A Primer on Plumbing Pipes Hawaii Maui

Some time in the past 30 or 40 years, I remember an initiative to get truth in advertising. I don't know how successful it was, but one industry that apparently wasn't affected by it is the plumbing industry. I can't think of any other industry that has as many definitions for what a 1/2" or any other size pipes are.

Image Source

One would think that 1/2" copper tubing would be the same, no matter what, but the sad truth is that 1/2" rigid copper pipe has a different outer diameter ( OD), then 1/2" flexible copper pipe. Fittings for one will not work on the other. If you want to use both you would have to purchase an adapter. The same thing can be said for plastic pipe, a piece of 1" black ABS pipe is not the same size as 1" white PVC plastic pipe. Again to use both, a home owner would need a buy an adapter.

Hawaii Maui plumber

To help eliminate some of the confusion, here is a primer on plumbing fittings and connections.

Rigid Copper Pipe:

Used mostly for hot and cold water lines within the house. The best tool to cut rigid copper tubing is a pipe cutter. The pipe is placed in the cutter, and the knob is turned down, which brings the pipe into contact with the cutter wheel. As the cutter is rotated around the pipe, you continue to tighten the wheel, until you have cut through the entire pipe.

There are two ways to connect copper pipes together. The first is to solder or sweat the pipes together. The second is the use of compression fittings. Soldered fittings are much less expensive then the compression, but take a little more work to make a leak free joint.

When you sweat copper pipes, the first thing is to clean the ends that you are going to sweat together. then flux is applied to both the pipe and the fitting you are connecting to it. The pieces are placed together, and heat is applied to the union with a propane torch. When the union is heated enough, solder is applied to the joint, the solder is sucked into the joint, sealing the two pieces together. From experience, I can tell you take to make this work successfully, there must be absolutely NO WATER in the line, if there is the joint will leak. And once a joint leaks , there is no repairs without replacing the fitting and starting over. Professional plumbers tend to use a hotter source of heat, then the propane bottle can provide. But I'm always concerned about using any heat source inside my house. If you choose this method, be very careful with the torch in tight spaces. It might be a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy.

Compression fittings do not require heat. A common place that compression fittings are used is at the water shut off valves beneath your sink, or toilet. But there are many other places that you can use them. To make up a fitting using a compression fitting, start by cutting the inlet pipe to length, using a pipe cutter. Place the compression nut and compression ring over the end of the pipe, as shown above, then insert the pipe into the compression seat. Then using two wrenches, one to hold the fitting and the other for the compression nut, tighten the compression nut completely. This forces the compression ring unto the pipe, creating a water tight seal.

Compression fittings are not fool proof. If the pipe is not seated all the way onto the seat, the joint will leak, thus it is imperative that the end of the pipe be cut flat. Compression fitting are designed as a one use only device, if it leaks cut out the offending piece and start over again. Also the pipe must be completely cleaned before you start, any dirt or corrosion on the pipe will create leaks. Tightening the compression nut in confined spaces may require to use of special tools like crows feet wrenches.

Hawaii Maui plumber

Flexible Copper Pipe:

This is used mainly to connect natural or propane gas to your house. It is normally connected to the appropriate devices with the use of compression fitting designed for the flexible pipes. Flexible copper pipe is suitable for being installed under ground. Flexible copper pipe may look like a great choice for indoors plumbing runs, but it is not recommended for that use. Also the limited amount of fittings available make this a less then perfect choice. Flexible copper fitting are NOT interchangeable with fittings for rigid copper pipe.

Some professional plumbers are currently installing flexible water pipes, but these require special tools and fittings, that are not available to the DIY'r. Not all municipalities allow for the use of flexible pipes for water delivery with in the home.

Hawaii Maui plumber

Rigid Pipe:

This pipe comes in either black iron or galvanized pipe. Black iron pipe is normally used to run natural gas inside the home, while galvanized is used mainly for water lines. The ends of these pipes are threaded, as are the connecting pieces. You simply screw the pieces together, after applying either plumber's tape or pipe dope.

