William Lund asked:


Looking for an easy project that you can do to improve your home? How about going green with your plumbing? By making your home more energy efficient and water efficient you’re are improving the resale value of your home and providing yourself with reduced water and energy bills and added convenience.

If you have to wait for an extended period of time to get your hot water you are a good candidate for one of the many instant hot water systems. Most don’t really provide you with “instant” hot water, but can considerably reduce your wait time, and can even nearly eliminate running water down the drain while you wait.

There are a couple of retro-fit friendly instant or more appropriately fast hot water systems that are easy to install with no major changes required for your plumbing layout. Although these fast hot water delivery systems install under the sink, they are not to be confused with under the sink water heaters. They make a good one-afternoon home improvement project for almost any skill level. If you can change a supply hose you can install one of these systems.

There are basically two types of systems, luke-warm circulating systems like the Laing Autocirc1, and the RedyTemp, and hot water demand systems such as the Metlund system and the Chilipepper pump.

The warm water circulating systems are small pumps designed to circulate the water from the water heater through the piping and on back to the water heater. When the pump senses the temperature has reached the lower set point, about 90 degrees, then it turns on until the pump senses the upper temperature, about 100 degrees, when it shuts off the pump. The system does this over and over keeping the water in the piping warm.

You end up paying for all that heat energy it takes to keep the piping warm. You also no longer have cold water in your cold water pipes. Now it’s warm.

The second type of system is known as a hot water demand system, and the pump only pumps the water to the fixture when you demand it by pressing a button. Hot water demand systems make a better home improvement project because they provide even more convenience and use less energy than the recirculating systems and will really add to the green aspects of your plumbing system.

Again, the pump mounts under the sink and is easy to hook up. With the demand system when the hot water reaches the pump the pump shuts off so you don’t end up with hot water in the cold water pipes.

Demand systems don’t run very long or very often so they typically use about $1.00 per year in electricity, and you don’t run any water down the drain waiting for hot water. They don’t use any more energy than a system with no pump since they only fill the pipe between the water heater and the fixture, just like if you ran the faucet.

If you’re looking for an easy home improvement project you can complete in a weekend, one that will add value to your home, and will provide you with lasting benefits like faster hot water, water savings, and energy savings, then install a demand system today!

Jane Worthington asked:


I recently decided to upgrade my bathroom, and I knew I wanted to get a new shower. What I didn’t know was how many different showers there are out there! The choices were almost overwhelming, so much so that after a day at home improvement stores looking at all the styles and models, I was exhausted and not so sure I wanted to venture back out to shop again. My husband had a wonderful idea after I told him how I felt, and he said, “Why don’t we look online and see what we can find there?” I thought this was a wonderful idea, and so we hopped online to browse the shower store retailers we could find there.

We were sure that we wanted a glass door shower, to give our bathroom a contemporary look, but after looking at all the models out there, we weren’t sure which type to go with. Did we want a regular showerhead like the one we currently had, or did we want to invest in a massage shower column or jetted panel? They also had the ultimate in luxury, steam showers! I usually went to gym to take a steam shower, but of course it would be nice to have this spa amenity at home. Once I saw the steam model, I knew I wanted our new shower to have this capability. My husband was sold on the jetted panel, so after looking around a bit, we found an online shower retailer who had the contemporary glass shower enclosure we wanted, the steam kit I wanted, and the jetted shower panel my husband wanted. Everyone was happy!

The best part about shopping online was that I didn’t have to go fight the home improvement store hordes again. I was able to find my perfect shower right at home on my computer, and they gave me FREE shipping on my new shower enclosure. This was a deal the local stores couldn’t even beat! So anytime my friends and neighbors mention that they want to remodel their bathrooms, I tell them about the great finds I found online. With everything you want and the best discounts right at your fingertips when you shop online, no one ever has to fight the weekend home improvement store crowds again!

Jane Worthington asked:


After spending several weeks remodeling my home and installing a new free standing bathtub, I know the ins and outs of all things remodeling. I wanted to take some time to share my advice and opinions, specifically about where to get, not only the best deals, but the most helpful information.

