Category: Plumber

The Importance of Plumbing

Plumbing is essential in the construction of homes, buildings and commercial spaces. It ensures that there is an adequate supply of potable water and a means to get rid of waste.

The basic principles of plumbing are gravity and pressure. It also involves the use of pipes, valves, fixtures and tanks. Contact Holmes Plumbing and Drain now!

The water supply is the infrastructure for the collection, transmission, treatment, storage, and distribution of drinking water and water used in commercial establishments, industry, irrigation, thermoelectric power generation, mining and other agricultural activities, and public uses such as street washing and fire fighting. The water is typically obtained from surface sources such as lakes and rivers, or groundwater sources such as wells.

Increasingly, the supply of water has become a political issue due to climate change-induced shifts in precipitation patterns and increased recognition that taking too much water from rivers and streams damages aquatic ecosystems. This has resulted in a growing emphasis on capturing rainwater to avoid relying on piping in water from long distances.

A wide variety of institutions have responsibilities in the area of water supply, including municipal governments, regional governments and government agencies, state departments of environmental protection, utilities companies, private businesses, and nongovernmental organizations. The water supply is a vital service and can be delivered in various ways, depending on local conditions.

Public water-supply systems generally operate as utilities. They collect data on water-supply withdrawals from their sources, and on the delivery of water to their customers. This information is normally reported to State regulatory agencies, and a State’s department of public health may also be involved. The information that is available on these services varies from State to State, but typical data include the rate of water-supply withdrawals, deliveries to other public water suppliers (wholesale), and deliveries to domestic, commercial, industrial, thermoelectric, and irrigation users (retail), and estimated unaccounted for use.

The distribution network is normally pressurized, to ensure that all parts of the network receive a sufficient flow and that water reaches them without being lost in pipes or otherwise wasted. The system is typically designed to optimize operational performance, with respect to pumping costs and pressure losses, using pipe network analysis methods.

Distribution networks are often constructed in a gridiron or circular (ring) arrangement. This allows for a large number of water outlets and permits the replacement of any isolated section of the network without disrupting all other consumers.

Drainage

Drainage is the process of taking away waste water and sewage from your home. All drainage pipes are angled downwards to make use of gravity to constantly carry wastewater towards the sewer line, where it eventually ends up at a local sewage treatment plant or septic tank.

There are different types of drains for each fixture in your home. For example, kitchen sinks have open drains that allow food particles to wash down the drain while bath and shower drains have a P-shaped trap that holds back soap scum and other solid matter. The drainage system also includes venting piping, which allows air to circulate through the drains and prevent them from becoming clogged by solid matter or excessive pressure.

The drainage system also includes gutters and surface water drains that take in rainwater for reuse or direct it to rivers, beaches and lakes. It’s important to have separate drainage systems for rainwater and wastewater, as mixing the two can cause significant environmental damage.

If you’re having plumbing issues, like a leaky pipe or a clogged drain, it’s important to find a plumber who is familiar with your type of plumbing system. An experienced plumber will be able to diagnose the issue and fix it quickly and efficiently, so you don’t have to deal with the consequences of a damaged or malfunctioning drainage system for too long.

All drain pipes should be designed and installed to ensure they can withstand the load of a building, as well as meeting basic hygienic design principles. For instance, gully bodies should be located as close to trafficked floor areas as possible, and their size should be based on their anticipated volume, cleaning regime and bacterial reservoir capacity. In addition, the choice of drain materials should be based on the structural and operating characteristics of each. The use of corrosive or acidic chemicals should be minimized as they can erode the insides of drain pipes and increase their risk of corrosion and deterioration. For more information on drains and their connections, read our Plumbing Guide. You can also check your drains for misconnections by downloading, distributing or printing our Drainage Misconnections Leaflet.

Waste Disposal

Waste disposal is the process of removing, discarding or recycling unwanted materials. It is important to dispose of waste correctly because it can pollute the environment and cause health problems for people. Improper disposal methods can lead to water, soil and air pollution. These include open burning, which can emit toxic fumes and smoke, and dumping waste into rivers or land depressions. These practices can also result in harmful chemicals leaking into groundwater and surface water sources.

