Tag: water pipe repair

Faucet repair can be simple if you know what to look for. Start by shutting off the water supply to your leaking faucet and plugging the drain. Next, remove the decorative cap on the handle and pry off the screw. Allen wrenches are usually used, but your repair kit may include a spanner tool.

A dripping faucet is more than an annoyance; it wastes water and money and may damage your home’s plumbing system. In addition, mold and mildew grow where water collects, which poses health and structural risks. While many homeowners can perform basic DIY faucet repair, knowing your limits and understanding when a task requires professional help is important. Contact Plumber Topeka for professional help.

The most common cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out O-ring. While this part creates a water-tight seal, it is susceptible to degrading over time due to age, use, and exposure to harsh chemicals. Inspect the O-ring and replace it if necessary.

Another common problem is a loose packing nut. This nut is responsible for turning the sink handles when you turn on the water, and it can become loose over time. This is an easy fix, and can be accomplished by first removing the handle. Once the handle is removed, you can access the nut and tighten it to stop the leak.

Before beginning any repairs, shut off the water supply valve under your sink by turning it clockwise. Then, dry up any standing water in the sink area and cover the drain with a towel or old T-shirt to prevent small parts from falling down the sink drain.

Next, remove the handle by unscrewing the set screw with a wrench or screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the handle or spout. After removing the handle, you can access the adjusting ring and disk cylinder mounting screws. You can also remove the escutcheon cap with a screwdriver and use a blunt tool to lift out the neoprene washers in the cylinder. You should then clean these parts using distilled white vinegar and a soft-scouring pad. If the neoprene seals are damaged, you should replace them.

You can usually find replacement O-rings and washers at your local hardware store. Once you’ve replaced these components, you can reassemble the faucet and turn on the water to ensure a secure water-tight seal. When you’re finished, be sure to test the faucet for any leaks.

Leaks in the handle

The drip, drip, drip of faucet leaks in the handle is annoying enough, but it can also be expensive if it’s not repaired. These kinds of leaks are less common than other types, but they can still waste thousands of gallons of water per year. The first step in fixing them is to shut off the water supply, either at the fixture shutoff valves under the sink or by turning the main water off in your home.

Once the water is off, you’ll need to remove the handle and packing nut. Fit a wrench to the large six-sided packing nut beneath the handle and loosen it. It may unscrew in one direction or the other, so try the opposite if you’re having trouble. Once the nut is loose, you can pull off the handle and the stem.

Depending on your faucet, the stem may be removable by itself or with a small screw at the base. Once the stem is out, you can take off the decorative cap on top of the handle with a flathead screwdriver. Place the removed parts in order as you take them off, so they’re easy to reinstall once you start putting everything back together again.

While you’re removing the handle and packing nut, you can also inspect the other components in the handle for damage or mineral buildup. If you notice a lot of debris in the seat washer or valve seat, for example, pouring white vinegar over them can help break up and dissolve it.

If the valve seat or washers are corroded, replace them. A trip to your local hardware store should provide the necessary parts, or you can try a kit of replacements from a plumbing supply specialist.

Once you’ve replaced the damaged parts and reassembled the faucet, turn the water on again and check for leaks in the handles. If the leaks persist, you may need to tighten the packing nut again or replace it altogether. If you’re having trouble finding the right part, you can always call a plumber for assistance.

Leaks in the supply line

Sometimes, leaks originate in the supply line that connects to the faucet. This is often due to worn out or loose parts. If the supply line has a tight connection, it can prevent leaks. If the connection is loose, it can be easily tightened by using a basin wrench (available at home centers and hardware stores). Turn off the water valves under the sink before starting to avoid water waste. You can also remove the faucet and drain the lines to make sure there is no excess water in the lines. Before you begin the repair, loosen the mounting nuts and raise the faucet base about 1/2 inch above the sink. Scrape away any hardened putty and stuff plumber’s putty under the base plate evenly. If the leak is not resolved, you may need to replace the supply line.

