Here’s a checklist that you can use to do your own pre-inspection on your plumbing. There’s no reason not to check your Oklahoma City home out yourself before you hire a certified home inspector.
This way you can compare notes and ask questions. He will give you a thorough report on the home’s condition. Between what you found and what the inspector found you will be able to take care of what needs to be done before you put your house on the market.
For now we’ll focus on plumbing, including bathrooms, the laundry area, and water and septic systems.
* Look for signs of leaks in exposed pipes, including in areas where pipes run through the walls or foundation.
* Look for signs of corrosion, which could indicate a problem with the water, or with the pipe itself. Are there green stains around brass and copper fittings and on shutoff valves? This is a sign of either corrosion or a reaction that occurs with mismatched metals. If this is left uncorrected, it will cause leaks and bad connections.
* Check water pressure. Low pressure could mean a problem with the line or sediment buildup in the faucet aerator or shower head.
* Check drains for speed of drainage. A slow drain may mean there’s a clog or a blocked vent pipe. Look for a full swirling drain. Bubbling drains are a sign of a problem.
* Flush toilets to make sure they operate as they should. Open their tanks and look for worn or missing parts. Wait around for a few minutes to see if the toilet runs after a while. This is a sign of a slow leak.
* If you have a gas water heater, look inside the burner chamber for rust flakes. Check the flame. It should be an even blue, with no yellow. A yellow flame indicates soot or a problem with the gas-air mixture. The jets may need cleaning.
* You may need help for this next task. It’s a good idea to drain the water heater to remove sediment that has settled to the bottom. If you have an electric water heater, turn it off first or you’ll burn up the heating element.
* Check for cracked tiles in the shower area or around sinks. Tap on tiles to find loose or hollow ones that could be masking rotted backerboard behind them.
* Check on the state of the tub and shower caulking. Is it time to replace it?
* Look for evidence of mildew wherever water has a chance to stand for longer periods of time.
* Check the toilet base to be sure it doesn’t rock. There could be a leak that has damaged the floor around it.
* Look for cracks on the toilet tank or bowl and also on sinks
* Slide shower doors to check for sticking or rust. Examine the gaskets around the door glass for any gaps or tears.
* Turn on the shower and bath faucets to check for leaks around the handles and valves. Are they easy to use, or harder to turn on and off? Check any set screws you see.
* Unscrew the shower head and look for collected sediment. This could be lowering the water pressure.
* Examine vent fans for blockages or dust. If it sounds really loud when you turn them on, the bearings may be worn out or a flapper may have gotten stuck.
* Check washing machine hoses for signs of cracks, brittleness, or leaks.
* Check the dryer vents for tears. Vacuum or brush out lint in the hose and around the lint screen inside the dryer. Look for lint around the floor or on the wall, which indicates there’s a clog in the vent hose.
* If you have your own well for water, send out a sample of your water to your county cooperative extension to test it for chemicals and bacteria.
* Be sure that the well cover is tightly sealed but that there is still access to the pump.
* Check the sump pump by pouring water on it to see if it turns on automatically.
* Look around your septic tank/field for soggy ground or lush vegetation. This may mean the tank is full or failing.
Being familiar with your Oklahoma City home inside and out will give you an advantage when dealing with your home inspector and prospective buyers.
If you determine there are some plumbing issues, get with your Oklahoma City plumbing contractor to take care of any issues and make any plumbing repairs necessary to successfully pass the inspection.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Haigh
f 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.
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 for your plumbing fixtures or if you just think that they are, call your 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 an Oklahoma City plumber to help clean the unit.
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 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 next on your pipe, the impediment to the proper air flow through your plumbing system could result in causing the trap seals to some plumbing fixtures to function improperly. This in turn would cause gasses to escape through the improperly sealed fixtures and into your Oklahoma City 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 person skilled 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 Oklahoma City 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.
What is a Trap?
