_________________________________________________________
Solution
8201
Drains
eventually get clogged. If a
sink drain is slow to drain, hot water can be used to flush it for a few
minutes. Often this will clear the drainpipe. If not, a chemical drain
opener can be used, just be sure to flush the chemical from the
drainpipe by running water for several minutes. If a drain is completely
clogged, a plunger might do the trick. If there us a strainer on the sink,
remove it, then pump the plunger up and down over the clogged drain.
Overflow pipes should be plugged before using the plunger.
If it doesn't
work then you can try to access the pipe through the clean out. The
clean-out plug can be removed, but be sure to set at pail underneath the
trap pipe section. Sometimes even a screwdriver inserted through the clog
a few times will clear it. Hot water should always be run though your
drain.
Contact an A-1 Plumber.
Solution
8202
Flooding of an area due to either burst
pipes or sewer backups must be dealt with promptly. If the Heater is still
running, turn off the main water valve as quickly as possible. The source
of the flooding can then be fixed by a professional.
Once the area has
dried out, health and safety is of the utmost importance. Have all
affected areas thoroughly cleaned in order to inhibit the growth of
disease-causing organisms. One of our qualified plumbing professionals is your best
option for addressing a plumbing emergency such as flooding.
Solution
8203
Freeze preparation is common for people
that live in areas that are prone to freezing in the wintertime, but many people do
not know what to do to adequately protect their pipes and plumbing. Insulation
should surround all pipes that are in interior walls and attics. Pipe
jackets can be placed around exterior pipes to adequately insulate them.
Some areas
are only vulnerable for short periods of time. In this instance blankets
wrapped around exposed outdoor pipes can keep them from freezing. Allowing
faucets to drip when there is a hard freeze can keep them free of ice as
well. If the pipes do freeze they can be avoided. For more information
about freeze preparation consult our plumbing professionals.
Solution
8204
Gas lines distribute gas to most buildings
at low pressure. Pipes that run under the street carry natural gas while
pipes that run from storage tanks can carry propane. The propane storage
tanks may be located behind a building or, as in the case of older tanks,
are buried under ground. Both types of gas may be distributed throughout a
house by pipes. Black iron or galvanized lines are used for natural gas,
while propane is distributed in copper lines.
Some communities prohibit the use of
copper pipes due to the risk of leaks or damage. As long as the equipment
is installed and maintained properly gas lines are perfectly safe. A smell
is added to both types of gas so that leaks can be easily detected. Only
professionals should repair a gas leak.
Solution
8205
Household water lines are connected to the
municipal water main. However, if these lines need to be hooked up or
repaired, the water utility company probably won't be able to do the job.
Since the water line is on your property, it is considered your personal
responsibility. It is legal for you to run the water service line
yourself, if you do so according to the plumbing codes in your states.
However, if you hire someone to run the line for you, they are required by
law to have a state Plumber's license. In any case, the actual connection
to the municipal main must be made by a licensed plumber. This rule is for
safety reasons.
Consequently, most people use a
professional plumbing service to install, connect, and maintain their
household water lines to make sure that all work is done to code and with
all safety guidelines being followed. For more information about your
household Heater lines or state plumbing codes call your local water
utility or a plumbing in your area.
Solution
8206
Hydro jetting is a high pressure drain
cleaning method that clears badly blocked drains and pipes. The high
pressure jet cleaning is suitable for the clearing of storm and sewage
drain lines combined. It has the ability to break through pipeline
defections, concrete slurry and other miscellaneous items, including tree
roots, cans, bottles, plastics, and silt, soil and timber particles.
Cleaning is achieved by a range of
pressure jet heads which are propelled through drain lines by water
thrust. The heads are designed for pipe sizes ranging from 50mm to 600mm
in diameter. Hydro jetting equipment is usually available through plumbing
companies and drain cleaning services.
For further information about hydro
jetting or to receive an estimate for this service, contact us at (208)
376-7473.
Solution
8207
Eventually older homes require new
pipes. The older galvanized pipe is durable, but corrosion is always a
possibility. Some homes have copper pipes, but copper pipes have become a
very expansive option over the years.
Plastic or PVC pipe has become the pipe of
choice when installing new plumbing. PVC is light weight, inexpensive and
corrosion free. If you are considering replacing your old pipes with new
pipes, it can be quite a job and very expensive. For more information
about new pipes, consult our experts or your local plumbing supply
company.
