Plumbing Vents in Oklahoma City
A plumbing vent is basically a special pipe (or network of pipes) that leads from an appliance located inside your Oklahoma City home to the outside of your home. Although not always, many of these will lead to the roof. Also, many vent pipes are comprised of more than one pipe. So what purpose does a vent serve with regard to your plumbing?
What Do They Do
Unlike the other pipes in your system, vent pipes do not carry water. Instead they carry sewer gases safely from the inside of your home to the outside environment. This is an extremely important part of your Oklahoma City home plumbing. Residents should always ensure these vents are in good working order. Should you suspect they are not in good working order, it would be wise to contact your Oklahoma City plumber immediately.
Sewer Gases
Sewer gas can make you very sick. Without these vent pipes, these gases would build up in the system and eventually emanate out of your drains and taps and into your Oklahoma City home. The vents allow the gases to escape so they won’t build up.
As you can see, vents are an essential part of your plumbing. Oklahoma City community residents are required to maintain working plumbing vents for each of their appliances in order to comply with local and state building codes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Fraelich
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.
To diagnose noisy plumbing in your Oklahoma City home, it is important to determine first whether the unwanted sounds occur on the system’s inlet side-in other words, when water is turned on-or on the drain side. Noises on the inlet side of plumbing have varied causes: excessive water pressure, worn valve and faucet parts, improperly connected pumps or other appliances, incorrectly placed pipe fasteners, and plumbing runs containing too many tight bends or other restrictions. Noises on the drain side usually stem from poor location or, as with some inlet side noise, a layout containing tight bends.
Hissing
Hissing noise that occurs when a faucet is opened slightly generally signals excessive water pressure. Consult your Oklahoma City water company if you suspect this problem; they will be able to tell you the water pressure in your area and they can install a pressure reducing valve on the incoming water supply pipe if necessary.
Thudding
Thudding noises, often accompanied by shuddering pipes, when a faucet or appliance valve is turned off is a condition called water hammer. The noise and vibration are caused by the reverberating wave of pressure in the water, which suddenly has no place to go. Sometimes opening a valve that discharges water quickly into a section of piping containing a restriction, elbow, or tee fitting can produce the same condition.
Water hammer can usually be cured by installing fittings called air chambers or shock absorbers in the plumbing to which the problem valves or faucets are connected. These devices allow the shock wave created by the halted flow of water to dissipate in the air they contain, which (unlike water) is compressible.
Older Oklahoma City plumbing systems may have short vertical sections of capped pipe behind walls on faucet runs for the same purpose; these can eventually fill with water, reducing or destroying their effectiveness. The cure is to drain the water system completely by shutting off the main water supply valve and opening all faucets. Then open the main supply valve and close the faucets one at a time, starting with the faucet nearest the valve and ending with the one farthest away.
Chattering or Screeching
Intense chattering or screeching that occurs when a valve or faucet is turned on, and that usually disappears when the fitting is opened fully, signals loose or defective internal parts. The solution is to replace the valve or faucet with a new one.
Pumps and appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers can transfer motor noise to pipes if they are improperly connected. Link such items to plumbing with plastic or rubber hoses (never rigid pipe-to isolate them.)
Other Inlet Side Noises
Creaking, squeaking, scratching, snapping, and tapping usually are caused by the expansion or contraction of pipes, generally copper ones supplying hot water. The sounds occur as the pipes slide against loose fasteners or strike the nearby framing of your Oklahoma City home. You can often pinpoint the location of the problem if the pipes are exposed; just follow the sound when the pipes are making noise. Most likely you will discover a loose pipe hanger or an area where pipes lie so close to floor joists or other framing pieces that they clatter against them. Attaching foam pipe insulation around the pipes at the point of contact should remedy the problem. Be sure straps and hangers are secure and provide adequate support.
Where possible, pipe fasteners should be attached to massive structural elements such as foundation walls instead of to framing; doing so lessens the transmission of vibrations from plumbing to surfaces that can amplify and transfer them. If attaching fasteners to framing is unavoidable, wrap pipes with insulation or other resilient material where they contact fasteners, and sandwich the ends of new fasteners between rubber washers when installing them.
