PLUMBING

SCALD PREVENTION - CHANGE FIXTURES OR ADD SCALDSAFE TO YOUR FIXTURES. MANUFACTURER: ULSTER SCIENTIFIC, INC. - 1-877-206-3225

RATTLING PIPES SUPPLY PIPES-
1. STRAP PIPES DOWN TIGHTLY TO FLOOR JOISTS OR STUDS.
2. LOCATE AND CHANGE OUT WORN WASHERS IN FIXTURE (S).
3. DRAINS SUPPLY PIPES TO GET AIR BACK IN "HAMMER ARRESTOR(S)".
4. INSTALL "HAMMER ARRESTOR(S)".
5. CHANGE OUT BALL COCK IN WATER CLOSET.
6. CHECK PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE ON WATER SYSTEM FOR PROPER SETTING AND OPERATION.
7. INSTALL PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE.

VENTING ISLAND SINKS - EXTEND 1-1/2" VENT FROM TRAP AS HIGH AS POSSIBLE TO UNDERSIDE OF COUNTERTOP WITH 45’S AND A 90-DEGREE FITTING AND INSTALL A CLEANOUT IN VERTICAL DOWN-RUN OF VENT UNDER SINK. DRAIN UNDER FLOOR SHOULD SLOPE DOWNWARD WITH CLEANOUT AT "Y" TYING VERTICAL INTO HORIZONTAL DRAIN.  VENT SHOULD TIE INTO 1-1/2" VENT PIPE CONNECTING IT TO VENT IN CLOSEST WALL WITH A "Y" ORIENTED UP. CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL PLUMBING INSPECTOR IF YOU’RE GOING TO DO THIS YOURSELF. P. 10, SEPT. ‘94 HANDYMAN.

NOTE: IF YOUR LOCAL BUILDING DEPARTMENT PERMITS, SAVE A LOT OF WORK AND EXPENSE BY USING AN AAV (AIR ADMITTANCE VALVE) - $30.00 - $40.00 TO VENT ADD-ON PLUMBING LIKE A ISLAND SINK. THEY’VE BEEN USED IN EUROPE FOR OVER 20 YEARS BUT ARE VERY NEW HERE, SO CHECK ON ANY RESTRICTIONS IN YOUR AREA.  ENERJEE LTD.   (215) 295-0557 / STUDOR INC.   (800) 447-4721

PLASTIC WASTE PIPE - TWO TYPES, ABS AND PVC. BOTH WILL DO THE JOB. THEY COST ABOUT THE SAME. 

PVC
WHITE
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE.
MORE BRITTLE THAN ABS IN EXTREME COLD.
REQUIRES PRIMER TO REMOVE GLAZE ON PIPE IN ADDITION TO BONDING SOLVENT.

ABS
BLACK
ACRYLONITRILE
BUTADIENE
STYRENE.

NOTES:
1. ABS IS NO LONGER MADE AND IS IN RARE SUPPLY.  IF YOU'RE MATING PVC WITH AN IN-PLACE PIECE OF ABS THEY USE DIFFERENT BONDING SOLVENTS SO CAN’T BE BONDED TO EACH OTHER WITHOUT USING A SPECIAL SOLVENT THAT ISN'T COMMONLY AVAILABLE.
2. TO CONNECT ABS AND PVC, USE THREADED FITTINGS OR NO-HUB COUPLINGS AVAILABLE AT A SUPPLY HOUSE WHERE PLUMBERS BUY THEIR MATERIALS..
3. CONNECT ABS OR PVC TO CAST IRON WITH PROPER FITTINGS & GASKETS.

POLYBUTYLENE PIPING - CAME ON THE MARKET IN 1978.  TYPICALLY HAS "PB" ON THE PIPE WHICH MAY BE BLUE (USUALLY FROM METER TO HOUSE), BLACK, WHITE OR GRAY.  PROBLEMS WITH LEAKS IN ACETAL FITTINGS THAT WERE TAKEN OFF MARKET IN 1988.  CONTINUING PROBLEMS ARE RELATED TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION, REPEATED EXPOSURE TO HIGH CHLORINE LEVELS OR PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO UV RAYS FROM OL' SOL.  POLYBUTYLENE WAS TAKEN OFF THE MARKET IN 1995.   TO CHECK ON WHETHER YOU QUALIFY FOR INCLUSION IN THE LAW SUIT CALL, (800) 392-7591, OR CHECK www.pbpipe.com.   THANKS TO BROTHER BILL FOR GIVING US THE HEADS-UP THAT THE PREVIOUS INFORMATION WE REFERENCED WAS OUT OF DATE.