Solution
8208
Noisy pipes can be fixed with a little
troubleshooting.
First, check to see if the pipes are
anchored properly. Brackets around the pipes into the joists can help
achieve this. Sometimes air gets in the pipes causing loud clanging to
occur. Drain the water from the pipes to alleviate this situation. If the
noise persists, check the radiator valve. If you have exhausted all
options and still cannot find the source of your noisy pipe, consult our
plumbing specialists.
Solution
8209
Before working on any faucet, turn the
water off and open the lines to drain into the sink. Cover the sink with a
towel or cloth to protect it from scratches and to prevent the small parts
from going into the drain.
Faucets usually leak because of old
gaskets or 0-rings, and corroded valve seats. Take the faucets apart be
removing the handle, unscrewing the packing nut beneath the handle, and
exposing the rest of the stem. Examine the stem. If the thread is badly
corroded or worn, take it to a retailer and get a new stem to match. Clean
the stem if dirty. Now, look at the washer. If the washer is squeezed flat
or has a groove worn in it, replace it - this should stop any dripping.
Take the washer with you to your dealer to ensure an exact match in size
and style.
Remember, the single most common mistake
people make is not taking the faucet or the part to be replaced with them
when buying the new parts. If these simple repairs don't fix leaks, you
need to call a plumber for further assistance.
Solution
8210
Today, the plumbing systems in most homes,
particularly older homes, use galvanized piping. These are essentially
iron pipes coated with zinc. In time, this coating deteriorates, exposing
the iron which then rusts and clogs the flow of water. This rust builds up
inside the pipes and causes the build-up of foreign material throughout
the system.
When drawing water from galvanized water
pipes, particles or rust, zinc and other contaminants flow into your
drinking water. These contaminants also clog the pipe internally, stopping
the flow of water to fixtures.
By re-piping your home with copper water
piping, you eliminate the problem of corrosion and end up with cleaner
water and better water pressure. Professional plumbing services may offer
free estimates for re-piping your home, and some companies even specialize
exclusively in copper re-piping. Ask for plumbing referrals from family or
friends who may have had their piping replaced, or just call us to get
estimates from our local experts.
Solution
8211
One of the most common household plumbing
projects is replacing a water heater.
Normally, the first sign of a heater
problem is water dripping from the bottom of jackets. This indicates that
the tank has corroded through.
First, begin heater removal by turning off
the gas or electricity to the heater. Drain the heater. On a gas heater,
separate the vent pipe from the draft hood. Next, remove the heater from
its water piping and dispose of it at a dumpsite. Position the new heater
so the piping - particularly a gas vent pipe - will reach most easily.
Install the heater's new draft hood.
Many have legs that insert into holes on
the heater's top. Now you can make the hot and cold water connections. The
easiest way often is using copper flex - connectors, available from your
dealer.
How the hot water piping is handled
depends on the type and size of the piping in your home. If you have any
trouble with installation, consult our professional plumbers.
Solution
8212
Reverse osmosis filtration is a method of
filtering water closely at the molecular level. This is done by forcing
water through a highly advanced thin plastic membrane. Water molecules are
slowly forced through the pores in the membrane, and then stored in a
reservoir holding tank until needed. Larger molecules are pushed past the
pore openings and down to a drain. These membranes are manufactured to
reject up to 99% of certain dissolved solids from water.
Reverse osmosis water is one of the purest
forms of water that can be made without the use of chemicals or heat.
Recent advancements in technology have allowed reverse osmosis systems to
be made at an affordable price for the homeowner. A properly maintained
system will reduce total dissolved solids; reduce salts such as sodium,
nitrates heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury.
To install or service a reverse osmosis
system in your home, contact a plumber company in your area with reverse
osmosis stem experience or call us at (208) 376-7473.
Solution
8213
In older homes, rural homes, or other
homes that may not be able to connect to the municipal sewer system, a
sewage ejection system is necessary to dispose of wastewater.
