Posts Tagged ‘home renovation’

Tips On Getting Discount Plumbing Products

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

A plumbing problem such as a clogged drain or toilet is always an irritating problem for a homeowner. Fortunately, there are a number of plumbing problems that a homeowner can fix without having to hire a plumber. For instance, clogged drains and toilets and mild leaks that are not a symptom of a bigger problem, can often be easily repaired. For this reason, every homeowner should have a basic plumbing tool kit in the event they encounter a minor plumbing problem.

There are low cost basic plumbing products that homeowners should include in their toolkit. These products can be purchased at a plumbing supply store and hardware store. You may also find these tools at a department store where you can often get a really good price. For instance, for clogged drains, there are inexpensive drain plungers that can be used to clear drain clogs. There are also toilet plungers that are used for clearing clogged toilets.

Plumbers putty is another product that should be included in a tool kit. It is useful for sealing small cracks and holes in pipes, toilets, faucets…etc. A plumber snake is another tool that is useful if the toilet plunger is not clearing the clog. There is a special sink auger that is used specifically for sink drains, and not the sewer line. Both the plumber snake (toilet auger) and sink auger contain a long flexible cable and is fed through the pipe. As well, pliers and a pipe wrench are essential for dealing with a plumbing problem. They are important for holding pipe fittings when soldering, and unscrewing and tightening nuts, screws, and washers. It is important to remember that different pliers and wrenches are used for different plumbing repairs. You want to make sure that you do not use the wrong tool and damage the plumbing mechanisms.

Plumbers tape is another important item that should be included in a home plumbing repair kit. This tape can be used to wrap the threaded plumbing joint connections. It is effective at stopping and preventing minor links in the pipe connections. It is also used to prevent sewer gas from escaping from the threaded joint connections. It is a very inexpensive product. Another important item that a homeowner should have is a flashlight. A flashlight will allow the homeowner to see in dark and small places.

There are many plumbing issues that require mild repair that often can be performed by a homeowner. These items can be purchased at affordable places in a wide variety of stores that carry home renovation and repair supplies at greatly discounted prices. If there is a serious plumbing problem which requires repair by a person who has experience with plumbing systems, it is important to call in a professional plumber. If you try to fix a problem and create more damage, you will likely end up with a much higher repair than if you had just called the plumber. They have the education, certification, and experience to handle all plumbing issues and will be able to make the repair in a professional and skilled manner.

Looking for a local plumber to fix your plumbing problems? Then contact the plumbing experts at Mr.Rooter, offering Toronto plumbers and Vancouver plumbers as well as plumbing services all across Canada. Visit mrrooter.ca to find a plumbing franchise in your city.

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What to Do When Your Toilet is Backed Up?

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

A backed up toilet is always a frustrating and unpleasant experience. Unfortunately we are all likely to have to deal with a backed up toilet. However, fortunately in most cases you can clear most clogs that cause a backed up toilet without having to hire a plumber. Below are a number of tips to clearing a clog causing your toilet to back up:

Plunger

1. Use a quality plunger that has a rim or lip on the head to allow for effective sealing around the drain hole so there will be strong suction. The plunger should also be flexible. You can purchase a good plunger from a plumbing supply store or hardware store.

2. Position the plunger head with petroleum jelly around the lip of the plunger over the toilet drain. With great strength, push with immense force up and down so that you are creating strong suction and a strong flow of water to push through the clog.

Snake (Auger)

Using a snake to remove a clog causing a backed up toilet can be effective in removing a clog deep in the sewer line. A snake is a long and flexible wire coil that can go deep into the toilet drain pipe. By using a snake, preferably a ‘closet auger,’ you can slide it through the pipe until you locate the clog. Use the head of the snake to grasp at the clog to break it apart. You can then grasp the remaining clog and pull it back through the pipe. Then, flush the toilet to eliminate any remaining pieces of the clog. As well, you can add bacterial enzyme toilet treatment to remove any accumulation of sediment and waste in the pipes.

Other Clog Removal Methods

There are drain cleaners that can be purchased to clear the pipe and remove substance accumulation. Use drain cleaners that states they are safe for porcelain. Follow the manufacturer’s directions. Do not plunge after you have added a drain cleaner. As well, some people have used an industrial strength wet/dry vac to try to vacuum the clog out. If there may be a hard obstruction or you are uncomfortable removing and putting the toilet back, contact local plumbers in your area.

