Every Tacoma homeowner should have certain tools and supplies on hand in case of a plumbing emergency. Here are a few bathroom plumbing supplies that you should always have on hand so that you can make a simple plumbing repair while you wait for your Tacoma plumber.

Repair Kits:

We all have to deal with a leaky sink, a toilet that won’t flush, or water that won’t turn off at some point. The best way to deal with this is to make sure you always have plumbing repair kits on hand. You can pick up simple toilet repair kits at any big box store or Tacoma hardware supply store. They generally include all the basic parts needed to repair a toilet.

Sink repair kits will generally have bolts, nuts and washers included, and some may have the stem for the handle as well.

Plumber’s Putty:

While plumber‘s putty won’t cure a leaky hose, it will certainly work in a pinch. You can buy this in small jars at most Tacoma hardware stores. It’s designed to form a temporary seal for leaky hoses or similar parts. If you discover your bathroom sink is leaking from the connector, this is the best thing to apply until you can call your professional Tacoma plumber to arrange for a more permanent fix. Having this material on hand can potentially save you lots of money in water damage repair.

Pipe Epoxy:

Epoxy is similarly not a permanent fix for a hole in a pipe or hose, but it will plug it up long enough to get it fixed. Just as with the putty, the epoxy is good to use in a pinch. The difference is the epoxy can generally be used on wet or dry surfaces, and forms a more secure bond. Use sparingly, though, as it can be very difficult to remove later.

Pipe Wrench:

You never know when you’ll need to tighten a bolt in a hard-to-reach place. Pipe wrenches are designed just for this. They are large enough to reach and grip the farthest pipes in the back of a cabinet or wall.

Washers, Bolts, Nuts:

These are so inexpensive that it’s silly to not have some extra ones on hand. You can store these in a small decorative jar or even an old coffee tin. If you have them, you won’t have to worry about running out in the middle of a repair to pick them up.

Drain Snakes:

If you discover a drain that isn’t draining properly, or worse, a toilet that keeps backing up, the easiest fix is to use a snake to remove the clog. Letting a clog go untreated will only make it worse and can potentially cost you a lot more down the road in repairs. You can pick up an inexpensive snake for around $20. Just keep it in the package and tuck it under the cabinet somewhere out of sight, and then you will have it when you need it.

A Well Stocked Toolbox:

Keep a toolbox handy and accessible. Always make sure you have all the essential tools inside it. Screwdrivers, both flat and Phillips heads, wrenches of different kinds, extra screws, hammers, a level, etc. This will prevent you from scurrying around later trying to find the misplaced tool when you need it most.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/tools-and-equipment-articles/7-must-have-bathroom-plumbing-supplies-2220294.html

Did you know that iron is not dangerous to your health? However, I am sure you are tired of the effects of this mineral and desperately want to remove iron from water that supplies your Seattle home.

Are you tired of those nasty red stains in your sink and toilet? Does the thought of doing a laundry load of whites make you cringe because you know you’ll never see them white again? Iron in your water is a problem for many people especially those who live in rural areas dealing with well water.

First of all let’s talk about the myth that you need iron in your water for your body’s sake. This is not the same iron you get in food or in vitamin pills. This is insoluble iron and cannot be assimilated correctly into your bodies. This iron just causes problems. It clogs your pipes. It ruins your laundry, and it makes rings around your pretty white porcelain sinks, toilets and appliances.

This article will briefly explain what type of water purifier filter you will need depending on the type of iron you have your water supply and where the contamination is coming from.

Choosing the best iron filter is very important for the efficiency of the system. The wrong type of filter along with being installed in the wrong position will make it largely ineffective.  This is good reason to have your professional Seattle plumber handle the installation.

You need to have your water tested to determine the type of iron in your water supply and also to find out if there are any other minerals and chemicals that might be adding to the poor quality of the water supply. Your Seattle plumber will be able to do this kind of test for you.

Along with the testing, the source of iron contamination should be found out. Is the high content of this mineral due to iron build up in the pipes supplying your Seattle home or is it from your well water supply?

If you find that it is coming from the pipes, then you will need to install a whole house water filtration system to protect your whole plumbing system. This will prevent iron in the bathtub, shower, washing machine, toilet and drinking water. If on the other hand you discover that the contamination is coming from the well water supply you could consider the option of digging a new or deeper well. That is often a cheaper option than maintaining an iron water filter for many years.

