9 Basic Plumbing Tools Plumbers Use

There are basic plumbing tools commonly used by plumbers. These tools are not heavy equipment but are manual tools used in simple plumbing repairs.

Metal File

A metal file is used to smooth out rough edges of the metal pipe after cutting. The rough edges may cause accidents, so it is smoothed out using a metal file. If your nail has a nail file, then the metal has its own file.

Channel Locks

Do you know tongue or groove pliers? Then you know channel locks. Those 3 are the same. Some people use channel locks instead of pipe wrenches. It can either be used to stabilize the pipe or to unscrew it.

Basin Wrench

A basin wrench is a handy tool in repairing or replacing old faucets. It is self-tightening making it easier to use. Most professional plumber use professional-grade models because it has a telescoping shank at 90-degree position, which helps for greater accuracy.

Pipe Wrench

A pipe wrench is an iconic tool used by plumbers all over the world. It has been around since plumbing was discovered, pretty much long enough to be an icon. It is a tool that can be used for different applications. For pipes close to the wall, an end pipe wrench is used. For seized joints, compound leverage is used. For odd angles and tight spaces, an offset pipe wrench can be used. A pipe wrench is not only one type, but there are also different types of pipe wrenches for different uses. Each type of pipe wrench comes in different sizes for more efficient and comfortable use.

An expert plumber like the pipe repair Sarasota, FL service provider certainly has all these tools mentioned above, and all the tools to be mentioned below. Remember: For plumbing problems, it is important to call an expert in this field.

Hose Cutter

Not the same as the name implies a hose cutter is not used to cut a hose. It is used to cut copper tubing into different sizes and shapes.

Hole Saw

Unlike the hose cutter, the hole saw functions just like its name. A hole saw is used by plumbers to cut holes in concrete, wood, and masonry. This is done when pipes are needed to get through a wall or the likes of it.

Rib-Join Pliers

Plumbing involves turning bolts, nuts, fittings, and even pipes. This is the function of rib-join pliers. This is also used as a gripper.

Drain Augers

Drain augers are what we commonly known as snakes. If your plunger cannot solve your problem, the auger is needed. It is a coiled-up metal cable with a crank. It rotates and pushes the cable to remove clogs.

Fire-Resistant Cloth

Before doing any plumbing repairs and installations, safety should be a priority. A fire-resistant cloth is used when soldering iron and other metals to protect combustible surfaces nearby from igniting, which can cause fire and damages.

Flexible Copper Pipe and Galvanized Steel Pipe Explained

Copper and Steel

Let us first find out what is copper and what is steel before we talk about flexible copper pipe and galvanized steel pipe. In this way, we can better understand both pipes.

Copper

During school days, we found out through our chemistry subject that copper is a chemical element. In the periodic table, it has the symbol Cu with atomic number 29. It is a soft ductile metal that has high thermal and electrical conductivity. Since it has high conductivity, copper is used in electrical equipment like wiring and motors. Copper corrodes slowly, so it is used in roofs and in gutters. It is also used as rain spouts on structures like homes and buildings. Some cookware and utensils are made of copper. In plumbing, copper is also used as pipes.

Steel

An alloy of iron and carbon is what we call steel. Steel has high tensile strength at a low cost. Because of its strength, it is used as a major component in constructing infrastructures, buildings, vehicles, machines, weapons, and appliances. It is also used in constructing roads, bridges, and railways. High buildings are supported by a steel skeleton. The base metal found in steel is iron. When it comes to galvanized, galvanized metal is used in construction while pipes made with galvanized steel are used in plumbing.

Before I start with the simplest and most comprehensive explanation regarding the two different pipes, let me remind you that when it comes to plumbing you should ask an expert plumber like the plumber in Colorado Springs, CO. A professional plumber knows everything about plumbing, especially pipes.

Flexible Copper Pipe and Galvanized Steel Pipe

Now that you know the difference between copper and steel, it will be easier to know the difference between these 2 pipes.