Correcting plumbing runs that suffer from flow-restricting tight or numerous bends is a last resort that should be undertaken only after consulting a skilled Oklahoma City plumbing contractor. Unfortunately, this situation is fairly common in older Oklahoma City homes that may not have been built with indoor plumbing or that have seen several remodels, especially by amateurs.
Drainpipe Noise
On the drain side of plumbing, the chief goals are to eliminate surfaces that can be struck by falling or rushing water and to insulate pipes to contain unavoidable sounds.
In new construction, bathtubs, shower stalls, toilets, and wall-mounted sinks and basins should be set on or against resilient underlayments to reduce the transmission of sound through them. Water-saving toilets and faucets are less noisy than conventional models; install them instead of older types even if Oklahoma City codes still permit using older fixtures.
Drainpipes that do not run vertically to the basement or that branch into horizontal pipe runs supported at floor joists or other framing present particularly troublesome noise problems. Such pipes are large enough to radiate considerable vibration; they also carry significant amounts of water, which makes the situation worse. In new construction, specify cast-iron soil pipes (the large pipes that drain toilets) if you can afford them. Their massiveness contains much of the noise made by water passing through them.
Also, avoid routing drainpipes in walls shared with bedrooms and rooms where people gather. Walls containing drainpipes should be soundproofed as was described earlier, using double panels of sound-insulating fiberboard and wallboard. Pipes themselves can be wrapped with special fiberglass insulation made for the purpose; such pipes have an impervious vinyl skin (sometimes containing lead). Results are not always satisfactory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simone_Piette
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.
While a garbage disposal may not be the star fixture in your Oklahoma City kitchen, such as a large, stainless steel refrigerator, it just might be its unsung hero. Disposals provide a great deal of convenience when cleaning up after a meal, and if you have ever cleaned up in a kitchen that doesn’t have one, you probably noticed its absence. Garbage disposals will also help to keep your kitchen and garbage areas from smelling bad by immediately disposing of food wastes. Putting less garbage into plastic garbage bags can also help reduce the amount of non-biodegradable plastic we are sending to Oklahoma City landfills. Food waste that is run through a garbage disposal and sent to a waste water treatment facility doesn’t necessarily go to waste. Most waste water treatment plants will either convert food waste into energy or fertilizer, which is considerably better than being sent to a landfill.
Types of Garbage Disposals
There are two basic types of disposals to choose from. The most popular type is a continuous-feed garbage disposal. This is the type of disposal that we are all used to, it turns on when you flip a switch and you feed waste into it until you are finished, and then you turn it off.
The second type is called a batch-feed garbage disposal. This type offers an additional level of safety as it will only operate when a cover is placed over the disposal flange and is then turned to activate the garbage disposal. The primary benefit of this disposal type is that it will prevent people from putting their hands into the unit while it is activated, and also keeps small objects such as silverware from falling into the garbage disposal while it is running.
The disadvantages to batch-feed disposals are that only a small amount of waste can be fed into it at a time, so if you have a moderate amount of food waste to dispose of, it may take several batches to get rid of it all. The other issue is that it will only work with the manufacturer-issued cover, so if it becomes lost or damaged you will have to replace it before being able to use your disposal again.
Horsepower
A major consideration when selecting a disposal is how much horsepower to get. To help you make this decision, you will want to consider your expected usage and family size. If you are a single individual and will only be grinding up carrot peels, you can get away with a smaller horsepower disposal. If you have a large family and expect to feed all sorts of food wastes into your disposal, you will want to opt for a higher horsepower rating.
You will typically have 3 choices for a residential garbage disposal: ½ horsepower, ¾ horsepower, and 1 horsepower. One-half horsepower is becoming harder to find and given the reasonable price of a decent ¾ horsepower disposal, is not recommended.
Most people will want to purchase a ¾ horsepower disposal. It provides plenty of power for an average size family, and you can safely put a moderate amount of food waste through it. If you have a large family or expect to use your garbage disposal frequently, you will probably want to get a 1 horsepower disposal.
