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Clog Busters: Stop the Clog

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:29:03 +0000

* Do you have frequent sewer line backups?

* Do you call the plumber more than twice a month?

* Do roots grow in your sewer line?

If so, you could be a victim of “The Clog.”

Cooking fat, oil and grease (FOG) is a leading cause of sewer pipe clogs. FOGs cool and congeal on the inner walls of sewer lines and on tree roots that grow in them, much like arterial sclerosis in our bodies. The resulting clog restricts sewage flow, which can cause a “stroke” of disaster, backing up in your home or property, or even in the street. In fact, kitchen grease is a leading cause of sewer spills in most cities.

To prevent THE CLOG follow this simple Recipe for Fat-Free Sewers:

1. Keep cooking fats, oils and grease out of drains.
2. Scrape plates and cookware and pour out all fats/grease into a container and place in the trash.
3. Use a plastic liner in the trash to prevent leaks.

If you suffer from THE CLOG, call a reputable plumber. Many plumbers have attended partnering workshops with local municipalities to learn the latest in sewage spill prevention regulations and best management practices. Visit www.ClogBusters.org and click “Got a Clog?” to view the current list.

If you prefer to remove the clog yourself, remember to use a snake. Don’t use caustic drain cleaners or copper-based root killers. Copper is toxic to aquatic life. And never use combustible solvents such as gasoline.

For additional information, please visit www.ClogBusters.org .

Clog Busters: Stop the Clog is a post from the eLocalPlumbers.com Plumbing Blog

Water Heater Maintenance: What You Need to Know

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:27:21 +0000

Water heater maintenance is often overlooked by new home owners but it is a critical step in extending the lifespan of your current water heater.

The cost of replacing a hot water heater depends on several factors…such as where you live, the size and construction of your new tank and its energy efficiency.

Water heater replacement is a costly matter, while water heater maintenance takes a small amount of time and isn’t very costly, at all.

The most important thing that you can do is to check the sacrificial anode rod on your water every three to six months. The sacrificial anode rod is a rod inserted into your hot water heater that corrodes instead of the lining of your hot water heater. (A similar type of anode is used on ocean ships to prevent the ship’s hull from corroding and causing a leak.)

Using a water softener can increase the speed at which this rod will corrode and once it’s gone; there is no other defense to the walls of your water heater from corrosion. The sacrificial anode simply screws out of the top of the water heater tank and should be replaced before it is down to the wire. You can purchase a new sacrificial anode at your local hardware store for less than $50.

Another important aspect of hot water heater maintenance is flushing the tank. Over time the natural sediment and mineral from your water will accumulate at the bottom of your water heater tank. As this sediment builds up, it can cause issues with your heating element and damage the bottom of your tank. By taking the time to properly flush your hot water heater tank, you will remove this dangerous build up of sediment and allow your hot water heater to run as efficiently as possible.

Of course, even with proper hot water heater maintenance, the day will come when you will need to replace your current water heater. Make sure that you call a licensed professional plumber who can replace your old hot water heater with a newer, more energy efficient model for your home.

Water Heater Maintenance: What You Need to Know is a post from the eLocalPlumbers.com Plumbing Blog

Solar Water Heater Installation: What You Need to Consider

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:26:15 +0000

Solar water heater installation is becoming a much more plausible idea to many people as the cost of traditional energy increases and we become more socially conscious about our energy usage.

There are many factors to consider before you actually make the decision to install your own solar water heater.

The most important factor that you need to think about before you install a solar water heater is where you live. Even within the same state there can be vast differences in the number of sunny days as opposed to cloudy days. No matter how good the heater, without the sun, your solar water heater won’t be very effective.

Another factor that needs to be considered is the temperature range of your locale. Arizona and Nevada get plenty of sunlight but temperatures in the desert get cold enough at night to freeze water. This could lead to burst pipes or cold morning showers.

You need to consider how much you want your solar water heater to contribute to your total water heating needs. It’s understandable if you don’t want to take a cold or lukewarm shower every morning or that you may not have the schedule to take your shower later in the day when the water is warmer.

Also, better units are more expensive and you may not save enough money in the long run to make the system pay for itself. Is it worth paying a little bit more than you get back to help out the planet? That is up to you to decide.

When you are considering a solar water heater installation, make sure you talk to a local licensed professional who can give you the best possible advice which will ensure you make the best decision for you, your family and the environment.

Solar Water Heater Installation: What You Need to Consider is a post from the eLocalPlumbers.com Plumbing Blog

Solar Water Heater Construction: Research Before You Build

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:51:03 +0000

Solar water heater construction can be a very satisfying job for the “do-it-yourselfer” who is looking to save money and energy.

You can choose from several different designs. However, you will need to spend some time researching costs and the best design for the climate in which you live.

Also keep in mind that if you want to qualify for certain tax credits, there are specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify. Solar water heater construction design for your climate is quite possibly the most important factor.

In southern California or Florida, even on the coldest winter night there is very little possibility of freezing. However, if you live in the desert, like in New Mexico, Nevada or Arizona, temperatures can be cold enough at night to form ice.

With the wrong design, this could lead to a burst pipe or worse and put your entire solar water heater in jeopardy.