Plumber's tape is made of Teflon, and is white in color. You should apply it to the male end of the pipe, by running the tape around the pipe several times. Install the tape in the opposite direction, then the male end of the pipe will thread into the female union. Before you thread the two pieces together, be sure to clean out any remaining Teflon tape on the inside of the female threads if you are re using the fitting. There is a Pink Teflon tape, that used solely for making up connection is natural gas lines. Pipe dope, is actually a thick paste that is applied to the threads using a brush. If you are reusing a fitting that has had pipe dope applied before, you must clean both the male and female threads, using a wire brush and a pick, much like the ones that the dentist uses to clean our teeth.

To connect two pieces of pipe together or to install an adapter or fitting, use two pipe wrenches. The first wrench is used to hold the pipe, while the second one is used to turn the fitting or adapter. While you may not use a pipe wrench all that often, this is not the place to go for the bargain priced tool. Sometimes it takes considerable energy to loosen a threaded joint that has been in place for several years. The cheaper wrenches tend to slip, which can cause injury to you or cause damage to you home.

Recently galvanized pipes have gotten some bad press, when used for water delivery. Apparently the insides of the pipes are releasing chemicals into the drinking water, so it is advised that you stick to either copper or the newer flexible pipes for water delivery.

Hawaii Maui plumber

Plastic or PVC/ABS Pipes:

PVC ( Polyvinyl Chloride) pipe is a white plastic pipe that is used to supply both hot and cold water to the interiors of many homes. This product is very flexible and easy to use. There are two ways to cut PVC pipe, either use a hand saw or miter saw to cut large diameter pieces. Smaller diameter pieces can be cut using hand held PVC cutters. To connect PVC pieces, you first cut the pipe to length, then using a cleaning solution designed for the pipe, clean both the ends of the pipe and the connecting piece. A special glue is then applied to both pieces, and the pieces are pushed together. The glue sets, within a minute, so it is vitally important that the pieces be aligned properly when pushed together. There is a very limited amount of time that you can maneuver the pieces. It is a very good idea to use a scribe line to indicate to proper orientation of two mating pieces.

Hawaii Maui plumber

ABS (Arcylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a black plastic pipe that is used for drain, waste and vent (DWV) plumbing in today's homes. This product replaced the cast iron pipes found in many older homes. ABS is worked in much the same manner as the PVC pipe. It can be cut with hand saw or powered miter saw. It uses a cleaner and glue similar to the PVC pipes, only this is designed for the ABS pipes.

When you are gluing either of these products, it is recommended that you use a pair of disposable gloves to protect you hand, unless you like picking dried glue off your hands for several days. Also it is recommended that you work in a well ventilated area.

Generally, you will not see both white and black plastic pipes connected together. One exception to this is maybe found under the sink. A lot of manufacturers are making "P" traps, shown here in black ABS, for the sink drains out of white plastic.

Because of its flexibility you may find homes in earth quake areas plumbed with PVC rather then the conventional rigid copper pipes. There was a lot of bad press in the 90's about PVC pipes breaking within the walls of homes, this was traced to specific manufacturers, and shouldn't be seen as a condemnation of the product.

The PVC and ABS pipes are not sized the same. a 1 " PVC will not connect to a black 1" ABS fitting. This may have been done to keep us from inadvertently using the wrong pipe for the wrong application, but it sure is confusing. I mean a 1" pipe should be a 1" pipe.

I hope this helped clear up some of the confusion about the many options offered to us by the plumbing manufacturers. A word of advice learned the hard way, check to be sure that all your fittings do actually connect before you leave the store or you may find yourself making return trips to your DIY store as I've done many times.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Salow

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2395638

Tips on How to Make Plumbing Pipes Fit in With Your Interior Design Maui Hawaii

Although plumbing pipes are an essential part of the home plumbing system, often these pipes can detract from the decorative design of a room. Plumbing pipes do not always have a decorative appeal and do not fit in with the interior design of a room. Some are often considered an eye sore. Fortunately there are things you can do to make plumbing pipes fit in with your homes interior design.

