Plumbing Planet

Indpendence and Peace of Mind for the Handicapped During Bath Time

2010-08-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

If health reasons or limited mobility are making it hard for you to indulge in a warm bath, it may be time to start considering a special bathtub. Handicap tubs are available in many different appearances and types. For this article though, we are going to review the traditional bathtub versus the walk-in.
Instead of having to step over high sides, or needing transferred to a tub, a walk-in you can simply do just that, walk in. It usually is a deep basin tub with a door that swings out on a hinge. The door acts as a sealer shutting in all water and keeping water from going all over the floor. Basically these types of tubs will make it easier and safer for tub access. You can also add whatever accessories fit your needs such as handicap rails, built in stools, and etc. If you are wheelchair bound, you are able to roll your chair up to the tub and have it waiting for you when you are finished.
People with disabilities claim handicap showers and bathtubs as must for every day living. They can reclaim back some of the independence they lost with the handicap. They are able to be more mobile and not need extreme assistance from care givers or family members. Also, walk- ins have been proven to reduce injuries due to falls by seventy five percent!
True walk-in tubs are generally more expensive than traditional, and usually require more space. Therefore you have the option to transform your own regular traditional bathtub into a walk-in by installing a cut-out door, as well as rains and steps. Make sure though, to consult your doctor before you install a home made version.
In conclusion, handicap accessible bathtubs are a necessity for the disabled. It not only gives them a measure of independence but also takes some of the burden off of the family members who care for them. They are proven to prevent serious injuries to your loved ones and are available for purchase, or if money or space is tight, you can modify your existing bath tub. First and foremost though, is the safety and continued well being for our beloved family members.

Plumbing History

2010-08-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

Plumbing is one of the most important aspects of modern civilization. Without it, it would be considerably difficult, and perhaps an impossibility, to sustain a working network of cities and structures, as people would constantly be fending for themselves and battling health hazards in every direction.

Plumbing has a long history, dating back at least 5,000 years. The ancient society of Babylonia is considered by many to be one of the first modern civilizations to successfully operate day-to-day. They can be considered successful in large part to having a good, organized plumbing style and system. The plumbers of the day used clay and straw to create the first bathrooms which, back then, were literally "bath rooms," in that people went in these rooms primarily to bathe and clean themselves. Naturally, Babylon being a caste-driven system with clear divisions of wealth and distinction, only royalty had bath rooms in their palaces, which is obviously not the case today.

The first toilets were created roughly 2000 years ago by plumbers in China; these toilets had armrests, running water, working pipelines to direct the water and waste elsewhere. Like with the Babylonians, these were primarily used by royalty; one such toilet was discovered in the tomb of an ancient Chinese ruler, who ordered it placed in the tomb so he relieve himself comfortably even in death. Previously, self-contained modern toilets were thought to have been invented as little as a 100 years ago, by an English plumber named Thomas Crapper. The contributions of Crapper, from his inentions, to his name being an inspiration for much toilet-related terminology, to his every existence, is in constant debate even today.

Of no debate, however, is the importance of plumbing to all forms of civilization, both ancient and modern. It is almost inconceivable to imagine life without bathing, toiletries, and functioning pipelines, and we can thank plumbers and the art of plumbing that we have it in such abundance today.

Plumber Reviews at Atlanta Plumbers Online

2010-05-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

In the last post I did a little outline of some external plumbing resources that can help many of you do-it-yourselfers and aspiring plumbers master certain basic plumbing tasks. In the event that you have concluded that plumbing is just not for you then I would like to share another resource with you. The resource is a site called Atlanta Plumbers, and it is a place where consumers can get both plumbing tips and reviews of Atlanta plumbing companies. I'd highly recommend that you prepare yourself in advance for a possible plumbing emergency. This means checking out local companies in your area and also reading review sites like Atlanta Plumbers. This can take a lot of the stress out of a plumbing problem when you realize that you are no longer under the gun to get the problem fixed by the first company that can come out. You should have a list of 2-3 companies that you would be comfortable calling in the even of a major issue. When you are not faced with an immediate need, you can much more calmly assess the pros and cons of each company and select a company that you feel good about.