Living in the northern United States, like I do, will require adding an electric or gas powered water heater for the winter months. Check with a licensed plumber to find out what options will be the best for you.

Regardless of where you live, you will likely need to have a backup water heater integrated into your system for cloudy days or times of increased demand. Some systems have very clear instructions detailing how to integrate a traditional tank water heater into your system or include one in the design. Other designs may require you to alter your solar water heater construction in order to accommodate a backup water heater.

Be sure to check the designer/manufacturer specifications of your particular system to make sure that you are safely integrating a traditional water heater or are not voiding the terms of your warranty.

Solar Water Heater Construction: Research Before You Build is a post from the eLocalPlumbers.com Plumbing Blog

Removing an Old Bathtub: Things to Consider

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:49:57 +0000

Removing an old bathtub? If this is not your idea of a fun afternoon, join the club.

When I decided to tackle the project of removing an old bathtub there were certain aspects of the job that seemed as though it would be fun. But there were other things that made me nervous.

I would love to be able to handle all of the remodeling projects in our house; after all, doing the work yourself is a great way to save money during an expensive remodel. But, I often run into obstacles such as… not having the right tools, not having enough know-how to do a job right or not having enough time.

Removing an old bathtub meant that the plumbing had to be correct. I also knew I needed to reuse the existing plumbing in order to hook-up anew bathtub.

Another big concern was being sure of the local building codes. I knew that if certain things are not done to code, it could endanger me and my family and could become an issue should I want to sell my house.

My father-in-law is a lot handier than I am. He has a nice collection of power tools and has worked as either the official or unofficial maintenance man at every job he’s ever had.

When I decided to remove my old bathtub and install a new one, I also decided to consult with him because he was going to be helping me with the project.

First decision we made was to have a professional plumber unhook the existing bathtub and hook-up the new bathtub once we had it in place.

With the plumbing no longer a concern, we were able to focus our time and energy on removing the old bathtub and doing as little damage as possible to the existing walls. In the end, the bathtub removal and installation was much easier, and gave me peace of mind knowing that the plumbing was going to be handled by a professional…and that it would be done correctly.

Removing an Old Bathtub: Things to Consider is a post from the eLocalPlumbers.com Plumbing Blog

Hot Water Heater Repair: When to Call a Professional

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:27:15 +0000

Hot water heater repair can be something of a mixed bag.

There are minor repairs that you can attempt for yourself and there are problems that should only be handled by a licensed professional plumber.
Some hot water heater repairs are rather inexpensive and some problems will require that a completely new water heater be installed.

It is important to know what you are looking for and what your capabilities are when attempting to deal with any hot water heater repair.

In situations where you smell gas (gas water heater) or the floor is flooded with water (electric water heater) it is important that you leave the house and call upon a licensed professional immediately. Failure to do so could result in property damage and risk the health and well-being of your family.

If your hot water heater is making a lot of noise (banging, whizzing, popping, hissing, etc.) when it first kicks in, the most likely culprit is a build up of sediment at the bottom of your tank. Properly flushing your tank can help to eliminate this problem. In fact, flushing your tank every six to twelve months is part of regular hot water heater maintenance.

Hot water heater repairs such as the temperature of the water being too hot or too cold can often be easily remedied by adjusting the thermostat of your hot water heater. To properly set the temperature of your hot water heater, set the thermostat so that the water coming out of the tap at full hot is just above 150 degrees Fahrenheit if you have a dishwasher or a little lower if you do not.

If the temperature does not change after adjusting the thermostat, you probably need to replace the thermostat or its sensor.

If your hot water heater is leaking, there is no option but to replace the unit. A leaking water heater can be a very dangerous thing and a professional plumber will be able to quickly remove your old water heater and replace it with a more energy efficient new model.

Hot Water Heater Repair: When to Call a Professional is a post from the eLocalPlumbers.com Plumbing Blog

Replace a Bathtub Spout: A How-To Guide

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:14:18 +0000

To replace a bathtub spout you will need only a small handful of tools.

First and foremost, make sure that you have a good screwdriver (or Allen wrench.) On the bottom of the existing spout, there should be a setscrew on the underside of the spout, close to the wall.

Some bathtub spouts have the ability to twist in order to make access to this screw easier. If your spout doesn’t twist easily, it would be best to simply remove the screw from its current position instead of damaging the fixture by forcing it.

One of the biggest causes of damaged bathtub spouts is women shaving their legs, using the bathtub spout as a convenient footrest. However, the spout is in no way designed to support any weight or force exerted against it. Over time, this can damage the diverter, loosen pipe connections or worse.

If you suspect that your diverter or pipe connections have been damaged, call a professional plumber to check it out and repair any damage before replacing the bathtub spout.

Once the screw is removed, twist the bathtub spout counter clockwise. Placing your screwdriver inside the spout should give you better leverage as you twist off the spout. Once you have completely removed the spout, use a chisel or razor blade to remove any remaining caulk. It is a good idea to take your old spout with you to the hardware store to ensure that you purchase the proper sized replacement spout.