1. Large Home Improvement Stores. While this would normally be most people’s first choice, it’s not necessarily always the best deal. While they are extremely helpful, if you can find someone to help you, I’ve found there to be many sources that offer the same products for cheaper. Take for example, the tiles for my kitchen. I figured they would have the best selection and prices, but when I was unable to find the tile I wanted at a reasonable price, I ventured elsewhere. I found a small specialty shop near my home town, and was surprised to see the much-reduced cost of the same tiles.

2. Online sites. While we all know that there are tons of sites offering “the best prices” and the “best value,” it’s almost become unbelievable. How can all of these places offer the “best?” I was surprised to find though, when I was onto my bathroom phase, and looking for a tub, that I actually did find the best bathtubs store online. They just had a crazy number of options for style and price range, with another ten options for each of the specific tubs. It was so easy to find exactly what I was looking for (from the comfort of my own home, in my pajamas, mind you), that I couldn’t believe it. The bathroom was easily the best part of the job, because I found nearly everything I was looking for, with great customer service, and online.

3. Online Information. While I’m not an amateur to the internet, I am new to using it as solely a resource. Though, through my projects of home repair and remodeling, I’ve been able to find all of the help I need through “How To” sites on the web. It has saved me well over five hundred dollars in buying books, and hiring handymen to do simple jobs that I was easily able to do myself with the right resources. Before you get stressed out, buy ten books, and settle on a contractor to install that discount walk in bathtub, look around online. Type in your keywords, ask your questions, and most likely you’ll be able to find a great source to help guide you through your remodeling.

These were the best sources I found through my experience, and I hope it can help others who are in the same situation. Try not to let yourself get overwhelmed, and think about your options before you settle with overpriced items, or ones you aren’t fully satisfied with.

Jane Worthington asked:


After spending several weeks remodeling my home and installing a new free standing bathtub, I know the ins and outs of all things remodeling. I wanted to take some time to share my advice and opinions, specifically about where to get, not only the best deals, but the most helpful information.

1. Large Home Improvement Stores. While this would normally be most people’s first choice, it’s not necessarily always the best deal. While they are extremely helpful, if you can find someone to help you, I’ve found there to be many sources that offer the same products for cheaper. Take for example, the tiles for my kitchen. I figured they would have the best selection and prices, but when I was unable to find the tile I wanted at a reasonable price, I ventured elsewhere. I found a small specialty shop near my home town, and was surprised to see the much-reduced cost of the same tiles.

2. Online sites. While we all know that there are tons of sites offering “the best prices” and the “best value,” it’s almost become unbelievable. How can all of these places offer the “best?” I was surprised to find though, when I was onto my bathroom phase, and looking for a tub, that I actually did find the best bathtubs store online. They just had a crazy number of options for style and price range, with another ten options for each of the specific tubs. It was so easy to find exactly what I was looking for (from the comfort of my own home, in my pajamas, mind you), that I couldn’t believe it. The bathroom was easily the best part of the job, because I found nearly everything I was looking for, with great customer service, and online.

3. Online Information. While I’m not an amateur to the internet, I am new to using it as solely a resource. Though, through my projects of home repair and remodeling, I’ve been able to find all of the help I need through “How To” sites on the web. It has saved me well over five hundred dollars in buying books, and hiring handymen to do simple jobs that I was easily able to do myself with the right resources. Before you get stressed out, buy ten books, and settle on a contractor to install that discount walk in bathtub, look around online. Type in your keywords, ask your questions, and most likely you’ll be able to find a great source to help guide you through your remodeling.

These were the best sources I found through my experience, and I hope it can help others who are in the same situation. Try not to let yourself get overwhelmed, and think about your options before you settle with overpriced items, or ones you aren’t fully satisfied with.

kent harper asked:


Plenty of consumers are seeking plumbing assistance, as property resale value, unexpected clogs, pipe damage and so on are popular issues. There are many ways to go about finding a perfect plumber. You’re probably looking for a good deal also. It is possible to cut costs and also get high performance. There are more sources than ever to locate a great deal on plumbing assistance and also receive quality.