Now what are some of the best ways that you can find information about plumbers in your city? Well of course there is always the internet. You will likely know the names of some of the bigger players in your area and a simple google search for their name should yield some fairly relevant results. If they are listed with the Better Business Bureau that is usually a good thing and you can check out their record with them. In addition the BBB, you will also want to check with your state licensing board to evaluate any complaints on their license. Now of course it goes without saying that if you are going to hire a plumber then you should hire a professional and a license is an absolute must.

OK folks well thats all for now, if you have any other resources you would like to share with the community please feel free to post a comment!

External Plumbing Resources

2010-05-17T20:31:00.001-07:00

On this site I do my best to try and share as much information about plumbing and related resources as I can. It is my goal with this site that you are able to not only learn some plumbing basics but to also improve your overall home improvement knowledge. If you do need to at some point hire a plumber it is my hope that you will have gained some basic knowledge that you can use to select a reputable company in your area. I wanted to take the time with this post to provide you with some additional plumbing resources that I have come across while perusing the internet. Let's start with a few blog posts that I found:

1. Plumbing Emergencies: What to do for a Burst Pipe

Folks, it is unfortunate that plumbing pipes will burst at some point during winter when they are not proper winterized. It is not a question of if, but rather when. That post can really help you if you ever find yourself in a situation where a plumbing pipe has burst in your home. The information is top-notch and it definitely is worth a read.

2. The Basic Rules of Plumbing Repairs

Here is some great information from Seven Stories Institute. Let me be the first to tell you that common sense should be your guide whenever you make plumbing repairs for the first time. However, this information is often lost on many do-it-yourselfers. Not only does this article describe some effective common rules but it also provides invaluable information so its another must-read.

3. Plumbing 101: How to Address Clogged Drains

Now I don't have to tell you that one of the most common home plumbing problems is a clogged drain. So what are you to do when you find yourself faced with a clogged drain? Well, in my opinion, you should check out that great post from Fobitz. Yes, you've heard this before, a must-read if you are facing a clogged drain.

4. Plumbing 101: Addressing Low Water Pressure

Now as you can tell I enjoy reading these Plumbing 101 type of articles. I like to see what type of information these so-called experts are giving the masses. And let me tell you from first hand experience I know that many of these clowns that are writing articles about plumbing on the internet don't know the first thing about plumbing. Now the folks over at Just 4 Facts aren't the usual clowns you find on the internet. These folks are giving out great information and I think that you should check out their latest post onf low water pressure.

5. Plumbing Tips: For the Handywoman

Now I know there are many handywoman out there in addition to the many handymen who read this blog. Well for all you handywomen I would like to tell you that I have found a post for you! The post is called Plumbing Tips for the Handywoman. And yes even for you men, this is another must-read so head right over and check it out as soon as humanly possible.

OK folks, thats all for today, I hope you really enjoy reading those articles and please take the time to understand how important valuable free information like this is.

Installing a Fiberglass Shower Base in Tile Shower

2010-05-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

There are people who are more experimental when it comes to renovating their bathrooms. Some may even have wondered about the possibility of installing a shower base made of fiberglass in a tile shower.

It is more common for numerous households to have showers that are made of just a single type of material. If you try to observe the bathrooms of your relatives and friends, you’ll notice that the walls and floors of their showers are either made from fiberglass (or acrylic) or tiles. Because of this, making a decision on whether to install a pre-fabricated shower or a tile shower could be difficult.

Individuals should know that it is possible to combine fiberglass and tiles for a shower, so others need not choose one over the other anymore. Additionally, combining these materials is neither unusual nor difficult. In fact, it is a great idea to combine these two materials because tiled shower walls provide beauty and flexibility while a shower base offers practicality.
Although acrylic and fiberglass showers have improved considerably, numerous homeowners still enjoy the countless choices in design that tiles provide. Homeowners have the option to either perform the tiling of the shower by themselves or to seek the help of a professional contractor to do the task. Combining fiberglass shower liner with tiles will mean that the floor is given the ability to “flex” relative to the weight of the person using the shower, which implies and ensures that the shower will last added years of usability.