Flexible Copper Pipe

Flexible copper pipe are not for main water supplies and not even for drainage. This type of pipe can only travel short distances. They are used as the final pipeline connected to fixtures and appliances. This type of pipe, as the name implies, is very flexible. It is very tolerant of high heat, which makes them a good candidate to be used in water heaters and boilers.

Copper pipes can be costly, which makes DIY enthusiast deter from using them. This type of pipe requires maintenance since it has a thin wall prone to breaking.

Galvanized Steel Pipe

A long time ago, for more than 30 years, the galvanized steel pipe has been in use to too many households. It is probably the strongest type of pipe. It can withstand high temperatures from inside and outside. Galvanized steel pipe is made of steel covered with zinc. The zinc helps to increase the life expectancy of the pipe. It is made more resistant to any corrosion and deposits because of zinc treatment.

Although this type of pipe is considered safe for transporting water, potential health risks must be put in mind. If the acidity of the water supply is high, it can corrode the zinc coat in the pipe; thus, posing a health risk.

Signs Your Faucet Need a Repair or Replacement

A faucet is a plumbing fixture in which the water comes out from a pipe. We all know what faucet is. We use it every day for cooking, cleaning, and even for drinking tap water. It is important to keep faucets functional because it controls the flow or release of water.

Faucet, no matter how durable might be, will always come to an end. Sometimes it may need a repair and sometimes a replacement. Find out the signs that your faucet needs a repair or a replacement.

Screeching Sounds

When you turn on your faucet do you hear a screeching sound? If this is what is happening to your faucet right now, you should have it checked for possible repair or replacement. A screeching sound is a sign that there is something wrong with your faucet.

Inconsistent Water Streams

The stream of water coming out of your faucet should be consistent. If the stream changes, there is a possible problem occurring in your faucet. Plumbers can easily spot this type of problem. A plumber in Phoenix, AZ installs new, repairs old, and replaces broken faucets. According to plumbers, the faucet should be replaced when needed to avoid interruption and problems with your usage.

Squeaky Handles

Did you think only rats can be squeaky? Faucet handles can be squeaky too, sometimes. If you have a squeaky handle in your faucet, do not wait for bigger problems. It could break anytime and will cause water to flood in your place. Make sure to have it checked by experts.

Low Pressure or No Water at All

This issue is not only applicable to pipes. In my previous posts, I have talked about signs your pipes, drain, and sewers need a repair. This sign is present in all those. However, faucets should be checked too if this sign occurs. There are times when the problem of low water pressure does not come from the supply or the pipes. It may be due to a problem with the faucet. So, make sure to have it checked by a professional plumber.

Irregular Temperatures

Irregular temperatures are not only a problem with the water heater. It is important to check the fixtures, like the faucet. The faucet is where the end is. Meaning, from the supply to the pipes then to your faucet, you can use the water. So, in order to keep your water flow smoothly, faucets must also be checked.

For signs like the mentioned above, you should consider a faucet repair or replacement.

Air Conditioning and Plumbing Services from an AC Contractor and Plumber

Our house is the place where we relax after the entire day at work. For those working out from home, we always wanted to go home after a stressful day. The saying “there is no place like home” is a reality.

However, there are times when we encounter problems at home. Some problems may include our plumbing systems or our AC systems. Good thing there is always a professional for each problem. If you happen to encounter problems from both your home AC and your plumbing, it is always good to contact an AC contractor and plumber. They certainly know what to do.

Now, what are the services you can expect an AC contractor and plumber offers? Here are the plumbing and air conditioning services you can expect from them:

Plumbing Services

Let us start first with the plumbing services before we proceed to the air conditioning services.

General Plumbing

General plumbing includes the installation of fixtures and different plumbing repairs. Fixtures include sinks, tubs, faucets, showers, toilets, and other fixtures connected to our plumbing system.