With the new spout in hand; twist it clockwise until it fully covers the pipe and is fully in place. Use your screwdriver to tighten the setscrew. Finally, run a bead of caulk a quarter inch thick around the outside of the spout where it meets the wall. Wipe away the excess caulk and let it dry before you use the spout.

Replace a Bathtub Spout: A How-To Guide is a post from the eLocalPlumbers.com Plumbing Blog

Gas Hot Water Heater Repair: What You Should Know

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:10:04 +0000

Gas hot water heater repair doesn’t have to be costly. The cost really depends on the proper maintenance and attention to the first signs of trouble. The age of your hot water heater is also an important factor to take into consideration.

If your hot water heater is beyond its warranty, small problems need to be addressed immediately and regular maintenance is a must.

Failure to take proper care of an aging gas hot water heater will lead to expensive repairs or replacement.

If you find that the water isn’t hot enough for you or that there doesn’t seem to be enough hot water for everyone to take a shower, there are a number of solutions. No hot water at all may mean that the pilot light has gone out. You need to check it out.

If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and call your gas company or a licensed plumber. Do flip any light switches or do anything else that could create a spark.

If the water isn’t hot enough, and the pilot light is lit, check the temperature setting on the tank to make sure the temperature is set high enough.

Another common problem is a tank that is simply too small for the size of your family. Your water heater should hold 15 gallons per family member. If your water heater capacity is too small, you will have little choice but to upgrade. However, current models are more energy efficient than older models so you can expect to see savings over the long run.

If you find standing water around your hot water heater call a plumber immediately. There are a number of reasons why this may have happened and a professional plumber will be able to let you know if it is something as simple as replacing a pressure relief valve or if it is a more severe problem like a cracked or damaged tank.

Gas Hot Water Heater Repair: What You Should Know is a post from the eLocalPlumbers.com Plumbing Blog

Bathtub Installation Guide: Know the Challenges Before You Begin

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:54:58 +0000

Any bathtub installation guide would be incomplete if it didn’t give you all the information you needed before you began your project.

Installing a new bathtub is a major undertaking, requiring carpentry, plumbing and heavy lifting skills. It is definitely not a one-person job.

Before starting any home improvement project become aware of your local building codes.

For a bathtub installation project you will need to know the proximity of toilets and electrical outlets in relation to the bathtub. Also, make sure that the floor area where the bathtub is being installed is level.

There are also a number of plumbing challenges that need to be addressed during this project. Don’t make the common mistake of using incorrect pipe sizes. Be sure to match the size of your existing home pipes to pipes in your new bathtub. And, while we’re on the subject of connecting pipes, it is also important to use the proper sealants for threaded joints or leaks will appear.

Another common mistake is attaching copper pipes to galvanized pipes without a brass fitting or rubber washer to separate the two. Failure to complete this simple step will result in the extremely rapid corrosion of the pipes.

Bathtubs are quite large and, depending on the material, very heavy. Depending on how much renovation is being done around the house, it might be relatively easy or extremely difficult to maneuver the new bathtub into place. As I said before, this part of the project is not a one-person job.

Hopefully this bathtub installation guide gives you a brief overview of some of the obstacles you will face if you decide to undertake this renovation project. It’s up to you to decide if you have the skill or manpower necessary to complete the job yourself.

But one thing that I always stress is this, if you do not know your local building codes, it doesn’t matter how handy you are: hire a professional plumber.

Bathtub Installation Guide: Know the Challenges Before You Begin is a post from the eLocalPlumbers.com Plumbing Blog

Gas Hot Water Heater Problems: Troubleshooting Your Issue

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:38:19 +0000

Gas hot water heater problems can be annoying but many of these problems have an easy solution.

First of all, gas water heater troubleshooting isn’t any more difficult than electric water heater troubleshooting.

But there are a few differences to keep in mind.

The biggest difference between a gas water heater and an electric water heater is the pilot light on the gas models. Depending on your model and its age, the pilot light is either constant or electronic.

A constant pilot should always be lit. An electronic pilot light shoots sparks to ignite the gas as it passes. In either case, if you enter the room and you smell gas, leave your house immediately and call a plumber or your local utility company.

A common complaint is that there isn’t enough hot water for a bath or last through a shower. Check the temperature thermostat on the unit and adjust accordingly. If your tank is already turned up high, it may be time to replace your current unit with a higher capacity unit.

On the other hand, too high of a water temperature inside the tank can cause a build up of pressure causing the pressure release valve to release water. Too much water pressure can also cause problems with the pressure release valve from the water supply line. Installing a pressure-reducing valve in the supply line can solve this.

Gas hot water heater problems are sometimes very obvious. A faulty valve itself may cause a leak from the pressure release valve. If this is the case, replace the pressure release valve immediately. A faulty pressure relief valve can cause serious damage to your water heater, including the possibility of it exploding.

One of the most important lessons you can learn as a homeowner is when it is best to tackle a project yourself and when it is best to call a professional.

Gas hot water heater problems can have very serious consequences if ignored or improperly fixed. If you are not 100% certain that you can do the job correctly, call a plumber.

Gas Hot Water Heater Problems: Troubleshooting Your Issue is a post from the eLocalPlumbers.com Plumbing Blog