True to the belief that everything has its advantages and disadvantages, here is a short list of the pros and cons relevant in installing fiberglass shower bases in tile showers:

Advantages:

The pan can flex thereby preventing cracking related to tile shower pans.

More convenient cleaning since there are no grout or seams.

Disadvantages:

Is thought to be less attractive then an all-tile shower.

Difficult to install for a DIY tiler.

With that said, make sure to carefully weigh its pros and cons to ascertain that you will make the right decision.

What Are Submersible Sewage Pumps Used For?

2010-05-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Submersible sewage pumps have been around for decades. These modern marvels are fully functional even when completely submerged in liquid. The designs behind these sewage pumps are ingenious, and they are utilized in both commercial and residential settings. These pumps have one main function, moving waste.

Many times gravity cannot be used to move waste as it is in many normal households and businesses. Simple physics will tell us that if we have one location which is lower than another and we need to move the liquid from that first location, the liquid is going to need some assistance. This is where the submersible sewage pump comes into play. These pumps are designed to move waste up hill where it can either be treated or moved on to a treatment center.

There are number of commercial submersible sewage pumps in operation. Many waste treatment plants will use these pumps to move a large volume of waste from one area to another. In these settings these pumps are generally made of stainless steel to hold up to a high volume of everyday use.

In residential settings these submersible pumps are often much more inexpensive. These pumps can often be found made of plastic, although they may need to be replaced more often. Many homes need a sewage pump to help transport waste uphill if the home is located at a lower elevation. These pumps can easily be installed by licensed plumbers or the homeowner with the correct knowledge. Residential submersible sewage pumps are readily available at many different outlets including home improvement stores, farm supplies, and plumbing outlets. Plumbing parts retailers will often have a much better selection of pumps available and be able to provide specialized knowledge for their installation, or referrals to a plumber which can install the pump for you.

Sewage Problems in Your Home May Not be Related to Your Sewage Pump

2010-05-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

Encountering a problem with your sewage system can create a real headache. A problem such as this will require you to stop using all of the plumbing devices in your home. This means no flushing toilets, no laundry, no showers, and so on. With most problems a call to the plumber should get your life back on track relatively quickly. However, some problems with your sewer system may take extensive repairs to get your system working properly again.

Many people usually consider their sewage pump is the prime suspect when everything stops working. This is usually evidenced by sewage backing up from the well in which the sewage pump is located. Sewage pumps are usually easily inspected by a plumber which can tell right away if this is your problem or not. However, as long as you only send certain items down the drains the sewage pump is typically quite reliable. Items such as feminine hygiene products being flushed down toilets can cause problems with the sewage pump. Also, there are many other items such as dental floss, certain food scraps, and whatever else kids can find to send down a toilet which can give the sewage pump problems.

If a plumber finds no problem with your sewage pump the problem is probably somewhere in the sewer line between your sewage pump and the main city sewer line. In instances such as these plumbers can send small remote cameras down this line to determine the problem. There are several problems which can affect this main line.

Tree roots are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to problems in these lines. Roots can often break through these lines searching for water. As these roots grow in the drain lines they start catching debris which can eventually lead to clogs.

Also, in many parts of the country the winter season will cause several freezes and thaws. This constant cycle creates stress on the pipe which can lead to breaking. Certain soil compositions will be much more vulnerable to this constricting action. Warmer climates with mild winters can rule this problem out.

Finally, the problem in the sewer line may simply be a loose connection. This is a problem which can happen in newer homes and older homes. In older homes connections may simply come apart because of age. In newer home construction a sewer line may not be properly connected or connected at all.