Many people are seeking a great plumber, but how can you go about finding plumbing assistance? Getting referrals from people you actually know and so too trust is a perfect way to begin.  The people to speak to in your local area will include good friends and family who can refer you to a plumber. This is a excellent method to locate plumbing assistance because its direct from someone you do know and trust. They will actually know you and can sense if it is a great fit. Also, it is definitely possible that your referrer could have different, conflicting needs than yours. Remember this when receiving recommendations on plumbing assistance from a  friend.

There are still additional areas to look for a plumber in your locality. Many people meet with good success in looking in area business, home improvement, real estate and so on. These are great because they’re loaded with city-specific info. These local newsletters and circulars could also include deals on plumbing assistance in advertisements and the classifieds. This isn’t as ideal as finding a referral maybe, but it is a good areas to start.

The Internet is an obvious although also underused method to locate a plumber. You can scour the Internet as most good area and city directories will include linkage to plumber websites.  Researching the Internet for “plumber” or “plumbing assistance” will probably leave you with several options. Since property resale value, unexpected clogs, pipe damage are popular, the Internet is a great place to likewise read experiences direct from people who have had good experiences with plumbing assistance in your city. With the Internet, be sure to try different search engines, since they also tend to provide varying links.

And, plumbing assistance has a number of professional organizations associated with it. Look at professional groups like The Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association, The United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association. Reputable organizations like these have good standards and can be viewed as a seal of approval. This is truly one of the best ways to locate plumbing assistance if you don’t have a direct referral.

Another great area of referrals are additional related fields. These include real estate agents, contractors, ares business owners, home appraisers and others. They could know of good plumbing assistance sources in your city. These people also have good professional opinions that are valid and useful, because of their background. Since their reputation is involved, their referrals are given often with great care.

With property resale value, unexpected clogs, pipe damage being so required, plumbing assistance is in large demand. And, saving funds on plumbing assistance is simple if you realize where to search. A plumber will likely provide excellent discounts and special prices. Again, low prices could be listed in business, home improvement, real estate and so on. Searching in the paper again may be of help. So too, the Internet. And, since the large supply of plumbing assistance, prices are actually moving down in most cities.

Remember: although saving funds is a necessity, don’t do this at the loss of a quality experience. This is yet another reason to get a great referral, in addition to saving cash. Because of the growth of plumbing assistance, you can see deals in any location. It is also possible to get a perfect deal on plumbing assistance while also getting high quality.

pvyas asked:


Most of the people living in the western countries are taking the convenience of modern plumbing technologies for granted. Be it a running tap or flushing toilet, it does not come to anyone’s mind as to the changes plumbing has gone through or the history of the technology. Plumbing hardware roughly includes all those equipments that helps in the plumbing like hose fittings, pipe fittings, plumbing pipes, tube fittings and valves. Today pipes and fixtures are mostly located underground and the sewage drains and cesspools of ancient times have been almost completely eradicated and replaced. As technology continues to advance, the cleanliness and efficiency of plumbing and toilets have become more efficient and clean.

However, when at home, if some problem arises like leaking faucets, clogged drains and faulty pipes people get anxious to hunt for a plumber. Only a few realise that these petty problems can be tackled at home only and that too without the help of any plumber. Yeah its very much true. All you need is your plumbing tools and some patience ensure the blueprint for sparkling success. Routine plumbing problems in the house does not necessarily explicate harbinger of doom. Here’s how you can go about conducting minor repairs yourself without disastrous results.

1.make sure you are equipped with all the plumbing tools before you embark upon the task of repair work. After making a bee line to the nearest plumbing supplies store, pick basic tools like an auger, a plunger, a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, pipe wrenches, slip-joint and needle nose pliers, compression nuts and rings and faucet seats.

