Nowadays you can find a lot of tutorials on the Internet and purchase several books that can teach you how to do a plumbing connection. The fact is the research is already done and all you really need to do is look it up, read it, learn it, and practice it. One thing that is not told in those tutorials is that in most cases you will not get it right from the first try. It took me 7 tries to properly solder a simple plumbing connection and it was still not perfect. It did not leak but was not perfect. You must be prepared to make a mistake in order to become a virtual “do it yourself, plumber”.
In knowing how to do a plumbing connection, the first step comes in understanding all the pieces involved. You must learn the difference between a trap and a vent and realize which piece is a 45 degrees connector and which is a 90 degrees connector. It might sound simple but you would be surprised at how many individuals do not know this fact.
There are two main types of materials used in building plumbing systems. You have the classic copper system and special PVC system. With the PVC you will need special tools and all connections are done by use of heat. The pieces basically melt at the sides of the connectors and then get linked together. When they dry off (which happens fast) the two pieces will be joined together and you will not be able to unloosen them as with copper connectors. Copper plumbing connections should be the best way to start on the “do it yourself plumber” mission. If you do something wrong you usually unscrew pieces or try to unsolder them. Both operations are pretty easy while soldering is difficult.
Three types of plumbing connections are available: T connections, straight connections, and 90 degrees connections. You will also be able to use 45 degrees connections in order to fit all the system better. Before starting the operation, take some time to plan it. Proper planning means half the work will be complete. Take a piece of paper and start drawing what your system will be like and try to calculate the exact number of connectors, types, and length of pipe you will need. Always purchase extra, just to be safe. If this is your first try you should buy more extra pieces than you usually would.
Learning how to do plumbing connections is very easy and most main fixtures come with instruction manuals. Also, when purchasing the pieces you can ask the clerk different questions you might have. He will surely know the answer but be sure to not have too many as you could annoy him. As said earlier, all the information you need might just be a click away. All you really need is the courage to start it all and enough spare time to finish it.
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Above Ground Steel Oil Tanks
An above-ground steel oil tank is used to store waste oil from the home. Most steel tanks have the same type of characteristics such as a 12 gauge thickness, a half or two-inch supply, four leg brackets, and one and a quarter inch female thread. Two handles at each end for transport and it is easy to replace. Any oil tanks for home or commercial must meet and comply with the standards of the CWB, ULC, CSA, and the UL.
One manufacturer of these tanks is Granby Steel Tanks; they have a great reputation in both commercial and residential above-ground tanks. They offer 100-gallon vertical tanks that are 12 gauge thickness and the weight capacity is 165 pounds. There is a 150-gallon vertical tank that has 12 gauge thickness and the weight capacity is 225 pounds, 150-gallon horizontal and 12 gauge, and a weight capacity of 225 pounds. The 200-gallon vertical tank has a thickness of 12 gauge with a 260-pound weight.
The 200-gallon horizontal tank has a 12 gauge thickness and a 260-pound weight capacity. 250 gallon vertical and horizontal tanks both 12 gauge and 310-pound weight capacity. The steel is ASTM A-569, female threaded openings. The tanks can be pressure tested between 5 and 7 PSIG.
Sometimes a tank can become a failure for different reasons. One reason may be water got into the tank from a pipe possibly or water from the tank being outside. Climate can be another factor if the tank is stored outside. When the weather is warm the warm moisture can seep into the tank and air can accumulate in the tank.
Even if the tank is a 12 gauge steel there are some things that can happen, for example, a steel tank can over time become corroded with rust from the inside of the tank. What you can do is inspect the tank for pinholes or just an open leak. Steel is thin on these tanks and what may look strong may be brittle so be careful you don’t puncture a bigger hole.
A bad delivery of oil can be the cause of a faulty tank as well. Above ground oil tanks have to be inspected. You can have someone from the oil company come out and check the tank for leaks and make sure that it is run properly. If you choose to have an outdoor or an indoor above ground tank, either way, make sure they are installed properly either by a professional or if you choose to do it. Have the tank inspected to make sure the installation was done correctly.
Keep the maintenance on your tank, check every month or so for leaks and the first sign of a pinhole contact your oil company, if you catch it in time maybe it can be saved by a patch. Don’t let it go too long before it turns into something where you have to replace the whole tank.
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Kerosene Heater Safety
There are some people who in the dead of winter and they are freezing will do anything in order to stay warm. That includes buying a portable kerosene heater. What some people don’t do is they don’t follow any type of safety measures and there are more fires from kerosene space heaters than from any other type of heater. Here are some of the dangers that could happen if you don’t use the proper precautions.