   
PEX (CROSS LINKED POLYETHYLENE) IS THE HEIR APPARENT TO THE PLASTIC PIPE CROWN.  FAR AS WE'RE CONCERNED, COPPER'S BEEN DOING GOOD FOR A LONG TIME.

NEW KITCHEN SINK / FAUCET - EXCELLENT ARTICLE P. 47 THE FAMILY HANDYMAN, MARCH ‘96.

PRESSURE REGULATING VALVE - STEPS DOWN WATER PRESSURE COMING INTO THE HOME FROM THE METER TO AVOID WEAR AND TEAR ON FIXTURES, WASHING MACHINE, AND DISH WASHER. STREET PRESSURE CAN RANGE FROM LESS THAN 50 PSI TO OVER 200 PSI DEPENDING ON THE WATER SYSTEM AND THE LOCATION OF THE HOME. THE PRESSURE REGULATING VALVE IS USUALLY SET BETWEEN 55 - 65 PSI. WATER PRESSURE IN THE HOME SHOULD NEVER EXCEED 80 PSI.

FLARE FITTINGS - REQUIRE USE OF FLOORING TOOL (FOR SOFT COPPER PIPE) 

HYDRAULIC RAMS - A TOOL TO CLEAR CLOGS, AVAILABLE AT A GOOD HARDWARE STORE, THAT IS EASIER, CLEANER, AND FASTER THAN A SNAKE. THERE ARE SOME CLOGS THE RAM WON’T GET AND A SNAKE WILL HAVE TO BE USED. HOWEVER, IT’S WORTH TRYING FIRST. DRAIN KING / CLOG BUSTER ARE TWO BRANDS.

COMMON BATHROOM PROBLEMS:

CLOGGED SHOWER HEAD - USUALLY DUE TO MINERAL DEPOSITS. REPLACE WITH WATER SAVING, SCALD-PROOF MODEL.  YOU MAY ALSO REMOVE THE SHOWER HEAD AND SOAK IT IN VINEGAR OR CLR.

CLOGGED AERATOR - USUALLY DUE TO MINERAL DEPOSITS. REMOVE AND CLEAN WITH CLR AVAILABLE AT HARDWARE STORE OR REPLACE (TAKE OLD ONE TO SUPPLY HOUSE).

FROZEN PIPE - BROTHER MARK SAYS AN OLD PIPE FITTER'S TRICK IS TO TIGHTEN THE PIPE FIRST TO BREAK THREADS LOOSE BEFORE TRYING TO UNSCREW THE PIPE.  HE SAYS THIS TRICK WORKS 99 OF A 100 TIMES.  SHOULD PENETRATING OIL BE REQUIRED, MARK SAYS THE BEST TO BE HAD IS AEROKROIL, KANOLABORATORIES.COM, A INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT NOT COMMONLY AVAILABLE.  SHOULD YOU HAVE TO USE SOMETHING LIKE 3 IN 1 OIL, SOAK A RAG AND WRAP IT AROUND THE STUBBORN PIPE JOINT.  LEAVE FOR SEVERAL HOURS AND IT SHOULD DO THE TRICK.  HEAT IS ANOTHER HELPFUL STRATEGY. 

HOT WATER DOESN'T LAST TOO LONG - AS A PROFESSIONAL COMMERCIAL PLUMBER, JIM, REMINDED US DURING A PROGRAM, TWO THINGS OBTAIN WITH RESPECT TO THIS PROBLEM.  ONE, COLD WATER IS HEAVIER THAN HOT AND TWO, A FAULTY DIP TUBE WILL KEEP COLD WATER COMING INTO YOUR GAS WATER HEATER FROM BEING EVACUATED TOWARD THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK WHERE THE GAS BURNER CAN HEAT IT UP.  WITH AN ELECTRIC WATER HEATER, THE PROBLEM IS WITH YOUR HEATING ELEMENTS.   JIM ALSO REMINDED US THAT ON GAS WATER HEATERS 1) IF THE PILOT WON'T LIGHT OR STAY LIT, YOU HAVE A BAD THERMOCOUPLE AND 2) IF THE PILOT LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE BURNER COMES ON BUT WON'T STAY ON, YOU HAVE A BAD MAIN CONTROL VALVE.  PROFESSIONALS LIKE JIM ARE ESSENTIAL TO KEEPING US IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.  WE APPRECIATE'EM!!!   