Drain Cleaning

To keep your drain working fine, without blockage and clogs, a plumber provides drain cleaning service. Plumbers remove clogs and residue to keep the flow of drains running well.

Sewer Repair

Did you ever experience sewage back up? If not, just imagine if you have one. It is probably the most annoying thing when it comes to plumbing problems. It is not only a hassle but it also poses a risk to our health. This is the reason why plumbers offer sewer repair. Thanks to them.

Water Heater Repair

Most families, if not all, cannot live without hot water. If your water is not giving you the right temperature of hot water, plumbers can provide an inspection and solution to the problem.

Water Leak Repair

Any plumbing leaks? Look no further but to the experts. Professional plumbers can handle any pipe leaks to avoid bursting and having to replace it entirely.

Air Conditioning Services

You have read above the plumbing services offered by plumbers, now it is time to learn the different air conditioning services an AC contractor offers.

Note: For all these problems, you may check out plumber in Sarasota, FL for details on AC and plumbing.

Blow-In Insulation

For your AC system to work more efficiently, you need better insulation at home. AC contractors offer blow-in insulation for your attic space to keep the distribution of insulation at home balance.

Air Conditioner Services

It is important that an AC contractor knows how to repair an air conditioner. It is even more important for them to know how to repair different types of different brands. Air conditioner services include repair, installation, and maintenance of air conditioners. A good AC contractor can provide you all these 3 ac services. Choose an AC contractor that also allows emergency AC repair for times where there are emergencies with your air conditioner.

Duct Cleaning

Keep your indoor air fresh, clean, and smelling good with duct cleaning service. This service does not only clear dust but different harmful contaminants as well.

You can get both air conditioning services and plumbing services from an AC contractor and plumber. Choose a reliable one to do the job for your home.

What Services You Can Expect from a Professional Plumber?

Plumbers play an important role in keeping the health of our water system through their maintenance. They also make sure that waters are delivered into different parts of our home safe and without hassle.

Now, what are the services you can expect from a plumber? Below are the most common services professional plumbers provide.

24/7 Emergency Service

Admit it, there are plumbing needs that sometimes happen in times where it is not convenient. It can happen at midnight or even at dawn. What are these plumbing emergencies? It could be burst pipes, clogged and overflowing toilets, and other plumbing needs that must be taken care of right away. This is the best thing about plumbers that provide 24/7 emergency service. You can be assured that there is always someone to fix your problem at any time of the day.

Professional plumbers like the plumber in San Fernando Valley, CA provide these services. Residents are confident to call them any time because there will always be a reliable plumber to respond to plumbing emergencies.

Clogged Drain & Hydro-Jetting

A clogged drain is one of the services professional plumbers provide. This is mostly fixed through hydro jetting. Hydro jetting is the process of using high-pressure water to wash away blockages and clogs. It also washes along with the residue that sticks to the wall inside the pipe. This method provides a long solution to clogging. You can be sure that once your pipes have undergone hydro jetting, it will take you a long time before you get another clogged drain.

Sewer Line Repair & Sewer Camera Inspection

Sewers are areas that are hard to reach. With today’s technology, professional plumbers use a sewer camera to inspect the lines to the sewer. It records everything and makes it easy for plumbers to spot the real problem. This way, it will be easy to create a plan and a solution to repair the sewer line. This method is a precise way of fixing sewer lines.

Water Leaks Repair

Water leaks are plumbing problems that need an immediate solution. Small leaks may not make you panic. However, if left unrepaired, small leaks can result to burst pipes. I am sure you don’t want that to happen. A professional plumber offers solution to this kind of problem.

Repiping Services

Repiping is mostly done on old pipes. It is also done on pipes wherein a larger capacity is needed, that is why repiping is necessary. A professional plumber can surely provide you with a solution to your pipe problem.

Gas Lines

Gas lines are services plumbers offer. It can either be installation or repair. If your house smell of gas, please get out immediately and avoid any activity that can ignite a fire. Call a professional plumber to fix your problem on gas leaks.