One of the most common mistakes that people make with their kerosene heaters is that they place the heater too close to furniture, curtains and products that are easily combustible. By taking a few extra minutes to carefully and strategically place the heater away from anything flammable could save your life. You also want to make sure that the heater is placed on a sturdy table where a pet can’t bump into the table and knock the heater over. You can avoid a fire or even an explosion by preparing the heater. Make sure you do not use the wrong fluid when filling the tank and make sure that you do not light it until the filling of the heater is complete.
Another problem that arises very often among kerosene users is burns. It is very easy to burn yourself on these heaters. They get very hot and if you touch it ever so slightly can cause an injury. Make sure that these heaters can’t be knocked over or into by a child or a pet. It only takes a bump into an unstable table to cause a whole bunch of injuries.
Most people do not think of this when they purchase a kerosene heater. That is asphyxiation, kerosene heaters eat oxygen as they burn. If you are using them in a very small room or a room that does not have proper ventilation, the oxygen could decrease to a very dangerous level. When there is not enough oxygen it there could be combustion or fuel and then carbon monoxide is formed. As everyone knows how deadly carbon monoxide can be.
Kerosene heaters can also cause indoor air pollution because not only does the heater give off carbon dioxide but it gives off nitrogen dioxide and even sulfur dioxide. Taking in these pollutants can be very dangerous to children, pregnant women, and people with breathing problems and cardiovascular problems and the elderly. To be safe is very simple, read the manual that is provided with the heater and follow these safety rules and you will have a nice warm winter.
To recap the safety features of the kerosene heater. Keep the heater away from all furniture, curtains and combustible products. Keep the kerosene heater on a sturdy table. Make sure the room has enough ventilation to escape. It might be a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector in the room you are keeping the heater in. Keep children and pets away from the vicinity of the heater to avoid burns.
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Plumbing Chlorine Feeders Into Your Filter System
Chlorine Feeders are a great way to maximize the safety and the performance of your swimming pool and in the long run, will save you money on the chlorine that you buy. They are many benefits in using a chlorine feeder in-line or off-line on your swimming pool filter system. A chlorine feeder is a canister made of a special plastic that can endure the chemical called chlorine and is loaded with chlorine tablets so that the swimming pool water can flow through the canister and dispense the chlorine into the pool.
Types Of Chlorine Feeders:
There are two types of chlorine feeders, the “In-line” feeder and the “off-line” feeder are the most common ones on the market today. Depending on what type of pool and what type of plumbing you have will determine the type of feeder that you will want to install or buy for your pool.
The In-line Chlorine Feeder:
The in-line chlorine feeder is plumbed using hard pipe or rigid PVC pipe and is plumbed in the plumbing lines of the main filter system resulting in its name “in-line chlorine feeder”. In order to install this type of feeder, you will have to have enough area somewhere in lines of the filter system after the filter. For example, you will need about 12 inches of space on the pipe to install this unit.
The Off-line Chlorine Feeder:
The off-line chlorine feeder is piped into your swimming pool system using something called “saddle clamps” that attach to a small area of the pipe or fitting. These types of feeders have more play and flexibility in their installation because they use flexible feed lines and do not have to be directly installed in between the main plumbing lines as the in-line chlorine feeder does. These types of feeders are more commonly used in lots of above aground pool applications or to add a chlorine feeder to an existing inground filter system that doesn’t have the room for the traditional in-line type.
Benefits and Advantages Of Feeders:
Back in the old days everyone used to simply just put the chlorine in the skimmer baskets and the when the pump system ran the chlorine would be dispensed through the pool by the flow of the water passing the chlorine tablet in the skimmer. The downside to this was that when the filter system was not in use the levels of chlorine would start to rise to a dangerous level and start to eat away and the plumbing below the skimmer. Another downside of keeping tablets in the skimmer is that small and young children can have easy access to the dangerous chemicals that lurk there, with a sealed chlorine feeder you can have the peace of mind that the chemicals are out of harm’s way.
If you are still not sure what type of feeder you will need then contacting your local swimming pool supply store or hiring a swimming pool service professional to do the job for you might be the best way.
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PDC Spas
The PDC Spas is the manufacturer that always puts its customer’s needs first. They have spas that provide comfort, great design, and the ultimate performance all contained in a fiberglass spa since 1957. They have the SE Series, the LX Series with additional options and accessories. Since the company began in 1957, they have lead the way in technology and innovation with their ideas and patented spa features. PDC was the first spa manufacturer to get a UL Listing status on their spas.