There are several considerations with the
ejector pump system. First, you'll properly want a two pump system in case
of overflow. Second, you should also have an electric alternator system to
equalize the pump usage. You'll also want to make sure you have a high
level override to start the second pump if the first one does not work or
cannot keep up with the flow. There should also be an alert light and/or
bell to warn of a potential overflow, and it should be connected to the
water supply so that in the event of a malfunction of power failure, the
water flow will be cut off so no plumbing can be used, and therefore you
will not get flooded. The pump is usually recessed into the floor or
basement.
If you need help installing or replacing a
sewage ejector pump, contact a professional plumber in your area or call
us.
Solution
8214
Cleaning is the starting point for all
phases of sewer maintenance and rehabilitation. If you have ever attempted
to clear a clogged drain, you know how difficult it can be when the clog
is significant. Cleaning a sewer line is even more difficult due to the
wide variety of conditions that exist within the sewer system. Up to 95%
of sewer line's hydraulic capacity can be restored by successful cleaning
process. High powered water jets, high velocity vacuum units, and strong
chemicals are the most common tools used in sewer line cleaning. This
equipment is built to remove foreign materials such as sand, grease,
rocks, roots, and other debris from the sewer.
Most homeowners choose to hire us for this
service as it is difficult.
Solution
8215
When working on the sewer lines from you
home, keep in mind that your city or county will have codes and
requirements on what materials you may use and how the work must be done.
If you're planning on working on the sewer
lines yourself, you should call you local water utility and get a copy of
all the codes and requirements you'll need to be aware of. These will
likely include restrictions on what types of pipes and connections you can
use, the size of those pipes and connectors, and the angle the depth at
which they may be installed.
In addition, you will likely need to apply
for a permit from the city. Improper connections, materials, or methods
can end up costing you money in fines and repairs.
Due to the regulations, most homeowners
choose to have a professional plumber or septic company reform any repairs
or installations related to the municipal sewer system.
If you go the professional route, you'll
want to call around first and get estimates on the proposed job. It may
also help to get referrals and advice from friends or neighbors who may
have similar work done on their sewer lines. Our estimates are always free
and we have many references.
Solution
8216
Different situations can cause a sewer line
to back-up - eventually leading to the need for a new one.
Roots can crack the pipes and damage the
lines. If the line is on your property, you are generally responsible for
the problem; if the line is on city or county property, then their
plumbing crew will generally responsible for installing the new line.
It is always wise to check with the city
or county before calling a plumber. Sometimes a partial pipe replacement
is in order - other times a trench must be dug and the whole line from the
house to the main sewer will have to be replaced. For information about
new sewer lines, please consult our plumbing specialists.
Solution
8217
Sump pumps are water pumps that are placed
in an excavated hole either in the basement or around the perimeter of a
house. As the groundwater level rises, the hole fills up. The sump pump
activates and pumps the excess water through piping away from the house.
There are several types of sump pumps;
submersible, pedestal and water powered.
The submersible type features a pump that
is submerged in water. The pedestal type has a motor placed above the
water level. The water-powered type relies in water pressure to power the
pump rather then electricity.
Installing a sump pump can be save your
home from hundreds or even thousands of dollars of damage. The only thing
required is some regular maintenance and cleaning of the pump.
Solution
8218
There are several types of toilets on the
market. There are one piece, two-piece and pressure assisted flush
toilets, as well as ADA compliant toilets for commercial use and persons
with disabilities.
Toilets can range widely in price. The
more expensive ones usually feature expensive chrome or gold touches.
Almost all toilets will eventually
experience problems such as a clog or a leak. A plunger is always a good
idea to keep on hand for fixing simple clogs. A leak can be detected by
placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank - not the bowl. After
about 30 minutes if the water in the bowl has the same color in it, the
tank is leaking and the flapper may need replacing. For more information
about toilets, consult us at (208) 376-7473.
Solution
8219
If your toilet is backed up, first
plunging and flushing simultaneously. If this does not work after repeated
attempts, a plumber's snake may need to be used. This is a long flexible
metal rope that can be "sneaked" down the drainpipe of the drainpipe of
the toilet to loosen clogs.
If the water level is low, try to filling
a plastic bucket with warm water and pouring it from three feet above the
toilet in the bowl, then flush to see if that has helped.
For more information about dealing with a
clogged toilet, consult our
plumbers at (208) 376-7473.
Solution
8220
Running toilets cannot only be a nuisance,
but they can cost you money in wasted gallons of water.
