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Nothing can be more frustrating in a home than a plumbing problem. A leaky faucet or running toilet brings dollar signs to mind as you envision the recruitment of a high-priced plumber and time spent inconvenienced by in-home repairs.

But every plumbing problem does not immediately spell disaster. There are quite a few basic plumbing problems that almost all homeowners experience at one time or another. Therefore, it’s best to educate yourself on these potential issues so that you are prepared and knowledgeable to best tackle them should they arise.

The most common of our plumbing problems is that of an annoying leaky faucet. This can be the most aggravation to address if you don’t know how to fix it yourself; calling out a professional plumber for this mostly simple issue can cost you needlessly. But in order to determine if it’s a minor leak or a major pipe breakage, you must first turn off the main water source. If your leak continues then chances are you have a minor issue on your hands. If you actually hear water continuing to run then you may have a bigger problem.

Take time to examine all elements of a plumbing problem. Often the mere tightening of a bolt can eliminate your problem. Replacing simple parts that have eroded with age can also save you big bucks. If you’re unsure how to proceed go online for step-by-step instructions. Or you can visit your local home improvement store where you’ll likely find all the help that you need.

Arm yourself with the tools necessary for success. Call on help to make sure you have the proper inclusions in your tool box. Having what you need on hand increases your chances of completing the project successfully.

In the end, if you find that you’re over your head, don’t be afraid to call in the professionals. A plumber can actually wind up saving you money in the long run; if you do more damage trying to fix a problem yourself then you’ll eradicate any savings anyway.

A plumbing problem doesn’t have to leave you broke and confused. Simple steps can be taken to examine and diagnosis any common plumbing problem. With a little research and some time spent dedicated to the problem you may find that you’ve successfully solved your plumbing problem all on your own. And nothing is more self-satisfying then accomplishing a job with your own two hands.

Posted under Plumbing

Hi!

We have a really long length of pipe (about 30 to 35 feet) that runs from the house, under a deck, and to a spigot. At some point during every winter, the galvanized pipe that is currently in place freezes and cracks. The water supply to this line is shut off every autumn. So, the question is this: We want to replace the galvanized pipe with something else to prevent this cracking. What type of piping should be used? We want to run the new pipe in the same area as the old pipe. That is, the piping will be above the ground but beneath the decking. The piping will run about 12 to 18 inches above the ground. I’ve had someone tell me to use PVC and I thought I read once that flexible PE pipe should be used.

Thanks for any help or suggestions you can offer!

Your problem is not the pipe material being used it is the fact of water remaining in the pipe after you shut off the supply.

ANY pipe will burst if it is full of water and exposed to freezing temperature. What you need to do is replace the burst pipe in a manner that will allow you to drain all the water from it before the freezing temperatures occur.

Install the new pipe with a downward slope from the point of supply to the end. Use a “stop and waste” valve at the supply or else add a tee and vent valve immediately after the supply shut-off valve. Before the cold weather close the supply and remove the little cap on the stop and wast (or open the vent) and then open the spigot on the outer end. Leave the spigot and vent open until the following spring when you put the pipe back in service.

The other alternative is to “heat trace” the pipe and then wrap it with insulation. Heat tracing means to install a special electrical cable to the pipe that will allow a small amount of heat, controlled by a thermostat, to keep the water in the pipe above the freezing point.

Posted under Plumbing

I was wondering what if anything should be done as maintenance on the part of the casing that extends above ground?

Shouldn’t be too much other than keeping the immeadiate area free from overgrown grass/brush/weeds/etc and that the head is intact/secure so as to keep critters and bugs out.

Posted under Plumbing