The SE Series Spas have these standard features they have TemperLOK Heating Design, Powerflo Filtration, 400 Series Digital Control, Permawood Cabinets, 3 Acrylic Color choices, and a 25-year structural warranty. The options include Ozone Purification, MotionGlow Lighting, Reflections Jettings, Waterfall Jet, Soundwave Audio System, Wireless 32″ weatherproof TV, and a Wireless iPod System.
The SE Series Spas have 6 different models; the Antero Se sits 3 to 4 people and has 31 jets. It has been quoted as having” Just enough Room”. The Boulder SE has 71 jets and can hold 5 seats and is quoted as Comfort beyond Compare. The Columbia SE has 6 seats and has 34 jets and is quoted as being Versatile Water Jet Massage. The Denali SE holds 8 people with 75 jets and is called Your Favorite Living Space. The Everest SE holds 6 seats and 75 jets and is called a vacation in your own backyard and the Vancouver Se holds 6 seats and 26 jets and is called Classic Styling.
The LX Series has standard features such as TemperLOK Heating Design, Powerflo Filtration, 600 Series Digital Control, Permawood or Cedar Cabinets, Air’assage Therapy System, Aromatherapy, 13 Acrylic Colors, 35-year structural warranty, Motion Glow Light, Waterfall Jet and Ozone Purification. The optional features are Illusion Lighting, Reflections Jettings, 100 Series Auxiliary Controls, Soundwave Audio System, Wireless 32″ Weatherproof TV, and Wireless iPod System.
The Antigua Say No to Stress Spa seats 8 people and has 102 jets, the Aruba LX There’s no place like home Spa sits 5 people and has 91 jets. The Bali LX The Skill of Rest and Relaxation Spa sits 7 and has 105 jets. The Bermuda LX Unlimited Nights and Weekend Spa sits 7 people and has 113 jets. The Fiji LX Get the Party Started Spa sits 6 people and has 111 jets. The Reno LX Visit your Day Spa without an appointment Spa has 6 seats and 104 jets. The Cabo LX New 2007 Spa sits 3 to 4 people and has 57 jets.
There are 13 designer colors for any one of these spas that we have mentioned they are Thunder Gray, Mystic Emerald, Copper, Caribbean Granite, Sierra Granite, Eclipse Granite, Pearl Shadow, Summer Sapphire, Galaxy Granite, Alba, Bluegrass Granite, Majestic Sky, Odyssey Granite, and Desert Horizon.
The PDC Spas were the first company to have a prototype spa that was first introduced in the 1960s. The PDC manufacturers were regarded as a maverick in the industry today. They were the first spa manufacturer to receive a UL listing on a modular spa unit. The company prides itself on quick production and a quick delivery time which is usually 3 weeks. They have some great exclusive spa features and they have been unsurpassed as a company for 35 years. There are many spa companies out there but PDC has accomplished so much and they have a great product to show for it. They have a full line of whirlpool bathtubs, custom inground spas and great spa accessories.
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Below Are Some Tips To Help. – Whole-Home Contractor Services
Your wallet will notice and your home will show it when you decide to get informed and begin managing your own home plumbing. You will also feel proud of your work and will be able to have a well-kept home. These are great attitudes to have. Just like with all types of other skills, you can always improve your plumbing skills and add new ones. Below are some tips to help.
If your pipes are making a racket, there is a simple way to quiet them down. Exposed pipes need to be anchored. You might want to contact a professional when the pipes are hard to access.
You plumbing experiences will go much smoother if you know your tools, and have the knowledge of how to use each one. Make sure you read all the directions and manuals, while also taking advantage of online resources and the library to help you with your projects. Prior to attempting any repairs, be certain to plan ahead in order to avoid expensive errors.
If you aren’t having any luck using a plunger on a clogged toilet, you may want to try pouring warm water into it from waist high. You can repeat this procedure once the water returns to a low level.
If your garbage disposal stops working, never try to fix it by reaching down with your hands. Even when they are turned off, disposals can be very dangerous. Research on the internet for diagrams, troubleshooter, or FAQs about your disposal.
Make sure that you’re always cleaning your garbage disposal regularly. Doing this will save you from having to repair or replace an expensive piece of equipment in the future. By regularly using a mixture of dish soap, cherry pits, and citrus rinds, you can ensure that your disposal runs smoothly and smells as fresh as one that is brand new.
Pour equal parts baking soda followed by vinegar down your bathtub drain once a month. Cover the drain with a plug or rag as you wait for the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda to happen in your pipes. Wait until the chemical reaction runs its course, then flush the pipes by pouring in a kettle full of boiling water. This process should open up the pipes by clearing out hair build-up and soap scum.