Backed Up Overflowing Toilets

If your toilet is backed and overflowing, and there is a strong sewer smell, you may likely have a burst pipe or damaged septic tank, or the septic tank may be full. It is important not to keep flushing the toilet as you will have a big mess on your floor. It is better to use a bucket and remove the water until the water level drops to a normal level. Also, turn off the water under the tank. If you do not have a shut off valve under the toilet tank, you can shut off the main water switch at the pump. In cases of a backed up overflowing toilet, you will need the services of a professional plumber.

When your toilet backs up and it is overflowing, a professional plumber becomes a valuable resource that you will need to contact.

Looking for local plumbers to fix your plumbing problems? Then contact the plumbing experts at Mr.Rooter, offering plumbers Vancouver and plumbers Toronto as well as plumbing services all across Canada. Visit mrrooter.ca to find a plumbing franchise in your city.

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Using Teflon Tape to do Plumbing Repairs

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

There are certain tools that can be found in every plumber’s repair kit. Teflon tape, also referred to as plumber’s tape, is a common tool used by plumbers and homeowners to stop pipe connections from leaking. This tape is stretchy to maximize tight connections, thin, white, and is effective at stopping leaks because it does not gunk up in the plumbing connection threads.

You can buy Teflon tape in the form of a roll at plumbing supply stores, hardware stores, and home supply stores. It is an inexpensive tape that is much like a ribbon and is long lasting. It is used not only used for water leaks, but also to stop gas leaks.

It is quite easy to apply Teflon tape to a pipe fitting connection. You just pull the required amount of tape from the roll and wrap it a minimum of three times around the end of the pipe fitting. You must apply the tape to avoid wrinkles, bubbles, or creases in the tape which can cause bubbles. It should also be wrapped securely to ensure it is completely leak and air tight. As well, when wrapping and handling the tape, your hands should be clean of any dirt, debris, and grease to prevent tape degradation. Once the tape is securely wrapped around the fitting, it is important to press firmly to ensure a complete firm and secure fit.

Once you have the tape firm and secure around the pipe connection threads, you will then place one end of the pipe fitting into the other end. It is the male end into the female end. You will then tighten the two connections. It must be tight enough so that it is completely secure. If you have to take them apart to adjust the fitting, it is easy to do as the Teflon tape acts as a lubricant.

In most cases, Teflon tape is used to wrap around threads of pipe fittings when there is low water pressure and around pipes that transport oil into the home heating system. It is also used to wrap around gas pipe fittings but will be wrapped more times to make it thicker. Teflon tape should only be used to wrap around threads and not the actual pipe because just wrapping around the pipe will not stop the leak as it is less secure and tight. Do not use white Teflon tape on iron pipe gas fittings as it will degrade and cause leaks. Yellow Teflon tape is used for iron pipe fittings because of their double density. Green Teflon tape is used on copper which is used with pipe threads or bolts in mechanical devices. If you are unsure about the leak and whether applying the tape will fix the problem, you should enlist the services of a qualified plumber, especially if you have a gas leak which can be dangerous. Professional plumbers are trained and certified to locate the problem and provide a quality repair that is quick and efficient.

Looking for a local plumber to fix your plumbing problems? Then contact the plumbing experts at Mr.Rooter, offering plumber Newmarket and plumber Markham, and plumbing services Canada Wide. Visit mrrooter.ca to find plumbing services in your city.

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Home Renovation Plan: What To Do To Keep Your Cool

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Most of us wouldn’t enter into a major home project such as redecorating without at least some kind of a basic plan. However, home designers can vouch for the fact that the more attention you spend on the details of home decorating, the better your final results will be.

Getting armed and ready to improve your home is not at all difficult, what with all the resources available – books, magazines, internet, as well as friends and relatives who could say “been there, done that.”

One vital information to keep in mind is TTT – Things Take Time. This means that while you’re after an improved home, it will not happen just like that. No pain, no gain, right? Thus, you have to go through the hassles of having your home renovated.

If you can’t afford to rent a place while your home is being made over, it’s not a wise decision to renovate the entire house all in one go. One step, or precisely, one room at a time is the way to go. Here’s why:

1. It’s easier to take care of the house despite the ongoing work. This is especially true if you have young kids who are naturally chaotic. 2. There is always a spare room in the house where you can keep things that have been temporarily displaced while a certain room is being made up. You don’t have to maneuver and bump your way around all the time, everywhere. 3. Less expenses, more time 4. You will feel motivated each time you see a room completed. The stress therefore won’t be as bad as when decorating the entire house at the same time.