Sanitary landfills are pits with impermeable synthetic bottom liners where garbage is separated from the rest of the environment. Another common method is incineration, which involves combusting solid organic waste to produce energy and ash. This reduces the volume of waste by 80 to 95 percent. However, it produces carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, which contribute to global warming.

Liquid waste disposal is more difficult than solid waste, because liquids can seep into the earth and contaminate groundwater and surface water sources. This can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and heavy metal poisoning, depending on the composition of the waste. Ideally, liquid waste should be disposed of in designated areas far away from residential homes. This is because the chemicals in the waste can contaminate drinking water supplies and make people ill.

Despite the benefits of proper waste disposal, many companies are reluctant to implement these procedures. They often fear the cost and public relations implications of having to pay for disposal services. However, a company that invests in waste disposal can save money by eliminating the need for costly cleanups and repairs caused by hazardous wastes.

In addition, companies that use waste disposal methods that reduce the volume of waste can lower their insurance costs. They can also benefit from the tax deductions and other incentives that are offered by the government.

Moreover, the benefits of waste disposal are even greater for businesses that operate industrial plants and have a large amount of contaminated debris to dispose of. These businesses can benefit from the waste reduction and disposal strategies used by municipal governments.

Sanitation

Sanitation involves the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of human excreta (feces) and wastewater and preventing direct contact between people and this waste. Sanitation technologies may involve centralized civil engineering structures like sewer systems, sewage treatment plants and solid waste landfills or they may be relatively simple onsite sanitation systems such as pit latrines, ventilated-improved pit latrines, septic tanks and composite toilets.

In the latter case, sanitary facilities connect to fecal sludge management systems where fecal sludge is either treated on site or transported offsite for treatment. The term sanitation is often used synonymously with water supply, but proper sanitation requires all four of these components – piped drinking water, wastewater, drainage and solid waste management.

To ensure that a plant is adequately cleaned and sanitized, it is important to have written procedures for each task in the operation. These should be clearly explained to all workers and emphasized during training. Also, material safety data sheets must be available for all cleaners and sanitizers. Finally, all areas and equipment must be thoroughly rinsed with clean, potable water before use. This rinse is followed by a sanitizing solution to reduce the number of microorganisms present or hidden on surfaces. This process should be repeated on a regular basis to ensure that all contaminants are controlled.

How to Install Water Heaters

Denver Water Heaters are the most significant appliances in your home. It ensures you have hot water for bathing, cooking, washing dishes, and other household chores.

With a potent company motto and unwavering brand promise, it has carved a niche for itself in the world of water heater manufacturers. Their commitment to crafting products that seamlessly amalgamate user convenience, safety, and energy efficiency resonates with today’s discerning consumers.

 Water Heaters

The cost of installing or replacing a water heater depends on several factors, including the type of unit and fuel source. The location of the unit also affects costs. For example, placing a tank water heater closer to hot water usage points can reduce energy costs by minimizing piping heat loss. It can also shorten the time needed for the hot water to reach the fixtures, reducing the need for recirculation loops and pumps.

Water heaters consume about 18 percent of a home’s energy, so choosing an efficient model can significantly lower utility costs. Energy-efficient models also offer significant environmental benefits. Considering these savings, a newer model may pay for itself in less than 10 years.

Besides selecting the right size, homeowners should consider the price of energy to operate the unit. Gas water heaters are typically more expensive to run than electric units, but the higher initial purchase cost can be offset by lower energy bills. In addition, gas tanks can suffer from “standby losses,” which occur when the temperature in the tank is maintained even when the faucets are turned off.

Electric water heaters use less electricity, but they take longer to heat up. They can also cost more to install than gas units, especially if the homeowner needs to add a new electrical circuit or a dedicated water line.

Upgrading a gas water heater to a propane model is a more costly option. This usually requires a plumber to upgrade the gas line, as well as a plumber and electrician to add a new circuit and wiring.

Many states require a permit before starting work on plumbing and electrical projects, which can add to the total cost of the project. This is true of a water heater installation, and local code requirements should be taken into consideration.