Image Source

Hawaii Maui plumber

The following is a list of tips on how to decoratively integrate plumbing pipes with your interior design:

1. If you are planning to modernize your room, check to see how old your pipes are as you may be able to upgrade with more modern pipes. They will not only look more appealing but they will help ensure your plumbing system stays in good working order.

2. Many homes will have exposed plumbing pipes that run down the exterior walls. They can be a real eyesore, especially if the rest of the room is very well designed. There are things you can do to make these pipes more attractive and fit the design of the room. For instance, consider adding a fresh coat of paint with a color that blends well with the room. Also, you can wrap artificial green around the pipes and extend them all the way up the pipe. You can even wrap a pretty ribbon around the pipes. If you want to cover the pipes, you can hang a decorative curtain or place a ceiling to floor furniture piece such as a shelving cabinet in front of the pipes. You could even get a cabinet that allows you to have the pipes placed inside so that you can install the cabinet right up against the wall.

Hawaii Maui plumber

3. Some homes will have exposed pipes under the sink. You can hide these pipes by installing a cabinet under the sink and the pipes will be inside when you open the cabinet. There are many stylish sink cabinets on the market that can really add style to a room. You can also store items in the cabinets. If you build a cabinet or decorative box around the pipes, you can paint and decorate the cabinet to reflect the decor of the room.

4. Pipes that run across the ceiling can be a distraction. You can paint them to match the ceiling or you can lower the ceiling so that the pipes will be covered. It is not that difficult of a job. You can use stylish material for the ceiling or paint it a colour that will add style to a room.

Exposed plumbing pipes can often make a room less appealing. However, there are many things that you can do to cover the pipes or fashionably integrate hem with the rest of the room. If you are planning on upgrading pipes or making a change that requires working with the pipes, you should call in a professional plumber to do the job as the plumbing system is such a vital part of the home and you do not want to damage them which can result in a big mess and an expensive repair bill.

Hawaii Maui plumber


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adriana_N.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6199544

Money Saving Plumbing Tips Maui Hawaii

The plumbing system in your home should undergo routine checks and maintenance. Whether you are a home owner or live in an apartment, plumbing repairs are a regular part of your home life. There are several ways to prevent plumbing repair problems by taking care of your plumbing and inspecting it to prevent further damage before you call a plumbing specialist.

Hawaii Maui plumber

* Take a look around the base of the toilet for any signs of leaks. This involves stains or water damage.
* To see if you have a "soft floor", stand and straddle over the toilet while rocking back and forth on each foot to check for any spongy feeling in the floor. If so, it is probably rotting or is weakened.
* To check for leaky or loose tiles, press on the walls where they come in contact with the bathtub. If the walls are soft, there may be water damage below your tiles.
* Turn on the water in the bathtub and the kitchen sink. If there is a significant reduction in water volume, this may mean that the piping in the house may need to be replaced due to calcium and mineral deposits.
* If the home has a basement, check exposed piping for signs of leaking.
* Check the date of your water heater to see if it needs to be replaced. The first four numbers of the serial number on the water heater are the month and year. Any heater over 15 years old may need to be replaced.
* A rusty water tank is a sign of pending problems.
* Check the inside of the cabinets for water damage, preferable with a flashlight.
* Check your garbage disposer and dishwasher and make sure that the connections are tight and leak free.
* Check your washing machine hoses for rupture. Turn the valves on and off to test for leaks.
* Check the manufacturer's site for further information and tips on the appliance in your home.
* Inspect the yard for areas that are too wet with unusual plant or grass growth to check for standing water. Excess water in a yard may be coming from a damaged sewer line and contain waste from the home.

