FAIL (the browser should render some flash content, not this).

TOP 10 TIPS:

  • Main water cutoff:
    Make sure everyone in the house knows where it is in case of an emergency.

  • Toilet overflow:
    If you believe your toilet is about to overflow, quickly remove the tank lid, reach down and push the flush valve closed. It covers the tennis ball-sized opening in the bottom of the tank. That keeps the bowl from overflowing while you clear the obstruction.

  • Toilet Check:
    Remove tank lid, add food coloring to the water in the tank. Check the bowl in ten or fifteen minutes. If you see color, the flapper valve may be leaking. This should be done every few years. Most such leaks are silent.

  • Check your meter periodically.
    If no water is running in the house, all dials on the meter should be stable. A movement in one of the dials may indicate a water leak, probably in a toilet. This could cost you dearly over time.

  • Stop valves:
    These are the cutoff valves near each toilet and faucet. Familiarize yourself with their location, so that if a major problem develops you can turn the water off there instead of at the main to prevent serious water damage to your home.

  • Open and close all valves once a year:
    This will ensure that they will work when you need them to. Otherwise they may seize up over time.

  • Water heaters:
    Their life can be extended by periodically draining a gallon or two of water once or twice a year from the drain valve at the bottom of the heater. This will allow sediment to clear.

  • Stopped Drains:
    Use drain-cleaners as a last resort, because they often don't work, and if they don't you will have to deal with a sink full of caustic liquid. Always use a plunger first, and if you have to call a plumber after using drain cleaner, be sure to let him know.

  • Plunging:
    The best plunger to use in a sink drain is one that has a neck on it.

  • Laundry valves:
    These should be closed when not in use in case hose breaks.

  • When buying fixtures:
    Be sure replacement parts will be readily available.

What the heck is that noise?
Pipe noises range from loud hammering sounds to high-pitched squeaks. The causes may be loose pipes, water logged air chambers, or water pressure that's too high. Anchoring exposed pipes is a simple solution; other remedies such as anchoring pipes concealed inside walls, floors or ceilings, may call for a professional.

Banging
Pipes are usually anchored with pipe straps every 6 to 8 feet for horizontal runs, 8 to 10 feet for vertical.

  • If your pipes bang when you turn on the water, you may need to add straps, cushion the pipes with a rubber blanket, or both.
  • When you anchor a pipe-especially a plastic one-leave room for expansion.
  • Don't use galvanized straps on copper pipes.

Squeaking
Only hot water pipes squeak. As the pipe expands, it moves in its strap, and friction causes the squeak.Solution: Cushion it as you would a banging pipe.

Water Hammer
This noise occurs when you turn off the water at a faucet or an appliance quickly. The water flowing through the pipes slams to a stop, causing a hammering noise. Check for:



Plumbing Do's and Dont's!

A little sound advice can go a long way. Here's some friendly do's and don'ts to help prevent plumbing-related problems in your home or business

DO:

  • Run water at full pressure when using disposer.
  • Periodically remove and clean all aerators.
  • Inspect and test toilets for leaks annually.
  • Open and close all cutoff valves twice a year.
  • Keep toilet seat down when not in use.
  • Check caulk line on walls around tubs and showers regularly.
  • Check inside edge of shower door track to make sure there are no leaks.
  • Shut off all outside valves in wintertime in cold climates.
  • Open sink cupboard doors on outside walls in severe cold weather.
  • Oil parts in toilet tanks that are above water level.
  • Open drain on water heater twice a year to remove sediment.
  • Spray oil or WD-40 on seldom used valves to prevent seizing.
  • Keep your plumber's phone number near the phone in case of emergency.
  • Turn off hot water system when leaving on vacation.
  • Teach children to always turn cold water on first and hot water off first.
  • Pour two or three gallons of boiling water down shower or tub drains once a month.
  • Insulate water pipes that may be exposed to freezing temperatures or wind.
  • Use a blow dryer or heat gun to thaw frozen pipes.
  • Keep warranty card handy on all appliances, including water heaters and softeners.
  • Have a diagram of your sewer system handy in case of emergency.

DON'T:

  • Put coffee grounds in your sink drains
  • Hang a knick-knack shelf over your toilet.
  • Pour hot water into toilet. It could crack the bowl.
  • Put any mechanical cleaning device in your toilet tank.
  • Throw disposable diapers in toilet.
  • Keep wastebaskets under sinks. Bumping drain pipes cause leaks.
  • Throw sanitary napkins in toilet.
  • Run the dishwasher if disposer is full of food waste.
  • Use drain cleaners containing lye.
  • Use toilet tank lid for a shelf.
  • Let children play in bathroom with small toys.
  • Hang a shelf for heavy objects over a sink.
  • Plant trees or large shrubs over sewer lines
  • Dig deep holes or trenches in your yard before locating water, gas, and sewer lines
  • Place cornhusks, artichokes, onionskins, celery, or other high-fiber material in a disposer.
  • Pour fats or cooking oils into your sink.
  • Leave garden hoses attached to the hose bib in winter.
  • Use open flames or torches to thaw frozen pipes.
  • Hire a plumber to do work without understanding precisely what he plans to do.
  • Leave water turned on to hoses for washing machines, dishwashers, and garden hoses when not in use.

Prevent a Flood!
We don’t need to go into detail, but a backed up sewer or heavy spring rains make for an awful mess in the basement. Flooding is very destructive and costly to clean up. If you’ve ever tried to remove soaking wet carpeting, you know what a pain it is. Here are some options to prevent this from happening in your home.

  • Flood Guard. One simple and inexpensive way to prevent flooding is to install a Flood Guard. It mounts easily into the basement drain and acts as a check valve by allowing water to flow out, preventing it from backing up. The Flood Guard reacts to rising water in the same way as a float would react. As the sewer backs up, the float rises to seal off the drain until the water recedes. No mess for you.


Copyright © 2005, Plumbing Company
Privacy policy
HomeAbout UsServicesTips & HintsContacts