The installation and replacement costs of a water heater depend on several factors, including the unit’s type, size, fuel type, brand, and venting system. Some installers have a flat rate for the entire job, while others bill by the hour. In general, hiring a plumber can cost $50 to $150 per hour.

Water heaters use the second most energy in the home, second only to heating and cooling. They burn fossil fuels and produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Energy-efficient water heaters reduce household energy consumption and help reduce utility bills.

Traditional water heaters with storage tanks use a lot of energy to keep water hot. When the tank empties, it takes time for the water heater to resupply it with fresh hot water. Inefficient models can waste up to 30% of the energy they consume. Newer, more efficient water heaters cut this energy use.

The most efficient water heaters are gas-fired, with a low energy factor and an insulated tank. These models use less energy than older models and have a lower water temperature rise than their non-efficient counterparts. In general, look for ENERGY STAR® models with a thermal efficiency of 0.67 or higher (based on assumed usage of 64 gallons per day).

An insulated water heater and pipe insulation blankets reduce heat loss from your water heating system. They can reduce energy consumption by up to 20%.

Water heaters can also lose energy as they heat up, as they cool down and when hot water runs through pipes in your home. Energy losses from these activities account for a significant portion of your energy bill. To minimize wasted energy, look for a low standby loss factor and a high recovery efficiency.

Electric demand water heaters use much less energy than conventional storage tank units. However, they require a large electrical load and may not be appropriate for homes without sufficient wiring capacity. Look for a model with a modulating temperature control that matches hot water use to available power.

A small electric demand unit makes sense in an addition or remote part of the house. This can eliminate heat losses through hot water pipes in those areas. Look for a unit with a low temperature rise and flow rate, as well as a small electric load requirement (kW) to ensure your wiring can handle the load. Until industry-standard specifications are established, it will be difficult to directly compare the performance of different models.

The water heater is a large, hot metal box that’s usually located in the basement or garage. It has inlets and outlets that allow it to move water around your home, a thermostat to monitor its temperature, and a pressure relief valve to ensure that it doesn’t produce unsafe levels of pressure. It’s important that your tank is sized correctly for your home, and you regularly perform maintenance to keep it in good condition.

Water heaters are typically flammable and should not be kept near combustible items, such as paint cans, gasoline containers, oil-soaked fabrics, and garbage. If a leak occurs and gas fumes come into contact with these materials, they could ignite and create a fire breakout that could spread throughout your entire home.

In addition, it’s essential to keep the area surrounding your water heater free of clutter and combustible materials to reduce fire risks and help ensure proper ventilation. Clutter may also obstruct the pilot light, causing it to malfunction or even explode, which could pose serious health risks. It’s also a good idea to check the pressure valve on your water heater on a regular basis to ensure that it’s working properly and that it isn’t overpressurized.

Lastly, be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and place them near your water heater to keep an eye out for dangerous CO fumes. They can warn you of these odorless, colorless gases before they can cause an accident or kill someone.

A lot of people aren’t aware that they need to drain and flush their water heaters every six months to prevent sediment buildup, which can lead to leaks. Many also aren’t familiar with the hazards of hydrogen gas, which can accumulate inside an electrically heated water heater if it goes inactive for two weeks or more. In this case, a professional should be contacted to drain the system and vent it properly so that the flammable gas doesn’t leak into your home. Similarly, your home’s ventilation system should be inspected to make sure that it isn’t leaking or blocking the water heater.

If your water heater is nearing the end of its life, it may be time to replace it. The installation process is fairly simple for those with plumbing and electrical skills. However, it’s important to check local building codes and have proper tools for the job. The first step is to disconnect the existing unit. Attach a hose to the drain valve and connect it to a floor drain or outdoor vent. Allow the old tank to drain completely before removing it. Be sure to wear protective clothing when working with hot water. You’ll also need copper tubing, pipe cutters, and soldering equipment. Then, connect the new water heater to its gas and electric lines. If you’re using a natural gas model, make sure the valve is open and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting a temperature and pressure relief valve. Before connecting the new pipes, be sure to purge air from both the unit and the home’s plumbing system by opening several hot water outlets.