In all cases problems such as these in a main sewer line will need to be dug up to correct the problem. These types of repairs can be extensive and often times expensive.

What are Propane Tankless Water Heaters

2010-04-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Propane tankless water heaters have been around for sometime now despite being a relatively new product in the US soil. It first became popular in Asia and Europe in the ‘70s but it has gained tremendous appeal among US consumers in line with the rising costs of gas prices plus the awareness on environmental protection.

Compared to traditional propane water heaters which stores hot water on a storage tank, tankless propane heaters do not hold any water. The water is only heated when the person turns on a faucet, with the water flowing through various pipes and going into the tankless heater. Hot water flows from the tap in 5-20 seconds.

The good thing about them is that they can save a lot of energy. It is estimated that using a propane tankless water heater can save up to 30% in energy consumption compared to using a traditional water heater. Thus it is not surprising that many budget-conscious households are opting to use tankless heaters in their residences.

But there are also some disadvantages of using a tankless propane heater. The first and perhaps foremost downside is the price of a typical tankless heater, which is at least 3 times more expensive than a traditional water heater. A tankless propane heater can also produce about five gallons of water for every minute, so there’s a good chance that hot water produced will not be enough especially if there are multiple appliances operating all at the same time. Thus users may have to schedule their laundry at a time when no one is using the shower.

However, with the continued rise of energy costs, it is expected that propane tankless water heaters will soon outnumber traditional water heaters. Most new models have also been manufactured to last longer, giving households and businesses a more practical solution to water heating.

A Look at Portable Propane Water Heaters

2010-04-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

Portable propane water heaters serve a variety of purposes. They provides hot water while outdoors specifically during out-of-town trips. They can also provide hot water while cleaning the car, washing pets, doing the laundry, cooking, cleaning, and pool heating. They can also be used indoors and in the patio especially when grilling. Since these are portable water heaters, they take little storage space. And because they only provide hot water when needed, portable propane heaters can give a lot of savings to its users.

There are many advantages of using a propane water heater than an electric water heater. First, it is a more inexpensive option than an electric water heater. It is also compact enough to be moved from one place to another. It is also more environment friendly since propane gas burns clearly and emits no odor or toxins when burned. Propane gas is also refillable, so there is no need to worry about running out of energy. It also costs less compared to other gas forms. Water temperature can be raised up to an average of 25 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the size and unit of the water heater.

However there are also some downsides to using portable propane water heaters. For one, it is susceptible to gas leaks. It is ideal to have an effective ventilation system when using a portable propane heater because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a by-product of propane heating. This is an odorless and tasteless gas that when inhaled can cause headache and nausea. It can also cause cardiovascular ailments and even death during prolonged exposure. Thus, having a carbon dioxide detector is needed when using portable propane water heaters.

There are numerous portable propane water heaters available in the market today. Some of these are made by reputable manufacturers like Coleman, Ecco, and LPG L5.

Propane Water Heaters -- The Most Economical Heating System

2010-04-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

Propane water heaters are undoubtedly versatile and efficient house utilities. With their help, daily tasks such as cleaning, bathing, and cooking can be done with ease and convenience. These heaters use propane gas to elevate the temperature of water. As the price of electricity continues to rise, more and more homeowners are switching to propane-powered water heaters. Replacing inefficient electrical heaters with a more efficient alternative will greatly help to cut down energy costs. Technically, the lifespan of water heaters is around 12 to 15 years but replacing them regularly is highly advised due to the constantly changing heating technology that considerably enhances the efficiency of newer models.

Economically speaking, a propane heater is certainly the best choice. Though costs of propane gas vary widely from one place to another, propane water heating systems still have much lower costs as compared to their electric counterparts. This is especially true to people living in the rural areas, where electricity cost is often very expensive. In fact, propane cost $20.47 per million BTUs of produced heat, whereas electricity cost $31.21 for the exact same amount of heat produced. This data was based on the survey conducted by the Department of Energy in 2007. Since then, prices of both electricity and propane have gone way up. However, the savings that propane gas offered remained the relatively same.