SWEATY TOILET TANK - CONDENSATION WILL DRIP AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE EXPENSIVE REPAIR DAMAGE TO FLOOR, SUB FLOOR, AND JOISTS.

  1. INSTALL A TEMPERING (MIXER) VALVE WHICH REQUIRES PROXIMITY OF A HOT WATER SUPPLY LINE. $30.00 +
  2. INSTALL A FACTORY INSULATED TANK. $200.00 +
  3. INSTALL A TANK INSULATING KIT. $20.00 NOTE: IT’S DIFFICULT TO SEAL THE KIT LINERS COMPLETELY. IF WATER LEAKS AROUND LINER, TANK WILL CONTINUE TO SWEAT.
  4. IN OUR COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE, NOTHING IS ABSOLUTELY SURE FIRE WITH RESPECT TO KEEPING A TOILET TANK FROM SWEATING.  AIR CONDITIONING TO KEEP HUMIDITY DOWN IN THE SUMMER IN ADDITION TO ONE OF THE FOREGOING WILL HELP.  A RETROFITTED FACTORY INSULATED TANK IS PROBABLY THE MOST ENERGY EFFICIENT ROUTE TO MINIMAL SWEATING.  THEN AGAIN, A NEATLY FOLDED TOWEL ON THE FLOOR THAT GETS DRIED OUT AS NECESSARY IS A PRIMITIVE, BUT EFFECTIVE, RESORT.

WATER CLOSETS FLUSHING INCONSISTENTLY:

  1. TRIPLE CHECK FOR OBSTRUCTIONS IN TRAP. SNAKE CAN GO RIGHT BY OBSTRUCTION SOMETIMES. BAR OF SOAP AND SMALL BALL ARE ESPECIALLY TRICKY. RUN "SNAKE" BACK AND FORTH SEVERAL TIMES AND USE A PLUNGER BEING CAREFUL TO FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.
  2. START WITH FLUSH TANK. CHECK THAT WATER LEVEL IS ADJUSTED TO SPECIFICATIONS ( USUALLY THERE IS A MARK ON THE BACK OF THE TANK). IF ANY WATER SAVERS IN TANK, REMOVE THEM TO INSURE SUFFICIENT VOLUME OF WATER TO EVACUATE BOWL. IF THIS DOESN’T SOLVE PROBLEM, GO TO STEP (2).
  3. WATCH THE FLAPPER / TANK BALL ASSEMBLY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK AS YOU FLUSH TO MAKE SURE THE FLAPPER OR BALL IS NOT RESEATING BEFORE MOST OF THE WATER IN THE TANK HAS GONE INTO THE BOWL TO FLUSH IT OUT. YOU CAN ADJUST THE FLAPPER / BALL WITH THE TOILET HANDLE & ITS LINKAGE, OR THE LIFT WIRE / LIFT CHAIN. THE FLAPPER SHOULD BE REPLACED IF IT’S AGED AND HARDENED. KORKY 1.6 UNIVERSAL REPLACEMENT FLAPPER FITS MOST BRANDS OF 1.6 GALLON AS WELL AS MOST STANDARD TOILETS. AVAILABLE AT GOOD HARDWARE STORES.
  4. CHECK FLUSH HOLES UNDER THE RIM OF THE BOWL THAT HELP CLEAR THE BOWL WHEN FLUSHING. THEY GET CLOGGED WITH MINERAL DEPOSITS YOU CAN CLEAR BY USE OF CLR AND A PIPE CLEANER OR REAL CAREFUL APPLICATION OF A COAT HANGER.  IF YOU STILL HAVEN’T GOT IT, BE ON YO’ GUARD THAT THINGS NOW GET VERY SERIOUS!!!  BUT BEFORE GOING ON TO THE SERIOUS STUFF, MAKE SURE YOU'VE NOT GOT  BIG ANTS AND THEIR MESS IMPACTING THE HOLES IN THE TOILET PORCELIN RING THAT YOU CLEANED OUT WITH CLR.  BROTHER BILL, A LONG TIME PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER, LET US KNOW ABOUT THIS ONE.
  5. ABSENT ANTS, REMOVE THE TOILET BOWL AND CHECK THE WAX SEAL THAT IT’S NOT OBSTRUCTING THE DRAIN.  WHILE YOU’RE AT IT PUSH A RIGID WIRE UP FROM THE BOTTOM TO CHECK FOR BLOCKAGE IN THE TRAP THAT YOU’VE MISSED.
  6. FINALLY, POUR 5 GALLONS OF WATER DIRECTLY DOWN THE WASTE PIPE DRAIN FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY ANOTHER 5 GALLONS OF WATER. IF THE WATER BACKS UP, SNAKE THE DRAIN AND SOIL VENT. IF THE WATER DRAINS WELL, THE PROBLEM IS IN THE COMMODE WHICH YOU MAY NEED TO REPLACE OR COMPLETELY REBUILD.
    7.