Once the plumbing is connected, you can start hooking up the power. Make sure the circuit breaker is turned off and use a volt meter to check that the wires are not energized. Installing a new water heater may require the removal of existing woodwork, and it is recommended to insulate the water pipes to reduce energy costs.

When installing a tankless water heater, it’s best to hire an electrician to make the connections. The most difficult part of this project is gaining access to the electrical wiring inside the water heater. To do this, remove the electrical covering plate on the top of the unit. Then, reconnect like-colored wires with wire connectors and lead the ground wire from the incoming power to the green ground screw on the water heater.

Most homes have copper pipes, corrugated flexible metal connectors, or PEX (polyethylene piping). For those who plan to use PEX for their water supply, it’s a good idea to review the manufacturer’s literature and watch YouTube videos on this material. Otherwise, it’s likely to be a challenge to connect PEX to the water heater.

Becoming a Plumber

A plumber is an individual who specializes in sewage, drainage, and potable water systems. Plumbers can fix and maintain these systems, and they may also install them. Some plumbers work in residential or commercial settings. They may also install water heaters or other types of heating and cooling systems. If you are looking for a job that is challenging, fast-paced and offers great job security, you may want to consider becoming a plumber.

Plumber

Plumbing is a field of specialization that requires a person to have a passion for practical work and to be able to read blueprints. Apart from these hard skills, plumbers also need soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and reliability. Plumbing technicians must have the required knowledge and experience to work independently and efficiently.

Plumbing is a demanding field, and it is not easy to become a qualified plumber. It requires years of training and experience. However, once qualified, plumbers can earn high wages, and many even choose to start their own businesses. A qualified plumber can earn around PS20,000 per year working for a medium-sized firm, and their wages increase as they gain experience.

Plumbing jobs require significant technical skills, and training can last for many years. As a plumber, you will go through extensive classroom and hands-on training from experienced professionals. In addition, you will need to have a passion for solving plumbing problems and communicating with customers. You should also be a strong individual contributor with a positive attitude. Lastly, you should have the ability to train an apprentice if needed.

The qualifications for plumbers vary from state to state, but there are some common requirements in most states. For example, plumbers need a valid driver’s license, and many states have specific licensing requirements. They also need to have advanced math and science skills. Additionally, many businesses require plumbers to have liability insurance and bonding.

Typically, plumbers must be at least 18 years old to be licensed in their state. In addition, they must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They may also have to pass an entrance exam or aptitude test. Additionally, plumbers must pass a background check and drug test. Upon completion of training, plumbers may be assigned an employer or be expected to find their own work.

Plumbing careers can be lucrative and rewarding if you have the right skills and perseverance. Typically, plumbers need several years of training to be licensed. This training ensures that a plumber is knowledgeable about all aspects of the trade and can meet building codes. Qualifications for plumbers vary by state but are generally similar to those required by local governments.

In addition to classroom learning, plumbers must also undergo apprenticeship training. The apprenticeships are 12 months long and require 1560 hours of hands-on training and eight weeks of classroom education. Upon completion, plumbers must take a qualifying exam to prove their plumbing skills. They must also be familiar with plumbing codes in their area.

In most states, plumbers must have a license in order to work as plumbers. They can become licensed as journeyman plumbers or master plumbers. Each level requires different requirements for training, experience, and certification.

The plumbing industry is among the fastest growing in the country. Over the next ten years, plumbing jobs are expected to grow by 21% nationally. That means the current 386,900 jobs will grow to over four hundred thousand by 2022. This is a good sign for job security because plumbing services are always in demand. Plus, unlike other professions, plumbers’ jobs cannot be outsourced to cheaper labor abroad.

The vast majority of plumbers are self-employed or work for a small business. But those with good technical and leadership skills can eventually advance to become engineers. Regardless of whether you choose to work in a large firm or are self-employed, it is important to be motivated and hard-working. You will learn plumbing faster if you have those characteristics. Also, the plumbing field requires a certain amount of expertise, including the ability to install electrical wiring.

