Each state will vary depending on their codes and requirements for plumbing permits. Some states require that you obtain certain permits before allowing a licensed plumber to visit and complete the work. If work is completed without the proper permits, or by a licensed plumber, or the property owner themselves, there could be serious repercussions, including being fined and possibly having to have the entire project redone by a licensed professional. A plumbing permit is documentation that proves you have the required materials or knowledge to complete the project or hire a plumbing professional to complete the project. It states ...
Read MorePlumbing can be a complicated subject for someone who has no prior knowledge of how the plumbing system works. There are more than a few pipes in the system, and a large portion of the system is made up of the DWV system. DWV stands for Drainage, Waste, and Venting. This is what helps the sewage and used water flow out of your home without any issues. If you are experiencing a backup, or an odor coming from your drains, chances are there may be a clog located in the DWV system. In order to understand your entire plumbing system, ...
Read MoreIf you live in an older home, built prior to the 60’s, your plumbing system is different than newer homes that use copper or PVC pipes and fittings. If you haven’t already, then you will need to seriously consider replacing your pipes with newer more efficient ones. It may not be as big of an undertaking as you may be dreading, but it needs to be done to avoid costly repairs from leaks or busted pipes. Galvanized Pipes Galvanized steel pipes are prone to corrosion. They are known for developing hard water deposits as a result of the corrosion. As ...
Read MoreYour kitchen sink is one of the most used fixtures in your water system. The heart of the home is not beating properly without your main faucet for cooking and cleaning. Single handled faucets are known for developing leaks after so much wear and tear. But there is no need to worry. Repairing them is often a quick and super easy fix. (more…)
Read MoreThe Lou, the Commode, the Porcelain god… whatever you prefer to call a toilet, this modern plumbing fixture is something many take for granted these days. True, most of us have grown up with a bathroom we didn’t have to walk outside to use. And it works so well most of the time that we never give it a second thought…until we walk away and hear some funny sounds. The majority of toilet sounds reflect easy solutions. Here are what some of these sounds may mean. The Running Toilet Your toilet should run after you flush for a few seconds. ...
Read MoreFreezing temperatures are already affecting parts of the nation. It is okay if you haven’t given any thought to protecting your plumbing around the exterior of your home yet. It only takes a day or two and a small budget to ensure you are ready for winter. Garden Hoses The first item of your attention should be to properly store your garden hoses. They need to be detached from the exterior faucets. The excess water needs to be drained before you store them or you could potentially have a cracked and leaky hose come spring time. The best place to ...
Read MoreToilets are fairly simple contraptions. They have improved over the last few hundred years since the first toilet was invented by Sir John Harrington at the end of the 16th Century. The first flush required over 7 gallons of water and the bowl was 2 feet deep. Thomas Crapper, the man responsible for the sardonic term for the toilet, improved and patented the design. Today, toilets have a good reputation for never going bad. Water Efficiency Concerns Over the years, toilets have become more water efficient. Today’s newest models only use 1.6 gallons each flush. This is according to federal ...
Read MoreThis article is not very applicable to this area of Florida. But north of here and in 90% of the United States folks have to worry about the effects of freezing weather on their plumbing. Unlike city sewage systems that are maintained by the local municipality, a septic tank and system is the responsibility of the homeowner. There is year round regular maintenance involved with owning a private sanitary system and that includes a few extra preparations for the winter. (more…)
Read MoreDrain flanges are like quiet little supporting actors in the daily functioning of your home or business’ main water system fixtures. They play an integral role in preventing leaks around drains because a flange is just a flat rim that acts as a strengthener or seal in between the drain and the fixture. Let’s take a further look at some of the drain flanges in your home. The Sink Drain Flange If you go look in your kitchen sink you will notice that around your drain basket is a seam. That seam means you can remove the drain basket that ...
Read MoreYou go to reach for a new garbage bag or the bottle of dishwashing detergent and see a puddle of water under your kitchen sink. You have two options, one is close the cabinet and pretend you didn’t see it or grab a towel and potentially fix your problem. What have you got to lose? A plumber is always a call away if you don’t feel up to the task. The first thing to check may seem a bit too Captain, but when you clear out all of the cleaning bottles, make sure it wasn’t just one of those leaking. ...
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