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
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
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.
When it comes to spending money hiring a plumber, it can be a hard thing to budget for, particularly in the current economic climate. A lot of people will decide to do the work themselves, which is all well and good if you have the necessary tools, skills and experience, but the rest of us are left requiring the services of a professional Oklahoma City plumber. Here are a number of scenarios which may lead to you requiring the services of a professional plumber:
- Your toilet is blocked. This is not beyond the realms of the average person being able to fix. If you have a plunger in your home then you can certainly have a go at unblocking the toilet, just don’t flush the toilet in an attempt to shift the blockage as you will end up with water everywhere. If, after using a plunger, the toilet is still blocked you will need to call in a plumber.
- Your plumbing knowledge and skills are poor. There is no shame in it, the vast majority of people lack the knowledge and experience to be able to adequately deal with plumbing problems in the home. If you are someone who does not have the necessary plumbing experience then you would be better off not attempting any DIY plumbing in the home, leave it to a professional plumber. Trying to fix something yourself and making a bad job of it will likely end up costing you a lot more than just getting a plumber to come out in the first place.
- Water is not draining away from your sinks. If the water is struggling to drain away from your sinks the likely cause is a blockage in the pipes. You can buy chemical solutions that when poured down the sink are supposed to dissolve the blockage but be very careful when using chemicals and don’t over use them. Your best bet would be to get an Oklahoma City plumber to come out and clear the blockage.
- Home improvements and new plumbing installations. Whenever you are planning home improvements like a new bathroom, new kitchen or installing a new en-suite bathroom into your Oklahoma City home, you will want to do so with the help of a qualified, professional plumber. Water and waste pipes need to be plumbed in correctly, if they are not you could end up with a financial nightmare later on.
From the few points above you should be able to see why it sometimes necessary to hire a professional plumber. There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of plumbing catastrophes in your home:
- Ensure your toilet is not being used to flush away things it was not designed for. If your toilet is blocked then there is a good chance that someone has been flushing something they shouldn’t, toilets should only be used for human waste and toilet paper. Speaking to all members of the family to ensure they understand this could save you money in the long term.
- If you are planning a trip away for a prolonged length of time it might be wise to shut off the water supply to the house. This will get rid of the risk of you returning home to find it flooded due to a leak while you were away.
- Try not to let waste food and cooking grease go down the kitchen sink. Grease will solidify when it cools causing it and any waste food to begin clogging up the pipes.
- Make everybody living in the property aware of where the water shut off valve is located. Shutting off the water as quickly as possible in the event that something goes wrong could save you a lot of money.
At some point everybody owning a home will be presented with some form of plumbing related problem. It is therefore important to know what you can do to in such situations and when to call in a professional Oklahoma City plumber.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Wheater
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.
Yellow page advertisements shout that Oklahoma City plumbers can do almost anything in the way of repair and replacements. Their range of services is always extremely impressive, but we usually only think to call in a crisis. It should be noted that the fellows who work diligently under our sinks and in and around the crawl spaces beneath the house, are really skilled, highly trained, and technologically savvy experts in their field. We are all familiar with the traditional plumbing services they provide, like bathroom plumbing, toilet repair and replacement, faucets, sinks, garbage disposals, drains, gas connections, waterlines, stoves, dryers, and gas and electric hot water heaters.
More than Pipes and Fixtures
In addition to all the things we expect, there are plumbing contractors who are adding new technologies and methodologies that allow them to extend their services to offer greater value to their customers. Due to technological innovation and this new diversity, it will pay the savvy homeowner or business owner to research a plumbing company’s areas of expertise and additional service capabilities.
It should also be remembered that it literally takes years for a plumbing contractor to become expert in installing and maintaining fixtures for residential, commercial and industrial clients. Water is always the key word and that element is studied with intensity. Knowing how to fix drainage problems is a vital skill, and of course, their studies do not end there. Many concentrate on the interactive ties between plumbing and hygiene and become highly qualified in the ins and outs (pun intended) of waste removal systems.