General’s Power-Vee With Automatic Cable Feed

Quickly & Easily Clears Clogged Drains During The Holidays For all those post-holiday clogged drain service calls – and for any other day – General Pipe Cleaners’ hand-held Power-Vee® drain cleaner with automatic feed makes clearing small drain lines fast and easy! The simplified feeding system gives savvy plumbing, drain cleaning, maintenance, and rehab pros an […]

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What to Do When Someone Puts Dish Soap in Your Dishwasher

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There’s only one main difference between dish soap and dishwashing detergent, but it’s a big one. Dishwashing detergent does not create suds, but dish soap does. The idea of a dishwasher overflowing with bubbles might paint a funny picture but it’s also big, messy problem. If you accidentally put dish soap in dishwasher once, it’s a headache. If it happens more than once, the soap scum build up could eventually damage your dishwasher.

If the worst happens and you find yourself facing an endless soap avalanche, don’t fret. We’ll tell you how to clean out a dishwasher with dish soap in it. More importantly we’ll tell you how to restore your dishwasher to prevent future problems. If your dishwasher doesn’t work properly after these steps, call the pros at Mike Diamond to help.

How to Fix Dishwasher with Dish Soap in It

First things first, stop the dishwasher immediately. Cancel the wash cycle. If you’re lucky, the suds haven’t quite overflowed just yet. The sooner you turn off the dishwasher, the better your chance of keeping the suds out of the machine’s inner workings.

Once you’ve canceled the cycle, your dishwasher should start draining. It won’t clear everything out, but it’ll make the clean-up process a little less damp.

Clean up any overflow.

If you couldn’t stop the cycle in time, you’ll have some cleaning up to do. Don’t let water sit and seep into cabinetry or floorboards. Use a wet mop to clean up the overflow. Since the mixture is water and soap, wiping it up with dry towels can leave residue behind.

Silver lining: your floor is now clean.

Take out the dishes.

Before you clear out the pipes and drain, you’re going to have more sopping up to do. Open the dishwasher after it finishes its initial draining. Remove the dishes and move them into the sink.

Rinse off the dishes in the sink to remove any scummy residue that might have clung to them during the overflow. Consider washing the dishes by hand just this once, while your dishwasher is… recovering. Otherwise, just rinse them off and leave them in the sink. After you’re done cleaning, you can simply put the dirty dishes back in the washer for another cycle!

How to get suds out of the dishwasher.

This is the labor-intensive part. You’re going to have to rinse out and dry the inside of your dishwasher. If you don’t clean it fully, you’ll continue to have problems with suds and soap scum.

Use a small bowl or pan and repeatedly fill it with clean water to rinse away bubbles. If your dishwasher is close enough to your sink, you could use your sprayer to rinse it out.

Keep rinsing until bubbles don’t appear when you pour the water into the inside and bottom of the appliance. After you’ve rinsed enough, use towels to wipe down and dry out any remaining water. You may have to remove the drawers to complete this step.

Turn on the rinse cycle and let it run.

You don’t have to do a full cycle. Run the rinse cycle for three to five minutes. It should be enough to remove any remaining suds. If you’ve done everything else listed here, you should be free of dish soap in your dishwasher. If there are suds, the rinse cycle will wash out any remaining residue. Once that’s done, your dishwasher should be back in working condition.

Don’t Put Dishwashing Soap in Dishwasher!

Now you know what happens if you put dish soap in the dishwasher. Hopefully you’ve successfully flushed your dishwasher after the soap suds fiasco and lived to tell the tale. The next time this or any other plumbing emergency happens give us a call. The team at Mike Diamond is happy to service your dishwasher to ensure you have clean dishes for a long time.

The post What to Do When Someone Puts Dish Soap in Your Dishwasher appeared first on Mike Diamond Services.

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Why Power Surges Happen and How to Prevent Them

Electricity arcing out of a home wall outlet.

Los Angeles homes have more electronic devices plugged in and drawing power now than ever before. While modern electrical grids can supply power evenly and safely, power surges can result from several causes outside and inside the home.

Every homeowner should understand the basics about power surges and how to prevent them. Over time, even small power surges can cause damage to appliances and devices. Here’s a quick primer on everything you should know about power surges, and what you can do to stop them.