Additional Considerations
There are a couple of other issues to consider when purchasing a garbage disposal. It is recommended that you purchase a disposal from a manufacturer with a reputation for quality and reliability. Ease of installation is a big consideration if you will be installing your garbage disposal yourself. Most new garbage disposals from reputable manufacturers will be relatively easy to install. If you are not comfortable with doing some basic plumbing and installation work, it is recommended you hire a professional Oklahoma City plumber to perform your installation.
A major consideration will also be noise level. Unless you like yelling while using your garbage disposal you will want to look for a brand of disposal that includes some sort of built-in noise reducing technology. Many newer disposals will also feature vibration-reducing technology as well.
One item people take for granted when purchasing a new garbage disposal is the switch you will use for a continuous-feed garbage disposal. We are all used to the typical light switch on the wall, but now you can purchase an “air switch” which can be installed on the countertop and is safe in a wet environment as it is not electrified.
The last thing to consider will be the color of your disposal flange. The disposal flange is the drain opening in your sink basin that you put your food waste into, or the large hole that everyone is afraid to put their hand into. Most new garbage disposals will come with a chrome colored disposal flange, but if you are outfitting your kitchen with fixtures (such as your kitchen sink faucet) in a different finish, for example oil rubbed bronze or brushed nickel, you may want to consider buying a disposal flange in that particular finish as well.
Making Your Final Decision
While picking out a garbage disposal may seem a bit daunting, given the wide selection of models available, with a little preparation it should be easy to choose the appropriate disposal for your Oklahoma City home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Floyd_Driscoll
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City plumber, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Finding a good plumber to help with your renovations or new construction isn’t just about finding the best price available in Oklahoma City. In fact, there are many different things that one should consider before taking on any plumbing contractor, but by sticking to a few tips and using common sense, you can protect both your property investment and your wallet in the end.
As with any type of contractor that you take on, it’s important to make sure that you do plenty of research on the contractor or company that you’re considering hiring. However, it’s also a good idea to also check out a little information on the task itself that you’re looking to have work done on, so that you know what you can expect in regards to time, effort, and pricing.
If you’re not sure as to what company you’d like to take on, or even to look at, it’s generally a good idea to get referrals. Referrals can be obtained by several methods, but the most successful approach is to get them from the people you know and trust, and who have had positive experiences in the past with certain outfits.
Should you happen to not have any reliable personal resources when it comes down to gaining good plumbing referrals, then you can try to contact your Oklahoma City plumbing hardware, local hardware, or home improvement stores in order to get them. Often times these places will have a rough idea of what companies or contractors are best to go with and who you should avoid. You can also find listings within the phone book or online, but it’s key to make sure that you research them properly.
When it comes to researching a company, it’s generally wise to make sure that you check with your local licensing board for construction contractors, providing one is within your area. In most places, it’s required by law for a contractor to hold and maintain an up-to-date plumbing license as well as insurance. If you find that this is required by law in Oklahoma City, it’s best to avoid those who aren’t qualified to do the job, as they may not be knowledgeable enough to handle the task.
While it may be tempting to go with your local handyman or woman, it’s important to make sure that you cover yourself and your investment should anything go wrong. A qualified Oklahoma City plumber or service will be aware of any codes for homes or plumbing remodels, and you can often avoid any future problems from a job being done incorrectly.
Although the cost of services is something that many do and should take into consideration, it’s not always in your best interest to compensate quality work in order to save as much money as you can; otherwise, you may find yourself forking out more money in order to fix a bad job done on your property. Therefore, try to compare prices or biddings for the job by various companies in order to get a rough estimate.
A good Oklahoma City plumber will be able to not only communicate well with you, but they will be upfront in regards to any suggestions or alternatives that they might have in mind, but also in regards to pricing and time frames. Always try to make sure that you get any estimates or payments in writing via invoices or receipts. This will help to ensure that you both are on the same level and will prevent future disputes later on. Above all, don’t hesitate asking plenty of questions as they come up.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adriana_Noton
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.
