Is Your Sillcock Leaking?
A frost free leaky outdoor faucet, also known as a sillcock or spigot) is not just annoying; it can cost you a small fortune in water bills if left unchecked. In addition, a leaky outdoor faucet can also cause damage to your Oklahoma City home and yard.
Fortunately, for even a novice do-it-yourselfer, a leaky outdoor faucet can frequently be fixed with just a few basic tools and about 30 minutes.
Identify Source of Outdoor Faucet Leak
The first thing you need to do is to determine where the outdoor faucet leak is coming from.
First check to see if the leak is occurring around the top cap that sits just back behind the handle. Inevitably this cap becomes loose on frost free outdoor faucet and all you need to do is simply tighten it back up using your hand. Overtime this cap becomes loose due to changes in seasonal temperatures or simply from frequent use of the faucet.
Next, check to see if it is leaking directly out the spout itself.
If the leak is occurring from the faucet spout, even after you have confirmed the handle is fully turned to the closed position, then chances are there is a failed washer sitting back behind the faucet handle.
Disassembling the Outdoor Faucet
To replace the washer, first turn the water off to the outdoor faucet. Usually the shut off valve to the outdoor spigot can be found inside your Oklahoma City home, for example in a utility room just behind the outdoor faucet. The shut off valve may also be located in the basement.
Next, turn the outdoor faucet to the full on position to relieve any pressure in it and to allow the water to fully drain from the faucet.
Now, using a screwdriver remove the screw that holds the handle onto the faucet.
With the screw removed, pull the handle off.
After removing the faucet handle, use a wrench to remove the faucet nut that sits back behind the handle.
Replace Washer and Clean Internal Faucet Area
Typically it is the washer that sits behind the faucet nut (sillcock nut) that fails. Remove it with your fingers or small screw driver and examine it for damage or wear. If you see either, replace the washer. Also, make sure the internal faucet (sillcock) is free from dirt and grime. If there is grime in it, flush it out with water.
Re-assemble Outdoor Faucet
Once you have replaced the washer and the internal faucet area is free of any grit, reattach the faucet nut cap, the handle, and the screw that holds the handle onto the faucet.
Test Repaired Outdoor Faucet
Turn the water back on at the valve within the basement or utility room to the outdoor faucet and observe water flowing freely from the faucet.
Turn the handle to the off position. If the washer or grit was the problem the leak should no longer be present.
Note that with a frost free outdoor water faucet, the actual shutoff valve sits far back into the faucet / sillcock pipe, (approximately 8 inches), so do not be surprised to see a few drips of water initially after shutting off the faucet. After a few minutes, however, you should see no more drips. With that your leaky outdoor faucet is a thing of the past!
If performing these steps doesn’t take care of the leak, you should call your Oklahoma City plumber who will be able to readily identify the source of the leak and repair it for you in no time.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Donovan
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.
A Blog About Clogs in Oklahoma City
Clogged drains are a common Oklahoma City home plumbing issue, occurring when hair, waste, or food products-depending on the use of the drain-get stuck in the pipe, stopping water or waste from draining. You can deal with some clogs on your own, but for serious issues, you may need to call in a professional Oklahoma City plumber.
One day, your shower, toilet, or kitchen sink is working just fine. The next, you take a shower, use the restroom, or wash the dishes and you’re left with dirty water that just won’t drain - or worse, is overflowing from the basin. What happened? Most likely, the drain is clogged with solid material-hair in the shower, waste and paper in the toilet, or food in the kitchen sink. Clogs start small but can get nasty fast, especially if you don’t deal with them in a timely fashion. There are a number of DIY fixes for minor drain clogs, but if you’ve exhausted your options or the problem is severe, you’ll need to call a professional Oklahoma City plumber.
DIY Fixes
You can attack a clogged drain head-on using a standard plunger. Fill the basin with enough water to cover the plunger head, and then place the plunger over the affected drain so that it creates a seal. Pump the plunger up and down rapidly, forcing water in and out of the drain, and then pop it off to break the seal. Repeat, if necessary. This should loosen and flush away minor clogs. If plunging several times fails to loosen the blockage, purchase a chemical drain opener and use it as directed on the package. Be aware, however, that the caustic agents in chemical drain openers can actually harm some fixtures. If a plunger and a full container of drain opener don’t do the trick, it might be time to bring in an expert.