Graphic depicting voltage spike inside of a home electrical wire

What is a Power Surge?

A power surge is an extremely fast and intense power spike in your home’s electrical current. Surges are also referred to as “transient voltage” because they’re caused by the sudden presence of an overvoltage traveling through an electrical system.

Wall outlets normally supply 120 volts of AC power, but the actual voltage level in the system fluctuates between 0-169 volts. Most home appliances and devices are designed to handle this small fluctuation but an increase above 169 volts is considered a power surge. When a surge travels into your home’s electrical current, the voltage spikes can be damaging and dangerous.

Lightning storm at night

What Causes Power Surges?

Most people associate power surges with lightning. When lightning strikes near a power line, its energy discharge can boost the line’s electrical pressure by millions of volts. That electrical boost runs through the power line and into your house, and BOOM!

Luckily, lightning is one of the rarest causes of power surges. Most surges are a bit more mundane.

High-powered home appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators require a lot of power to switch on. When these appliances request this power, they can inadvertently create a spike in your electrical system. These “switching surges” aren’t as severe as lightning surges, but they can still do damage and wear other circuits over time.

Surges can also come via the power company. Your electrical company occasionally switches grids to access different power sources. When these switches occur, there may be an accidental surge of electricity. A transformer malfunction or faulty transmission line can also create an unwanted power surge in your house.

power strip set on fire by power surge

Why Are Surges a Problem?

Simply put, power surges with large voltage spikes can be damaging or dangerous. Surges can damage or destroy plugged-in electrical devices.

When too much electricity flows through an appliance at once, the appliance could overheat, break down, or even catch fire.  This uncontained arc generates heat, which could melt or erode appliance components. A severe enough surge could even start a fire!

close-up of surge protector

How Can I Prevent Electrical Surges?

The easiest and best way a homeowner can protect against power surges is to use a surge protector. Surge protectors are a type of power strip. They contain one input to be plugged into the wall, and several outlets to plug other devices into. Newer versions also have a power surge USB port to protect your USB devices while they are plugged in.

The difference between a power surge protector vs power strip is surge protectors absorb any excess energy running through them. During a surge, the protector redirects excess voltage toward the grounding wire to neutralize it. Service-panel surge protectors work the same way, but they fit directly onto your circuit breaker to prevent power surges from entering your home’s electrical system.

Reduce the Risk of Power Surges in Your Home

For more information on power surges, check out the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s informational booklet.

If you need help with any electrical problem, give Mike Diamond a call today. Our fully licensed electrical contracting professionals have the experience and know-how to diagnose and repair any problem with your electrical system. We can help prevent dangerous overvoltage from causing damage in your home.

The post Why Power Surges Happen and How to Prevent Them appeared first on Mike Diamond Services.

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How Does Pipe Corrosion Work?

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A rusted pipe springs a leak.

Pipes don’t last forever. Even copper pipes, despite their 50+ year lifespan, develop corrosion over time and in certain conditions. How does pipe corrosion affect your plumbing and your home’s water? And how do you prevent your pipes from corroding?

Corrosion affects different types of pipes in different ways. Cast iron pipe corrosion looks different than galvanized pipe corrosion and it can be caused by several factors. The bottom line: we want your plumbing and the water you drink to be safe.

What are the Causes of Pipe Corrosion?

Corrosion is an electrochemical electron exchange. This means the metal in your pipe loses electrons due to contact with another substance. This wear on a molecular level becomes bigger and bigger and eventually leads to rust, clogs or leaks.

Here are some of the more common causes of corrosion in metal pipes:

Low PH. A low PH (less than 7) indicates that your water is acidic. Acidic water can dissolve pipes from the inside and a common cause of copper pipe corrosion.High oxygen. A higher level of oxygen in your water can accelerate oxidation or rust. Unchecked rust that builds up over time will corrode and block your pipes.Water properties. High mineral content in hard water can cause calcification and lead to mineral buildup. Metals in water can cause galvanic corrosion where electrons transfer from metals with high electron count to metals with fewer electrons.Electrical currents. An ungrounded electrical current can travel down a copper pipe and stimulate a corrosive reaction.High velocity. Water traveling at a high velocity, especially hot water, can wear out your pipes prematurely.