Draining sewage and waste out of your Oklahoma City home or office can get smelly. That’s because fumes from gases like methane, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide are a by-product of wastes. The job of a plumbing trap is to keep these gases (and their odors), and also small vermin, from entering your home or office via the drain pipes. How does a plumbing trap work? It works by creating a water seal by allowing a small amount of water to be retained in the trap and not allowing anything back up through the pipe. All plumbing fixtures, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, utility sinks, washer drains, etc. have a trap of some kind.
Types of Traps
Some traps are integral with appliances and some are separate and located beneath the pipe (so that waste and water drain into it, but not back out.) Often, toilet traps are integral and traps such as those for sinks are a separate also known as an attached trap. Large industrial traps that are found outside of a dwelling and work to keep the main line from being odiferous are called gulley traps. Traps attached to sinks, washing machines, and other draining appliances are called p-traps if they drain through a wall or s-traps if they drain through the floor. In addition there are actual floor traps or Nahini traps that work with a grate system in the floor of your tub, shower, or basement floor for draining. Finally, another common trap is the final trap that separates residential waste from the main sewer and it is called an intercepting trap. Plumbers have a specific set of codes they must adhere to which keeps your Oklahoma Cityhome safe. These codes designate which type of pipe (PVC, cast iron, etc) can be used for each type of drain system and trap. Also, they regulate the size of trap that must be used (a plumber can’t install a larger trap than the diameter of the drain line), how far down in millimeters the trap must be to ensure proper drainage, that they are self cleaning, and that they do not depend on moving parts to create the water seal. There are more specialized traps for specific purposes, i.e. an upstairs toilet would require a “q” trap instead of an s or p trap, but the intention of the trap is the same. You should consult your Oklahoma City plumber, who will know the exact codes and proper application of each drainage system component.
Repairing a Trap
There are many reasons why a plumbing trap’s seal may be in need of repair. These could be trap siphonage, where velocity from some other location has built up so much that it completely drains the water seal from the trap. There could be back pressure in the trap, which is the opposite of siphonage. Instead a large amount of waste is expelled, creating a compression in front of it and it can backfire back into the building. Also a culprit is capillary action, where inappropriate items have been lodged in the drainage system and are blocking the trap seal by sucking up the water. While these issues are sometimes easy enough to fix for an intermediate DIY’er, you should probably call your Oklahoma City plumber to get a work estimate just in case the problem is more involved or compounds as you begin to resolve the issue.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wanda_Arnold
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.
Are you tired of costly septic system maintenance?
Are you looking for ways to economize your Oklahoma City household budget, better protect the environment and reduce septic system load? A greywater system is your answer. This is cutting-edge technology designed to safely recycle water from inside your Oklahoma City home for reuse outside the home, taking pressure off septic systems. Read on to learn how greywater saves you money and water.
No more worrying about the need to increase or replace stressed septic systems. No more burnt landscaping because of drought-inspired water restrictions. Greywater is simple-to-use and provides ample water to keep the garden thriving and the maintenance man away.
How does it work?
Simple – the greywater system is easily installed by your licensed Oklahoma City plumber. The small, inoffensive unit resembles a recycling container and recycles the water from your washing machine, bath and shower for outdoor irrigation use. The unit serves as a filtration system and does not store any water, so its capacity is unlimited.
How do I save money?
Easy. Every time you do a load of laundry, you’re also irrigating your garden. Plus, you cut the amount of water being deposited into septic systems: greywater will reduce the amount in half during the spring and summer months.
A family of four can reduce their water consumption by up to 40,000 gallons annually while protecting their septic systems. Greywater is used by many families to complement their septic systems. With greywater, you have the benefits of a larger septic without the cost. You can easily find affordable greywater systems.
Seems Like a Good Deal. What about maintenance?
Minimal maintenance of most greywater systems is required. Generally, greywater filters need to be cleaned every six months … a short, simple task. Some systems require maintenance every two months.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. Greywater is defined as water from showers, baths and washing machines. The greywater system filters out lint and debris. Soap levels are retained in the greywater as they add nutrients to the soil. All that is needed to safely reuse the recycled greywater from your washing machine is to switch to a detergent with low or no phosphorus. That’s it. Black water, which originates from kitchen sinks, dishwashers and toilets, is never used with the greywater system.