Hawaii Maui plumber

Keep these plumbing repair tips in mind as taking preemptive action against plumbing repair problems will save you money in the long run. Even if you don't know much about plumbing repair, you can prevent further damage before you call a plumber and maintain the plumbing of your home. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can get in touch with a plumbing specialist who can assist you with your further plumbing problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christina_T_Tolosa

Technological Innovations That Make Plumbing Work Better Maui Hawaii

The Internet as we know it has been around for less than thirty years and is in a constant state of innovation; as a result we tend to overrate its importance. The plumbing system in our houses has several thousand years of history behind it, and innovation in building materials and fixtures has come very slowly. But guess which system would be easier to live without?

Hawaii Maui plumber

When talking about plumbing materials, the subject of pipes is always foremost. A means of transporting the water from its source to the faucet was one of the first advancements of civilization. There is evidence of such a system in the Middle-East 5000 years ago. Stone was probably the first piping material. Metal piping came along considerably later. The Romans were among the first to use it. But metals like iron and steel are difficult to work with and can rust and corrode, causing health problems. Therefore, when plastic piping was first invented in Germany in the mid-19th Century it seemed providential. But plastic piping had its problems also; for one thing it was a technological leap that not every nation could follow; for another, the makers of metal piping could see it lessening the demand for their product and fought its use. It was not until the 1920's and 30's that it was used in any great amount in Germany. Even after the war that piping is still in use.

Hawaii Maui plumber

Plastic piping got off to a slow start in the US. It wasn't until the late 1940's that it made its way into US homes and businesses. It was in the Fifties and Sixties that Plastic piping caught on; it is quieter (no knocking), easier to work with and a good deal more flexible (expands more in the cold).

Hawaii Maui plumber

Today's innovative plastic piping called PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) is a further improvement over the original plastic piping, PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride). Like the original it is much more resistant to chlorine, scaling and corrosion than metal pipe or anything that came before it. In addition, PEX can actually be twisted into shapes allowing for fewer trips to the hardware store for additional joints.

Hawaii Maui plumber

Another innovation in plumbing materials is a great improvement in the substances that hold the individual lengths of pipe together. This process has long been difficult, as water seemingly can find its way through or around almost anything. The Romans, the original master-plumbers, solved this by covering joints with lead. The word "plumbing," in fact, derives from the Latin word "plumbus," which means lead. Another method was welding or soldering. Fortunately there are better ways to connect pipes today than slopping liquefied lead on the joints: quick drying epoxy. This wonder substance does not require tape to hold it, is essentially waterproof, and dries in seconds.

Hawaii Maui plumber

Those master-plumbers the Romans did not have digital computers, of course, but they did support an astonishing variety of baths, fountains, water-heaters and flush toilets. Yes, that's right, flush toilets! Something that disappeared from Europe at the end of the Roman Empire and was not seen again in the West until the 16th Century. The idea certainly is not new, but the flushing methods have improved. Where once the flush depended on water falling from a vessel located far above the toilet, now toilets have highly engineered flushing processes that depend on the shape of the watercourse or the pressure in the mains rather than the height of the toilet mounting. Fixture innovations like these are driven by a need for conserving water. Once where the toilet in the American home used at least seven gallons per flush (GPF), today the government mandates a level of no more than 1.6 GPF. Some do it with as little as.125 GPF.

Hawaii Maui plumber

Another fixture innovation, the tank-less water heater, may not save water but it certainly saves energy by producing the hot water on demand rather than keeping it simmering in a bowl as has been the method since Roman Times and before. Solar hot water heating is another innovation that saves energy.

Hawaii Maui plumber

The plumbing system in the modern home has a very ancient lineage and its importance can not be overstated. The Internet may show more day-to-day innovation, but plumbing can also show a number of relatively recent advances.

Hawaii Maui plumber

The plumbing system in the modern home has a very ancient lineage and its importance can not be overstated. Commercial plumbing has shown a number of relatively recent advances. From 1978 until 1995 polybutylene was installed in millions of commercial buildings. Polybutylene is no longer used in plumbing today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Work

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6202289