Pipe Gripes - HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric

Easy Fix For A Leaky Toilet

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:11:10 -0400

Did you know?

Leaking Toilets Cause More Water Waste Than Any Other Fixture in the Home!

You know the sound. The one that sounds like your toilet is constantly running.... running your water bill way up that is! Did you know that your toilet could be leaking even when it’s not running? A silent toilet leak will waste from 30 to 500 gallons of water per day! Worse than this, the leak that you can hear will waste much more.

Such wastage can normally be attributed to an incorrect water level adjustment or to a leaky flapper. What is a flapper? A flapper is a rubber mechanism in your toilet tank that is the moving part of the flush valve. It seals water into the tank and allows the water to exit the tank when you flush.

Try the “dye test” to see if you have a leaky flapper

You probably don’t think that your toilet leaks. But, there is one sure way to find out. Put some food dye (any color) in the tank part of the toilet and leave for 15 minutes. When you return, look into the toilet bowl to see if there is color in the water. If you see the color in the bowl, it is time for a new flapper. Besides the color, if you can hear or see the water running, it’s time for a new flapper.

How the flapper works:

The flapper valve is the mechanism inside your toilet tank that controls the flush. When you push on the handle, the lever lifts a chain that then lifts the flapper valve. The valve covers an opening in the bottom of the tank that allows the water to flow down into the bowl and creates the flushing action.

In order to change the valve, you need to do a few things.

1. Empty the tank of water so that you can work.

2. Find the shut off valve that is located on the water line that supplies your toilet. Turn it off, and then flush the toilet one time. The tank should empty as normal with the flush, but will not refill.

3. Get a pair of cheap latex gloves and a small container for the old flapper, to make the process easier.

4. After you remove the device, your best bet it to remove the old flapper valve and take it with you to the hardware store. Try to select a new flapper that matches your old one as close as possible. If your flapper is one of the hard-to-find ones, you may need to contact the manufacturer of your toilet for a recommendation. If you only have one toilet, it’s a good idea to keep the old flapper handy until you’ve found a suitable replacement.

What to do next:

5. While the flapper is out, take your finger and move it over the seating surface of the flush valve. If the surface is rough, get some 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper and lightly go over the entire surface. Repeat the process until the surface is smooth. For toilets with a flat seal type of flapper, simply slip it off the piston or other holding device and replace it with a new one.

6. After installing the new flapper, run the “dye test” again to assure you have no leak. If the leak persists, you are probably going to have to replace the entire flush valve.

(Flickr Photo By homespot hq)

Plumbing Facts You Didn't Know

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:16:00 -0400

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.

The Inside Scoop On Water Consumption - And Waste - At Home

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:10:00 -0400

You may be surprised to see how much water an average household uses. Most of us are guilty of wasting water, and we aren’t even aware of it. Take a look at a few plumbing numbers to get a better understanding:

How much water do you think is wasted while leaving the water on in order to:

Rinse off a plate in the kitchen sink?
Brush your teeth?
Shaving?
Washing your hands?
Washing the car?

In a typical home, more than 9,000 gallons of water are wasted while running the faucet waiting for hot water. As much as 15% of your annual water heating costs can be wasted heating this extra 9,000 gallons.

Water tip: Check your outside faucets for leaks and drips. A simple drip can equate to over 250 gallons of wasted water per month.

Home Plumbing Repairs: Remember To Shut Off The Water First!

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:16:00 -0400

So, you have finally carved out a little time to fix a faulty toilet or repair a leak in one of your sink faucets. You have the tools and the general know-how, so let’s get to work.

But, aren’t you forgetting something? You are likely to have a mess on your hands if you inadvertently skip the all-important step of turning the water off to the area that you’ll be performing these plumbing repairs.

Seems like an easy task. Simply find the hot and cold water shutoff valves underneath the bathroom sink, and twist them until the water is blocked off to the plumbing apparatus in question. However, these valves are not always in plain sight. You may have to search around a little to find them.

Locating Valves and Turning off the Water Supply

While water shutoff valves are often located underneath sinks, this is not always the case. Depending on a particular home, water shutoff valves can be located in any number of areas.

If these valves are not localized and you cannot find them directly underneath your sink, you will probably have to turn the water off to your entire home before tackling the plumbing job. It’s always a good idea to know where your main water shutoff valves are anyway in case of a plumbing-related emergency. These valves are often located in your basement or in the garage in some homes.

In some areas, the water main is located outside the home. If this is the case, look for a metal covering, quite possibly near the street. Once opened, you’ll notice either handles, valves or a place where a wrench-like “key” can be inserted and turned in order to shut off your home’s water.

If you are able to shut the water off to a particular sink, remember to open up the faucet to drain any excess water and pressure. The same principle applies when you shut off your home’s water main. Open up all faucets in the home until the water buildup drains completely.

If you have trouble finding your water shutoff valves, call your water company. They should have this information. If you are uncertain or uneasy when it comes to approaching home plumbing problems for any reason, local professional plumbers are only a phone call away.

Photo by Stephane Gaudry

Solving Hot Water Boiler Problems

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:16:01 -0400

Got boiler problems? Cincinnati heating and cooling experts Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are here to help. Hot water boilers are used in hydronic heating systems, in which hot water is distributed through a home’s pipes and delivered to rooms via a radiator or baseboards. These boilers may be powered by natural gas, fuel oil, or propane.

While boilers are generally reliable, they have more parts than a forced air furnace and may experience problems related to the water circulator pump, expansion tank, or another component. Some common boiler problems and their related causes/repairs are as follows:

Loud pipes

Possible causes: Trapped water in return lines or faulty circulator

Possible repairs: Circulator repairs requiring a service technician; adjustment of return line or radiator slope

Poor heating performance

Possible causes: Mineral deposits in heat exchanger or boiler (for gradual changes in performance) or improper water level (for sudden changes)

Possible repairs: Boiler flush; adjustment of water level and pressure

Boiler not producing heat

Possible causes: No power to boiler, thermostat malfunction, low water level, or burner malfunction

Possible repairs: Resetting of tripped circuit breaker; replacement of blown fuse; adjustment of water level and pressure; relighting of standing pilot; troubleshooting of electronic ignition system or thermostat

Water leakage around boiler

Possible Causes: Faulty pressure relief valve or circulator (pump), or leaking water pipe connection

Possible Repairs: Circulator repairs requiring a service technician; replacement of pump seal or valve; repair to leaky connection

Photo By: spierzchala

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

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:16:00 -0500

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

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:56:28 -0500

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?

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:44:48 -0500

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

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:33:27 -0500

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

HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:25:57 -0500

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

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.
Take out the threaded pipe that goes from the temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve.
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.
Remove the gas line.
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.
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)