WATER CLOSETS CLOGGED:
  1. PROTECT FLOOR AROUND TOILET WITH NEWSPAPERS OR TOWELS AND PLUNGE WITH A PLUNGER THAT HAS A FLANGE WITH SUFFICIENT WATER IN BOWL TO COVER PLUNGER. PLUNGE HARD AND SET IN FOR THE LONG HAUL. PERSISTENCE IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS WITH A PLUNGER.
  2. IF PLUNGING DOESN’T WORK, USE A "CLOSET AUGER" TO GET CLOG OUT OF TRAP ASSEMBLY IN TOILET.
  3. IF PLUNGING / AUGERING DON’T WORK, GO TO "SERIOUS" STEPS #5 & #6 ABOVE. 

CALL A PLUMBER TO CLEAR A CLOG: THE FOLLOWING 2 PROBLEMS INDICATE A BLOCKAGE IN THE MAIN DRAIN LINE GOING TO THE STREET. IT CAN BE CLEARED BUT IT AIN’T NO PICNIC.

  1. IF WASTE WATER COMES UP THROUGH TUB OR SHOWER DRAINS WHEN TOILET IS FLUSHED.
  2. IF WASTE WATER COMES UP THROUGH BASEMENT FLOOR DRAIN.

HOT WATER MUST BE READJUSTED AFTER RUNNING A FEW MINUTES - THIS IS USUALLY DUE TO THE HOT WATER WASHER BEING IMPROPERLY SECURED OR THE WASHER NOT BEING SUITABLE FOR A HOT WATER APPLICATION. IN EITHER CASE, AS THE WASHER HEATS UP, IT EXPANDS OR IS REPOSITIONED SO THAT IT DIMINISHES THE VOLUME OF HOT WATER THAT CAN PASS, REQUIRING THE HOT WATER CONTROL TO BE READJUSTED.  

RUNNING LOTS OF COLD WATER / WAITING FOR WARM UP AT FIXTURES DISTANT FROM HOT WATER HEATER - INSTALL A DRIP BY-PASS USING A COMMERCIAL BYPASS VALVE FROM HOT WATER TO COLD WATER PIPE.  WATER CYCLES BACK TO WATER HEATER AND STAYS HOT AT THE FIXTURE.  A GOOD RETROFIT UNIT IS THE GRUNDFOS COMFORT SERIES WHICH WORKS WITH A PUMP NEAR THE WATER HEATER AND A MANIFOLD AT THE LAVATORY FARTHEST FROM THE WATER HEATER.  HOT WATER IS TRICKLED FROM THE HOT TO THE COLD SIDE BY WAY OF THIS MANIFOLD SO HOT WATER IS AVAILABLE ALMOST INSTANTLY.  THIS SYSTEM ALSO HELPS IN AVOIDING PIPES FREEZING DURING COLD WEATHER.  IN ATLANTA, THE FOLKS AT SEAGRAVES PLUMBING, (404) 792-2221, CAN INSTALL THIS PUPPY FOR YOU. 

FREEZING PIPES - SEE THE GRUNDFOS COMFORT SERIES DISCUSSION ABOVE.  ON THE OTHER HAND, BROTHER MEL CALLED THE RADIO PROGRAM ONE SATURDAY MORNING STATING THAT, FROM HIS EXPERIENCE IN THE WASTELAND FAR ABOVE THE MASON - DIXON LINE, HE'D INSTALLED A LAIRD "AUTO-CIRC" AUTOMATIC, THERMOSTAT CONTROLLED, MINI RECIRCULATING HOT WATER PUMP.   IT, MUCH LIKE THE GRUNDFOS COMFORT SERIES UNIT, SERVES THE DUAL PURPOSE OF MAKING HOT WATER READILY AVAILABLE AT THE TAP WHILE PRECLUDING THE POSSIBILITY OF FROZEN WATER PIPES.