Usually the problem is due to the chain on
the flapper getting caught up or knotted on it and the flapper staying
open. Sometimes the chain on the flapper breaks so that a new flapper
assembly is necessary. Other times the running toilets is due to the
shut-off float in the tank, which sometimes lifts too high in the tank,
preventing the valve from shutting off completely. To fix this you can
adjust the screw in the ballcock until the float stops the water at the
correct level. The float should float rub the side of the tank or any
other parts.
For more information about running toilets
consult our plumbing professionals.
Solution
8222
Sewer maintenance companies can use
cameras to inspect your sewer pipe, water mains, drain lines, and water
wells.
Using these camera systems, a video
picture is transmitted to a control module, where a VCR records a
permanent record. The cameras can fit into ducts as small as 1.5 inches in
diameter.
Video inspection insures there are no
breaks, defective pipe, or "ponds" in the line, which could cause
maintenance problems later. A small transmitter can pinpoint from above
exactly where the camera is so that instead of digging randomly, there can
be precision excavation exactly where the problem is, saving a lot of
money, time, and mess.
Also, cameras allow cleaning services to
focus cleaning energy on the section of pipe that is plugged up. The video
tape record also gives homeowners proof of a problem of they need it in
the near future.
For video inspection of you water or sewer
lines, call us at (208) 376-7473, or a plumber or sewage company in your
area.
Solution
8223
If the water heater isn't heating, first
check the thermostat to make sure it's set to the correct temperature. The
fuse or circuit breaker box is another good place to look.
Check the heater too - they usually have a
reset button. If it's a gas powered water heater, check the thermostat and
the pilot light. If the pilot light has gone out it will need to be
re-lit. If you're going to relight it yourself, be careful to follow the
manufacturers instructions.
If simple troubleshooting cannot solve the
problem consult our plumbing specialists.
Solution
8224
Water heater failures and leaks
necessitate immediate action.
First, shut off the water supply. Next,
try to find the source of the leak. A common leak source is the drain
valve on the bottom of the unit. Sometimes the pressure relief valve on
the top of the heater releases excessive steam. Sometimes a leak is due to
a corroded tank, which calls for complete replacement.
If it is impossible to determine the
source of the leak be sure to shut off the power or the gas source, and
contact our plumbing specialists.
Solution
8225
Low water pressure is commonly found in
older homes and those located high on a hill.
If the main shut off valve to the home is
not completely open, this could be the source of the problem. Sometimes
the aerators on the sinks, tubs and showers become clogged so that they
reduce the water pressure significantly. New heads on the showers can
boost water pressure.
Sometimes flushing out the plumbing system
(best done by a professional) can help increase the water pressure. A
plumber may also recommend increasing the size of the water service line.
For more information about low water
pressure, consult our plumbing professionals.
Solution
8227
When you find or suspect that there is
"something wrong" with your plumbing system, it is always best to be
"proactive" in your approach. Things such as extremely "hot water",
unusual smells or noises can all be beginning signs of bad things to come.
By addressing these issues when you first
suspect then, you can sometimes avoid some major problems in the future.
Solution
8229
The bathroom commode is stopped up, and
the sewer is backed up. Most building codes require licensed plumbers to
do all repairs on sewer problems.
You will want one that has quick and
efficient 24-hour service, and sure to ask if the job is guaranteed,
especially if new items have to be installed.
Always ask for a price quote over the
phone, or a free estimate. Also ask if there is an extra charge for late
night, weekend or holiday emergencies. Up-to-date plumbers can fix sewers
by electric rooter.
Some plumbers have gone high-tech and have
an in-line video camera service that views the problem quickly.
Solution
8230
When selecting a plumber for an emergency
situation, or for non-emergency work, there are already legal guidelines
in place to help you.
In order to operate a plumbing business in
most states, individuals are required to have a plumber's license, or some
other form of certification. This means that the consumer is assured of a
certain level of competence. You should also look for a plumber that
belongs to a trade organization on a voluntary basis.
Often, if you have a grievance, you can
complain to a trade organization. Check with the Better Business Bureau or
the Chamber of Commerce located within your city for any complaint history
on a particular plumber. Reputable plumbers should also have a list of
customers you can contact for references.
Finally, talk with a few plumbers and do
some research on the subject. The more you know, the better your final
decisions will be.