Ensure that the overflow holes in your sinks are not clogged. Overflow holes exist to act as a double check in case of an overfilling sink. That may seem unimportant – but it will become a problem if they are clogged. It’s easy to maintain your plumbing, in this regard. When you’re performing periodic checks, simply clear any overflow holes while checking for other potential problems.
It is important to always run cold water while using your garbage disposal. When cold water hits the garbage disposal, it sharpens the blades. This keeps the disposal working properly. If you use hot water it will liquefy the grease, allowing it to accumulate in your drain causing your pipes to clog.
If you notice water draining into your dishwasher, check how the kitchen sink hoses are installed. The hose going from the dishwasher to the sink needs to angle uphill before going back downhill to prevent water from both no data being mixed.
If you want avoid future issues with your toilet, don’t treat it like a trash can. If you flush improper items such as disposable diapers, facial tissue, cotton balls, paper toweling, tampons or sanitary napkins down the toilet, you will surely have problems with clogs. Also, try to use the smallest amount of toilet paper you can.
If you wish to use a pipe cleaner to clear out your clogged pipes, look for one that is enzyme-based. These cleaners have natural bacteria in them, which turn sludge into liquid form that can be easily removed from your pipes. The most highly recommended pipe cleaners are enzyme cleaners.
Now that you possess the know-how and the techniques, get ready to work on your own plumbing! Great! You never need to stop learning, and the tips in this article were devised to help you with plumbing. You might have been able to find a new idea or “regular” for your jobs.
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Do you notice the red reset button on your water heater popping out every now and then? This happens when the water heater is tripping. This may be a puzzle to some homeowners, so let’s take a look at some concerns about water heater tripping.
Why does my water heater keep tripping?
There are many potential reasons why a water heater would trip, but the most likely reason is that the water heater has gotten too hot. What does this mean and when does the water get too hot?
Normally, anything below 180 degrees would be acceptable, but anything over that, expect the water heater to trip. This means that the reset button or high limit switch would pop out. Why does this happen? It is part of a protection mechanism to prevent you from being burned as you take a hot shower.
However, the main reason why the water would get too hot can usually be traced to a bad thermostat. Electric water heaters have a thermostat for each heating element. These are responsible for controlling the elements to regulate the water temperature as it begins to cool down.
When the thermostat goes bad, it can get stuck and cause the continuous delivery of heat and eventual tripping. How can you check if it is a thermostat problem? A licensed professional plumber can use a multimeter to find out and put in a replacement.
What causes the problem?
There are other causes aside from a bad thermostat like:
A short in the heating element causing it to continuously heat the water even if the thermostat has shut off.
Loose wiring can also result in water heater tripping because of the improper distribution of electricity.
The reset switch itself may be the cause of the water heater tripping because it is malfunctioning.
Water heaters are usually plugged into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) to protect against bodily harm. It disconnects the current to prevent electrical shock. This is better than circuit breakers because it is activated by currents that are often too small to trip regular breakers.
GFCI trips or ghost trips are often caused by worn-out insulation, water, and conductive dust among others. The leakage current will result in intermittent and unnecessary tripping.
Troubleshooting Electric Water Heaters
The most common problem encountered by homeowners when it comes to water heaters is that the water is not as hot as it should be. This is commonly resolved by:
Reconnecting the power and resetting the thermostat;
Flushing the heater to remove sediments;
Insulating hot water pipes;
Replacing the thermostat or heating elements; and
Raising thermostat temperature.
How to repair or replace?
As far as electric tankless water heaters go, the most common part that needs to be replaced is the heating element. This is how you do it:
Check the manual to locate the heating element.
Disconnect the power and water supply to the unit.
Turn on the nearest hot water faucet to siphon out the remaining hot water in the system.
Remove the cover to the heating chamber plate to reach the plate and allow the water to drain.
Disconnect the wires of the heating unit and wrap the heating element with a rag.
Remove the nut keeping the heating element in place to remove it.
Put in an exact replacement and make sure that the O-ring is correctly seated.
Turn back the power and water supply to test the heater.
How much does the repair regularly cost?
If the problem is not the breaker, then the repair would focus mostly on the heating element. Replacing a heating element would normally cost around $200 to $300 and must be done by a professional because of the risks involved. A professional would usually charge about $200 to $300 for the two heating elements.
When the cause of the problem is the thermostat, a replacement can be installed by a professional for roughly $150 to $200, inclusive of professional fees. The cost of the part is around $20. Each heating element has its own thermostat control.
If in need to install a new tankless water heater
This type of water heater usually goes on plaster or drywall. The water supply lines should be routed to the water heater with the water utility going into the inlet and the pipe to the outlet. The shutoff valves for both lines should be installed near the unit. It is a good idea to have a pressure relief valve installed as well.