What the Pros Do
Professional Oklahoma City plumbers have an array of tools in their arsenal to fight clogs. One of the most basic is the drain snake, also known as a drain auger. Plumbers spiral this long, flexible cable down into the pipe until it reaches the clog, displacing it. A more modern piece of plumbing technology is the hydro-jet, which is designed to blast through and eradicate pipe blockages. While a drain snake is generally effective on basic clogs, hydro-jetting can get rid of years of accumulated sludge inside your pipes.
Preventative Measures
Most Oklahoma City plumbing systems will need occasional maintenance and professional drain cleaning, but you can take steps to decrease the frequency of clogged drains. In the kitchen, avoid pouring cooking grease down the drain, as it can accumulate and harden inside the pipe. If you have a garbage disposal, always flush it with water to keep food from sticking to the pipe. In the bathroom sink and shower, use drain stoppers or strainers to keep hair and other materials from going down the drain. Only flush items down the toilet that are labeled “flushable.” Anything else may clog the plumbing. And finally, always address minor clogs before they become complete blockages. When you notice your water draining more slowly than usual, especially if it gets a little worse each day, it’s time to take action.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Q_Jones
If 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.
You Are Hereby Appointed Inspector General
To become aware of the damage caused last winter, it’s smart to conduct a heating and plumbing check. Below stated are some recommendations on how to carry out a plumbing and heating inspection for your Oklahoma City home.
1. Check if there are any frozen pipes and broken hose bibs
Freezing water is a most common cause of plumbing damage. Many times, a plumbing repair is necessary due to the water that has frozen to form ice, bursting pipes and other plumbing components. When the water converts from liquid to solid state, it swells by 9%.
A simple rule is to check that all parts of your Oklahoma City plumbing system are functioning perfectly. You can check faucets, spigots, etc. Beyond functionality, you also need to check for leakage from pipes and pooling of water. If you discover ice damage, you need to contact your Oklahoma City plumber.
2. Replace Gaskets of Faucets
Even if you’re experienced in home plumbing, you can still fix a leaky faucet on your own. Ninety percent of the times, the culprit is a cracked gasket, a part which you can easily get from your Oklahoma City home improvement store or plumbing outlet.
3. Get Rid of Mineral Build-Up
White vinegar is something every home plumber must have. Put it in a small plastic bag and then hang it on the faucet with a rubber band. Allow it to soak for twenty-four hours. The vinegar spontaneously breaks down mineral deposits that cause limitation on the water pressure.
4. Clean all the gutters, downspouts and drains
Rid of all the gutters, downspouts and drains of detritus, thus preventing leaks and mildew growth. Once your drainage system is free of detritus, check that each vent is clear of sticks, nests, and so forth. If you are unable to check high vents, you can call your Oklahoma City plumber for assistance. Plumbing contractors don’t just repair but also offer preventive plumbing as well as maintenance-oriented services.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/public-relations-articles/an-easy-and-useful-home-plumbing-examination-5838411.html
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.
Drain Training in Oklahoma City
While setting up a bathtub in your Oklahoma City home, one of the crucial steps that need to be undertaken is to set up a bathtub drain. There are three types of tubs available in the market and installation of a bathtub drain is common to all of them. These are tubs set on legs, tubs set on a base and a built-in tub. The bathtub drain kit comes in a variety of finishes, chrome, bronze, nickel and brass. You will need to do some preparation. If you have an existing bath tub, remove the plaster and drywall. For a new bathtub setup, you will need to assemble the following tools.
- Glue
- Plumber’s putty
- Drain assembly
- Trap pipe
- Swivel connector with washers
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
Step 1: Bathtub
The bathtub should be installed and put in place in your Oklahoma City bathroom.
Step 2: Fix Drain
Take the drain assembly, remove nuts and washers from it and put the plumber’s putty under the rim of the drain. After doing this, the drain rim should be put under the drain hole. It should be held firmly for some time.
