Pipe Gripes - HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric

Plumbing Facts You Didn't Know

A few interesting plumbing facts:

Albert Einstein once said “If I had my life to live over again, I’d be a plumber.”

In a typical American household, toilet flushing constitutes up to 38% of all water-use in the home.

A tiny leaking faucet's not just a drip! A slight trickling faucet or shower head can waste up to 100 gallons of water or more in a week (depending on the size of the drip).

Famous rockstar Ozzy Osbourne was a plumber’s apprentice before getting into the music industry!

Now that you know a few facts (some fun, and some not so fun), make sure you take care of leaks in your home.

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Plumbing Repairs: What Does It Mean to "Sweat" Pipes?

All About Augers

Plumbing Repairs: What Does It Mean to “Sweat” Pipes?

The act of soldering pipes is known in plumbing circles as “sweating” pipes. Sweating is performed when a section of copper pipe in a home’s plumbing system is damaged and needs to be replaced, or if a new section of pipe is required to be installed to lengthen or redirect an existing pipeline.

Professional plumbers are very well-versed in the endeavor of sweating pipes. But with the right tools and a little instruction, handy homeowners can often take on at least small pipe sweating jobs on their own.

Pipe Sweating Basics

Before beginning plumbing repairs or plumbing equipment adjustments of any kind in your home, make sure the water is shut off to the area in which you’ll be working. The basic tools you will need for a pipe sweating undertaking are:

• A hacksaw or a copper pipe cutting tool
• A file
• A wire brush
• Some fine sandpaper or steel wool
• A flux brush or toothbrush
• Flux paste or soldering paste
• A roll of lead-free plumbing solder
• A propane torch

First, make sure all sections of pipe that you’ll be working with are completely dry. If there are any burrs or rough edges around the ends of the pipes after cutting them, file them down and use sandpaper or steel wool to smooth the edges. You can also insert your wire brush inside the pipes to smooth those areas.

Next, use your flux brush or toothbrush to apply the flux or soldering paste evenly around the insides and outsides of the cleaned pipe ends. Then fit the pipes together and slightly rotate them to insure a tight seal. At this point, heat up the connection by evenly passing your propane torch over it. Then remove the torch and apply the solder. The solder should begin to run around the circumference of the pipe, aided by the heated flux or soldering paste. Apply more solder to areas that it has not yet covered.

At this point, let the joined area cool down. You should then have a firmly connected section of copper pipe. A plumbing supply outlet will usually carry everything you’ll need to complete a pipe sweating project. With a little practice, plumbing projects such as these should be no sweat!

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

3 More Reasons to Call a Plumber

As discussed in our previous blog post, “3 Reasons to Call a Plumber,” there are certain plumbing jobs for which the skills of a trained professional are necessary. In this blog post, we discuss three more situations where it is best to call a plumber (rather than trying to fix the problem yourself).

Frozen pipes/flooding

Frozen pipes are a major plumbing problem that can happen during the wintertime, causing flooding and considerable property damage. If your pipes freeze, the first thing you need to do is shut off the main water valve. Then, inspect the pipe to see if it has any cracks or has burst (though it will probably be obvious if it has burst). If there are any cracks or breakage, call a plumber right away. Even if you don’t see any cracks, it is best to call a plumber, who may recommend replacing a section of pipe rather than trying to thaw it.

Low water pressure

Low water pressure throughout the house may indicate one of several problems. These include obstruction (such as debris or rust) at any point in the water line from the meter to the faucet aerators, low pressure from the city supply (or well), and others. A good plumber has the tools to diagnose the problem and address it.

Tub or shower valve replacement

Tub replacement and shower valve replacement are both big jobs that exceed the capabilities of the average do-it-yourselfer. For example, with shower valve replacement, there are numerous shower valve options and it can be difficult to choose the right one. Additionally, it is possible to damage the shower walls during the replacement process. A professional plumber will help you select the right materials and complete the job without causing damage.

If you’re looking for a plumber to complete one of these or any other plumbing job, be sure to choose a reputable plumber that is well known and trusted in the community.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

What is a Water Pressure-Regulating Valve?

When you turn on the water at the bathroom or the kitchen sink, you probably don’t consider exactly how it gets there. The water coming through the faucet in your home uses pressure to get from its original source, through the pipes, and to your house.

If the water pressure is too high however, it can cause leaking, banging pipes, or in extreme circumstances, pipe explosions.  High water pressure also wastes water.

The water pressure regulator, resembling a hose attachment, is often located near the water main on the outside of the house.

These regulators feature a dial that can adjust the water pressure. However, the pressure should only be increased if the water is coming out of the faucet at a trickle, and decreased if the pressure seems to be too high.

The water company in your area sets the appropriate pressure for the water to get to your home, so changing the water pressure won’t be a necessary part of your home maintenance. The regulator at your home simply ensures the set water pressure from the company is remaining at a safe number, which is around 80 watts, or PSI.

If you notice low water pressure in all of your faucets, including outdoor fixtures and showerheads, chances are the water pressure needs to be adjusted. However, if you notice low pressure in just one faucet, or one area of the home, it might be a leak or a clog of some sort.