In coordinating with workers like painters and carpenters, let your expectations be heard, especially with the timeline. You don’t want wasted hours and money. Of course, the faster the work gets done, the sooner you’ll get back to your normal life. Hire carefully by checking their credentials and work experiences. If you could get referrals, then the better as their work and skills have been vouched for.

If you have kids, it’s important to save a room where they can still play and have fun. With a renovation work, most areas will be restricted, so the kids can become bored and anxious. When they are, it spells out to tantrums! So have a room where you can relax and have a good time as family. Utilize fun decors like colorful area rugs, toys and games, and maybe a television.

As your home is undergoing a creative process, be creative too. Incorporate cheerful things in your routine like colorful plates for your meals, beanbags for watching TV or upbeat music during your downtime. This serves as good distraction from all the craziness of home redecorating.

Finally, be sure the youngsters – and any spouses lusting after the power tool – understand that the area being redecorated and the tools therein are off-limits for the duration. If possible, have the family enter and exit the home via a separate entrance, so that the area under construction is kept protected.

Home Decorating has never been so easy with the latest dynamic rugs mystique collection.

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Understanding The Plumbing In Your Toilets and Showers

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

The plumbing in your bathroom is rarely a matter of concern unless there is a serious problem encountered. Considering that such plumbing systems are easy to learn and master, it is a surprise that not many people are taking advantage of this valuable opportunity to increase their knowledge. By understanding how these devices work, you can save yourself on a lot of plumbing expenses in the future.

The toilet has a simple operating mechanism that is easy to learn and understand. In essence, toilet plumbing can be divided into a four-step process. First of all, the flush handle located on the exterior of a toilet is connected to a chain within the tank. In turn, this chain is linked to a flap situated on the bottom of the tank. When the handle is pushed down, the chain pulls this flapper upwards, thus releasing water from the tank and into the toilet bowl.

The second step involves emptying the water (and its content) within the toilet bowl. This is achieved by releasing even more water into the bowl, but serving a different purpose. First of all, this water pushes the dirty water and waste out of the bowl and into a connecting sewer pipe. It also refills the bowl afterwards with clean water. After the old water is disposed and the new water is refilled, the flap will close the passage of water from the tank to the bowl. The tank itself will begin filling up with water to prepare for the next upcoming flush.

Refilling the tank is the third step of toilet plumbing, while stopping the refill is the final step. After a flush, the tank is empty of water and needs to recuperate itself. New water begins flowing into the tank once more. In conventional toilets, a well-positioned float sets this process into motion. The emptiness of the tank causes the float to rest at the bottom. The float will rise once a valve is opened up, thus allowing water to enter into the tank. The float will continue floating, so to speak, until it returns to its original position. When that happens, the water will stop flowing into the tank and the toilet is ready for its next flush.

However, newer toilets do not have a float system. Instead, the mechanism works based on the sensitivity to water pressure. After a flush, the tank detects that it needs new water into the tank, and it knows when to stop after hitting a specific point of pressure in the refilling process.

The plumbing in your shower is slightly more perplexing, but not impossible to understand. Its biggest challenge is that most of the plumbing is hidden within the walls, so only experienced homeowners or qualified plumbers can locate and access the piping. However, there are stills some factors that can be achieved to maximize the effectiveness of your shower plumbing.

Shower plumbing is notorious for its frequent hair clogs. This can be cleared up with using a chemical drain clear once a month, which stops the clogging before it sets in. If there is already a clog in your shower plumbing, you should try plunging it with a “snake” or an auger, which will most likely clear up the clog. You can also try chemical drain cleaners in this situation, but watch out for its possible caustic reactions. Remember never to plunge a drain after filling it with drain cleaning chemicals, or the results could be deadly.

Sometimes, the problem might stem from blockage in the shower head, which is an easy enough problem to fix or replace. In any case, it is advisable to learn more about the plumbing systems in your bathroom, so that you will be prepared to handle any future occasions that may arise.

When viewing our Home remodeling blog, you can find valuable Home remodeling tips which happen to be value saving as well.

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