Water Heaters

Water heaters are needed especially when it is cold outside. There are times that the water heater cannot provide enough hot water. With this type of problem, you should call a plumber to inspect your water heater for possible problems. If your water heater leaks, turn off the water and call a professional plumber right away.

List of Plumbing Fixtures Every Home Must Have

We all know that a water system works with pipes, drain, and sewer. The water system brings water to our home through the pipes, which we use through the plumbing fixtures.

Here are the common plumbing fixtures your home needs:

Kitchen Faucets

This plumbing fixture is by far the most basic one. All homes have faucets; in the kitchen, in the bathroom, and even on the yards and garage.

Water Heaters

In countries where there are times that it snows, water heaters are important. It helps in keeping the water warm during cold days. It also helps in calming the body after a long day at work.

Laundry Tubs

We all have dirty laundry unless you don’t wear any clothes. We all need laundry tubs to wash our clothes, which make it an essential fixture at home.

Toilets & Urinals

Releasing our body’s waste requires toilets. For men, urinals are the option to use in peeing instead of the toilet. However, not all homes have urinals. Men and women alike share the same toilet in peeing, which is a bit unhygienic especially if you are living with someone who does not wash the toilet properly. Professional plumber in Bloomfield Hills, MI suggests having a urinal installed at home, for men and women to use separately. This way, it is hygienic and can even be installed in separate rooms.

Sump Pumps

To keep the basement and undergrounds free from water, especially flood and rainwater, it is important to have a sump pump functioning well. This plumbing fixture is important to be installed at home.

Tubs & Showers

The hot water for the bath is good for relaxing in tubs. Showers and tubs are the everyday partners to clean ourselves before and after work.

Kitchen Sinks

Washing the vegetables and even dishes is done in kitchen sinks. You can’t call it a kitchen without a kitchen sink. Imagine, you bought an apple but you have to bring it to the bathroom for a wash. That would be too awkward and unhygienic. So, it is really important to have a kitchen sink. And by the way, I have not seen a house without a kitchen sink in my life. Well, to be honest, there are some who use cement as a sink instead of buying a stainless steel one. But still, it is a sink.

Lavatory Faucet

This faucet is very useful and is a hygienic way of washing your face and gurgling after brushing your teeth. I have seen a few of my friends who use the kitchen sink to brush their teeth. Please do not do this.

What a Trusted Plumber can Offer?

We all, at some point in our lives, experience plumbing issues. Sometimes, this can get out of hand that we may need a plumber. The question is, “What does a trusted plumber offer?”.

A trusted plumber offers complete services with satisfaction guaranteed. They are confident that they can do the job in the most minimal time required and in the most efficient way. It aims in providing different services to suit different customers with different plumbing problems.

The following is a list of services a trusted plumber can provide confidently:

General Plumbing – This includes leaky faucets, running toilets, jammed garbage disposals, etc.

Water Heater Repair – This service does not only repair not functioning water heater but also includes maintenance and installation of new water heaters.

Sump Pumps – If you have water in low-level areas of your home, you may request for sump pump service. You may also have your sump pumps repaired or even ask for a new installation.

Appliance Installation – If you have a new appliance, you may ask a trusted plumber to install it for you especially if it deals with gas.

Hydro Jetting – Plumbers clear out all blockages and clogs with hydro jetting method. According to a trusted plumber in Kansas City, MO, this process involves using high-pressure water to wash up clogs and residue on pipes.

Frozen Pipes – Plumbers advise to keep faucets open, small drip, to relieve pressure on frozen pipes.

Garbage Disposals – If you have problems with garbage disposals, a trusted plumber can solve it. They also provide installation and repair.

Repiping – Repiping is the solution offered by plumbers when your pipes are too old or damaged. A trusted plumber makes sure floors and walls are protected since repiping requires full home access.

Water Filtration – A reliable plumber makes sure your water supply is safe and drinkable. Installing a water filter allows the separation of minerals from sediments and makes the water safe for drinking.