Another cause for low water pressure is a water softener. If you notice a difference in water pressure once the water softener has been installed, have it serviced by a technician.

A faucet aerator could be another source of low water pressure, if it’s clogged or blocked. In that case, remove the aerator and clean it before replacing it.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

3 Reasons to Call a Plumber

Handy people can complete minor plumbing repairs themselves if they have the right tools. However, certain situations call for the services of a certified plumber. Be sure to call a plumber for any of the following home plumbing problems.

You have no hot water

This can be a difficult problem to troubleshoot and fix yourself. An issue with the hot water heater is likely to blame, but working on your own hot water heater is not recommended unless you have a lot of experience with such repairs.  Also, numerous things can go wrong with a hot water heater other than a leak – the appliance could have a bad heating element, overload switch, thermostat, or thermocoupler burner (on gas heaters). A blown fuse or tripped circuit could also be the problem. Save yourself the hassle of extensive troubleshooting and tricky repairs by calling a plumber.

Permits are required

When you need to do plumbing work that requires a permit, it is important to hire a professional who knows the building codes and the procedures to complete the necessary inspections. Plumbing situations that may require a permit include drain line replacement, water heater replacement, re-pipes, and plumbing remodels (moving plumbing to a different location).

The main sewer line is blocked

If the toilet is backing up into the sink and shower, the main sewer line is likely backing up. Oftentimes, the line is blocked somewhere between your house and the street, possibly by encroaching tree roots. It is not a good idea to try to fix this yourself. A good plumber will be able to find and fix this clog for you without even having to dig up your yard!

Not sure which plumber to call? Try out Thompson Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, a trusted plumber in the Greater Cincinnati area for more than 80 years. Even if you don’t have one of the above emergencies, you might benefit from one of our “plumbing tune-ups.”

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Fixing a Water Heater Gas Leak

While water pipe leaks are a pesky problem that can cause damage in your home, gas pipe leaks are a potential safety hazard requiring immediate attention. Therefore, if there is a leak in the flexible brass gas line your water heater, you need to correct it right away. Fortunately, this common problem is relatively easy to fix. Read on to learn how.

Significance

Gas leaks in the home can lead to asphyxia, which occurs when your body does not get enough oxygen. This condition can cause breathing troubles, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and in severe cases, death.

Detection

Although natural gas is naturally odorless, an odor is added to it so that individuals can detect leaks. The main signifier of a water heater gas leak will usually be a gas odor around the appliance or in the home.

Materials Required

Copper pipe

Flexible, polymer-coated brass gas line

Time Required

About 30 minutes

Steps

1. Turn off the gas. When troubleshooting a water heater, it is also a good idea to turn off the power and the water to the appliance as well.
2. Take out the threaded pipe that goes from the temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve.
3. Replace the threaded pipe with a new copper pipe. The new pipe should be threaded at one end only so that you do not mistakenly cap the end off.
4. Remove the gas line.
5. Replace the gas line with the new flexible, polymer-coated brass gas line. Make sure that the new line terminates no closer than 6 inches to the ground, and no farther than 2 feet off the ground.
6. Make sure all connections are tight, and turn the gas back on.

For any pipe gripes or appliance gripes that you can’t fix yourself, enlist the services of a trusted plumbing and electrical contractor.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

 

(Photo via Flickr)

When Should Pipes Be Replaced?

Whether you just bought a home, have lived in your home for years, or are just curious about the lifetime of the pipes in your home, it is a good question to be asked: when should the pipes in a home be replaced?

In older homes, pipes that need to be replaced start discoloring the water and lower the water pressure. However, you can easily prevent that from happening by knowing a little about the piping in your home.

Pipes in your home are made of different materials and serve different purposes depending on where they are located. Supply piping is usually made of brass, which can last 40-70 years, copper (50 years), or galvanized steel (20-50 years). Drain lines are made of cast iron (75-100 years), or polyvinyl chloride or PVC, which lasts indefinitely.

Keep in mind that if you know the pipes in your home are older than any of the numbers listed above, they might not need replacing. If the pipes were well-taken care of, they could last longer than average lifespans. Of course, if the pipes have been damaged or not taken care of, they might not last as long as predicted.

Keep an eye on exposed piping, look for warning signs that they need to be replaced. Check exposed pipes in the basement or crawl spaces for discoloration, flaking, stains, or anything irregular. Any leaks can also be a sign of trouble. If you see these signs, call a plumber to do an inspection.

Replacing pipes in a 1,500 square foot home with two bathrooms can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 and calls for construction work, so you don't want to replace anything until it's necessary. Keep an eye out for signs of corrosion and take care of your piping, so it'll last as long as possible.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

 

(Photo via Flickr)

Will Commercial Drain Cleaning Solutions Damage your Pipes?

Every homeowner experiences the occasional clogged drain in a kitchen or bathroom sink. When a faucet is turned on and the water in the sink bowl inches north instead of draining southward, many homeowners head directly to the store to purchase a commercial drain cleaning product. But is this always the best solution? And can these products cause damage to pipes?