Article Source: http://www.elocalplumbers.com/blog/protect-septic-system-grey-water-5498
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.
Even though the garbage disposal is designed to pulverize and remove kitchen waste from food products, food particles often become trapped in the nooks and crannies of the disposal and drainpipe. This provides the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow and create unpleasant odors, as well as unhealthy spores - nothing you want in your Oklahoma City home.
At first, the odors may not be noticeable. However, given enough time and lack of cleaning, the unpleasant odors may become stronger as the bacteria and mold continue to grow. Cleaning the garbage disposal at least once a week with one of the following methods will help to keep it free of nasty bacteria and unsightly mold.
Tip: When cleaning your dishes use detergents that break up grease and use hot water. Remember that kitchen grease will harden in your drains and retain odors. Put as little grease down your sink as possible. And always run water while running your garbage disposal to help keep it clear and clean.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour one half cup of baking soda down the kitchen drain. Carefully pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain on top of the baking soda. Place the drain stopper in the sink to close off the drain. If you have a double sink, you should do this for both of them. The mixture will fizz and make a bit of noise. Allow this to work its magic for a few minutes while you boil some hot water. Use a full teakettle or medium size pot of water. Once this has boiled, pour it down the drain.
Water and Bleach
Using a clean container, mix a gallon of water with one tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach. Carefully and slowly, pour the solution down the drain and allow it to sit for several minutes. Flush the drain thoroughly with water for several minutes.
Tip: Do not use too much bleach in your solution. While bleach kills germs and helps smells it also will harden any grease in your drains. Flush the drain with warm to hot water instead of cold. This will help to loosen the grease and not solidify it.
Ice and Citrus Peels
Maintaining a clean garbage disposal using one of the above methods will help to keep it smelling fresh and odor free. You can encourage this by grinding ice cubes in the garbage disposal to clean the cutting blades. Simply place several cubes in the drain and grind. If you want to add a little bit of scent to the area, you can add rinds from any of the citrus fruits in the drain with the ice cubes.
Tip: Always disconnect the power to the garbage disposal before putting your hands inside it.
Should bad odors persist despite your best efforts, you may need to call your Oklahoma City plumber who can determine whether there is a more serious problem causing the odor.
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City garbage disposal contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Water flowing in pipes can cause all kinds of weird noises. We all know what water running through a pipe sounds like, but what about some of those other plumbing sounds - like creaks or cracking sounds, rattling, whistling and the most annoying or scary of them all, that loud banging noise? Let’s look at what causes those sounds and how you can fix them. You should be able to manage most of these, but if the problem persists you should seek the service of your Oklahoma City plumber. He can easily handle any pipe repair or installation that may be necessary.
Creaks or a cracking sound
These are usually caused by the expansion and contraction of the water pipes themselves. As hot water runs through a pipe, it naturally heats the pipe, causing it to expand slightly. Once the water stops flowing, the pipe cools and the metal contracts, resulting in the creaking or cracking sound. The easiest way to fix this is to put some insulation around the pipe, or if the pipe is running through a tight fitting hole in the wood framing, cut a notch in the framing so the pipe can expand and then contract without that creaking sound.
Rattling
The cause and remedy are similar to the cracking sound. The rattling sound comes from the pressure of water running through a loosely attached pipe, causing it to vibrate slightly. When a loose pipe vibrates against something solid, like framing or the strapping designed to hold it tightly, you hear the rattling sound. Stopping the pipe from vibrating will fix the rattle. Put some cushioning around the pipe or fasten the strapping more securely so the pipe won’t vibrate.