Union fittings can be used to finalize the connections. Turn on the water valve but not the power. Open all the faucets in your home to run water for about a minute. Shut off the valves and remove the inline filter to clean out debris. Replace the filters, open the water supply, and turn on the power. Test the unit and check for leaks.
This may sound so easy on paper, but remember, working with water and electricity at the same time is considerably dangerous. That is why it is always suggested to call for a licensed professional plumber when handling water heater repair, replacement, and installations.
WHO & WHERE to find help
You say you don’t know where to find help? We can provide quality and affordable service for all your plumbing installation, repair, cleaning, maintenance, and leak detection needs. Contact us today.
Additional Questions
What is the reset button on a water heater for?
The reset button on the water heater is a safety device that shuts off the power to the unit to give the heated water time to cool down before operation can be resumed.
How do you know if you have a bad thermocouple?
Press and hold the gas knob as you put it in pilot while pressing the igniter button. Keep the gas knob depressed for at least 60 seconds after the pilot lights.
If the light immediately goes out when you release the knob, then you have a bad thermocouple. If the pilot stays lit but the burner does not start in five minutes, you have to test the thermocouple.
How much is a hot water heater thermostat?
For the water heater thermostat itself, the cost can be anywhere from $20 to $35 for each. To have this installed, a licensed professional would normally charge about $100 for labor.
How long does it take for a hot water heater to heat up?
The time it takes for a water heater to heat up would depend on its type:
Gas – between 30 to 40 minutes for fully heated water in the tank.
Electric – anywhere from an hour to an hour and 20 minutes.
Solar – similar to electric, but without backup energy on a cloudy day, it may mean never.
Tankless – virtually no heating time required.
All of these, of course, are average values and can vary depending on the make, model, and manufacturer of the water heater unit.
If you have any questions and want to know which water heater is best for you, let us know.
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Most homeowners don’t but should have some basic plumbing supplies on hand to be used in plumbing emergencies until a professional plumber arrives. For example, a pipe wrench can be a very handy tool in the event of a burst pipe or loose-fitting needs a temporary adjustment until help arrives. There are different requirements for any of the fixtures that you may need to buy and you can be the best judge of what they may be. If you are buying new faucets for the bathroom, for example, make sure they are going to fit the bathroom sink and make sure what you want will coincide with what you have. If you are not sure, take a picture of what you have and bring it to the store and ask the sales staff if what you want to put in will be ok for what you already have.
Try to shop around for your plumbing supplies and get the best price possible. Make a list of what you need and make three different columns, go to three different stores, and price out all of the parts you need. Some plumbing fixtures require a certain housing code so make sure you ask the store if you are not sure. If some items need to be delivered then arrange delivery and be specific in things like does someone has to be home and if you need them to call first. Make any special instructions clear to them. Always get a receipt, very important and if there is a warranty for these parts, then get it in writing.
Every person, at least once in their lives, whether they own a home or live in an apartment will encounter plumbing problems. Plumbing problems are common everyday problems such as a clogged sink, a backed-up toilet, frozen pipes, or repair or replace a fixture. There are thousands and thousands of plumbers out there waiting to help you with your problems. The truth be told they are waiting to help you, as that is what they have been trained to do.
There are some people that panic when they get a clogged toilet they want to call a plumber but in reality, even if you are not mechanically inclined you can actually do a lot of these plumbing repairs yourself. There are simple tricks to unclogging a toilet or unclogging a sink. Plumbing problems can cost you a lot of money and with the proper plumber, you can actually save money by doing right the first time, rather than attempt to repair it yourself, only to cause more damage to your home.
We can help you with such plumbing problems as unclogging a toilet, how to install a toilet, how to defrost your pipes, and how to repair a dripping shower head. We can provide information on how to buy the right plumbing fixtures, how to maintain your sump pump, and install it all for you, with a warranty and peace of mind that only a certified plumber can offer. These repairs are not impossible if you have the right instruction and I am here to give you those tools.
I can help you save a lot of money and provide you the right tools and instruction to get the job done right. There may be some things that you may need to call a plumber for. But if I can save you money on the little repairs then I will be happy to do so. There are so many other things that I can spend our money on, if I can save a little bit then I will. Simple household plumbing repairs I can guide you in repairing. For things like replacing your plumbing lines in your home that you will need a plumber for.
Plumbing problems are common enough where most households already have a plunger and some liquid Drano. Clogs happen and when it does it is very simple to repair. Once you get enough confidence in taking care of small problems you will be ready for bigger projects such as how to install your own toilet. You will be a pro in no time. Remember any information you need can be found on the internet.
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