learn how to do the heating and plumbing yourself. There are many ways that you can teach yourself how to do this so that you will not have to hire contractors to do it for you, or you can go to school and learn how to do this the right way as well. Maybe a community college in your are will teach you how to do heating and plumbing for your home, and then you could also do it for other people as well if this were a career that you were interested in pursuing. However, not everyone has the time or the money to go to school to learn how to keep up their own home. There are other ways to learn to do these things yourself, and they are listed below.

Learning DIY heating and plumbing can be as easy as searching on the internet to find instructions to do what you need to do. You will find that there are several website that offer DIY information and instructions, and you will have to make sure that you are getting accurate information to be sure that you are doing the job correct. The best way to be sure of this is to go to a website that you know and trust for this information, and you will not go wrong. Be sure to print out the instructions, as well as any pictures that might be crucial to your getting the job done as well.

You can also go to the library to learn DIY heating and plumbing. You will find that there are many books available on this subject, and you will be able to pick and choose the ones that apply to your job that you need to get done. Be sure that you check them out or make photocopies of the instructions that you will need so that you can refer back to them while you are in the middle of the job.

You can ask someone that does this for a living the best to get a DIY heating and plumbing job done yourself. Make sure that you ask someone that is good at what they do, so that you get accurate advice and to ensure that you get the job done yourself the right way in the first place. Or otherwise, you might be calling back the professional to get the job done for you.

There are several ways that you can learn the techniques to DIY heating and plumbing. You will find that everything that you learn will be valuable to you at one time or another, and you will be so glad that you took the time to do this job yourself.

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

Plumbing Basics – Installing a Bathtub

Installing a bathtub isn't exactly rocket science, but it does require solid plumbing, carpentry, and sometimes, tiling skills. Replacing an old bathtub with a new one is also a moderately difficult project. If the old tub is readily accessible, the project can move speedily; if you have to open a wall to remove the old tub and position the new bathtub, the task is much harder. In either case, the project is within a home handyman's skills, although you will need a helper to move out the old tub and set in the new one. Make sure you have qualified yourself for the job and are comfortable attempting it. Rather than hiring a contractor to take over a halfway-completed project, it is better to consider employing one before you begin. Chances are you may need a professional plumber to make tube connections.

This article will help you install a new bathtub in your bathroom if you have already bought a new tub and don’t need to change the arrangement of your previous water supply pipes.

Your tools and material checklist should comprise the following:

New Bathtub
Hammer
Pipe Wrenches
Prybar
Safety Glasses
Level
Pliers
Adjustable Wrench
Putty Knife
Screwdriver
Cold Chisel
Tape Measure
Pipe Caps
 

Preparing for the Installation

Firstly, the supporting frame supplied with the bath should be fitted (if required) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Next, fit the taps or mixer to the bathtub. When fitting the tap block, it is important to make sure that if the tap comes with a plastic washer, it is fitted between the bath and the taps. On a plastic bath, it is also sensible to fit a supporting plate under the taps unit to prevent strain on the bathtub.

Fit the flexible tap connectors to the bottom of the two taps using 2 nuts and olives (sometimes supplied with the tub).

Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink outlet hole, and then pass the outlet through the hole in the bath. Use the nut supplied by the manufacturer to fit the plug-hole. Examine the plug-hole outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipe.

Next, fit the end of the flexible overflow pipe to the overflow outlet. After that, screw the pipe to the overflow face which should be fitted inside the bath. Make sure you use all of the supplied washers.

Connect the trap to the bottom of the waste outlet on the bathtub by winding the thread of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and screw on the trap to the outlet. Connect the bottom of the overflow tube in a similar manner.

The bath should now be ready to be fitted in its final position.

Removing Old Taps

If you need to replace old taps with new ones as a part of your installation, then the first thing you should do is disconnect the water supply. After doing so, turn on the taps to drain any water remaining in the system. The process of removing the existing taps can be quite problematic due to the restricted access that is often the case.

