Plumbing problems are not always complex. Many people are able to fix a dripping tap, or replace a broken fixture. A few others are skilled at repairing the mechanics of toilet tanks, or removing and cleaning out clogged drainage systems. If you are looking to clear up simple plumping issues like these, you can always get DIY books that are easily available at any book shop or look it up online. Certain websites even have tutorial videos, such as VideoJug or YouTube which make it all the more easier.
As you begin to tackle the problem, you may find that you do not understand many other aspects about resolving the issue. For example, you may not know which type of fixture is best, or which kind of material to choose, as there are literally hundreds of varieties in the shops. Furthermore, while trying to fix one problem, you may end up creating another one without realizing it. Sometimes, you may think that you have solved the problem, only to realize some months down the road that, it is broken again. It can be very frustrating, especially when you've wasted money on materials.
This is why the best way to handle a plumbing problem is to hire a plumber. If you have any of these problems, call up your nearest plumber;
• Clogged drains
• Faulty Faucets
• Broken toilets
• Water heaters that do not run hot water
• Broken shower heads
• Leaky and noisy pipes
• Blocked kitchen drains and sinks
• Frozen pipes
• Sink sprays
• Preparing the water system for cold temperatures
• Low water pressure from faucets and shower heads
• Blocked showers
• Plumbing emergencies (eg: burst pipes)
While it may be very easy to find plumbers, securing one that is reliable is a whole other issue. You want someone who will make sure that the problems does not recur and that the service is affordable.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, October 1, 2010
When to call a plumber
No one is an expert at everything, and if you were, you probably wouldn’t be reading this. You wouldn’t diagnose a family member’s ailment and prescribe a remedy, and it’s the same with some plumbing situations. If it were easy then everyone would do it and the “P” section in the phone book would be much thinner.
Gas Lines
Work on gas lines is one of the biggest jobs that should be left to licensed plumbers. A lot of cities require a licensed person to work on gas lines by code. This is due mostly to the danger inherent in working with gas. Small leaks may not be detected by odor alone. A licensed plumber should always have the proper pressure-testing equipment to ensure that there are no leaks in the line.
Another concern with gas lines is the threading of the pipe and fitting of joints. The equipment to do this is expensive to own (and impractical for the average home owner). Improperly threaded pipe could leave connections with leaks small enough to be over looked by the average home owner. The same holds true for tightening on fittings. Believe it or not, over-tightening a fitting can cause as much trouble and an under-tightened fitting. Again, any plumber worth his weight will always pressure test the lines before leaving the job.
Mainlines (Water and Sewer)
Work with any of your mainlines (water and sewer) is also best left to the pros. Just the process of turning the water off at the street ( “curb box” in plumbing lingo) -requires special equipment. A long rod with a special tip, called a street key, is used to shut off service to the line.
As for the main sewer lines, snaking can be done by a confident home owner. For around $50 you can rent a sewer snake for four hours, which should be enough time to clean tree roots from the line, but it doesn’t guarantee that everything will be fine in the line. If the line continues to back up calling a plumber is the only choice, as it means that there is something else wrong with the line. It could be broken or back pitched and a licensed plumber should be able to detect the problem and suggest a solution.
Generally Speaking
As with anything, whenever you feel uncomfortable using equipment or unsure of the proper way to complete the project a professional should be called. They can usually quickly assess the situation and resolve it. They will also notice any foreseeable problems and suggest resolutions.
Gas Lines
Work on gas lines is one of the biggest jobs that should be left to licensed plumbers. A lot of cities require a licensed person to work on gas lines by code. This is due mostly to the danger inherent in working with gas. Small leaks may not be detected by odor alone. A licensed plumber should always have the proper pressure-testing equipment to ensure that there are no leaks in the line.
Another concern with gas lines is the threading of the pipe and fitting of joints. The equipment to do this is expensive to own (and impractical for the average home owner). Improperly threaded pipe could leave connections with leaks small enough to be over looked by the average home owner. The same holds true for tightening on fittings. Believe it or not, over-tightening a fitting can cause as much trouble and an under-tightened fitting. Again, any plumber worth his weight will always pressure test the lines before leaving the job.