Whistling
This is usually caused by water flowing through a restricted section of the plumbing. The restriction can be sediment in the pipe or a defective washer or valve. If the whistling only occurs when a particular faucet is turned on, that’s likely where the problem is, and replacing the washer or repairing the valve seat should fix it. However, if the whistling sound occurs when any faucet is turned on, the problem is more likely in the main water supply valve itself. Adjusting the water pressure at the main water valve may dislodge the impediment, or the change in water pressure itself could get rid of the whistling sound. If that doesn’t eliminate the problem, you may have to get the water valve replaced. This is most likely a task for your Oklahoma City plumber.
Banging
The loud banging sound when you shut off the water flow is actually called “water hammer,” and is a fairly common complaint in older Oklahoma City homes. The flow of water through the pipes contains energy, and when the flow is abruptly stopped, this energy causes the loud banging sound. Initially a home’s plumbing system was built with short pieces of pipe that filled with air and acted as air cushions to absorb the water’s energy when the flow was stopped abruptly. However, over time the air has leaked out, meaning there is no air cushion left to absorb the water energy.
You can put that air cushion back into your plumbing system by turning off the main water supply and opening all the faucets in your Oklahoma City home to drain the system. Next, turn the water supply back on and work your way up through the house, turning off the faucets as water flows through them. This should trap some air in the air chamber so it will once again provide the cushioning effect. If this doesn’t work, you can buy a “water hammer arrester” that attaches directly to the water supply pipe where the water hammer originates.
If your Oklahoma City plumbing is making any of these sounds, you should be listening because it’s telling you it needs some plumbing maintenance. The sound is caused by something not working properly in your system and if you ignore it, over time, that small sound could lead to larger problems.
Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/waterhammer#ixzz1mHkQ1peF
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.
how to read your water meter allows you to easily and quickly track water usage in your Oklahoma City home, including trends and potential spikes due to leaks. If you discover high usage, it would be advisable to contact your Oklahoma City 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
1. Reading a dial meter
Use a screwdriver to remove the lid of the water pit. Check the area for any dangerous insects or animals before proceeding.
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.
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.
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.
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 Oklahoma City water bill, which should indicate the unit of measure.
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.
Determine the unit of measure. It is generally listed as either cubic feet or gallons in the area above or below the number tally.
Subtract the “before” reading from the “after” reading to determine usage.
Convert the value of the readout as needed (between gallons and cubic feet) for consistency with how your Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City 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 professional Oklahoma City plumbing repair contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form./h3>
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
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.
Do not even attempt to tinker around with your home’s plumbing and pipe work unless you want to run the risk of having water running all over the place soaking up your floors, furniture, and other fixtures. There are professional plumbers who have the expertise and tools for every possible problem in the water outlets, the drainage system, the underground pipes, and the water heating systems in your home – needless to say, they are better equipped than you are in terms of the work at hand and would be able to do the work for you more competently.
A Oklahoma City plumbing system is complex with various interconnecting components that affect one another – you might not know it but you might have a leak already starting under your house especially if your house has been around for quite a while. Only an experienced professional plumber would be able to render you these services often listed in the following categories:
- Leak Repairs – This usually involves fixing pipes that have burst or cracked, usually due to having old worn pipes and, in some instances, old tree roots wrapping around and cracking the pipes. Ground water leaking into your basement is also another area where a professional plumber would be able to help you avert bothersome damage including nasty mold infestations.
- Drainage and Sewer Problems – Through the years, dirt, grime, and sediments could clog your drainage system and cause blockages that require professional implements to clear up. Your septic tank and sump pit would also be filling up and needing some discharging with heavy-duty equipment.
- Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling – You do not only have to pay attention to all the interior decorating details and new fixtures you want to install when you remodel your kitchen or your bathroom. It would be a good idea to revisit your existing water supply and sewage system to see if there are areas where you need to include in your redesign as well.
- Water Heating Systems – Your HVAC systems and water tanks can also be repaired and maintained by professional plumbers to make sure that your home is supplied with the hot water it needs all year round. If your water heating system is quite old, there might be newer installations that work better in giving you your hot water supply and is more energy efficient to save you some money in your electricity bills too. Some plumbing services might also be able to offer you alternatives such as tankless water heaters, solar water heaters, gas water heaters, and heat pumps.
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