Depending on the type of faucet, you may need to replace other parts. For example, a plastic disc or set screw may be located on the handle(s). This can be removed with a screwdriver or Allen wrench and can usually be replaced without much difficulty. You may also need to replace the inlet and outlet seals. These can be purchased separately or in a kit from most major hardware stores.

You may also need to replace the O-ring, which is a common cause of leaky handles. These can range in size from 3/8 to 5/8 of an inch, so you may want to take the old O-ring with you to the hardware store to ensure an exact fit. It is a good idea to coat the new O-ring with nontoxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease to help it stay in place.

Leaks from the handle can be caused by a worn-out or loose gasket. Replacing this is a relatively simple task and it’s usually inexpensive. The gasket is a small rubber ring that fits between the handle and the faucet base. It can become hard and brittle over time, which is when it starts to leak.

If the leaks continue, you may need to replace the washer or stem assembly. You can find these at most home improvement centers and some hardware stores. Alternatively, you can call a plumber to do the job. A professional plumber is able to see the loose parts that are farther down in the pipe and can tighten them. This eliminates drips and stops future problems.

Leaks in the spout

A leaking faucet from the spout can be more difficult to diagnose than leaks under the handles. This is because the spout is farther away from the valve seat and can be prone to corrosion. A professional plumber can replace the spout seals, which will stop the drips. In addition, a plumber can clean the spout and other parts of the faucet to remove sediment buildup.

The first step in repairing the spout is to turn off the water supply to the sink. The shutoff valves are usually underneath the sink in the basement or in the garage. They may be labeled hot and cold, or they may have a single handle that turns off both the water supply and the flow.

If the faucet is a cartridge or ball type, it must be removed to access the inside of the spout. First, remove the decorative cap from the handle with a pocketknife or screwdriver. This exposes the hex-head screw that holds the handle. If the screw is corroded, use penetrating oil to loosen it. Once the screw is removed, the handle will lift off.

To find the cause of the leak, remove the handle and unscrew the stem nut. This will expose the O-ring and valve seat washer, which can be corroded from sediment. Replace these parts with new ones and coat them with nontoxic plumber’s grease. If the spout still drips, it’s probably time to replace the ceramic disk in the spout cylinder.

Once you have replaced the spout components, put everything back together and turn on the water. If the spout continues to drip, it is likely due to the valve seat, which is pitted from years of sediment buildup. If you cannot fix it with emery cloth, grind it flush and replace it. A dripping faucet is annoying, but it’s also costly. One drip per minute wastes about 34 gallons a year. To save money and resources, repair the faucet as soon as you notice a leak. A trained plumber can make the job much easier and faster, and he or she understands codes, what materials work best with your pipes, and how to install them properly.

How to Find the Source of a Leak

August 1, 2023

Clara Daniels

Plumbing Services No Comments

A pipe leak is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. It can cause costly water and energy bills, plus structural damage to your home.

Luckily, you can usually avoid major problems by repairing a leak promptly. On Point Plumbing & Heating lists several quick and easy ways to fix a leaky pipe yourself. These methods include using a patch kit, a repair sleeve, and epoxy putty.

The first step in a leak repair is to find the source. This may be easy if the leak is visible, such as water spots on ceilings or walls. However, a hidden leak can be much more difficult to identify. It can also be more expensive to repair if it is not found soon enough.

A leak is the unintentional escape of something from a closed system, such as information that is leaked to the press or water that drips from a pipe in your home. It could be as small as a crack in a plastic bottle or as large as a pipeline leaking water. Regardless, a leak is a problem that must be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent damage to property and increase your water bills.

Finding the source of a leak is not always an easy task, especially in older homes or in areas with no piping markings. A plumber will typically start by checking inside your home, shutting off all faucets and appliances, and writing down the number on the water meter. If the numbers change despite everything being turned off, this is a sign that the leak is from a buried plumbing line.

If the leak is outside, a walk-through of your yard and the exterior foundation will usually reveal what the cause is. Check for clogged gutters and downspouts, compromised caulking, or French drains that are not adequately directing water away from the house. Leaks from a below-grade pipe are most often caused by poor landscaping and ground slope, such as dirt that is not properly graded toward the house or a trench that is filling with rainwater and leaking into the basement.