Oklahoma City Water Treatment Services
Does your tap water smell or taste bad? Is it cloudy or leaving oddly colored stains? Do you suspect impurities? You can now call upon certified water-rights specialists for answers to questions like this. And you guessed it- the specialists are now innovative plumbers who will analyze and optimize the water treatment in your home. In fact, some plumbers actually feature water treatment as a specialty and promote the fact that their unique water treatment systems provide quality solutions to the most challenging water problems.
What’s New in Water Heaters?
If you haven’t heard yet, the standard storage tank water heater is often considered out-dated technology. Plumbers have now been introduced to tankless water heaters, also known as Flash water heaters, many of which qualify for tax credits (since they offer more hot water with less carbon emissions). They are considered instantaneous or on-demand water heaters that only heat when you need it at 89% efficiency with no pilot light.
With such technological advances happening almost faster than we can imagine, there are more alternatives such as high efficiency units that take the flue from the burner and instead of venting it through the top of the heater, return it to the inside of the tank so that heat can be absorbed by the water.
Clogged Drain?
Did you know that your plumber technician can inspect your sewer line with remote video cameras to determine, with confidence, whether a clog is your responsibility or the city’s? He or she can then help you work with your city to get your drain pipe running freely - obviously a utilization of technology that can work to your advantage.
Can Your Oklahoma City Plumber Do This?
The above examples are just a few of the technological advances happening in the plumbing industry. Consider water recycling with new gray water (sink water) technology, rain water harvesting, biofuel and solar technologies and green plumbing innovations.
As you search for quality work at reasonable costs, also remember to look for a plumbing firm with imaginative thinkers who go beyond conventional materials, equipment, and training. These are the individuals who can offer highly effective, innovative solutions to a myriad of problems.
It will pay to do some advance research to determine specific areas of expertise as well as overall capabilities in addressing traditional plumbing issues. And if you have what you think is a unique problem, the question you should ask is, “Can my plumber do this?” The answer may be surprising.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5469735
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.
Home inspections have taken on an even more practical role in home buying with the advent of infrared thermography, or thermal imaging. In the past, inspectors have relied heavily on visual cues to let them know if there are plumbing issues or leaks in a home. While highly trained inspectors can detect problems way better than your average homeowner, there was always the chance that an issue “hiding” in the walls would surface after the sale was complete. With infrared thermography, inspectors now have a camera that can detect problems not easily seen before they become a larger issue. Though it looks like an average camcorder, a thermal imaging camera sees differences in the amount of heat held by an object. Differences in ambient temperature show up as gradations of blue/green (colder) or red/yellow (warmer.)
Infrared thermography can be useful for both the home buyer and home owner. For instance, if you detect a musty odor in a house or hear water dripping but do not see any sign of leakage you can “see” the surface differently with infrared thermography to help find the leak. The system will show the temperature difference between wall and water, indicating the leak points. Think about it; if your plumber is able to pinpoint the exact spot of the leak before water stains appears, that means fewer holes, less mess, and less money spent fixing the problem.
Water leaks are not the only problems easily found by infrared thermography. Use of the camera can indicate areas where electrical systems are overloaded. Age and improper installation can result in shorts, high electrical use, even fire. Before this detection technique, a homeowner might never know there was a potential hazard until it was too late. The hazardous areas will show up as glowing hot points on the system screen, making it easy to detect. This method can be used both to see into walled areas, and to thoroughly inspect electrical boxes, junctures, etc.
The infrared thermography inspection does more than detect problems, it can save you money. Insufficient insulation can cost you thousands per year in heating and cooling bills. Scanning your home will reveal the areas around windows and doors that lose heat or improperly insulated walls and ceilings. In addition, those cracks and crevices not only lose energy; they can allow pests into your home. Thermal imaging can verify pest infestations of all types without having to drill or remove wood.
Infrared thermography is not a substitute for a traditional home inspection. It is a tool that can help your home inspector verify findings, provide visual evidence of a problem, and yes, find issues that the naked eye may not see. For homeowners who suspect an unseen leak, pest infestation, energy loss, or electrical problem, it can pinpoint the source without using invasive measures. A certified home inspector armed with traditional tools plus infrared thermography can doubly assure you that your home investment is safe and secure.