2.Getting familiar with the location and functioning of the shut-off valve of every fixture and main shut-off valves in the house is extremely crucial. Make sure to turn off the water supply before beginning with the repair work.

3.If the problem is in a particular fixture, then you can close the valve of that fixture only. The valve is generally located at the beneath the fixture and you can sloe it by turning it clockwise. In case the fixture does not have a valve of its own, then close the main shut-off valve in the house.

4.If there is a leaky faucet, then get on the root of it by taking off the faucet with a screwdriver. Then take off the ***** cap that secures the stem, with an adjustable wrench. Make sure you do this with patience and precision to avoid any damage.

5.In some of the faucets, one needs to replace the washer in order to stop the leak. While in some washer less faucets the cause of leakage can be the ‘O’ rings.

These are some of the most effective and workable tips that one can follow to mend small plumbing problems at home with the help of plumbing hardware, thus evading the need to call a professional plumber. These routine plumbing problems can be conducted by oneself without calamitous results. Plumbing technology is changing day by day and various equipments that can help the house maker solve it on their own, are being launched in the markets.

Dhanasekar asked:


Plumbing system is to a building, what circulatory system is to the human body. Any fault in the system is sure to throw your life helter-skelter and make your life awful. While putting in place a good well-conceived and well-done plumbing system is important, maintenance and preventive measures taken to keep the system in good shape is even more important.

This article is intended to keep you informed of the possible problems you may face with your plumbing system and the preventive measures to be taken to keep such problems at bay.

Clogged Drains:

Case I:

Your sinks / tubs connected to particular branch line drains slowly than normal.

Reasons:

Dumping food/ solid materials into your kitchen / Bathroom drains.

Pouring greasy / Sticky materials into your kitchen sink.

Pouring chemicals /paints into the drains.

Improper / Inadequate venting.

Solution:

Use a plunger to de-clog your drain. This will work for clogs of smaller size. If it still persists, call an expert. Home made solutions do not work for bigger clogs.

Clogs can be removed using various techniques. While a cable can be used to remove solid clogs and break through roots, High pressure water jetting is more effective for clogs due to sticky / greasy materials.

Before using water jetting as option, It is important to determine the quality of the plumbing materials used, for, the high pressure used in the process will rip your pipes apart if they are of a inferior quality.

Check the vents provided for any visible blocks. Find out whether the venting is adequate for the fixture(s) it serves. An expert could help you out in this area. If the venting is absent or inadequate, provide / upgrade to surmount the problem.

Preventive Measures:

Respect your toilet and kitchen sinks. Use them only for the purpose intended. Avoid unmindful dumping of solid wastes, Food materials, Greasy substances and paints / chemicals into the sinks.

Use filters over the drains in your toilet and kitchen to trap hair and solid objects.

Ensure that air vents are provided in adequate numbers and sizes for all fixtures.

Case II:

All the drainage lines of the building drain slowly and there is a backing of the drain water from the main drainage line.

Reasons:

A block in the main drainage line. or

A block in the inlet / outlet of the septic tank. or

A block in the distribution box. or

A block in the percolation pipes. or

The septic tank has frozen due to an abnormal low weather.

Solution:

Use a snake or water jetting to de-clog the main drain line. This is the work of an expert. He could, through his expertise, say whether the clog is due to solid waste or greasy substances or roots and use a suitable technique to de-clog the same.

Check the inlet and the outlet of the septic tank for any blockage due to solid wastes, scum and so on. Remove the block and check for easy flow.

Check the distribution box located between the septic tank and the percolators. Remove blocks, if any.

Check the area around the percolators. See whether it is moist, swampy and stinky. It means that the percolation is not proper. In other works the soil is not absorbing the drain water at the rate of discharge. It could be either because you usage of water has increased of late due to more guests or the soil has become saturated due to moisture from other sources such as rainfall (more than normal) etc. Immediately enlist an expert, the problem requires instant care.

If the septic tank has frozen due to bad weather seek the help of an expert immediately. If an expert and the equipment needed are hard to find, use the septic tank as a storage tank till such time the tank haws by itself. Judicious use of water will help you hold on for some time. To avoid freezing of the septic tank in the future, winterize before the next winter.