Drain Cleaning – A professional plumber can provide routine drain cleaning. You can ask them for the maintenance cleaning of your drains to avoid clogs. It keeps the pipe healthy and functional.

Pipe Leak Repair – Avoid high water bills that you did not consume. Leaks cause addition to your water bill, which may add up and grow bigger in time. A trusted plumber can track where the leaks are and will provide you with the right solution.

Note: A trusted plumbing company can provide the plumbing services at the highest quality at most competitive rates within the industry.

How to Take Care of Water Pipes

Water pipes play a very important role in supplying your home with water, and in the disposal of garbage and wastes. Fully functioning water pipes will lead to a fully functioning water system, given that all water fixtures are in good condition too. So, it is important to take of water pipes to avoid problems with the water system that may lead to costly and unsafe incidents.

Why Do Pipes Need to be Taken Care Of?

As I have said in the first paragraph, pipes are very significant for the supply and the dispose chain in your water system. However, there are factors that affect the health of pipes. Winter, specifically, may cause pipes to freeze and break. It is important to know how to take care of pipes to avoid this type of incident.

What can You Do to Keep Pipes in Good Shape?

Check the following tips and your pipe will thank you later.

Checking Pipes for Leak

Look for signs of a leak in your pipes. Knowing there is a leak at an early stage helps in preventing more damage. Here are the signs of a leak:

wet spots
series of high water bills
nonstop running of the water meter
cracks on home’s foundation
formation of mold and mildew
musty smell especially on basements and bathrooms

If you spot these signs, it is better to call a professional plumber to rule out and fix the problem.

Plumbing Maintenance from Professional

Register for maintenance on your plumbing system. Your pipes will thank you if it will be checked regularly by professionals. Having it checked regularly, according to a professional plumber in Stamford, CT, will make your pipe last longer. It also helps in preventing more damages and more costly repairs.

Draining Excess Water from Pipes

Can you feel the cold breeze? If winter is coming, you should prepare your pipes. Make sure you drain your pipes from excess water before leaving it. How? Turn off the main switch valve then open your faucets. All excess water in the pipes will be drained.

Leaving water inside the pipe during winter can be a culprit for the pipe to freeze. First, water easily freezes. If water is present stagnant, it will freeze and will cause the pipe to freeze too and break.

Weatherproofing Troubled Areas

Exposed areas where your pipelines are located can lead to freezing. Make sure to fix windows, doorways, and other areas that have your pipelines. Caulking can help to prevent it from freezing.

Sharing the Heat with Your Pipes

You might be too focused on the outdoor aspect of your plumbing. Do not forget that indoor water lines can freeze too. Make sure lines along the cabinet can share the heat from your HVAC. Open your cabinets where pipelines flow to share with them some heat.

Note: You can do DIY on plumbing, but do not be overconfident with DIY. Make sure a professional plumber checks everything for it to work efficiently and safely.

What to do in an Emergency Plumbing situation?

What if you went home one day from work and found out that your bathroom is flooded or your plumbing system is clogged and not working well?

What do you think is the best thing to do to get the problem taken care of in the quickest way possible? Handle the problem alone? Or call a professional plumber? Now before you panic, remember to stay calm and control yourself before anything dangerous can happen to you.

The first thing that you must do is to turn off the main water supply and make sure that everything is shut off. After doing the action above, call your trusted plumber for an immediate response. Go online or through the internet or call a local plumber in your area and let them know what the problem is and how serious it is. Right after telling your plumber what the situation is, ask him to come right away and if possible, ask him an estimate of the cost you will be needing.

Knowing who to call in that kind of situation is an advantage because you won’t have to wait for a long time to get a response. You must have a contact number of your trusted plumbing service specialist to save you some time and money.

So don’t wait before you become a victim of the plumbing problem. Always be prepared for worse scenarios and do not compromise. Reach out to the plumber who will give you the best services that you needed and will charge you justly and appropriately.