Of course the choice of whole house water purification will depend on the above results, and your Seattle plumber will be able to advise on the best water filter system to install. But in the case that you are doing this on your own, and want to research prior to getting advice, here are the treatment options you will have:

1. Manganese Greensand Filters – To remove dissolved ferris iron, by changing it into the solid ferric iron form.
2. Whole House Iron Filter System – To remove iron as well as manganese and hydrogen sulphide or that rotten egg smell.
3. Pre sediment filter added to a whole house iron filtration system. This might help to extend the life of your iron filter cartridge and stop possible clogging of the filter.

The maintenance costs of each of the above will vary according to the pH of the water, the flow rate, how often you use the water, and the concentrations of either iron, manganese and hydrogen sulphide in the water.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirst_Frangs

If you are looking for a Tacoma plumbing contractor, please call 877-694-5176 or complete our online request form.

Knowing how to read your water meter allows you to easily and quickly track water usage in your Seattle home, including trends and potential spikes due to leaks. If you discover high usage, it would be advisable to contact your Seattle plumber who will be able to find the exact location and repair the leak before your water bill continues to increase needlessly.  Most water meters are one of two types: a straight-reading meter or a dial-reading meter. A straight-reading meter contains a simple number tally that provides the readout, while a dial-reading meter contains either five or six distinct dials that are used to determine the overall usage.

Instructions

Things You’ll Need

• Screwdriver

Reading a dial meter

1. Use a screwdriver to remove the lid of the water pit. Check the area for any dangerous insects     or animals before proceeding.
2. The dials are labeled in increasing tenth values (i.e. 10, 100, 1000, etc). Begin reading the water meter with the highest value dial, generally the 100,000 dial. Note the smaller of the two numbers nearest to the needle as the first digit.
3. Read the dial labeled 10,000 and note the smallest of the two numbers nearest to the needle. Continue this procedure until you have read all dials and have a full six-digit number. The final number provides the units of water in either gallons or cubic feet that have been consumed since the meter was installed.
4. To monitor water usage, simply subtract the “before” reading from the “after” reading and the result will be the amount consumed over a specified period of time. This value can assist with monitoring usage.
5. If the value given by the readout is in cubic feet, you may want to convert the value to gallons. One cubic foot is equal to 7.48 gallons. As a general rule, water companies will charge you based upon usage in terms of either 100 cubic feet or 1000 gallon units. The best way to know how you are charged is to check your Seattle water bill, which should indicate the unit of measure.

Reading a straight meter

1. Locate the number tally on the water meter and record the number listed. It is the area that looks similar to a car’s odometer
2. Determine the unit of measure. It is generally listed as either cubic feet or gallons in the area above or below the number tally.
3. Subtract the “before” reading from the “after” reading to determine usage.
4. Convert the value of the readout as needed (between gallons and cubic feet) for consistency with how your Seattle water company bills you for usage.

Tips & Warnings

• To determine whether or not a leak is present, turn off all of the water outlets in your Seattle home and note the position of the 1-cubic-foot-dial on your water meter. After 30 minutes, check the dial for movement. If the dial has moved, then you have a possible water leak in your home. Call your Seattle plumber for assistance in finding and repairing the leak before your water bill skyrockets.
• Many new water meters have digital readouts which provide a straight number for consumption and do not require any special techniques for reading.

References

• H2ouse: How to Read Your Water Meter
• “Complete Home Plumbing;” Scott Atkinson; Sunset Books; 2001

Read more:   How to Read a Water Meter | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5809560_read-water-meter.html#ixzz1iPjqq9tx

If you are looking for a Tacoma plumbing contractor, please call 877-694-5176 or complete our online request form.

Plumbing system odors are annoying to say the least, but the worst part is that these are usually a sign of a bigger problem lurking within your plumbing system. If you have any strange odors in your Tacoma home emanating from your plumbing fixtures or if you just think that they are, call your professional Tacoma plumber right away to come to your home and diagnose your problem. There are actually several causes of odors that result from your plumbing system, so let us look at some of the most common and what the root problem might be in each case.

First would be a buildup of food in your disposal. If your smells are coming from your kitchen sink, this might require cleaning. In addition to the accumulation of food itself, the process of chopping your food into tiny little bits could leave behind bacteria that can accumulate and cause a foul smell. You can try to run hot water and fragrant dishwashing liquid down the disposal to see if you can get rid of the small by yourself. Should this fail, you may need your Tacoma plumber to help clean the disposal.

