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.
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.
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 Oklahoma City homeowners and families rely on clean, pure water from a safe water supply. In addition to water, all homeowners rely on a complex sewage system to eliminate waste water from a home. While most plumbing problems in the home produce noticeable problems, some can go undetected for years. These problems can create an environmental hazard, endanger a families’ health, and raise a utility bill. It is important to consult with your Oklahoma City plumbing contractor should you suspect any of the following issues are occurring in your home.
One of the most common problems seen in many homes is the lack of residential backflow prevention equipment. Backflow is usually only a problem when using a commercial or municipal water supply. If water pressure outside a home drops to less than water pressure in a home, water can flow out of a home into public pipes. This backflow can often contaminate a public water supply, leading to a potential health hazard.
A residential backflow prevention unit will stop water from flowing backwards in a pipe. It acts as a one-way valve to prevent water traveling in the wrong direction. In addition, a one way valve can provide Oklahoma City homeowners with temporary water pressure if a municipal water supply is under maintenance.
Another common problem for many Oklahoma City homeowners is water scaling in interior pipes. While most municipal sources are treated to prevent hard water, well water can often have a high mineral content. These minerals are deposited on the inside of pipes as water moves through a home. Over time, this mineral buildup can cause a loss of water pressure, leading to the need to replace home plumbing.
A great way to prevent water scaling in a home is with a water softening unit. These help filter out excessive levels of minerals in a pipe, and help keep water flowing smoothly to all parts of your Oklahoma City home. Since water scaling usually isn’t noticeable until it’s too late to repair, it’s essential to install a softener before any problems arise. There are many commercial tests that can determine the hardness of well water.
While it may seem obvious, many Oklahoma City homeowners forget to change the water filter in their home. A clogged filter can reduce water flow, increase the pumping cost for well owners, and reduce the quality of water. A good rule of thumb to follow is this: for every 3 months of use, change the water filter in a home. In a vacation home, a filter should be changed at least once a year, dependent on usage.
While some of these tips may seem obvious, it’s essential to properly maintain a home’s water supply. Over time, unseen problems cause lasting damage, requiring expensive plumbing repair and maintenance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Becky_Gladious
If you 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.