Preventive Measures:

Respect your Septic tank. It is designed for the disposal of organic wastes only. Avoid dumping inorganic and non bio-degradable wastes. They are sure to block the normal functioning of the septic tank and spoil it beyond redemption.

Use filters over the drains in your toilet and kitchen to trap hair and solid objects.

Winterize the septic tank to prevent it from freezing in winter. Do the following:

o Insulate the Septic tank, distribution tank, percolators and all out door lines by spreading a layer of hay, grass, dry leaves etc.

o During winter, resort to more-than-normal usage of water. Warmer the water, the better.

o Empty the tank, if you are planning for a long outing.

o Get expert help. Winterization is location, weather specific. A small investment here will save you from all hardships during the winter.

Leaks

Symptoms:

Leaks in your plumbing system are not just unsanitary but is a tremendous loss of a scarce resource. More often than not leaks are detected much later than they had started and after much damage had already been done.

Try this test out to determine whether there is a leak in your plumbing system. Before you go to bed in the night, close the Main valve at the primary inlet of your plumbing system. Note the water meter reading. In the dawn, before you start using water, note the reading. If the reading has changed then, there is a leak in the system.

To locate the leak, repeat the procedure by keeping the main valve open and all but one of your ancillary line valves closed. If the reading shows a change, then the leak is in that particular branch line. Inspect the faucets for visible leaks and path of the lines for subtle hints of invisible leaks behind the plastered walls. If you still can’t detect the leak. Contact us for expert care.

Reasons:

While visible are due to faulty faucets / fixtures, Invisible leaks can be due to cracks in your plumbing lines. The cracks happen due to (a) Ageing lines giving off or (b) Faulty winterization of you plumbing system.

Solution:

Replace the faulty fixtures / faucets.

If the leak is due to faulty line, replace the line. If your plumbing system is considerably old, you can think of replacing the lines in stages without waiting for the system to call for your attention and doing much damage to your cherished home.

Preventive Measures:

Make proper use and take proper care of your faucets and other movable water outlets. Install only good quality faucets that’ll stand the wear and tear. Don’t compromise on quality for price. Remember, a compromise on quality is a compromise on peace of mind.

Properly winterize your plumbing system.

Winterization

What?

Acclimatizing your plumbing system to withstand the test of hard winter is winterization.

Why?

Plumbing systems are primarily intended to transport water to the locations of need from a centralized water storage facility. In the winter, as the temperature dips to appreciable lows, water freezes. The density of ice is more than that of water. Hence to accommodate water turned into ice, your plumbing system expands. When this expansion is beyond its elastic limit, it cracks wreaking havoc on your entire plumbing system.

Solution

Prepare for the winter ahead by properly acclimatizing your plumbing system. Do the following.

Insulate the drains outside your home.

Open the cabinets under sinks to facilitate circulation of warm air to avoid freezing.

In the temperature is harsh, allow water to flow through the lines in a trickle, when not in use, to avoid freezing.

If you are going out and if the plumbing system will not be in use for a long time close the main valve and drain all water form the system, to ensure that there is no water to be frozen.

Remember, winter is a testing time for your plumbing system. Take preventive measures or you may have to spend a fortune to restore the system back to normalcy. If you need more information, feel free to avail our expert care.

Plumbing is a science, but proper use and maintenance of it is an art. A good plumbing system will give you peace of mind. A bad one is sure to derail your day and make a hell out of it. The problems and the solutions suggested here are generic and not case specific or location specific. It is intended to equip you with the knowledge of the intricacies in plumbing so that you could understand and appreciate the workmanship better. Remember a few procedures are health hazardous and needs to be handled by an expert. Do not try them your self. IF you need experts, think of eServicePlace (ESP), where hand picked professionals are ever ready to address your problems in the shortest possible time and in the best possible manner. Think expert care, think ESP. http://www.eserviceplace.com