Step 3: Fix Gasket and Nuts
The rubber gasket on the bathtub should be put on the part that hooks to the tub. Slide the nut and washer onto the overflow pipe as well as the drain shoe. A drain T-fitting needs to be put on the overflow pipe. Connect the drain and overflow pipes to the drain T-fitting. Tighten the nuts with pliers. While doing this, care should be taken that too much pressure is not applied.
Step 4: Connect the Trap
A drain T-fitting needs to be put on the overflow pipe. The drain and overflow pipes need to be connected with the drain T-fitting and the nuts need to be tightened with pliers. The trap on the plastic pipe needs to be pulled down far enough so that the tailpiece can be fitted onto the bottom of the T-fitting. During this process, ensure that the connections are made evenly and fittings are not used in the wrong position. The pipes should also have been measured to the correct size.
Step 5: Tailpiece
A thin coat of pipe joint compound needs to be applied to the threads on the tailpiece. This needs to be fitted into the T-fitting on the trap pipe.
Step 6: Nuts and Washers
Slip the nut and washer onto the tailpiece. These need to be tightened appropriately.
Step 7: Trip Waste and Stopper
Connect the trip waste by feeding the linkage into the overflow tube opening in the tub. In case of a pop-up plug, the trip lever should be left open. In case of a plunger, the drain screen should be put over the drain.
Step 8: Check and Test
There should be no loose connections. All the connections should be reinforced with glue. There should be no leakages. Check and test by filling the bathtub with water and then draining it.
Should you encounter any difficulties, call your Oklahoma City plumber to complete the job easily and efficiently.
Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/bathtub-drain-installation#ixzz1ur9z9FZ3
If 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.
Low-Flow Lowdown
Contrary to popular myth, plumber Thomas Crapper did not invent the flush toilet. One of his contemporaries, though, did create the first toilet that prevented sewer gases from entering the home. Englishman Joseph Adamson’s 1853 design — the siphon flush — eventually made obsolete both the chamber pot and the outhouse. Adamson’s invention, like all modern toilets, relies on the tendency of a moving liquid to continue flowing, even in defiance of gravity: The tank is kept full, and during a flush, the water rushes into the bowl, creating a surge over the weir (or dam). The flow stops when the bowl is empty, and the tank refills in preparation for the next flush.
Originally, tanks were placed high above the bowl to get water moving forcefully enough to clear the weir, but by 1915, narrower, smoother porcelain passageways allowed quieter, 5- to 7-gallon tanks to be mounted on the backs of bowls. The next giant leap in toilet technology came in 1994, when federal law restricted tanks to 1.6 gallons per flush, but to those who used the first generation of low-flow toilets, this leap seemed more of a stumble. “They often needed two flushes,” says This Old House plumbing and heating consultant Richard Trethewey. Manufacturers largely fixed that problem by further modifying the passageways to move a reduced amount of water more vigorously into the bowl.
Anatomy of a Low-Flow Toilet
FLUSH LEVER: Pulls the lift chain.
LIFT CHAIN: Opens the flapper. A chain float limits the flush to 1.6 gallons by closing the flapper when the tank has drained to a set level.
OVERFLOW TUBE: Protects against an accidental overfilling of the tank.
FLOAT: Shuts a valve on the supply line when the tank level reaches a predetermined depth.
FLAPPER: Releases tank water into the bowl. When released by the chain float, drops against the flush valve seat, sealing the tank so it can refill.
TRAP: Holds water in the bowl, blocking the entry of sewer gases, until the flow from the tank pushes the water over the weir.
SIPHON JET: Concentrates flow from the tank, jump-starting the siphoning effect.
RIM HOLES (not shown): Release water during the flush, cleaning the sides of the bowl.
You can easily integrate this water-saving fixture into your home. your Oklahoma City plumber can fill you in on the best low-flow toilet for your Oklahoma City home and can handle the installation of your low-flow toilet easily and efficiently.
Article Source: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,213021,00.html
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City bathroom remodeling contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Steamy. Dreamy.