For pipes that are leaking under the slab, a technician will begin by using a listening device to pinpoint where the sound is coming from underground. Then, they will dig a tunnel to that location. This can be a messy process and should only be done by a professional to avoid damage to the existing plumbing. A newer technology called “pipe lining” has been advertised as a less invasive way to fix slab leaks.

Drain the water line.

A water line leak can cause major damage, costing you money in repairs to floors, walls, and ceilings. It can also lead to a dangerous environment with mold and mildew, which is a health risk for you and your family. While you need a professional to replace the damaged pipe, there are things you can do in the meantime to reduce damage and minimize water loss.

A few tools and a little time can save you from expensive damage to your home or business. By following these simple steps, you can stop and repair a leaky pipe until a professional plumber arrives.

Your home’s plumbing pipes stay busy all day and night, handling fluctuations in water pressure, temperature changes, and everyday use. They are usually made of a combination of different materials, including galvanized steel, copper, PVC, PEX, and black ABS. Each type of pipe has its own characteristics and is best suited for different conditions and situations.

Depending on the location of the leak, you may need to drain the water lines in order to find the source and repair it. If you need to drain a large section of pipe, shut off the main water valve, which is typically located near the water meter on your property. If you only need to drain a small section of pipe, turn off any faucets connected to it.

Draining plumbing pipes is an essential task for many reasons, and it’s often part of any major plumbing project. For example, draining pipes will prevent a common problem known as “water hammer,” which occurs when water hits one pipe after another or the wood framing of your home or business. The sudden shock can damage and crack pipes, so draining the plumbing lines helps protect your investment.

To drain a pipe, you’ll need a few supplies that can be found at most hardware or plumbing stores. Start by determining the length of pipe you need to replace and heading to the store for the materials. You’ll need to purchase the replacement piping, a hacksaw or pipe cutter for cutting the old pipe, and a few slip couplings for making watertight connections. You’ll also need a torch, silver solder, emery cloth, and a fitting brush.

Replace the pipe.

The first thing you’ll want to do is locate the damage. This can be tricky if the pipe is underground, but it’s usually fairly obvious if your water isn’t coming into the house as it should. In this case, you might hear water spraying behind walls or find wet spots on ceilings or wall studs. In some cases, you might even be able to trace a direct line from the area’s water meter to your home and see where the damage is located along the pipe.

Once you’ve determined where the leak is, shut off the water supply to that area by turning off the valve at the location of the broken pipe. This will stop any water flow through that area and prevent further damage until you can replace the pipe.

Next, you’ll need to dig a trench over the damaged area. Water pipes are typically located about 1 to 3 feet below ground, so you shouldn’t need to dig very far. Once you’ve made your way to the damaged pipe, make sure that all of the surrounding soil is dry. Then, make a clean cut about an inch away from both ends of the pipe.

If the pipe is still in good condition, you can use a slip coupling to connect a new section of pipe to the old one. These are available at many home improvement stores and can be installed without a lot of skill. Just be sure that the couplings you purchase are the same size and type as the existing pipe. Then, just like with the pipe clamps mentioned above, solder the new piece of pipe to the existing one.

However, if the pipe is damaged beyond repair, you’ll need to replace it. This is generally a job for a professional plumber, but there are some things you can do to help speed up the process and make it more cost-effective. For example, if you can still make a connection to the damaged section of pipe with a clamp, this can be used as a temporary solution until a professional plumber can replace it.

Repair the damage.

Leaking pipes can be a huge nuisance, but they also cost money. If left unchecked, they can damage floors, drywall, and ceilings and even lead to mold growth. Taking proactive steps to repair leaks can help save you time and money on utilities and repairs.

The first step is to find the source of the leak. This can be a bit tricky, especially if the water stains in your home are not directly from a leaking pipe. The best way to figure out what’s causing the leak is to turn off all of your faucets and appliances, then check the water meter. If the meter registers an increase in usage despite everything being turned off, then your leak is likely from indoor plumbing.