If you are looking for a green and efficient water heating unit, then the tankless propane water heaters would really be an interesting option. Using one is another great way to save money and energy. Tankless heaters may cost more upfront but you are guaranteed to enjoy bigger savings in the long run. This is because they are designed to only be used on an on-demand basis. It simply means that they won’t be constantly running to keep hot water in the tank. Instead, they will only heat the water when needed. However, like other systems, they also have their downsides. Tankless propane heaters would require more extensive venting, and they might struggle to deliver hot water when 2 or more sources need it. That being said, they are best suited for a single-person household, or for homeowners who are very much willing to stagger the use of hot water. The best thing about them is that they have a longer operating life that can last around 20 years (with proper care and maintenance, of course).

Therefore, if you are thinking of replacing your old, inefficient, and worn-out electric heaters, then the reliable and efficient propane water heaters are indeed the best way to go!

Essential Information About Copper Pipes

2010-04-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

Copper pipes are practically sold in two general types – the hard and soft variety. Both types come in an array of sizes, ranging from as small as ¼ inches up to as big as 2 inches. The size of the pipe that you need to acquire will immensely depend on their application. For instance, if you will use them for tub and shower supply lines, ½ inches copper pipes are the most suitable choice. But if they will be used for kitchen and bathroom taps, 3/8 inches pipes are highly recommended. Meanwhile, ¼ inches pipes are ideal for toilet supply lines. Remember that pipes with larges sizes are typically used for water supply connections.

Aside from the fact that they come in varying sizes, copper pipes are also available in 3 different thickness. Each of which is designed to satisfy a particular plumbing purpose. They are normally marked by letters so they can be easily differentiated from one another. On that note, the three types of copper pipes according to thickness include following:

Type M – These copper pipes are the most common type sold in the market today. Although they are relatively thin-walled, you are assured that they still meet standard building codes. In fact, they are widely used for creating water lines or connections for residential use. Type M copper pipes are marked with a red M lettering for easy identification.

Type K – This is perhaps the thickest type of copper pipe available. They are mainly used for running pipes from main water lines to a meter or underground water pipes . They are usually marked with an orange K lettering.

Type L – These are thicker walled copper pipes that are marked with a blue L lettering. They are normally utilized when making water connections in exposed areas.

Overall, copper pipes can certainly be used in almost all types of plumbing applications. But since they are available in different thickness and sizes, it is critical to determine your exact requirements.

4 Reasons Why You Should Use Brass Plumbing Fittings

2010-04-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

Brass fittings are a popular choice among many due to their numerous advantages. They are commonly used in many plumbing applications, whether for home or industrial use. With an impressive track record, they have already proven to be one of the most efficient types of metal fittings available today.

Brass is basically an alloy produced from copper and zinc. It has been widely used as a primary material in making pipe fittings. But like other types, they come in varying sizes and quality. That being said, careful consideration is necessary to find the most suitable option. Remember that choosing the right brass fitting will not only allow you to improve the overall efficiency of your water delivery system but this can also help to increase your home’s value.

To enlighten you as to why you should consider the use of brass fittings, here are 4 benefits that you’ll get to enjoy with their integration:

Ability to withstand high temperatures – Of all the possible options, brass fittings are the perfect choice to ensure efficient hot water distribution in your home. They offer superb conductivity, thereby, promoting an efficient hot water distribution system. Moreover, they have the remarkable ability to brace extremely high temperatures, hence, making them fire-resistant.

Versatility – Brass fitting can seamlessly blend with almost all types of plumbing applications, which gives them the edge over other types of metal fittings. Since they come in all shapes, widths, finishes, nd sizes, you will surely find one that will fit your exact specifications.

Ductility – As compared to iron and steel, brass fittings are much easier to shape, bend and mold. Hence, it will be much easier for you to integrate them inside your home. Additionally, their maintenance work is more manageable due to their unmatched flexibility.