Do you have puddles of water on your basement floor due to sweating pipes? If you are inconvenienced (to say the least) by this situation, take heart because you are not alone with this problem. Sweating pipes in the basement is a very common predicament experienced by most Oklahoma City homeowners.
The truth is, pipe sweating is just an indication of extreme dampness or humidity in your basement. Even when there are no leaks in your basement, large amounts of water vapor can enter it, and, eager to become water again, latches on to any cold surface around. You guessed it right…water pipes are the easiest targets. Your cold water pipes need to “sweat out” or condense the moisture out of your damp basement.
But enough of the lecture, and on with the solutions. What steps can you take to stop sweating pipes in the basement? Here are five common solutions to your problem:
1. Use a dehumidifier. Continuously running a dehumidifier in your basement will can help a lot in lowering the humidity of your basement. The less humid your basement, the less likely your pipes will sweat. Removing the excess dampness in your Oklahoma City basement can also get rid of the unhealthy air, allowing you and your family to breathe in better air.
2. Use foam insulation. By wrapping your cold pipes, you get right to heart of the matter by not letting moisture reach them in the first place! Oklahoma City home improvement stores carry foam-pipe insulation that can easily slip right over your pipes. This material is available in various lengths and can be easily cut with a pair of scissors. You don’t even need to wrap all fifty meters or so of pipe in your house. Just do it for those easy-to-reach pipes and you will see a significant improvement.
3. Get rid of all leaks in the basement. Like I previously mentioned, even without leaks, moisture can get in. Just imagine how the situation can worsen if you do have cracks or openings in your basement. For minor leaks, waterproofing compounds will do, while hydraulic cement is best for actively leaking areas. Make sure also that all plumbing problems within the house are taken care of, even if it is necessary to call your Oklahoma City plumber to do so. Dampness can come from both outside and inside the house.
4. Check your house’s foundations and exterior walls. If you have a problem in your house’s foundations on top of having cracks in your basement walls, this will compound your moisture problems. For instance, an ineffective gutter system or the lack of one, can let all the water pool at your Oklahoma Cityhome’s foundations right outside your basement! Make sure rainwater is directed away from your house, not towards it.
If the ground around is sloped towards the foundations of your house, that could be also another cause of moisture problem in your basement.
5. Apply waterproofing compound on walls and floors. To further prevent any unwanted moisture from coming inside your basement, you can use waterproofing compound on walls and floors even before any leaks are detected. Choose a high quality waterproofing that will effectively stop any water from coming in the basement, and not just one that will protect from surface moisture as a sealer does. Also, use a waterproofer that is suitable for sealing walls under water pressure.
Keep in mind that if you do just any one or two of these steps, the improvements can be felt already. Used together, the effects can be tremendous.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Travis_Van_Slooten
Answers to some basic questions will give you a sense of whether or not you could work comfortably with a particular Oklahoma City plumber. Below are some questions to ask:
Questions about the Plumber
How long have you been a plumber?
Were you formally trained or did you learn through an apprenticeship?
Do you belong to any professional associations?
Are you licensed and registered with the state of Oklahoma?
Are you insured?
Do you have any references in Oklahoma City that I can contact?
Questions about Your Plumber’s Work
Do you give written warranties?
Will this project require a permit?
Can you estimate how long this will take?
Will you provide options for different materials?
Interview Question for References
Were you happy with the plumbing project?
Was the job completed on time?
Were there any unexpected expenses?
Would you use this Oklahoma City plumber again?
Would you recommend this plumber?
Read more: http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Checklist-Recommended-Questions-to-Ask-a-Plumber.13001.html#ixzz1qu0r8PH1
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City plumber, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
There are three basic valve styles, making this a classic case of good, better and best (described in order as follows). All three can be used for water, oil or airflow control if the casting has “WOG” stamped on it. Your Oklahoma City plumber is well versed in all three of these types of valves and can steer you in the right direction when it comes to which will best suit your needs. Read up on the three basic types before you attempt any plumbing repairs on your own.