Solution
8231
When a contractor provides an estimate on
plumbing work, a homeowner wants to know f the estimate is fair.
The first thing you'll want to do is get
an idea of how much material will be needed and the local prices of it, so
you can determine if the estimate is valid. You should select your
prospective contractors carefully, asking for references and seeking
referrals from friends and neighbors who have had the same work done.
Most contractors today do not charge for
coming out and looking at the job and giving you an estimate. Don't be
afraid to get several estimates if you have the time to do so. However, be
clear that you want a written estimate and that you expect a written
contract for the work. One thing you will want to be sure and have clear,
both verbally and in writing is when the job will be done and how long it
will take. Also, if the work is going to be done while you are not home,
make sure the contractor is bonded.
Solution
8232
Plumbing works on the principle of
pressure, vacuum and gravity.
Pressure builds up in the pipes and is
released by opening a faucet. The pressure behind the water pushes it
through the pipes. Likewise, the vacuum created by opening the faucet
pulls the water through the pipes.
Gravity kicks in to remove waste water
through the drains and sewer lines. Take a look at the roof of your home,
see the PVC pipe vents above the roof? The vents serve two purposes in
your plumbing system. The first one is that when you use the sink, shower,
or toilet, they draw air into the lines and force the heater on down the
drains. The second purpose is that they let the methane gas, or sewer gas
escape out of the top the top of the roof and dissipate into the
atmosphere.
Solution
8233
If your plumber is a master plumber, he or
she spent a great deal of time not only on the job, but in the classroom
as well.
Master plumber regulations vary from state
to state. But, for the most part, applicants for master plumber
certification must first possess a journeyman plumber license for two
years and be actively employed in plumbing for two of the last five years.
To retain a license the master plumber must take a specified number of
hours of continuing education courses each year. In addition, Master
plumbers are required to be citizens of the United States of have their
first papers. They must be 21 years of age and good moral character.
Solution
8234
Plumbing permits are required if you are
going to replace or build new fixtures, drains, vents, sanitary sewer
taps, drain lines, or water systems.
Permits are issued by calling the
Department of Buildings and Inspections, Plumbing Inspection Section. If a
licensed plumber will be doing the work, he or she is required to secure
the permit. In almost every case, plumbing work must be done by a licensed
Master Plumber, licensed Journeymen Plumber, or a registered Apprentice
Plumber which is licensed by the city.
However, if you as a homeowner are doing
the work yourself, and you live in single-family residence and plan to
remain there for at least one year, you may sign an affidavit to that
effect and obtain a permit through the Department of Buildings and
Inspections.
Of course, all work must be performed in
accordance with the City Building Code and State Plumbing Code. If you are
unsure whether or not you will need an inspection, contact the Department
of Buildings and Inspections, Plumbing Inspection division.
Solution
8236
Commercial establishments require special
attention from plumbers. Businesses that use a lot of water, including
restaurants and car washers, require plumbing and hauling of liquid waste.
Many companies provide underground line detection of metallic, or
non-metallic pipes, and of gas pipes, so that when a business is built or
expanded, one will not be dug into by accident.
Solution
8237
Tree roots are often one of the biggest
problems faced by a homeowner when it comes to their drains.
They can cause blockages, breaks and even
backup floods within the house. And since the problem is usually below
ground it can be both difficult and expansive to find and fix. But, a
professional plumber has some treatment options and services available.
The traditional method is to use a power
auger with a special root-cutting bit. A cable is inserted into the pipe
or drain until it reaches the tree root. Then the auger and it's bit are
moved back and forth to gnaw away at the root. Once the root is completely
cut through and effectively removed, the pipe is then flushed out with
water to remove any debris.
A newer method features a chemical which
is pumped into sewer lines and pipes, acting as a weed killer to kill the
obstructive tree root. This method also prevents re-growth for years to
come. With the traditional method of auger and bit, re-growth can occur by
the next spring. Most of the compounds used are biodegradable and will not
harm the tree overall, except for the offending root.
Consult with us for additional details on
this subject.
Solution
8238
If you have a leaking pipe, there are a
few things you can do while awaiting the plumber's arrival.
The first step is shut off all water at
the main valve, which is usually found near your water meter. Then, open
all faucets to run water out of the pipe. The nest step, if possible, is
to track down the source of the leak or the location of the pipe.