How Does Pipe Corrosion Affect My Water?

Depending on the type of pipes you have, corrosion will affect your water in different ways. These effects can include:

DiscolorationTurbidity (cloudiness)Bitter tasteFoul odorHealth problems

Iron pipes will rust and eventually clog. The additional iron in your water can result in reddish colored water. While added iron doesn’t pose a health risk, the taste may be unappealing.

Copper pipes may produce blue colored water or water stains. This blue color indicates the presence of copper in your water due to corrosion. Too much copper can cause health problems that lead to liver or kidney damage. Luckily, the problem is visible well before it becomes a health risk.

Plastic and PVC pipes resist corrosion but because they are a newer material, there is not a lot of data on their long-term properties. The primary risk for corrosion is along joints and connectors where metal or rubber parts are used.

Lead pipes are extremely dangerous when corroded. Lead in water can cause serious health problems, especially in children. If you have lead plumbing anywhere in your home, have it replaced immediately and don’t drink your water.

How Does Pipe Corrosion Affect My Plumbing?

Water pipe corrosion inside your home can create numerous problems including:

A hole rusted into an iron pipe.
Low water pressureLeaksPinholesBreaksRust stainsDamaged appliances

As your pipes corrode, they can develop small holes or cracks that eventually lead to large breaks and flooding. Interior corrosion can slow water pressure or clog your faucets and water heater. Rust might stain your sink.

If you’ve noticed lower water pressure, higher water bills and cloudy or discolored water, you probably have pipe corrosion somewhere in your home. Pipes can become thin or brittle without visual evidence.

How to Prevent Corroded Pipes

Have a certified plumber check your pipes to make sure they are safe and working properly. This is best way to be certain to be sure corrosion isn’t destroying your plumbing and to maintain healthy water in your home.

If your water is a problem, take a Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) test to determine what is causing the corrosion. The LSI test is a standard water quality test that measures:

PHConductivityTotal dissolved solidsAlkalinityHardness

*Note: The Langelier test does not identify lead in water. A separate, lead specific, test is required.

A water softener or water filter, hard wired into your water supply, can treat harsh water before it travels through your pipes. Use a water softener to remove excessive minerals that create buildup and make washing difficult. A water filter can remove chemicals and bacteria that accelerate corrosion. It will also remove make your water taste better!

How to Clean External Copper Pipe Corrosion

Copper pipe green corrosion is the result of oxidation. This patina is similar to rust in other types of pipes. Over time, this type of corrosion can lead to bigger issues.

A copper pipe covered in blue corrosion.

To clean your copper pipes, you can use one of two methods:

A commercial metal polish designated for copper.A paste of white vinegar, salt and flour.

Follow the package instructions if using the commercial polish. To use the natural paste, brush it on to the affected areas and wait for ten minutes. The acid in the vinegar should loosen the alkali stains. Wipe away with a clean cloth. Repeat as necessary.

Repair or Replace Your Corroded Pipes

Don’t wait for rust colored water and damaged walls to let you know you have a significant plumbing issue. While pipe replacement can be a big job, the alternative can be much worse. Call or contact Mike Diamond today for a certified technician to examine your pipes for corrosion. We can help you decide the best course of action when corroded pipes compromise your water.

The post How Does Pipe Corrosion Work? appeared first on Mike Diamond Services.

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How to Unclog a Toilet

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Unclogging a toilet

As the old saying goes – there’s more than one way to unclog a toilet. OK, we just made that up but we’re here to prove it’s true. Sure, we love our plunger, but what if you don’t have one? Have you tried soap or baking soda?

Follow our detailed instructions for how to unclog a toilet with a plunger but stick around for plunger-less toilet clog hacks too. One way or another, we’ll get your toilet unclogged and return things to business as usual.

How to Plunge a Toilet

Flange plunger

The best way to unclog a toilet is to learn to use a flange plunger properly. Flange plungers are made specifically for plunging toilets. The “flange” is an extended, sleeve-like rubber flap built into the underside of the plunger’s rubber cup. Insert this flange directly into the toilet bowl’s drain hole to ensure a tighter seal than a conventional cup plunger.