Use a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a tap tool to undo the nut that connects the supply pipes to the taps. Have a cloth ready for the remaining water that will come from the pipes. Once the supply pipes have been removed, use the same tool to loosen the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will need to stop the single taps from turning during this process. Once the taps have been removed, the holes in the bath/basin will have to be cleaned of any old sealing compound.

Before moving on to fit the new taps, compare the pipe connections on the old taps to the new taps. If the old taps are longer than the new taps, then a shank adapter is required for the new taps to fit.

Installing the Bathtub

Using the two wooden boards under its feet, place the bathtub in the required position. The wooden boards are helpful in evenly spreading the weight of the bathtub over the area of the boards instead of focusing all the weight onto four small points.

The next goal is to ensure that the bathtub is leveled all round. This can be achieved by checking the spirit level and adjusting the feet on the bathtub until the spirit level reads level.

To install taps, fit the bottom of the furthest flexible tap connector to the appropriate supply pipe by making a compression join; then do the same for the other tap.

Switch on the water supply and check all joints and new pipework for leaks and tighten them if necessary. Fill the bathtub and also check the overflow outlet and the normal outlet for leaks.

Finally, fix the bath paneling as described in the manufacturer’s instruction manual.

Tiling and sealing around the bathtub should wait until the bathtub has been used at least once as this will settle it into its final position.

Fitting New Taps

If the tails of the new taps are plastic, then you will need a plastic connector to prevent damage to the thread. One end of the connector fits on the plastic tail of the tap and the other end provides a connection to the existent supply pipes.

If you need to fit a monobloc, then you will require reducing couplers, which connects the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the standard 15mm supply pipe.

Next, position the tap in the mounting hole in the bath/basin ensuring that the washers are in place between the tap and the sink. Secure the tap in place with the manufacturer provided backnut. Once the tap is securely in place, the supply pipes can be connected to the tails of the taps. The taps can either be connected by using corrugated copper piping or with normal tap connectors. The former type should be connected to the tap ends first, tightening only by hand. The supply pipes can later be connected to the other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have been connected.

Tiling Around the Bathtub

In the area where the bath meets the tile, it is necessary to seal the joins with a silicone rubber caulking. This is important as the fitting can move enough to crack a rigid seal, causing the water to penetrate the wall between the bath and the tiling, leading to complications with dampness and possible leaks to the ceiling below.

You can choose from a variety of coloured sealants to blend in your fixtures and fittings. They are sold in tubes and cartridges, and are capable of sealing gaps up to a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a larger gap to fill, you can fill it with twists of soaked newspaper or soft rope. Remember to always fill the bathtub with water before sealing, to allow for the movement experienced when the tub is in use. The sealant can crack fairly early if you do not take into account this movement before sealing.

Alternatively, ceramic coving or quadrant tiles can be used to edge the bath or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use and cut to size, are also easily available on the market. It is advisable to fit the tiles using water-resistant or waterproof adhesive and grout.

Ray Dobson is the managing Director of WD Bathrooms based in Sheffield. For a wide range of bathroom supplies visit http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk/acatalog/Bathroom_Suites.html or alternatively for our full range of products and more useful articles visit http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk

Plumbing Tips

If you have ever gone camping for a weekend, you know it doesn't take long to miss running water, flushing toilets, clean clothes, and hot showers. These modern conveniences are the benefits of plumbing systems. Your house has several separate plumbing systems. Sinks, toilets, washers, bathtubs, and related fixtures. Types of pipes for different plumbing usage may vary, from:

1. Copper

2. Plastic

3. Lead

4. Concrete

5. Steel

6. Cast iron

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.

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.

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.

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.: Roger King has been writing articles on home decorating ideas for several years, and has been helping people find and review the best value for interior design solutions.

Visit his web site www.all-homeinteriordesigns.com for free tips and guides for your home improvement projects

Hiring A Plumber - What You Should Know

If there’s a water leak, repairing faucets, fixtures and pipes can be quite urgent – and may require a plumber’s immediate attention. If you discover a leak, it is best to shut the water while waiting for a plumber to arrive, to prevent further water damage. The quickest way to stop water leaking from the pipes is to shut off the water supply from the main valve, then go to the lowest point in the house and open a faucet. Gravity will force the remaining water to drain out the faucet, minimizing the water that can escape through the leak.