If it is an exposed pipe and the water has
not stopped leaking, you may want to try a temporary repair yourself. The
first step is to examine the leak. If it is a large leak, you could use a
section of rubber hose. Split the rubber hose length wise, so you can fit
it around the pipe, and then use some flexible wire to wrap around the
hose in one inch increments. Twist the ends of the wires with pliers to
tighten the hose and seal the hose around the section of the pipe with the
leak.
For smaller leaks, a sharpened pencil and
some heavy tape may be all you need. Push the pencil tip into the hole,
and then break the tip off. The soft graphite should expand the size of
the hole and thereby seal the leak. Then bind the area of the leak with
pipe repair or duct tape.
In most cases, it's not a good idea to
switch the water back on until the leak has been fixed by a plumber.
Solution
8239
One of the most frequently asked questions
that we receive is,
"When should I repair or replace my
plumbing fixtures"?
Although there are no "pat" answers, here
are a few basic guidelines:
- Is the existing product
still in "style" or even a "quality" product to begin with?
(Many times the products are "dated" or the
product was a "cheap" alternative to begin with.)
- With the high cost of labor these days,
would it cost the same or more to make a repair and still end up with
the same old fixture?
Our expert sales staff or service
technicians can
assist you in making these decisions. Please call us for information about
upgrading to newer fixtures at (208) 376-7473.
Solution
8240
There are many large home repair supply
warehouses open to public today.
Several of them even have seminars
available to teach you to do your own repairs. In addition, the parts
available for repairs at these centers come with easily understood
instructions and diagrams for installation. The price is usually
reasonable when compared to the high charges you will incur if you pay for
a plumber's time to do the repair.
Since plumbing is designed for safety and
health reasons, it is important that you install any replacement fixture
exactly as before. Otherwise, you risk letting your dirty water and clean
water mix, which will cause serious health and disease problems.
The first thing to do, of course, is to
turn off the water in the house, so that you don't flood things with the
first turn of your wrench. Also, most installation instruction will
indicate the proper tools to use for the installation procedure. If you do
not have the proper tools, it may involve a lot more time on you part to
do the repair. It might also be impossible for you to do the repair, if
the tools needed are specialized and something only a plumber might have.
Carefully study the diagram to insure that
you have the proper sequence of the repair parts, such as having the
rubber washers placed correctly in faucet repairs.
Solution
8241
The plumbing fixtures in your kitchen will
consist of the hot water pipes leading from your hot water heater and cold
water pipes that carry off the dirty water and refuse from your garbage
disposal.
In addition, there are faucets and drains
in your sink, dishwasher, and perhaps your washer and dryer if they are
located in a storage area off your kitchen.
The most common problem with any if these
fixtures is leakage, which can occur because they are either improperly
installed of become worn with age. Whether or not you decide to do any
necessary repairs yourself or call a licensed plumber will depend upon
your experience with such problems, as well as the time you have available
to do the repairs.
There are many huge home repairs supply
warehouses open to the public today. Several of them even have seminars
available to teach you to do your own repairs. In addition, the parts
available for repairs at these centers come with easily understood
instructions for installation.
Solution
8242
When it comes to Do-It-Yourself projects
of any kind, including plumbing, the first safety tip is this: know
yourself before you attempt to repair or install anything in your home.
If you don't have the experience, or
confidence to fix plumbing problems, they can lead to expensive damage.
Do yourself a favor and seek professional help - better safe then sorry.
Solution
8243
A correctly designed and installed home
plumbing system is practically trouble-free. Should problems occur,
however, there are standard methods for dealing with them. It will help if
you know the terminology of the different areas of your plumbing, so you
can knowledgeably find repair information in your own "how to" books or
talk to your local plumber confidently.
The main term you should know is the water
shut off valve. This will shut down all of the water in your house prevent
any further damage from a leak or other problem. Always know where this is
located and how to turn it off.
A "trap" is located at
each fixture in the drain passages. The trap retains water that acts as a
seal to prevent gases, bacteria, and vermin from entering the house.
Plugged traps are a common cause of overflow.
Main vents serve toilets and secondary
vents serve other fixtures, extending through the roof. Some systems have
re-vents connected to the main or secondary vents. These are called soil
pipes and are 3 inches or larger in diameter. Every system contains
plugged openings called cleanouts. They provide access to blockage
removal.