Next, if you’re unable to locate the leaky pipe in your home, enlist the help of a friend. Use a garden hose to soak the area around your roof penetrations, such as chimneys, vents, and skylights. Begin low, soaking one section at a time, and move the hose up the roof in small sections, checking for drips each time you change direction. This method can also be helpful in locating hidden leaks from underground plumbing or poorly-fitting flashing.

Once you’ve located the leak, shut off the water supply to that line. Supply lines typically feature a valve that can be shut off with a simple clockwise turn. If you’re unable to stop the flow of water, try using a pipe tape kit to seal the break.

A pipe leak can cause extensive damage to your property if it’s not dealt with promptly, but there are steps you can take to minimize the problem until a plumber arrives to make a permanent repair. If you’re naturally handy, consider learning how to fix a leaky pipe yourself. It’s an important skill that every homeowner should have, and it can save you on utility bills and costly repairs to drywall and flooring.

A leaking water pipe can cost you thousands of dollars in extra water and sewer fees, as well as damage to your home’s structure and fixtures. To help prevent expensive utility and property damages, leaks should be checked regularly.

What Is Residential Plumbing?

June 2, 2023

Ruth Harland

Plumbing Services No Comments

Residential plumbing encompasses everything that involves pipes and drains found in and around homes. It can range from repairing a pesky drain to installing a water heater.

Arming yourself with basic plumbing knowledge can help you avoid costly and time-consuming repairs down the road. Here are some of the basics of Linden Plumbing:

Residential plumbing involves the pipes that deliver fresh water into your house and carry wastewater away. These pipes create a vital network that is concealed behind walls, floors, and ceilings. The main function of the system is to supply potable water at the right pressure and temperature to all fixtures and appliances in your home. These devices include sinks, showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets. All these should have individual supply shutoff valves so that you can turn off the water to them if necessary. Also, make sure that everyone in the family knows where the main water shutoff valve is located and how to use it.

The water supply lines in your home may be made of PVC, PEX, or copper. The best choice for your home is probably PEX, which is a flexible plastic pipe that can be easily cut to size and joined together with fittings. This is a safe, environmentally friendly option that is also cost-effective. Other options include copper and galvanized steel.

In homes that get their water from the city, the water comes into your house through a large pipe called the main line. This water is pressurized by a series of pumps so that it can travel through the streets and reach each home. In areas where the water supply isn’t public, homes get their freshwater from wells that are connected to the plumbing systems through underground pipes.

In commercial buildings, plumbing systems are typically more complex than in residential settings. This is because they have to accommodate greater usage by many people at once. For example, a restaurant might have multiple sinks, faucets, and toilets, each of which needs its own drainpipe and water heater. The increased demand means that commercial plumbing requires more durable and larger fixtures, as well as more extensive and specialized piping networks.

Drains

Drains transport wastewater and sewage out of your home, carrying away the soiled water and preventing lingering odours. The entire network of drain pipes is usually concealed behind walls, under floors, and in the ground. All of your drain lines connect to a single main sewer pipe, which carries waste to the municipal sewer line or your septic tank system. The piping is typically labelled “drain-waste-vent,” or DWV, and includes a curved section known as a trap that holds standing water to prevent waste gas from rising back into your home. The piping also contains vents that stick up through the roof and maintain air pressure within the DWV system. Without this air pressure, noxious gases would rise through the drains and into your living spaces.

In most homes, the drain pipes are made from copper or the plastics polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Some older homes feature iron or galvanized steel piping. Most homeowners choose to have their piping replaced with PVC or ABS, which are durable and resistant to corrosion.

Homeowners tend to take running water for granted, but the underlying plumbing is complicated. All of those sinks, toilets, showers, and outside hoses put a lot of strain on the water pipes, which are under constant stress from varying water volumes and temperatures. These pipes can wear down over time, though most of the time they hold up well enough to last for decades with minimal maintenance.