Durability – Brass is undoubtedly a very sturdy material, which makes it perfect for all kinds of plumbing works. Pipe fittings made from brass are capable of providing years of quality service since they do not easily crack or disintegrate.

With the above mentioned advantages, by now, you should already be convinced that brass fittings is an excellent addition to your home.

Choosing a Shower Base That Works

2010-03-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

When designing or overhauling a bathroom, there are some things to consider in terms of what will be an enhancement. Unfortunately, after picking out a basin or tile flooring, even a medicine cabinet, a shower base tends to be ignored. Showers take daily abuse and even with a variety of materials to consider, many find it easier to choose the old standbys, acrylic or stone resin. Ceramic, copper, stainless steel, glass and even wood are valid options for a shower base. There are also a variety of shapes to consider and if space is an issue, it is best to maximize what is available. Maintenance is one other issue, especially if one is not inclined to scrub the shower every day.

Acrylic shower bases are durable, adjustable and inexpensive compared to other materials and easier to install. Stone resin is even more durable and when purchased in chic, traditional styles, may be a better choice dollar-wise in the long run. Stainless steel bases are an excellent for someone who is disabled and takes a shower while using a wheelchair. For materials such as wood, they are a bit more specific in style and may be best utilized in a particular decorative scheme. They also require a bit more care and cleaning, requiring an occasional rubbing with oils or some other coating for proper upkeep.

Shower base shapes can influence a purchase. In a smaller area, the pentangle shape, which has a corner missing is great for tight fits. Other popular choices are rectangular, square and even quadrant bases. Customized shapes are more expensive, but worth it if finances allow.

Take care in keeping in mind how the shower is to be used, how much daily care is needed, and how large or small the bathroom space is before making a decision. Bathroom style and decor are also big influences. Choose the shower base that works in each circumstance and all is well.

The Basics of Sewage Pumps

2010-03-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

I found a nice article that I wanted to share with the readers of this blog who might be interested in learning a little bit about how plumbers overcome gravity to move waste products. The article is called Sewage Pump Guide, and it is available on another major plumbing website that I've come to like. I would encourage you all to go check it out if you get a chance. That site also has information on several specific types of sewage pumps as well: grinder pumps, agitator pumps, ejector pumps, etc. It gives some nice background on each and if you are trying to decide which pump would be right for your particular situation I would encourage you to go ahead and read a few of those guides. If you are in the market to buy a sewage pump then I would highly recommend that you shop around and use some of the comparison sites that are available to consumers online. This can save you big money in the long run. OK short post today, I'm off to install my new pair of feng shui water fountains, I need some good karma!

Small Bathrooms: Selecting Bathtubs, Showers and Vanities

2010-02-05T06:45:00.000-08:00

Many people who live in smaller homes or apartments have to struggle finding furniture and fixtures that make their space more liveable. This is especially the case when it comes to small bathrooms. Since most bathrooms are built to accomadate standard bathroom fixtures, most manufacturers make common items like toilets, showers, and bathtubs in common sizes. For example the average size of a bathtub or shower bathtub combination is 5 feet in length. For someone whose bathroom is only 4 feet wide this creates a major problem. Fortunately there are many companies out there that have begun making custom bathroom fixtures to accomodate this exact situation. Small bathtubs, narrow vanities and many other fixtures are now readily available in many areas where living space is at a premium. Here are a couple tips for consumers looking to select a small bathtubs, small showers, and small vanities:

* Have an accurate measurement of your bathroom space.
* Stick to your budget.
* Get several estimates.
* Check references.

These are mostly common sense tips but it never hurts to be reminded of them. The key point is that you should be doing this everytime! Too often we know what to do but just don't actually put it into practice. So when you are looking for fixtures for your small bathroom, make sure you follow through!