Solution
8244
There are hundreds of faucet designs on
the market, and it's up to you to choose which style suits your needs;
however, on the inside, the valves that control the water are based on one
of these four types:
Compression valves are the traditional
systems on two handle faucets. Rotating the knob or handle raises the stem
and opens the flow of water. Washers beneath the stem wear out over time
but are easily replaced.
Ball valves contain a slotted metal or
plastic ball that aligns with the hot- and cold-water inlets when rotated
by the faucet handle. Exclusive to single handle faucets, ball valves are
reliable but time consuming to fix.
Choose a metal valve over plastic. Sleeve
cartridge and drop in a new one, and ceramic disk valves; these are the
latest in faucet technology. Available in both single and double handle
models, they are made of two disks in a sealed cylinder that allow water
flow when aligned. This system is extremely durable and easy to repair.
Solution
8245
The Water Heater in your home is the most
used and also the most neglected appliance you own. Since it is also one
of the most expensive items to replace, for just a fraction of the cost of
replacement you could and should provide some basic maintenance to help
extend not only its life but also its efficiency.
Since your water heater is nothing more
than a "collection tank" were all "bad stuff" settles to the bottom, all
manufactures recommend that you "clean and flush" your water heater at
least annually.
A-1 can provide that service for less than
1/5 the cost of replacement and sometimes less than that if we are at your
home performing other tasks. Once we have installed our "special flushing
mechanism", it will take the homeowner less than 5 minutes to flush out
their own water heater, should they decide to do. It will be as simple as
hooking up a garden hose.
Solution
8246
It is important to keep your system
performing at the high level of efficiency.
In order to do that we have created a
Planned Service Program. After purchasing a planned service agreement from
A-1 Plumbing, you become one of our preferred customers which includes
many benefits such as priority service, discounts on repairs, and the
peace of mind, knowing that your plumbing system is in good condition.
For just $89.00 per year, we will come to
you home and do an initial walk through inspection of your plumbing system,
while pointing out any conditions which may prove costly
to you in the future. We will give you an up-front price to make those
repairs while we are there, saving you between 10-25%.
To find out
more or how to sign up, please call us at (208) 376-7473.
Solution
8247
Water and sewage damage can be two of the
most destructive elements that can occur inside or outside your home.
When you first experience a major plumbing
leak or flood, it is best to take care of the immediate problem such as
turning off the source of the damage. Next it is recommended that you
contact the proper professional service personnel that can assist in the
clean up, repair or replacement of the situation.
Many home owners carry homeowners
insurance to help minimize their expenses relating to major property
damage and loss. We recommend that you contact your Insurance agent and
inform them of the situation. As professionals who deal with this
situation on a daily basis, they can guide you along the process of
finding solutions for your problems. Your agent will become your partner
in this time consuming process as it can some time to get back to normal.
Since all insurance companies have individualized coverage it is
highly recommended that you inquire of your agent as to the coverage that
you may have on your home.
We are very experienced with insurance
types of repair - give us a call.
Solution
8249
It's easy to ignore the plumbing system in
your home, since most of the time it is very reliable.
However, there are a few things that can
and should be done to help keep your system trouble free. The annual clean
and flushing of your water heater, periodic maintenance to your drainage
system and the replacement of the wear and tear items in your plumbing
fixtures are a few of the things that should be done to keep your system
performing properly.
For more information call, and one of us
will help you.
Solution
9221
One of the most accessible home repair
plumbing projects is fixing or installing tubs and showers.
Generally, these projects don't require
and digging, municipal codes, or dangerous equipment. Most home
improvement and hardware stores have all the tools, books, and accessories
needed to complete a bathtub or shower installation or repair.
The job may be as simple as cosmetic
tiling job or as complex as installing or building a custom shower stall
or bathtub. First, make sure you have all the equipment you need to finish
the job, and then consult a home repair book or talk with a home repair
expert to make sure that you understand every step of the job before you
start it.
Professional contractors or plumbers can
also perform tub and shower repairs, but you'll want to make sure to call
someone trustworthy with good references. Ideally, you'll want to talk to
people that have worked for in the past and possibly even take a look at
their work before hiring them.
We have references available, just call
us at (208) 376-7473.