May
18
Toilet Paper and Plumbing Problems…Do They Go Hand In Hand?
Filed Under Plumbing Help | Leave a Comment
Toilet paper. One of the simple luxuries of modern, civilized society. If you have ever traveled to a third world country, you have probably discovered what a wonderful thing toilet paper is. But if you spend much time around plumbers, you will probably discover what a wonderful thing toilet paper isn’t.
So, is it true? Does toilet paper really lead to plumbing problems? Unfortunately, the answer depends greatly upon the surrounding circumstances.
Then how can you as a conscientious consumer keep your paper and avoid the problems? Read more
May
17
You use it multiple times per day, and probably give it very little thought.
Yet it can be quite discouraging when you do your business, flush the toilet and nothing happens. Toilet problems may seem overwhelming – after all, we all use today’s modern conveniences to maintain healthy living. However, before you rush to call the nearest plumber, take a quick look at the inner mechanism of your toilet. Your toilet’s flushing mechanism could be the problem and, most of the time, these problems are quite easy to fix.
If your toilet refills itself without being flushed, you could have a flapper problem. The flapper is the rubber piece at the bottom of the toilet tank. When the toilet is flushed, this flapper raises and lets the water run into the bowl. When the tank is empty, the flapper reseats itself and the tank fills with water for the next flush. If your flapper is not sealing tightly, the water will seep out of the tank, triggering the valve to refill the tank once the water level reaches a certain point. You can pick up a replacement flapper for a few bucks and make the repair on your own. Read more
May
11
If you want your hot water system to be “green”, it takes more than simply buying an energy-efficient water heater. Water starts at your water heater. But from there it travels all through your home. For your entire water system to be green, it means concentrating on every piece – not just one or two parts.
For an energy efficient water system to be green, it must use the least amount of water possible while still giving you the access you need. If you think about one of the biggest water wasters in you home, you’ll quickly come up with the idea of letting water go down the drain without using it at all. From filling your kitchen sink for the dishes, to washing your face in the evening, to your morning showers, its not uncommon to leave the water run for several minutes while you wait for the water to warm to the touch. Read more
May
10
The Top Natural DIY Drain Cleaners
Filed Under Drain Cleaning | Leave a Comment
Having a clogged drain is a big pain. One minute you are happily taking a bath and the next, your bathwater refuses to go down the drain. One minute you are finishing a sink full of dishes and the next, your dirty dishwater will not budge.
Your first instinct may be to run right out and buy the first drain cleaner you can find. Think again. There are other ways you can rid your drain of a clog. You can try a natural DIY drain cleaner.
Baking soda and cider vinegar – this mixture of one cup of baking soda and one cup of cider vinegar will create a foaming action that is great for cleaning drains. Add the mixture to the clogged drain and follow with plenty of hot water. You can utilize this mixture for regular maintenance of your drains to keep the water flowing. Read more
May
4
Leaks in your home can be a huge headache.
When your faucet breaks and water spews all over your kitchen, you have no choice. Your first reaction is to shut off the water and have the leak repaired as quickly as possible.
However, when you notice a drip under your sink or a drip from your ceiling when it rains, you may not be in any hurry to fix the problem. You may think, “Oh well, it’s just a small leak, I will get to it later.” Read more
May
3
The dishes are done. You pull the plug. And the water doesn’t go down.
Then the fun begins.
This is a sign that there is some sort of blockage in your plumbing. It could be merely a minor problem – something solved by a quick use of a plunger. Or it could be something more.
The following four reasons may be the most common reason why your sink is draining slowly. Read more
Apr
27
When you make the decision to purchase a new home, you are making an investment in your future. You need this investment to be a sound one – which is why it is important to choose your new home with care.
You may jump at the chance and put in an offer to beat the crowd. Yet in today’s marketplace, its more important to concentrate on getting a solid house that won’t cost you money in the short term. Rather than rushing into buying the first home that suits your fancy, take your time, and consider investing in various inspections before making that final purchase.
A plumbing inspection can reveal many details about your property. Read more
Apr
26
The Greenest Toilet
Filed Under Green Plumbing | Leave a Comment
We live in a time of “green living”. Green living means doing your part to help protect the environment. You can do this in numerous ways, such as driving a hybrid car (or not driving at all), switching your regular light bulbs for energy-saving bulbs, recycling, and investing in energy saving appliances.
All can save money. Yet there is one thing you use more than any other fixture in your house, and it will have the largest impact in over all consumption – your toilet.
Having the greenest toilet on the market today doesn’t mean you have to use composting or revert back to old ways of living. Instead it mean choosing a high efficiency toilet that will help you save the most water possible. Read more
Apr
22
Happy Earth Day 2012.
This year more than one billion people across the globe will participate in the 42nd annual Earth Day activities, with this year’s theme being Mobilize The Earth.
When the first Earth Day was held 42 years ago, 20 million Americans from all walks of life participated. It is credited with launching today’s environmental movement, and the passage of landmark laws that we rely on today, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
Today you’ll find people participating around the globe, with activities planned in all types of venues, from schools to churches, individuals and businesses.
Mobilize The Earth is designed to provide people with a way of demanding immediate action to secure Renewable Energy for all, and a sustainable future for our planet. If governments from around the globe won’t take steps towards protecting and preserving the environment, it remains with the people. Read more
Apr
19
Plumbing Terms And What They Mean
Filed Under Ask A Plumber | Leave a Comment
When you need to call a plumber for help with your pipes, you are bound to hear several technical terms. Plumbers can sometimes forget that not everyone is a plumber. Therefore, not everyone understands “plumbing lingo”. You may find your head spinning when your plumber starts spouting BTU numbers or asking you where the angle stop is located. This helpful list of common plumbing terms will help you understand the lingo the next time your plumber starts talking air locks and back pressure.
Basin wrench – a wrench with jaws on a swivel and a long handle
Aerator – a device in the end of a faucet that mixes air with the water to reduce splashing
BTU – British Thermal Unit, refers to the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one Fahrenheit degree
Ball check valve – valve with a ball that seals to prevent flow of liquid
Air lock – flow of liquid being blocked by an air bubble
Back pressure – refers to a pipe system in which pressure resists the flow of fluid
Wash down water closet – water closet with a siphon trap way and a flushing rim Read more
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