Toilet Parts

2010-02-02T10:50:00.001-08:00

Anyone who is interested in learning about how a toilet is put together should go check out this post on Plumbing Point called Toilet Parts. They give a nice diagram that breaks the toilet down piece-by-piece. This is very useful information if you are interested in understanding how the various parts of a toilet work in conjunction with one-another. One thing that they didn't talk about in that post though is that there are several different layouts for toilets now-a-days. They give a breakdown of the classic ball float toilet but they don't ever mention the new attached float models. For those who are unfamiliar with toilet layout, old toilets used to have a ball that would float up and down to control when water should and shouldn't flow into the toilet tank. In current models they got rid of the black ball float. The float now usually comes attached to the overflow pipe and simply rises and falls as the water level changes. The concept of course is the exact same as the old toilet but they didn't mention this in that article so I thought I would point it out here. Otherwise though, their information is accurate and well said. This is my first time coming across the Plumbing Point site but I must say that from what I can see it looks like it could be a nice addition to the plumbing blog community. So if you want some more information on toilet parts, be sure to check out that link.

Acrylic Bathtubs

2010-02-02T06:57:00.001-08:00

Have you ever wondered how an acrylic bathtub is made? The process is very interesting actually and I wanted to take a few minutes and share some information on this process with you.

This post will be pretty short and to the point but I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about acrylic bathtubs. As always if you have any questions on this you can leave me a comment and I will respond as quickly as possible. If you need to install an acrylic bathtub or any other type of bathtub then please ask your questions in the comments as well.

Power Flush Toilet

2010-01-29T18:15:00.000-08:00

One of the new innovations in plumbing is the power flush toilet. Now the power flush toilet has several advantages over traditional toilets. I found a great video again from our friend Tony the plumber that goes over a little bit of information regarding power flush toilets. Now he will cover this in the video but just to give you a little idea, the power flush toilet is a luxury toilet. It has several automation's that make it use less water, perform better overall, and offer the home-owner several conveniences. A power flush toilet is certainly not for everyone but for those of you who like to have the latest and greatest you may definitely be interested in checking it out. OK now I will hand the floor over to our friend Tony.

How did you like the video? Was it helpful, informative, entertaining? I liked it(obviously) and I hope that you found some of the information helpful. Stay tuned for more posts and videos coming soon.

Hiring a Plumber: Tips

2010-01-22T13:18:00.000-08:00

In today's post I would like to revisit some of the points that I made a while back in the post Selecting the Right Plumber. I found a great video that I think could really expand on some of the things that I mentioned in that post and in a lot of ways cover a few new things as well. This video features a couple of master plumbers who I really think are honest guys. Not everyone in the plumbing business is a saint and these guys will help you make sure that when it comes time for you to spend your money you do so with a company that is solid. Here is the video:

I hope you were able to build your arsenal as a consumer after watching that video. You see folks the key to this is going into the situation informed. If you are ignorant then you are essentially asking for someone to take advantage of you. If you come across as knowledgeable and informed you are going to help yourself out big time in the long run. That's all for now I hope you all have a great weekend and remember to take some time and enjoy your life!

Sweating Copper Pipes

2010-01-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

One of the most common tasks that a plumber will perform is sweating copper pipes. Now what exactly does that mean? Copper pipes are certainly not mammals so the concept of sweating seems a little odd to be associate with pipes. Well we in the plumbing world refer to sweating when it comes to a part of the procedure that is used when two cooper pipes are joined together. Now for home plumbers or what I like to call weekend warriors, this is a technique that must be mastered if you want to do any kind of serious plumbing. Basics of PVC and CPVC aren't usually as difficult to master as some of the more advanced techniques used when dealing with copper. So when would you use copper and when would you use cpvc? Well that is a question that a will probably have to devote an entire series of blog posts to but since it popped in my head as I was typing out this blog I'll leave it here as a reminder that that is a great topic for a series of posts. OK I know I have digressed(as I am well-known to do) but back to sweating copper pipes. OK I found a great video on youtube that I think really does a great job of explaining this process. The video is straight-forward and should be easy to understand even for a beginner. Now the plumber in the video is a guy by the name of Big Tony and he knows his stuff. What a great name by the way for a plumber, Big Tony, I love it. Ok enough rambling let me go ahead and give you the video so you can actually learn something useful today. Here it is:

Selecting the Right Plumber

2010-01-11T11:26:00.001-08:00

When the time comes where you need to select a plumber to perform a repair in your home you need to be ready to ask the right questions to make sure that you do not get ripped off. Here are a few simple tips that can help any home-owner make an informed decision when they are the position to hire a plumber.