A crack in the drainpipe of your Tacoma home is one of the most serious causes of home odors. The sewer gasses that escape into your home through the crack can smell like rotten eggs. This is a very unpleasant smell and a problem that should be repaired swiftly. Do not delay, call a plumber immediately. If the smell if persistent and does not abate from time to time and return, the problem is more than likely to be inside your Tacoma home. If the smell is occasional, meaning that it will abate and then come back from time to time, then the crack is probably below the ground level. It will probably take a camera inspection to locate the exact spot where the crack exists in such a scenario.

Another possible cause of home plumbing odors is a blockage to your vent pipe. This is the pipe that extends through your roof and allows plumbing system gasses to escape into the air. Should this become blocked, via leaves or even something as unusual as a bird basing his nest on your pipe, the impediment to the proper air flow through your plumbing system could result in causing the trap seals of some plumbing fixtures to function improperly. This in turn would cause gasses to escape through the improperly sealed fixtures and into your home.

So there you have a few of the common reasons for odors that come from your plumbing system. There are others, and your Tacoma plumber can help you to understand them upon inspecting your home. It is not recommended that you attempt to pinpoint and repair these types of problems yourself. While there are many types of plumbing repairs that a skilled person with a few basic tools can undertake successfully, these types of repairs can be complex and you might need the assistance of a professional licensed plumbing contractor.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lonnie_Rakestraw

Click here or call 877-694-5176 to schedule an appointment.

Many of us have no idea how much water we consume on a daily basis.  We often take for granted the seemingly endless supply that is available to us and the end result is thousands of gallons of unnecessary consumption each year. Did you know that the average Tacoma family uses approximately 127,000 gallons of water each year?  We can greatly reduce our consumption by simply turning off the taps when not in use, taking shorter showers, keeping drinking water in the fridge instead of running water until it’s cool and only running full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine amongst other water-conserving practices.  A more aggressive approach would be to have your Tacoma plumber perform a plumbing inspection to determine where overuse may be avoided, make any plumbing repairs that are needed, and, if possible, install new plumbing fixtures and appliances with more efficient options.

If you are looking for a Tacoma plumbing contractor, please call 877-694-5176 or complete our online request form.

It wasn’t that long ago in history that people were still using outhouses for the toilet and pitchers and cisterns for basic washing, taking a bath once a week or less. In the last century or so, advancements in the science of plumbing as well as knowledge of bacteria have changed the field of plumbing. Whether you are talking about toilets or tubs, changes have made modern day plumbing more convenient as well as more hygienic for everyone in the Seattle home. Your Seattle plumber has followed plumbing advancements every step of the way, ensuring that no matter how much technology changes, he can handle any plumbing repair that comes his way.

The Business of Going

When most people think about in-home plumbing, their minds go to the toilet. Vast improvements in toilet design were made in the mid-19th century. At the turn of the 20th century, new innovations were being patented every week. Between 1900 and 1932, designs for 350 new types of water closets were received at the United States patent office. Two of the first patents were for what evolved into the most common type of toilet found today: the siphoning wash down water closet. Even today, new improvements are being made on the way water and contents are removed from the bowl: engineers are working on perfecting the design of a motor for toilets with a jet flush system.

Healthy and Happy

Another major advancement with the changes to plumbing is the general health of the population. One reason improvements in plumbing helped with the health of the population was the steady switch from lead pipes to those made of copper and PVC. This improvement in the water delivery system kept people from being exposed to harmful levels of lead that leeched into the water from the pipes. Also, being able to draw a fully heated bath on demand in your Seattle home was a luxury for most until a few decades into the 20th century. With the expansion of citywide plumbing, gas and electricity service, bathtubs began to become a staple in every home. As people had increased access to clean, warm water for bathing and washing, the demand for tubs grew. This improved the health of the general population, as fewer people were coming in contact with harmful bacteria for prolonged periods of time.

Economic Improvements

Plumbing was a matter of better access, which came as technology improved and rural areas were attached to larger septic systems. Financially, people were able to improve their in-home bathrooms, allowing for increased plumbing improvements. A survey taken by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs between the years of 1925 and 1926 showed that, between 1918 and 1926, bathtub sales increased five times over, from 818,000 to 1.2 million. The bathtubs were in cities, towns, and rural areas – no one area was left untouched. In the years following World War I, particularly the years when Herbert Hoover was president, the country went through an amazing growth. This showed in the amount of plumbing supplies produced, the number doubling between 1919 and 1923.