LEAKS:

SLIP JOINTS UNDER SINK LEAKING - THE KEY TO A LEAK-PROOF SLIP JOINT IS THE WASHER. RUBBER WASHERS FOR CHROME PIPE (ACTUALLY BRASS PLATED WITH CHROME), PLASTIC WASHERS FOR PLASTIC P-TRAPS. PIPE ARE EITHER 1-1/2" OR 1-1/4". MOST COMMON CAUSES FOR LEAKING SLIP JOINTS:

  1. PIPES POORLY ALIGNED. WASHERS DON’T PERFORM PROPERLY AND OVER TIGHTENING IS OFTEN NECESSARY. POOR ALIGNMENT USUALLY IS DUE TO (WITH DOUBLE SINK) TAILPIECE BETWEEN SINK BASKET & ELBOW CONNECTING ARM TO "T" / ARM BETWEEN ELBOW & "T" / OR TAILPIECE BETWEEN "T" & P-TRAP BEING IMPROPERLY FITTED OR (WITH SINGLE SINK) TAIL PIECE - P-TRAP CONNECTION BEING IMPROPERLY FITTED. IN BOTH CASES DRAINAGE ASSEMBLY GETS PUSHED ASKEW.
  2. RUBBER WASHERS AGE AND HARDEN WHICH RESULTS IN OVER TIGHTENING.
  3. WASHERS ARE IMPROPERLY PLACED. THEY GO BETWEEN THE SLIP NUT AND THE THREADED FEMALE FITTING.
  4. SLIP NUT IS OVER / UNDER TIGHTENED. OVER TIGHTENING CAUSES THE SLIP NUT TO JUMP THE THREAD, CRACK, OR CRACK THE PIPE. RUBBER WASHERS, HAND TIGHTEN PLUS HALF A TURN WITH SLIP JOINT PLIERS. PLASTIC WASHERS, HAND TIGHTEN.

SINK STRAINER ASSEMBLY LEAKING - THE KEY TO A LEAK PROOF STRAINER IS USING A PENCIL SIZED BEAD OF PLUMBER’S PUTTY AROUND TOP OF DRAIN HOLE IN SINK (A RUBBER WASHER OR SILICONE FOR PLASTIC SINKS) AND MAKING SURE THE CARDBOARD FRICTION WASHER IS IN PLACE BETWEEN THE RETAINING NUT AND THE RUBBER WASHER (THE MAIN SEAL).  TIP: A FEW DROPS OF GREASE BETWEEN THE METAL RETAINING NUT AND THE CARD-BOARD WASHER WILL MAKE TIGHTENING A LOT EASIER.

SINK STRAINER ASSEMBLY CLOGGED - IF YOUR STRAINERS IN THE SINK OR LAVATORY FAUCETS ARE CLOGGING WITH A WHITE GRANULAR PLASTER MATERIAL, THAT IS PROBABLY CAUSED BY A DISINTEGRATING DIP TUBE IN THE WATER HEATER.  SOME WATER HEATERS MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST, 1993 TO OCTOBER, 1996 HAVE THESE DEFECTIVE TUBES AND YOU MAY BE DUE A REFUND.  CHECK IT OUT AT WWW.DIPTUBESETTLEMENT.COM OR BY CALLING 1-800-329-0561.

FLOOR DRAIN IN BASEMENT MALODOROUS - P-TRAP NOT FULL OR 1-1/2" BYPASS TUBE PLUG REMOVED BECAUSE P-TRAP IS CLOGGED AND BYPASS IS BEING USED AS DRAIN. CLEAN OUT P-TRAP, MAKE SURE TRAP IS FULL OF WATER, THEN REINSTALL PLUG.  SOME DRAINS NEED A TRAP PRIMER TO MAINTAIN WATER LEVEL.

NOTE: TEFLON TAPE AND PIPE JOINT COMPOUND IS NOT REQUIRED ON SLIP JOINTS WITH RUBBER OR PLASTIC WASHERS. TAPE AND COMPOUND ARE ALSO NOT REQUIRED ON COMPRESSION & FLARE JOINTS.  RULE OF THUMB: WHEN IN DOUBT USE BOTH TAPE AND COMPOUND, TAPE FIRST .