A few decades ago, it you wanted to soak in a hot tub, take a dip in the pool, or sweat it out in a sauna, you had to either join a gym or stay at a luxury hotel. But with new technological advances and more affordable prices, a lot of this equipment can now be installed in your Oklahoma City home. However, what if you want to have a combination of all these fixtures? What if you want to have a soak, a sweat, and a bath all at once? Then you may want to look into steam showers when planning your bathroom remodel. A steam shower will provide all three capabilities and more.
Controlled Condensation
Steam showers are a traditional stall with regular heads and fixtures. And though you can take a regular bath within the enclosure, you also have the ability to turn this space into a steamy sauna. A generator heats the water to a boil and then this hot water vapor is pushed out through jets that line the walls and ceiling. The surfaces are constructed of specialized material made to withstand the extreme heat without damage (the surrounding temperature can range anywhere from 90-115 degrees). Plus, the unit is thoroughly sealed so moisture cannot enter your Oklahoma City bathroom to ruin wallpaper, paint, or drywall.
Curative Powers
You may be wondering: Besides the obvious extravagance, why would you want to invest in these contraptions? First off, they’re very relaxing, which is great after a long day of work. But relaxation also has many health benefits as well.
Increased Circulation: Hot air helps thin the blood and enhance the body’s circulation, which alleviates arthritis, fatigue, and soreness.
Humidity Therapy: Moist air raises the metabolism and improves the respiratory system. Plus, it works up a sweat which helps to remove toxins from the body.
Hydro-Acupuncture: The jets can work together to provide a body massage in order to relax, rejuvenate, and relieve muscle aches. You can even get a foot massager installed to help rub down those doggies after a long day.
Aromatherapy: You can also add essential oils and scents to the water vapor to create a relaxing atmosphere. It helps to reduce stress, calm the body, and lift your mood.
Luxury Accessories
Steam showers aren’t just functional; they’re also luxurious, decadent, and completely comfortable. It’s supposed to create the feel of a spa, retreat, or resort. Therefore they come with all kinds of fun features to make the experience more enjoyable and tranquil. The options range from simple to splendid depending on your budget and personality. You could simply install a timer to control the length of a soak. Or put in a bench seat: this straight-forward installation goes a long way in terms of relaxation. But there are also high-end innovations, such as television, telephone, and audio/video jacks (you can even have inputs for your iPod). Something you may want to consider is an emergency button: it’s not a luxury as much as a necessity. These call for help in case of a fall, or they notify customer service if you need help with something. You can discuss any and all of these features with your Oklahoma City plumbing contractor prior to making a decision about the steam shower perfect for your household.
Read more: http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Steam-Showers-Can-Massage-Away-Your-Worry.14493.html#ixzz1tdD5gdr1
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City bathroom remodeling contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
A Word to the Water-Wise in Oklahoma City
The basic idea behind water-saving devices is to restrict water consumption rates where heaviest use occurs. Indoor Oklahoma City water usage runs at about 40 percent for toilets, 30 percent for baths and showers (more for baths), 15 percent for clothes washers and 15 percent for cooking and kitchen use.
TOILET WATER SAVERS
The first target for water conservation is the toilet. A number of devices are designed to reduce the amount of water used to flush a conventional toilet.
One such device is a dual-flush mechanism that allows about one-half tank flush for liquid waste by depressing the tank lever handle in the normal manner and full-tank flush for solid waste by depressing the lever and holding it down. These devices can save from 40 to 50 percent of normal water consumption.
There are also water-saving toilets that have smaller holding tanks and use less water to flush.
Leaks in the toilet tank can also be a source of excess water usage. These are usually due to worn out parts. Leaks can be detected by adding dark food coloring to the tank and checking about 20 minutes later to see if the toilet bowl water has turned the same color.
SHOWERS AND BATHS
Showers and baths are the next target for water saving. The most common devices are flow-control valves, flow restrictors and aerators that can be added to existing fixtures. New showerheads can also be installed that feature water-saving capabilities.