Stop valves are closed by screwing a rubber gasket down onto a seat in the middle of the valve. Oklahoma City pros only use small versions that act as shutoff valves for fixtures such as sinks and toilets and outdoor sillcocks. Flow is inefficient because of the circuitous route the fluid (water, in most cases) has to follow. It’s important to orient the valve in the right direction with the arrow (cast into the side of the valve) aligned with flow direction. That way, water flows against the bottom of the rubber gasket. If the valve is put in backward, the flow will force the gasket away from the top of the valve.
Gate valves are called “full-flow” valves; there’s a direct unobstructed path for flow right through the middle of the valve. A wedge-shaped brass gate is lowered into a machined slot to close the valve. They should either be completely open or completely closed. Water flowing through a partially open gate valve wears away the metal and causes the valve to fail over time.
Ball valves contain a finely machined stainless steel ball with a hole drilled through the center that pivots in plastic bushings. Like the gate valve, it’s a full-flow valve. The hard steel allows this valve to be partially open without wearing out. In the closed position, the lever is perpendicular to the pipes; in the open position it’s parallel, so a glance will tell you if it’s open or not. The downside? If the pipes are tight against your Oklahoma City wall, you may not be able to operate the lever.
Article Source: http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Saving-Money/Buying-DIY-Supplies/plumbing-valve-basics
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.
Plumber’s putty is a substance used to make watertight seals between pipes and countertops. It will remain soft for a long while after it is used. This characteristic makes plumber’s putty ideal for seals you will need to reverse. Because it does stay soft for such an extended amount of time, you shouldn’t use plumber’s putty on pipes that will experience any amount of water pressure; the seals will not hold up to such pressure. The putty is fairly easy to use and can be wiped away if you make a mess. Read below to discover common uses for plumber’s putty.
Sinks
You can use plumber’s putty around the rim of the sink to create a watertight barrier, but you should not use it if your Oklahoma City countertop is granite or another kind of stone. It is compatible with Formica countertops.
If you form the seal correctly, no water will be able to seep into the area under the sink and create mold or water damage. In order to install the sink correctly, apply the soft plumber’s putty to the bottom of the sink and place, with pressure to the countertop. Some sinks come with clips meant for the bottom of the sink (under the countertop). The clips ensure that the proper amount of pressure is placed on the plumber’s putty for it to be effective.
Drains
You may use plumber’s putty to seal drains in the sink or the bathtub. Like with the installation of a sink, you should place the putty underneath the drain before you place the drain. Then you should apply pressure in order to create a watertight bond.
Toilets
To seal a toilet to the floor, you may use plumber’s putty. However, you should exercise caution. If you seal the toilet all the way around and it develops a leak somewhere, the water will be trapped in. The water will then rot the floor without any signs. In order to avoid this scenario, don’t seal the toilet all the way around. Then any seeping water will alert you of a leak.
Pipes and Plumbing
Plumber’s putty in pipes and plumbing does not hold up to water pressure. Use plumber’s putty only on pipes that will not experience a great deal of pressure. To seal pipes together, place the putty on the inside of the pipe, where the threads will twist together. Twist the other end of the pipe into the threads and the putty. Wipe away excess putty and allow time for it to set.
Exercise caution whenever you use plumber’s putty, as it contains oils that can discolor some surfaces. You generally should not use it on granite, plastics, marble or any other porous surfaces. (You can find certain brands, though, manufactured for use on surfaces such as these.) Be sure to read the warnings on your plumber’s putty in order to avoid these problems.
Plumber’s putty is an extremely useful substance - but not appropriate for all plumbing repairs. Contact your Oklahoma City plumber should the job prove too much to handle by yourself.
Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/4-different-uses-for-plumbers-putty#ixzz1p6SuqYBe
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.
No one wants to face expensive but avoidable plumbing repairs. There are going to be times when calling your Oklahoma City plumber is inevitable - but to lengthen the time between housecalls, avoid these plumbing errors.
Putting grease down the sink -Please don’t put grease down the drain. Even with hot water and soap, grease can build up over time causing problems with your pipes.