SOLDERED JOINT LEAKING - CAN OCCUR FROM TRYING TO SOLDER WITH WATER IN PIPE. SOLDERED PIPE IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH WATER STILL IN PIPE. WITH WATER IN PIPE, COPPER WON’T GET HOT ENOUGH TO MELT SOLDER PROPERLY AND STEAM PRESSURE WILL RUIN SOLDER JOINT.  IF WATER REMAINS IN PIPE USE BREAD TO SEAL IT TEMPORARILY SO JOINT CAN BE MADE, THEN BREAD "DISAPPEARS."

UNSEALED COVER PLATES OF FIXTURES IN SHOWER - SEAL WITH TUB-AND-TILE CAULK AND LET SET FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE SHOWERING.

UNSEALED TUB SPOUT - SEAL WITH TUB-AND-TILE CAULK AND LET SET FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE SHOWERING.

WASHER / BALL ASSEMBLY / CARTRIDGE FAUCET - ALL CAN BE REPAIRED WITH AVAILABLE KITS.  BALL FAUCET REPAIR P. 107 FAMILY HANDYMAN MARCH ‘96

WATER CLOSET - REPLACE FILL VALVE / FLAPPER / AND FLAPPER SEAT WITH AVAILABLE KITS.  Adding a Watts #85 flush valve to your water closet when the water authority has added a remote reading device to the water meter will allow the closed system created by the check valve in the new meter to vent pressure through the water closet "ballcork" of flush valve and end annoying water heater temperature and pressure valve pop-off or "sighing" of toilets as they pass water through the ballcork to relieve pressure.

DRAIN CLOG - USE AFGHAN HOOK AVAILABLE AT NEEDLEWORK STORE TO WORK AROUND DRAIN COVER AND GET TO CLOG WHICH CAN THEN BE "WORKED" AND DISLODGED.

PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE ON HWH DESPITE NUMEROUS REPLACEMENTS - WHEN WATER IN HWH IS HEATED, IT EXPANDS SLIGHTLY, USUALLY BACK INTO MAIN WATER LINE. WHEN CHECK VALVE OR PRESSURE REGULATOR IS BLOCKING MAIN WATER LINE, EXPANDED WATER INCREASES PRESSURE IN HWH & WHEN PRESSURE GETS TO ABOUT 150 PSI, TEMPERATURE & PRESSURE VALVE (T&P VALVE) RELIEVES PRESSURE & LEAKS WATER. SOME PRESSURE REGULATORS ALLOW FOR THERMAL EXPANSION WHICH AVOIDS PROBLEM.

TO DIAGNOSE - HAVE PLUMBER ATTACH 0-200 PSI PRESSURE GAUGE TO HOSE-THREAD ADAPTER THEN ATTACH IT TO HWH DRAIN OR OUTSIDE HOSE BIB THAT’S ON THE HOUSE SIDE OF THE PRESSURE REGULATOR. IF PRESSURE BUILDS WHEN HWH OPERATES, THE PRESSURE REGULATOR IS THE PROBLEM

TO CORRECT -

  1. INSTALL EXPANSION TANK ON COLD WATER LINE NEAR HWH.
  2. INSTALL ADJUSTABLE RELIEF VALVE ON COLD WATER LINE ON HOUSE SIDE OF PRESSURE REGULATOR SET 20 LBS. HIGHER THAN REGULATOR SETTING WHICH SHOULD NOT BE GREATER THAN 80 PSI. PIPE RELIEF VALVE TO ADEQUATE DRAIN.
  3. REPLACE TOILET’S FLUSH VALVE WITH A WATTS GOVERNOR 80 FILL VALVE ($85.00 - BROTHER ROBERT WAS KIND ENOUGH TO UPDATE US ON THE PRICE)) WHICH WILL RELIEVE LINE PRESSURE OVER 80 PSI BY LETTING WATER OVERFLOW INTO TOILET BOWL. THIS HANDLES BOTH WATER EXPANSION AND FAILURE OF HOUSE’S PRESSURE REGULATOR.

WAX SEAL BETWEEN TOILET AND TOILET FLANGE -

INDICATIONS INCLUDE:

  1. DARK DISCOLORATION IN TILE GROUT AROUND BASE OF TOILET.
  2. TOILET ROCKS ON ITS BASE.
  3. FLOOR AT BASE OF TOILET FEELS SOFT / SPONGY.