Mainlines (Water and Sewer)
Work with any of your mainlines (water and sewer) is also best left to the pros. Just the process of turning the water off at the street ( “curb box” in plumbing lingo) -requires special equipment. A long rod with a special tip, called a street key, is used to shut off service to the line.
As for the main sewer lines, snaking can be done by a confident home owner. For around $50 you can rent a sewer snake for four hours, which should be enough time to clean tree roots from the line, but it doesn’t guarantee that everything will be fine in the line. If the line continues to back up calling a plumber is the only choice, as it means that there is something else wrong with the line. It could be broken or back pitched and a licensed plumber should be able to detect the problem and suggest a solution.
Generally Speaking
As with anything, whenever you feel uncomfortable using equipment or unsure of the proper way to complete the project a professional should be called. They can usually quickly assess the situation and resolve it. They will also notice any foreseeable problems and suggest resolutions.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Opening Clogged Drains
• In some cases, using a simple suction cup will open a clogged sink drain.
• First, remove the basket strainer from the drain.
• Run hot water until it stands about 2" deep in the sink.
• Take a suction cup plunger and pump it up and down directly over the clogged drain. The water in the sink provides a seal. If the suction cup does not clear the drain in a few minutes, you will probably be forced to remove some of the pipes to get the job done.
• If you cannot open the drain with the suction cup, set a pail underneath the sink trap and remove the cleanout plug and washer. If the drain is only slightly clogged, a few quick probes with a screwdriver may solve the problem.
• If the screwdriver doesn't open it, use a snake or drain auger through the pipe. A drain auger works best if you rotate it, feed it in a short distance, and then rotate it again. This enables the drain auger to be inserted deeply into the pipe.
• After the drain pipe is opened, replace the cleanout plug and washer. Run scalding water through the pipe to carry away any accumulations.
• First, remove the basket strainer from the drain.
• Run hot water until it stands about 2" deep in the sink.
• Take a suction cup plunger and pump it up and down directly over the clogged drain. The water in the sink provides a seal. If the suction cup does not clear the drain in a few minutes, you will probably be forced to remove some of the pipes to get the job done.
• If you cannot open the drain with the suction cup, set a pail underneath the sink trap and remove the cleanout plug and washer. If the drain is only slightly clogged, a few quick probes with a screwdriver may solve the problem.
• If the screwdriver doesn't open it, use a snake or drain auger through the pipe. A drain auger works best if you rotate it, feed it in a short distance, and then rotate it again. This enables the drain auger to be inserted deeply into the pipe.
• After the drain pipe is opened, replace the cleanout plug and washer. Run scalding water through the pipe to carry away any accumulations.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Get your plumbing in Oakland fixed RIGHT, right AWAY!
M & M Plumbing Inc. is a Oakland California based residential and commercial plumbing contractor. We specialize in all types of plumbing repairs, plumbing remodels, plumbing re-pipes and trenchless sewer line replacements.
* Plumbing Experience, Not Guesswork - We have over 20 years plumbing experience in the field. We make sure your plumbing project is done the right way, the first time.
* Up-Front Pricing - You won't need to guess what your price will be. We provide a free, up-front estimate before beginning your project.
* Life-time Warranty - on sewer lines and water re-pipes.
* 24-Hour, 7-Day Service
M & M Plumbing Guarantees
Quality workmanship
Reasonable pricing
Honesty, integrity, and great value
Tel (510) 579-4286
M & M Plumbing Inc. is a Oakland California based residential and commercial plumbing contractor. We specialize in all types of plumbing repairs, plumbing remodels, plumbing re-pipes and trenchless sewer line replacements.
* Plumbing Experience, Not Guesswork - We have over 20 years plumbing experience in the field. We make sure your plumbing project is done the right way, the first time.
* Up-Front Pricing - You won't need to guess what your price will be. We provide a free, up-front estimate before beginning your project.
* Life-time Warranty - on sewer lines and water re-pipes.
* 24-Hour, 7-Day Service
M & M Plumbing Guarantees
Quality workmanship
Reasonable pricing
Honesty, integrity, and great value
Tel (510) 579-4286
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