Ooh Ooh That Smell! Could It Be the Plumbing?
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 Oklahoma City home emanating from your plumbing fixtures or if you just think that they are, call your professional Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City plumber to help clean the disposal.
A crack in the drainpipe of your Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City plumbing repair contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form
Add Conserving Water To Your 2012 Resolutions
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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City plumber perform a plumbing inspection to determine where overuse may be avoided, and, if possible, install new plumbing fixtures and appliances with more efficient options.
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City plumbing repair contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Can’t Flush This
A clogged toilet can be a huge inconvenience, and can be expensive if the homeowner is unable to clear the clog and is forced to hire an Oklahoma City plumber. The problem is especially common with modern toilets. Older models use larger amounts of water per flush, and therefore use more “mass” to push waste through the plumbing. Newer models, however, are designed to use water more efficiently. They use only as much water as is required for an average flush, but don’t stand up to large items as well. Owners must therefore use extra caution with them in order to ensure that all waste loads are within the toilet’s flushing capability. Avoiding putting certain items in a toilet can prevent many clogs.
Toilet paper is designed to dissolve and break up in water, preventing it from creating either a bundled up mass or a “net” in the plumbing. However, it is common for many people to use other materials in its place. Paper towels are the most common, but users should never flush these down a toilet, since they are designed to do the opposite of toilet paper: maintain durability when wet. They tend to bunch up and form tough masses that are larger than the diameter of the pipe.
Even toilet paper will fail to flush properly if used in large amounts and flushed all at once. It can ball up so that only the outside of the “ball” will dissolve in the water. It is best to use only a few sheets at a time between flushes to prevent a clogged toilet bowl.
Children’s toys are another common cause of backed-up toilets. Ever-curious children are often fascinated by toilets, and will place objects into them just to watch them as they flush down. However, most toys are awkwardly shaped, inflexible, and bigger than the pipe. An Oklahoma City plumber may have to be called to extract them. The best way to avoid this problem is to keep the toilet seat down when not in use and keep the bathroom door closed. Children should be monitored to make sure that they don’t play in the bathroom. An added benefit of this is that children will not be unnecessarily exposed to unsanitary conditions.
Simple tools such as a plunger and a plumbing snake can be used to fix many clogs when they do occur. Drain cleaners may be useful for clearing most types of waste, but will be ineffective on foreign objects such as toys. Following these simple guidelines and learning the proper use of common clog-busting tools can save most Oklahoma City homeowners from expensive plumber bills.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Chua
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City drain cleaning contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Some Things Never Change. Luckily, Oklahoma City Plumbing Has.
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 Oklahoma City home. Your Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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 professional Oklahoma City plumbing repair contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
PVC Your Way to Innovative Creations
So your Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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, Oklahoma City 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. Oklahoma City landscapers
2. Oklahoma City plumbing contractors
3. Oklahoma City building contractors
or, you can…
4. Post a message at some of the online classified ad sites in Oklahoma City 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
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City plumbing repair contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Under Pressure (Or Lack Thereof) in Oklahoma City
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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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. Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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. Oklahoma City 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
f you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City plumbing company, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Multitask! Nix The Drip And Update Your Oklahoma City Kitchen
When it comes to making your kitchen stand out and look great even the littlest things can make a big difference, so if your kitchen faucets are causing you a problem it is well worth forgetting about trying to mess around with repairing them and instead consider having new kitchen faucets installed instead. This is a very cost effective and simple procedure that can make a huge difference in the appearance and practicality of your Oklahoma City kitchen. You can find faucets to suit all needs, and by installing faucets that fit in with any theme you have going in your kitchen or with the general décor of your Oklahoma City home, you can enjoy really adding to the appearance of the room. You will find the perfect sink faucet to match your kitchen, as there is such a great choice available, and you can find accessories to match your kitchen cabinets, countertops, sinks, and the decor of your kitchen.
Replacing your kitchen faucets can make a real difference
When you replace the faucets in your Oklahoma City kitchen you will enjoy a range of benefits. You can look forward to finding accessories that really fit in with your décor. You can add to the style and class of your kitchen as well simply be replacing the faucets for one of today’s modern and sleek styles. And with these faucets boasting a range of features, you can also increase practicality in the kitchen, making life easier for yourself and others that use the kitchen. You will be able to select from many wonderful styles, with designs and features to suit all needs. There is a wide selection of brass, copper, chrome, stainless steel, and more, ensuring that there is something to suit every taste and pocket. You can select the features that best meet your needs too, with choice that include filter faucets, double handle faucets or single handle faucets, wall mount faucets, mixer faucets and shower faucets, just to name a few.
You won’t have to spend a fortune on your faucets
By shopping for your faucets online you can enjoy substantial savings as well as a wide selection. You will find many top manufacturers offering great deals on faucets via the Internet, and the deep discounts mean that you can enjoy excellent value for your money. Enjoy comparing the faucets to find the designs and features that best meet your needs, save money on the cost, order with ease from home, and get fast and convenient delivery of your order. Then all you have left to do is call your Oklahoma City plumber and have your new faucets installed in no time!
Whatever the theme or décor of your Oklahoma City kitchen, you will be able to really complement it by installing the right faucets to match the style of your kitchen and the kitchen fixtures. This is a great and cost effective way to add to the look and functionality of your kitchen.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Morris
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City plumbing repair contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Is Your Oklahoma City Toilet Running? Better Catch It!
You hear a hissing in the middle of the night. You notice your Oklahoma City water bill is higher than normal. What you probably have is the common running toilet that, if not addressed, will cost you hundreds of unnecessary dollars.