TO CORRECT:

  1. REMOVE TOILET.
  2. REPAIR FLOOR AS NECESSARY.
  3. REPLACE WAX SEAL AND REINSTALL TOILET.

SEPTIC TANKS:

MAJOR SOURCES OF SEPTIC TROUBLE ARE:

  1. DISHWASHER / CLOTHES WASHER DETERGENTS KILL BACTERIA THAT PROMOTE DECOMPOSITION OF SOLID WASTES. PERIODIC INTRODUCTION OF BREWER’S YEAST IS GOOD PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE. YOU CAN DO THIS BY PUTTING A COUPLE OF TABLE SPOONS IN COMMODE OR DRINKING IT WITH ORANGE JUICE EVERY MORNING. LATTER WILL HELP YOU TOO.
  2. DRAIN FIELD GETS PLUGGED WITH POLYESTER, NYLON, AND OTHER NON- BIODEGRADABLE FIBERS THAT ENTER SEPTIC SYSTEM WITH LAUNDRY WATER. FILTERS ARE SOLD TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM LIKE "SEPTIC PROTECTOR".  SEPTIC PROTECTOR - 1-800-242-6737.  NOTE: MOST SEPTIC FIELD CLEARING PRODUCTS ARE MORE HYPE THAN HELP. IF YOU DON’T CARE FOR / MAINTAIN YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM, YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE PROBLEMS.
  3. DISPOSAL INTRODUCES SOLIDS INTO SEPTIC TANK THAT WILL RESULT IN SYSTEM HAVING TO BE PUMPED OUT PERIODICALLY.  OR USE SEPTIC DISPOSALS (INSINKERATOR) WHICH HAVE A CHEMICAL INJECTOR THAT INTRODUCES A BIO-CHARGE WITH EACH USE.

TANKLESS WATER HEATERS:

ALSO CALLED "INSTANT" OR "ON DEMAND" WATER HEATERS. AS WATER IS NEEDED, IT’S HIT WITH A BLAST OF GAS OR ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE HEAT.

PROS: 1. FITS INTO SMALL SPACES. 2. LASTS A LONG TIME. 3. PROVIDES LIMITLESS HOT WATER IF NOT OVERTAXED.  THE OPERATIVE CONSIDERATION HERE, IN MY EXPERIENCE, IS OVERTAXING ONE OF THESE PUPPIES AIN'T NO BIG DEAL FOR A DETERMINED TEENAGER!!!  THEN AGAIN, YOU CAN "GANG" THESE SUCKERS TO SUPPLY ALL THE HOT WATER YOU LIKE!!!   I'VE HAD A RINNAI TANKLESS UNIT IN MY HOME FOR OVER A YEAR AND I LOVE IT.  LIKE i SAY, IF YOU NEED MORE CAPACITY THAN ONE UNIT CAN PROVIDE, TANKLESS UNITS ARE READILY "GANGED" TO MEET THE CHALLENGE.  NOTE:  BROTHER KEVIN, WHO KNOWS HIS STUFF, REFERS THE INTERESTED TO WWW.GOTHOTWATER.COM WHICH STATES, " YOU CAN HAVE HOT WATER IN 15-20 SECONDS (DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF YOUR HOME AND WATER SYSTEM) WITHOUT WASTING A SINGLE DROP AND BY USING ONLY A FRACTION OF A PENNY'S WORTH OF ELECTRICITY."  THE METLUND SYSTEM, WHICH PROVIDES THIS BOUNTY, IS READILY INSTALLED ACCORDING TO KEVIN..  

CONS: 1. THEY’RE EXPENSIVE.  2.  YOUR UTILITY BILL WILL PROBABLY BE LOWER BUT PAYBACK WILL TAKE A WHILE. 

CONTROLLED ENERGY (800) 642-3199  McNEELY-YUILL (800) 456-3761  EEMAX (800) 543-6163

THE LATEST / GREATEST FROM BROTHER MEL IS A GLOWING REPORT ON THE LAING, www.autocirc.com, SYSTEM THAT HE INSTALLED IN 1998 OR THEREABOUTS SO IT'S PROVEN OUT.  MEL APPLAUDS THE FACT YOU CAN HOOK'EM UP YO'SELF AND THEY ARE "BEAUTIFULLY ENGINEERED",  SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY TROUBLE LOCATING A SUPPLIER, YOU'LL DOUBTLESS BE ABLE TO GET A LAING UNIT(S) FROM HANDY HARDWARE, (770) 939-6842.