If your drain pipes do wear down, clog, or rupture, it’s important to have them repaired promptly to minimize damage and prevent future problems. A plumber can snake clogged drains to remove the blockage and restore the flow of water. They can also repair leaks and other faulty components of the drainage system.

Vents

Vent pipes work alongside your drain pipes to keep your household plumbing running smoothly. They also prevent foul odours from entering your home by carrying waste gases out of the pipes and away from your building. Plumbing air vents are typically located on the roof, far away from windows and air conditioning systems, to ensure that the fumes are properly dissipated.

Without the proper ventilation system, wastewater would empty from your traps into the rest of your home, creating a dangerous vacuum effect. To avoid this, your drains must be able to connect directly to the vent pipe that leads outdoors. Without this, wastewater and noxious sewer gases will enter your house through your walls and other fixtures. This is why your drainage and venting systems must be working perfectly at all times.

Your drains and sewer lines need fresh air to flow through them, just like your car needs fuel to run. The plumbing vents allow that air into your pipes and prevent unpleasant odours from developing in your home. These are a vital part of your home’s plumbing, and they must be kept clear at all times.

Plumbing air vents can be made from a variety of materials. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most common because it’s inexpensive and durable, but it can degrade and clog with tree roots over time. Rigid copper is more expensive but resists corrosion and lasts a long time. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is another common choice because it can be made into a wide variety of shapes and has good durability. It’s also easy to cut with a tube cutter.

Most residential vents are true vents, which are vertical pipes that attach to your drain lines and go straight out into the roof. You can add re-vents or auxiliary vents to your plumbing for extra coverage in areas where window framing precludes the installation of a true vent pipe. You may also have air admittance valves installed, which are one-way valves that open as your fixture drains to balance negative pressure and draw in outside air. A clogged vent pipe can cause gurgling and sewer gas smells in the house, so it’s important to maintain it regularly.

Water Heaters

Water heaters are plumbing appliances that heat incoming cold water to a hot temperature and supply it to faucets, showers, tubs, clothes washers, dishwashers, and other fixtures and appliances. They can be called water heaters, hot water tanks, boilers, geysers (in southern Africa and the Arab world), or calorifiers. Water heaters can be gas, electric, oil, or tankless.

A residential water heating system can be configured in many ways to conserve energy and save money. For example, a re-circulating system keeps hot water flowing continuously throughout the house, so there’s no waiting for hot water at each fixture. However, it requires a pump and a dedicated recirculation line to work properly.

Another way to reduce energy use is to minimize the distance from a fixture to the water heater by using a tankless water heater. It’s not as efficient as a tank-type water heater, but it can save you money on your electricity bills.

If you’re going to install a recirculating or tankless water heater, make sure the piping to and from it is PEX or copper. PVC is not appropriate for either of these types of water heaters because it doesn’t hold up well to the high temperatures and pressures of recirculating systems. PEX is flexible and durable and can be used in both recirculating and non-recirculating systems.

If you have a tank-type water heater, its discharge pipe must be full size and terminate over an approved drain pan or into the venting system. Also, it must be equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve that’s accessible for inspection, maintenance, and replacement. Regulations on the location and connections of these valves are covered in Chapter 28.

Sewer

All plumbing fixtures, including sinks and tubs, drain into the house sewer line. The system relies on gravity instead of pressure to rid your home of wastewater. The drain pipes pitch, or angle, downward to a pipe called the vent stack (also called the main waste line), which transports the waste to your city sewer line, a septic tank, or a private sewage system. The vent stack also retains water in a curved section of the pipe (called a drain trap) to prevent sewer gases from entering your home.

A home sewer line is typically 4 inches in diameter. It connects to a cleanout, which is usually located near your property line on your street. A sewer cleanout is where the city pipe ends and your own begins and where you can access the line for maintenance. If you plant trees or shrubs too close to your home sewer lines, roots can grow into the pipes and cause a leak or break.

In some cases, you may suspect a problem with your sewer line if you experience problems with indoor plumbing, like backups in toilets or kitchen and bathroom sinks. In these cases, a licensed residential plumber can handle the repairs inside your home.

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When Faucet Repair Requires a Plumber