Ask how to prevent recurring problems

For basic plumbing services, such as leak repair or installing new fixtures or traps, you’ll pay $45 to $65 per hour, plus parts, if necessary. For weekend or night calls, you can expect to pay as much as $100 just for the call and then $75 per hour. Even at these rates it is a good idea to ask what the options are for repairs and parts, and how to prevent any problems from recurring.

Calling a plumber for an emergency job will cost you more. But remember that you’re paying for their time to drive to and from your home, picking up parts and for them being on call. For a plumber specializing in drain-clearing services, you will pay at least $70 per hour for drain lines and $125 per hour for sewer lines. For weekend or night calls, add $30 per hour. But before you take out a second mortgage, you should know that most problems can be fixed in about an hour.

Hourly rates are often calculated differently

When hiring a plumber, it seems reasonable to hire a reputable, licensed plumber with the best hourly rate. The problem arises because plumbers count hours in different ways. For example, some plumbers will have lower hourly rates but charge for their driving time, while others charge what seems like an exorbitant hourly rate, but only start the clock once they arrive at your home. Others may charge an additional fee just for showing up. These are important differences to clear up before making your decision.

Have a plumber handy

When hiring a plumber, make sure they have a valid license, if required in your state. There is usually a phone number you can call to verify that the license is current and that there are no complaints against it. Any plumber you hire should have a minimum of $500,000 liability insurance and a current worker’s compensation policy. Once you find a plumber you’re satisfied with, keep his number handy for emergencies. In an emergency, it’s better to call someone who already knows you than a complete stranger.

Stu Silverman is a home improvement advice columnist and freelance writer for http://www.Contractors.com and http://www.ContractorGuide.com You can find his articles and many others in the Utilities/HVAC/Fireplace category of ContractorGuide.com

Hiring A Plumber - What You Should Know

If there’s a water leak, repairing faucets, fixtures and pipes can be quite urgent – and may require a plumber’s immediate attention. If you discover a leak, it is best to shut the water while waiting for a plumber to arrive, to prevent further water damage. The quickest way to stop water leaking from the pipes is to shut off the water supply from the main valve, then go to the lowest point in the house and open a faucet. Gravity will force the remaining water to drain out the faucet, minimizing the water that can escape through the leak.

Ask how to prevent recurring problems

For basic plumbing services, such as leak repair or installing new fixtures or traps, you’ll pay $45 to $65 per hour, plus parts, if necessary. For weekend or night calls, you can expect to pay as much as $100 just for the call and then $75 per hour. Even at these rates it is a good idea to ask what the options are for repairs and parts, and how to prevent any problems from recurring.

Calling a plumber for an emergency job will cost you more. But remember that you’re paying for their time to drive to and from your home, picking up parts and for them being on call. For a plumber specializing in drain-clearing services, you will pay at least $70 per hour for drain lines and $125 per hour for sewer lines. For weekend or night calls, add $30 per hour. But before you take out a second mortgage, you should know that most problems can be fixed in about an hour.

Hourly rates are often calculated differently

When hiring a plumber, it seems reasonable to hire a reputable, licensed plumber with the best hourly rate. The problem arises because plumbers count hours in different ways. For example, some plumbers will have lower hourly rates but charge for their driving time, while others charge what seems like an exorbitant hourly rate, but only start the clock once they arrive at your home. Others may charge an additional fee just for showing up. These are important differences to clear up before making your decision.

Have a plumber handy

When hiring a plumber, make sure they have a valid license, if required in your state. There is usually a phone number you can call to verify that the license is current and that there are no complaints against it. Any plumber you hire should have a minimum of $500,000 liability insurance and a current worker’s compensation policy. Once you find a plumber you’re satisfied with, keep his number handy for emergencies. In an emergency, it’s better to call someone who already knows you than a complete stranger.

Stu Silverman is a home improvement advice columnist and freelance writer for http://www.Contractors.com and http://www.ContractorGuide.com You can find his articles and many others in the Utilities/HVAC/Fireplace category of ContractorGuide.com