Using your sink as a trash can – Even if you have a garbage disposal, that does not give you a free pass to dump everything and anything down the drain. Food chunks in the kitchen or hair and fingernails in the bathroom serve as the start of a terrible clog.
Using the toilet as a trash can – The toilet has its given role, the trash can has another. Do not confuse the two.
Using too much Drain-O – Using drain cleaner too often or on the wrong type of clog could lead to erosion of your pipes or just a really nasty clog for your Oklahoma City plumber to clean out.
Mixing metals – If you decide to replace the pipes yourself for a portion of your Oklahoma City home’s plumbing system, please do not mix piping metals. This can lead to corrosion, leaks, and a number of other headaches.
Lack of insulation – If you live in a cold climate, your pipes can freeze in the winter unless they are properly insulated.
Leaving hoses attached – Leaving the hose attached to your outdoor faucet through the winter can lead to frozen pipes or a damaged faucet.
Pouring chemicals in a septic system – If you have a septic system, please research what is safe and what is not for septic systems. Certain chemicals can kill the good bacteria there leading to a smelly, expensive mess.
Messing with plumbing vents – Your Oklahoma City home’s plumbing vents are there for the plumbing, not for a quick and easy way to rewire anything in your house. Don’t mess with the vents.
Accidentally cutting hidden plumbing - Use caution as you remodel or cut into the walls in your Oklahoma City home. Cutting into a hidden pipe can cause extensive leaking and time consuming damage. Your Oklahoma City plumber is always on call for any emergency plumbing situation you may find yourself in.
Article Source: http://plumbinghelptoday.com/denver-plumbing-repair-blog/2012/01/10-things-that-will-ruin-your-plumbing/
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.
Water hammer is a specific plumbing noise, not a generic name for pipe clatter. It occurs when you shut off the water suddenly and the fast-moving water rushing through the pipe is brought to a quick halt, creating a sort of shock wave and a hammering noise. Plumbing that’s properly installed has air chambers, or cushions, that compress when the shock wave hits, softening the blow and preventing this hammering. The chambers can fail, though, because water under pressure gradually absorbs the air.
If you never had hammering and then it suddenly starts, most likely your Oklahoma City plumbing system’s air chambers have become waterlogged. You can cure water hammer by turning off the water behind the waterlogged chamber, opening the offending faucet and permitting the faucet to drain thoroughly. Once all the water drains from the chamber, air will fill it again and restore the cushion. If the air chamber is located below the outlet, you may have to drain the main supply lines to allow the chamber to fill with air again.
The air chamber will not drain properly if it’s clogged with scale or residue from chemicals or minerals in the water. The chamber always should be larger than the supply pipe to preclude such clogging. Since the chamber is simply a capped length of pipe, however, all you have to do to clear it is remove the cap and clean out the residue.
What do you do if there are no air chambers built into your plumbing system? You must do something, because water hammer pressures may eventually cause damage: failure of fittings or burst pipes, for example. Because water hammer is most often caused by water pressure that’s too high, the first step is to reduce the water pressure if possible. Sometimes this isn’t feasible because a reduction in pressure may result in only a dribble of water at an upper-floor faucet if one on the first floor is turned on.
Where the idea is a workable one, you can reduce pressure by having your Oklahoma City plumber install a pressure-reducing valve in the supply line that comes into your Oklahoma City home. The same purpose is served by installing a globe valve at the head of the affected pipeline. But this too may result in pressure too low for proper operation when other faucets are open.
If pressure reduction is not feasible or is ineffective, install the necessary air chambers to prevent water hammer. If you have no room to make the installation without tearing into a wall, go to a Oklahoma City plumbing supply dealer and find out about the substitute devices designed for such problem areas. Many of these devices have a valve that makes it easy for air to re-enter the system.
The next time you hear noises or clatter coming from your Oklahoma City home’s plumbing system, try the solutions mentioned in this article. The same goes for leaking, sweating, or frozen pipes. If you can solve the problem right away, you can prevent it from becoming more serious.
Article Source: http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/how-to-fix-pipes5.htm
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.
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