Fixing a leaking toilet is not a hard skill to learn. The savings (and pride) will last a lifetime. So, here’s a free plumbing tip on causes of a running toilet.
Finding The Cause Of The Leak
The first thing to fix any problem is to find what is causing it. In order to do that we learn how a toilet basically works.
When you push down the toilet handle, all you’re doing is moving a rod upward that lifts something called a flapper that is preventing the tank water from draining into the toilet. The flapper stays up in the tank water because there is a pocket of air in the flapper. As the tank water level drops, so will the floating flapper. It will fall right back into place, sealing the hole that lets out the tank water into the toilet bowl.
What controls water from filling up the tank is a floater that is attached to a rod. As the floater moves up and down with the water level of the tank, it will either open or close a valve. This is how water is let in to refill the toilet tank, and shuts off automatically as the floater rises with the water level. At the same time, water is also directed into the toilet bowl via a tube running in an overflow tube. Again, once the tank reaches a certain level, all water flow should stop.
If the water level is above the overflow tube, water will be constantly draining into the bowl and the floater will never get high enough to shut off the valve. There should be a screw above where the water flows into the tank. Turn it either way to see how it adjust the floater. Alternatively, you could bend the rod to lower the floater. Thus, the floater will reach a point where it shuts of the inflow of water completely. Obviously, the water level needs to be lower than the overflow tube. Check to make sure this is true as it could be as simple as making this adjustment to stop a running toilet.
Another cause of a running toilet could be that water is leaking into the bowl through the flapper part at the bottom of the tank. To test to see if this is the problem, put some food coloring into the tank. Check the bowl in about 5 minutes to see If there is coloring in the bowl. If so, your flapper is not sealing the drain hole completely. In this case, all you have to do is buy a new flapper.
If you have a tank ball sealing the drain hole, make sure the vertical rod is positioned perfectly so that the tank ball will sit in the drain hole perpendicularly.
Another cause could be a short or kinked chain (if you have a flapper type flushing system). Make sure there is enough slack in the chain so that the flapper will completely seat (in the drain hole).
If none of those are the cause of your running toilet, then the filler valve (the part where water comes out to fill your tank) could be the culprit. If your assembly allows you to get to the valve, there should be either rubber washers or O-rings that seal water flow. Check them out to see if there’s ANY wear. Replace if necessary.
If, on the other hand, it seems like it’s one solid piece, you’ll have to change the whole assembly. In this case, you must shut off the toilet water supply at the shut off valve, flush the toilet, and remove the whole assembly by unscrewing the water inlet pipe, and then the whole filler assembly. You will need a wrench, a bucket, and some rags to complete this job. There are videos on the internet showing you how to perform this extraction and installation.
When To Call A Oklahoma City Plumber
Are you afraid you might do more harm than good? Don’t like getting down on your hands and knees and getting a little wet? Or, maybe you have better things to do with your time? These are all valid reasons to let a professional Oklahoma City plumber do the work for you. A skilled plumber should be able to diagnose and fix the leak for you without too many problems.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaleio_Silva
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City plumbing repair contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Is Your Oklahoma City Water Heater a Time Bomb?
It’s hard to believe it, but over 19,000 water heaters are replaced every day. About 7 million heaters end up being tossed out each year in Canada alone. A large city such as Oklahoma City may see several thousand water heaters a year disposed of. Not only are water heaters a common plumbing malfunction, but unfortunately, they can be dangerous when they do malfunction. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently said that almost every single day someone gets injured or killed from a explosion.
Naturally, then, extending the life of your water heater and preventing any unexpected break downs is a priority. So, first, we need to understand the common causes for problems. The first common problem would have to be sediment build up. Sediment comes from dirt, mineral deposits and rust. This build up of sediments and internal rusting can cause premature death of your device. It can burn out the heating elements and cause overheating. This also results in an increase of unnecessary energy use. Another common cause of rust inside the water heater is hard water. If that is the case, it would be a good idea to call an experienced Oklahoma City plumber for advice and recommendations when selecting your water heater. An experienced plumber in Oklahoma City would be familiar with the quality of the water and would be able to make recommendations as to which water heaters are more likely to resist premature rusting.
The New Mexico State University issued a study where the results showed that water heaters operate 22-30 percent less efficiently when they have hard water scale. The only way to know if your current water heater is collecting minerals and deposits is to call a qualified Oklahoma City plumber and have them come out and inspect your water heater. If sediment is discovered, the plumber will be able to flush out the sediment and give it proper maintenance.
Another common cause for water heater problems is improper water heater installation from the beginning. This could include bad flues, improper clearances, ignoring installation instructions, and disregarding national and local Oklahoma City plumbing safety codes. These instructions and codes are issued for a reason - to make sure the hot water heater operates safety and according to intended operation. Ignoring such instructions and safety codes can be dangerous. The only way to know if your hot water heater is properly installed is to have a qualified Oklahoma City plumber inspect your water heater system for such code violations. It’s also possible that some new code requirements have changed since your water heater was first installed. If this is the case, your plumber can also let you know about these improved codes and what can be done to bring your hot water system up to par. And finally, a fourth cause of water heater malfunction could be external leaks. If, for whatever reason, a leak develops on the outside of the water heater, it oftentimes initiates rusting from the outside in. This destroys a newly installed water heater prematurely. It also can corrode electrical connections and cause a dangerous electrical shock.
Hot water heaters explode every day. Is YOURS a time bomb? Don’t take the chance. Have a qualified Oklahoma City plumber come and perform regular water heater inspections and water heater maintenance for your own peace of mind, safety, and protection from very costly repairs later down the road.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Romero