There is a distinct difference between a flow-control valve and a flow restrictor. The flow-control valve restricts the flow of water to about 2.75 gals. per minute, automatically making adjustments for water-pressure changes.
A flow restrictor does not make an automatic adjustment if the pressure changes. Therefore, more water is used as the pressure increases.
Some of these devices have manual controls to adjust water flow from flood to shutoff. Many include a weep to help prevent back pressure in the pipes.
Many of these showerheads also have manual controls to adjust the amount of water flow so less water can be used for soaping and more for rinsing.
These devices help restrict the flow of water from a typical rate of seven gals. per minute to about two to three gals.
FAUCETS
The third target for water saving around your Oklahoma City home is the bathroom and kitchen faucets. Like the shower or bathtub, water is consumed at the rate of about 7 gals. per minute. A restrictor (or aerator) can reduce the flow to 2- to 3- gals. Per minute.
There are models which automatically adjust the flow to 2- to 3- gals. per minute. There are models which automatically adjust the flow rate according to water-pressure changes and other models which do not make automatic compensations. Some have manual controls for the Oklahoma City homeowner to preset the amount of restriction.
Several states, such as New York and California, have code requirements on faucets and showerheads. Since these water-saving devices also control the proportion of hot water used, they have the additional selling point of being a fuel saver.
regardless of state mandated use of water saving devices, it is in your best interest to modify your water usage. Your Oklahoma City plumbing contractor knows the benefit of all these devices and can advise you as to which will be most beneficial in your case and will then gladly install any water saving plumbing fixture for you.
Article Source: http://www.acehardware.com/info/index.jsp?categoryId=1267597
If 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.
Sorting Out Washers in Oklahoma City
There are variations in clothes washers, but all are basically big tubs that fill with water, agitate to scrub clothes, and then spin to wring out the water. Of course, in addition to these basic functions, they may have any number of sophisticated features. Most types also incorporate an electronic timer and controls.
Because a washing machine is a large consumer of both energy and water, the key to selecting the right one is to purchase the most energy-efficient model that fits your lifestyle and space and to always use the right amount of detergent for the washer and your Oklahoma City water hardness.
In terms of lifestyle, think about how often you use the washer and what you wash. If you wash often, you will get the best performance from a stainless-steel tub. Those who wash less frequently will probably do fine with porcelain-coated steel or high-grade plastic.
If your wash includes a variety of fabrics and levels of dirtiness, choose a machine that offers specialty cycles such as delicate and extra soak, as well as one for a second rinse. Multiple water-level settings ensure the most efficient wash for loads of different sizes. Some machines can boost water temperature to sanitize a load.
For those with limited space in their Oklahoma City homes, there are stacking washer-dryer units in either full-size or apartment-size capacities. Remember that the size of your washer should match your dryer’s capacity.
Other items to consider are automatic temperature regulators (a must in cold climates, they ensure that wash water comes in at a constant temperature for the setting) plus additional insulation and reinforced frames, both of which reduce noise.
When buying a new washer, pay careful attention to the warranty. Be clear about both the term and the extent of the coverage. Also be aware that some washing machines are much easier to work on than others. Some new types have a cabinet that is easy to detach and lift off for easy access to the parts.
There are two styles of washer: top-load, which is the most common, and front-load, which provides the greatest energy efficiency.
A top-loading machine, also known as a V-axis because the agitator turns on a vertical axis, allows you to access the wash tub without bending. While a top loader costs less initially, it is less energy efficient in the long run. It uses regular detergent and offers the greatest selection of models and options.
A front-loading machine, called an H-axis because its agitator turns on a horizontal axis, is gaining in popularity because of its energy efficiency. This type uses from one-third to one-half the amount of water of a top loader, which also means that much less heating. And, because it spins faster, clothes come out needing less time in the dryer. Although they save on energy costs, front loaders are more expensive at purchase, and some require a special detergent.
Your Oklahoma City plumber can inform you as to what is available and which is most suited to your needs. Once you have reached a decision, your plumber can also take care of the plumbing installation should you need assistance.
Article Source: http://www.hometips.com/buying-guides/washing-machines.html