This spurt of economic growth barely slowed during the depression and World War II. In the 25 year period between 1929 and 1954, plumbing product sales rose an amazing 357 percent, from $498 million to $2.3 billion. Even in the rough economic times of today, people are continuing to make improvements to their Seattle kitchens and bathrooms.

More than Just Business

While the health and economic changes in plumbing have grown immensely in the past century, it hasn’t been only business. Cosmetic changes have greatly improved modern plumbing, making it more convenient for everyone. These little changes include valves that control temperature changes, preventing scalding in the shower, and changes that provide a lessened impact on the environment, such as low-flow shower heads.

The advancements in plumbing have improved not only the health but also the happiness of the general population. From quieter, more efficient pipe systems to the delivery of clean water, plumbing has grown immensely in the last century – and thank goodness for that.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gentry

If you are looking for a Seattle plumbing contractor, please call 877-694-5176 or complete our online request form.

So your Tacoma plumber has finished making the plumbing repairs, and now there is a plethora of PVC pipe, inevitably headed for the trash heap.  Don’t let all that perfectly useful building material go to waste – there are a multitude of uses for this oft discarded gem.

You’ll really enjoy making head-turning furniture and other projects with PVC pipe. It’s a great (and addictive!) hobby. What’s more, you can furnish your home on a low budget, make toys, games, items for garden and shop, gifts and more.

While low cost, and available at most any hardware store, finding free PVC pipe is always better.

Here’s how I do it…

I have two friends who are landscapers. A large part of their work involves installing underground sprinkling systems. Each time they complete a job there’s leftover pipe of various lengths and diameters. And they gladly give it to me. I also have a plumber friend who accumulates PVC pipe of various lengths and diameters. About once a month he stops by for coffee and a visit, then drops off a treasure trove of remnants.

You could, if motivated, also stop by new Tacoma home subdivisions or new commercial buildings as they’re being constructed and pick up a bunch of pipe leftovers.

Here’s the thing. These guys don’t want the extra short pieces they’ve cut off. They won’t carry them around to the next job because it take up room in their trucks and the next client will pay for new pipe. If the remnants aren’t taken, they’ll haul ‘em to the landfill. So, generally, Tacoma plumbers are happy to give them to you.

So, if saving money on your PVC projects is important, you really should consider getting free pipe from…

1. Tacoma landscapers

2.  Tacoma plumbing contractors

3.  Tacoma building contractors

or, you can…

4. Post a message at some of the online classified ad sites in Tacoma that reads:

“I’ll haul away your discarded PVC pipe free. Call (insert your name & phone number).”

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brooks_Owen

Improper water pressure is a common plumbing problem. If you have such a problem, the first step toward diagnosing and remedying it is measuring your static water pressure.

This is easy enough to do with a water pressure measuring gauge, which most Tacoma hardware and home improvement stores carry. This simple device consists or a measuring gauge and a standard hookup like those on a garden hose that you can screw onto an exterior hose bib or your washing machine’s cold or hot water bib. To check your house’s static water pressure level, just screw on the measuring gauge, open the faucet, and the gauge will show how much pressure you have on whichever floor the faucet you are using for the check is located (the water pressure on your Tacoma home’s second floor is typically 8 psi lower than on the first floor).

So, what is the proper water pressure level? For residential plumbing, it’s best to be within a range of from 50 to 70 psi. Plumbing fixtures for home use are designed to withstand a maximum pressure of 80 psi, so at 80 psi and above, you risk damaging your fixtures. On the other hand, if the pressure is much below 50 psi, you may experience annoying problems of insufficient water flow.

In the case that your water pressure is too high, you’ll need to adjust your PRV (pressure reducing valve) which should be located near your house’s main water shut-off. If you don’t already have one, then you’ll need to get one installed. The PRV is easy to adjust and will maintain the house’s water pressure at a precise level.

In the case that your water pressure is too low, you should first contact your Tacoma water supplier and find out if that level is normal for your neighborhood. If it is, then the only possible fix is to invest in a water pressure booster pump. These are available in a variety of designs and at a variety of prices, but it is definitely advisable to have one of these booster pumps installed by a professional Tacoma plumber; this is not a D.I.Y. project.

If the pressure is lower than it should be, there may be a problem with the exterior pipes, such as a leak, blockage or crimp. Who is responsible for fixing the problem depends on exactly where it is. Tacoma homeowners are responsible for maintaining the plumbing from the point at which it enters their property. The pipes outside your property line are the responsibility of your Tacoma municipality.