1. Make sure the plumber is licensed. This is a big one. Far too often local handymen pass themselves off as plumbers and hiring one of these amateurs can cost you lots of money in the long run. If a plumber is licensed this means he or she has gone through the rigorous task of obtaining master plumber certification. This is no easy task and requires an in depth knowledge of all of the science involved in plumbing. Anyone who is licensed at one point or another really knew their stuff! Making sure the plumber you hire is licensed can help you out big time.
2. Check references. Any plumber worth his plunger will have at least a dozen local references that they can provide to let you know the type of work that they do. Without references, a plumber is basically saying, "Hey can you pay me for some on-the-job training?". Needless to say when it comes to your home you don't want to take this chance. Check those references!
3. Check Plumber Review Sites. In many cities all across the country there are websites devoted to rating and reviewing local plumbers. Sites like Atlanta Plumbers Online offer unbiased local reviews of plumbing companies in Atlanta. In addition to Atlanta, that site also services the large Atlanta suburbs offering reviews for plumbers in Marietta and plumbers in Alpharetta as well. Look for review sites in your area as a way to have a little unbiased information.

These tips and many more can help you save on plumbing expenses in the long run.

Toilet Repair

2010-01-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

One of the most common problems that many homeowners will face is a problem toilet. There are lots of ways that toilets can fail but if you understand some basic fundamentals of how a toilet operates you will be able to solve these problems very quickly. First of all let's go over the basics of how a toilet operates. Essentially the toilet functions by using gravity and water pressure to force the flow of water(and waste in the water) down a specific path. With this in mind you can see why the toilet has a basin that is filled with water and a valve on the bottom that prevents water from leaking out. Once you flush the toilet this valve is released and then gravity along with pressure forces the water and waste down the waste line. Once the water vacates the basin of the toilet there is a pressure differential created and with the aid of gravity water begins to flow from the tank in the rear of the toilet into the basin of the toilet. Once the water leaves the tank it then must be replaced with new water that comes from the water supply line. This process repeats every time the toilet is flushed. So now that you have a few basics of how a toilet operates let's check out a couple of videos that will help you repair common toilet problems.

These are solid videos that do a good job of explaining the step-by-step process that most plumbers use when repairing a toilet.

These are just a few samples, you can check out youtube for many more examples of how to repair your broken toilet. We will make more detailed posts in the future that target specific toilet problems and give more step-by-step instructions on those repairs specifically.

2010-01-05T08:59:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Plumbing Planet blog. This blog is designed to be a helpful resource for both home-owners, plumbers, and companies that do business in the plumbing industry. I hope that you find this blog helpful, the resources are all available free of charge and feedback is definitely appreciated. This blog will attempt to have all of the following:

* Interviews with Plumbing Companies
* Plumbing Tips for Home-Owners
* Reviews of New Plumbing Equipment and tools
* Resources for obtaining a commercial plumbing license
* Help for people trying to pass the master plumber's exam
* Ratings and Reviews of local plumbers
* Consumer advocacy information
* New Plumbing technologies
* New Plumber Magazines and Trade shows.
* Much More!

The name of this site says it all. This is Plumbing Planet! We will specialize in plumbing, plumbing and more plumbing! With your help we will make Plumbing Planet the very best plumbing resource available on the entire internet! Wow, that is a heck of a goal but we can do it. If you know of any great resources that should be included on this site please leave a comment with a link and we'll be sure to get that info posted as soon as possible. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you find some very useful information and resources for your plumbing needs!