1. Prepare the area around the toilet

Plunging can get messy. Put on rubber gloves and lay out towels or plastic wrap to catch spills.

2. Level out the amount of water in the bowl

To maximize plunging effectiveness, you’ll want to fill the toilet bowl about halfway full with water (enough so that you can fully submerge the plunger cup).

3. Place the flange into the toilet drain

Maneuver the flange until it fits snugly into the top of the toilet bowl’s drain. Insert the flange at an angle so the flap fills with water as you lower it.

4. Fit the cup over the drain

Fit the cup of the plunger snugly over the drain while keeping the flange inserted. As you create the seal, let water from the bowl under the cup. The water between the cup and the drain will help generate suction pressure to unclog.

5Position and “test” your plunger seal

When you’ve created a seal with both the flange and cup, “test” it before getting started. Depress the plunger straight down and then tug it back up the way you would to unclog normally, but do so slowly. Make sure the seal stays in place throughout the process.

5a. (Optional) Apply petroleum jelly around the cup of the plunger

If you’re having trouble maintaining a seal, try applying petroleum jelly to the cup. Petroleum jelly will help keep the cup from sliding off of the bottom of the bowl.

6. Plunge forcefully 5 to 6 times

Push down on the plunger forcefully to drive the cup down and drive the flange into the drain, then pull the cup back up to “reset.” Repeat this motion repeatedly and steadily, but not too forcefully or rapidly, for 20 seconds.

7. Check water level in toilet bowl

After plunging for thirty seconds, quickly break the seal and remove the plunger. Listen for a gurgling sound from the drain (a good sign) and check the water level in the toilet bowl. If nearly all the water drained from the bowl, then you’ve probably cleared the clog.

7a. (Optional) Repeat plunging as necessary

If the water in the toilet bowl didn’t drain, repeat the plunging process a few more times. Add or bail water as necessary until your bowl is half full before you start again.

8. Test to see if the clog is gone

Before you test your flush, remove the tank lid. Depress the handle as usual and watch the toilet bowl closely. If you haven’t cleared the clog, then the toilet won’t flush, and the bowl will start filling with water. Prevent an overflow by manually closing the toilet’s flapper.

We recommend you only re-try your plunging up to five times. Plunging for too long could damage your toilet, and some clogs are too stubborn for even the most effective plumbing.

How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

Worst case scenario: you only have one toilet in your home, it’s clogged, you’re without a plunger and you have a dinner party starting in two hours. Stay cool. We’ve got a few more of Mike’s diamonds to get that toilet flushing again.

How to Unclog a Toilet with Dish Soap

Dish soap has natural properties that break down grease and grime in solids. It can also serve as a lubricant to get things moving.

Simply squirt a generous cup or so of your favorite soap into your toilet’s drain. Follow the soap up with a bucket of hot (not boiling) water. Water that is too hot may crack the porcelain. Wait 30 minutes and check. Repeat if necessary.

How to Unclog a Toilet with Baking Soda

Sprinkle a cup of baking soda around your toilet’s drain. Slowly add two cups of white vinegar. Allow the chemical reaction an hour to reach the clog and work its magic. You could follow up with a bucket of hot water as mentioned above. Repeat the process if necessary.

How to Unclog a Toilet with Poop in It

A bottle of coke.

Yep, we said it, but that’s the way it goes. Sometimes after your uncle has spent the better part of the morning in your bathroom, you have a very unpleasant clog.

The secret here is Coca Cola. Not for your uncle, for your toilet. Turns out, coke has some awesome acids that double as unclogging agents. The carbonation also helps by putting pressure on the clog.

Pour a can or half liter bottle of coke into your toilet and then quickly cover the bowl with plastic wrap. This will help keep the pressure in. After the hour, enough dissolving should have taken place to allow a normal flush.

Unclogging LA’s Toilets the Right Way

If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog that won’t budge, then call Mike Diamond. Our expert plumbers have yet to meet a clog they couldn’t clear. 

The post How to Unclog a Toilet appeared first on Mike Diamond Services.

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