There is also a chance that your problem is not one of water pressure per se, but rather one of water flow. If your check shows sufficient static water pressure, but you feel that you’re getting insufficient water coming out of one or more of your plumbing fixtures, there is most likely some problem affecting the water flow in your Tacoma home’s internal plumbing.

The problem could be as simple as a dirty faucet aerator or shower head. To clean them, just unscrew the offending aerator or shower head and soak it in a solution of 50% water and 50% white vinegar overnight. If you can’t unscrew it, you can put the water-white vinegar solution in a plastic bag and then attach the bag around the fixture with a rubber band.

If you have poor water flow from all of your fixtures, you’re probably facing a much more expensive repair job. A likely cause is corroded galvanized steel pipes. Tacoma homes are no longer plumbed with galvanized steel pipes because they only last about 40 years. As they are corroded by the very water running through them, rust deposits build up on the inside, decreasing the pipes’ diameter, which results in decreased water flow. The only way to fix the problem is to replace them with copper or PEX pipes.

The problem could also be one of poor workmanship or design. A crimp or inexpertly soldered joint in your plumbing can reduce water flow, as can a circuitous layout with excessive bends and overall length of pipe.

One way to improve your water flow is to increase the diameter of your pipes. This is a little counter intuitive, but larger diameter pipes help to maintain your house’s dynamic water pressure, which is the amount of water pressure at a given point in your plumbing system when one or more plumbing fixtures is in use. Pipe diameter doesn’t affect static water pressure, which is a measure of the amount of water pressure in the system when no fixtures are drawing water.

The larger diameter pipes you have, the more water there is present in the system before you start drawing water. Therefore, the impact on the overall system when a given fixture starts drawing water is reduced. The good news is that you don’t have to increase the diameter of all your pipes to benefit from this effect. If you increase pipe diameter at any point in the system, you are increasing the amount of water in the overall system and lessening the impact of individual fixtures on dynamic water flow. Of course, the larger the increase the bigger the benefit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Hilton

If you are looking for a Tacoma plumbing contractor, please call 877-694-5176 or complete our online request form.

Many Tacoma homeowners and families rely on clean, pure water from a safe water supply. In addition to water, all homeowners rely on a complex sewage system to eliminate waste water from a home. While most plumbing problems in the home produce noticeable problems, some can go undetected for years. These problems can create an environmental hazard, endanger a families’ health, and raise a utility bill.  It is important to consult with your Tacoma plumbing contractor should you suspect any of the following issues are occurring in your home.

One of the most common problems seen in many homes is the lack of residential backflow prevention equipment. Backflow is usually only a problem when using a commercial or municipal water supply. If water pressure outside a home drops to less than water pressure in a home, water can flow out of a home into public pipes. This backflow can often contaminate a public water supply, leading to a potential health hazard.

A residential backflow prevention unit will stop water from flowing backwards in a pipe. It acts as a one-way valve to prevent water traveling in the wrong direction. In addition, a one way valve can provide Tacoma homeowners with temporary water pressure if a municipal water supply is under maintenance.

Another common problem for many Tacoma homeowners is water scaling in interior pipes. While most municipal sources are treated to prevent hard water, well water can often have a high mineral content. These minerals are deposited on the inside of pipes as water moves through a home. Over time, this mineral buildup can cause a loss of water pressure, leading to the need to replace home plumbing.

A great way to prevent water scaling in a home is with a water softening unit. These help filter out excessive levels of minerals in a pipe, and help keep water flowing smoothly to all parts of your Tacoma home. Since water scaling usually isn’t noticeable until it’s too late to repair, it’s essential to install a softener before any problems arise. There are many commercial tests that can determine the hardness of well water.

While it may seem obvious, many Tacoma homeowners forget to change the water filter in their home. A clogged filter can reduce water flow, increase the pumping cost for well owners, and reduce the quality of water. A good rule of thumb to follow is this: for every 3 months of use, change the water filter in a home. In a vacation home, a filter should be changed at least once a year, dependent on usage.

While some of these tips may seem obvious, it’s essential to properly maintain a home’s water supply. Over time, unseen problems cause lasting damage, requiring expensive plumbing repair and maintenance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becky_Gladious

If you would like to speak to one of our Tacoma drain cleaning contractors, please call 877-694-5176, or complete our online service request form.