A Look at Commercial Drain Cleaners

The most common materials used for the pipes underneath sinks these days are PVC and copper, but galvanized steel or iron pipes still exist in some older homes. Regardless, commercial drain cleaners are relatively safe for most types of pipes, as long as they are not overused.

However, some homeowners believe that the more drain cleaner they use, the more successful their drain cleaning endeavors will be. This philosophy is not correct! In fact, pouring excessive amounts of these cleaners into sink drains can have a negative effect on piping, and may very well lead to more severe plumbing problems.

Most commercial drain cleaners either use enzymes or caustic chemicals such as lye (sodium hydroxide) to dissolve or eat away at clogs caused by hair, soap scum, mineral deposits and other materials. Some of these products work faster than others, but for relatively minor clogs they can be effective.

But using more than the recommended amount of caustic chemical drain cleaners can weaken PVC piping, and can also cause damage to metal pipes, especially if any corrosion is already present. Additionally, these products can prove to be rather impotent on larger, more stubborn clogs.

Other Solutions

Before running out to the store in search of a commercial drain cleaner at the first sign of a clog, there are other unclogging methods that a homeowner can try. Among these are using a good old-fashioned plunger to attempt to dislodge the clog, or using a plumbing snake or “auger,” if one is available.

Homemade solutions such as pouring a mixture of vinegar, baking soda and boiling water into a stopped up drain and letting it sit overnight has also been known to work out some clogs. But if all else fails, and the clog seems to be winning the battle, it may be time to call in the professional plumbers to address the problem and prevent the possibility of further damage.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Fun Plumbing Facts

Plumbing is a pretty serious task – we usually call a plumber to address a problem that is causing damage or major inconvenience in our homes.  However, just because plumbing is important and necessary doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun and interesting as well! Read on to learn some facts about this essential industry.

Plumbing History

• The term “plumbing” comes from ancient Roman times, when pipes were made out of lead, which is “plumbum” in Latin. Why didn’t the Romans get lead poisoning from their plumbing system? Their water sources were rich in calcium, which built up as deposits inside the pipes, protecting the water from contacting the lead.
• Indoor plumbing dates back to at least 2,500 B.C. Moreover, the first flushing toilet was found on the isle of Crete in the palace of King Minus. It dates back to 1500 B.C.
• Ancient Egyptians used copper piping for their plumbing – the same material that is most commonly used for plumbing work in the modern world, 3,000 years later!
• Water pipes were made of wood in the 16^th and 17^th centuries.

Plumbing Stats

• Approximately 18,000 gallons of water per year can be saved by installing a low-flush toilet in your home.
• Toilet flushing accounts for as much as 38 percent of household water use in an average home.
• A pinhead-sized leak in your plumbing wastes as much as 360,000 gallons of water per year, or enough to fill up 12,000 bathtubs.

Just Plain Strange

• Albert Einstein famously stated that if he could live his life over, he would be a plumber.
• In Japan, some urinals have voice-activated flushers.
• Over $100,000 was spent on a study to determine how most people set up their toilet paper roll, finding that three out of four people have it with the flap on the font.
• A wide array of pharmaceuticals enter our sewer system via urinary excretion, i.e., toilets. As a result, drugs such as cholesterol medications, pain relievers, antibiotics, estrogen, antidepressants and others have been detected in cities’ drinking water supplies.

For more interesting plumbing knowledge, keep reading Pipe Gripes. To repair a leak, install a more efficient appliance, or even install a whole-house water filtration system, call Thompson Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

 

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

 

(Photo via Flickr)

Home Plumbing: The Differences between Greywater and Blackwater

Most people are not familiar with the term, “greywater.” And if you mention the word “blackwater,” a majority of folks might think you’re talking about a popular song. However, these two diverse types of water exist right under our noses. Actually, they exist under our feet, over our heads and within our walls as they continuously course through our home plumbing systems.

Clean or “potable” water comes into a home and is distributed to various fixtures and appliances within the dwelling. These include sinks, toilets, showers and apparatuses such as washing machines, dishwashers and hot water heaters.

Greywater, also referred to as “sullage,” is water that drains from sinks, bathtubs, dishwashers and washing machines after it is used. Basically, greywater is the wastewater that results from household use.

Blackwater is basically sewage, or water containing human waste that is flushed down toilets. In some cases, wastewater from dishwashers, garbage disposals and kitchen sinks is also considered to be blackwater.

Greywater and blackwater are often processed and treated separately. Blackwater contains harmful bacteria not considered fit to be reintroduced into the environment for purposes other than creating fertilizing and composting material. This is not to say that blackwater absolutely cannot be recycled. However, the process is quite involved and expensive.

On the other hand, greywater does not contain the pathogens and contaminants present in blackwater. Therefore, it is immanently more capable of being reused. In fact, there is a growing trend toward recycling greywater so that it can be used around the house for purposes such as watering the lawn and garden and washing the car or even flushing toilets.

Homeowners interested in finding out more about greywater and the various treatment systems available for recycling it should consult with area plumbing contractors or contact their local plumbing supply company. By reusing greywater, homeowners can conserve water and reduce their water bill as a result.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

 

(Photo via Flickr)