Author: hardenburghplumbing

Plumbing Inspections Checklist

Written by hardenburghplumbing on December 1, 2011. Posted in Plumbing Inspections.

PLUMBING INSPECTIONS IN WEST PALM BEACH

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Plumbing inspections in west palm beach should be conducted on your house every year, just as your heater is serviced every fall and your air conditioner is serviced every spring. A thorough annual plumbing inspection can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs down the line should something unforeseen happen. The following is my checklist to complete an inspection.

Water Heater
The water heater should be checked annually to insure there is no rust or corrosive build-up. The flue pipe, pressure relief valve, pilot and burner assembly and the electrical and gas valve connections all should be checked to insure they are in good working order. The temperature setting should be noted as should the tank capacity, and finally, the shut off valve should be checked to insure that it is working properly.

Toilets
Leaky toilets can not only waste over one hundred gallons of water a day, but it can also waste a lot of your money in the form of your water bill. Annual toilet plumbing inspections on all toilets would include checking the supply line, shut off valve, flapper and flush valve, and ballcock. Finally, a flush test will be given to spot any leaks.

Sinks
A leaky faucet can not only be annoying, but can also waste water and money. When inspecting each sink in your house, I would check the supply line and shut off valve. I would also check for any faucet or waste line leaks and check the drains for clogs. In the kitchen, I would check the garbage disposal, the DW aircap and shut off switch.

Bathtubs/Showers
Each tub faucet and showerhead will be checked for leaks and all drains checked for clogs.

Miscellaneous Items
There are also other plumbing inspections related items in your home, such as your ice maker’s line and shut off switch. Your sump pump will be inspected to insure that it is in good working condition.

Your laundry room is another area that needs plumbing inspections. Your washer supply lines will be checked, as well as the washer drain hook-up and laundry tub assembly. If you have any floor drains in your house, those will be inspected for clogs, as well. And finally, I will check your main water shut off valve to insure that it is in good working condition.

As you can see from the large checklist I have, there are quite a few important items that should be inspected on an annual basis. Set up your appointment today so we can get started.

Affordable Plumbing and Airconditioning is your full service Palm Beach Plumber servicing West Palm Beach and Surrounding areas. For more information visit us online at www.affordableplumbingandairconditioning.com Affordable Plumbing and Airconditioning | 3565 S Jog Rd Greenacres, FL 33467 | 561-968-0000

Repiping:A Palm Beach Plumber Job

Written by hardenburghplumbing on November 18, 2011. Posted in Bathroom Plumbing, boca raton plumber, Kinds of Pipes, Palm Beach Plumber.

REPIPING OPTIONS FOR YOUR HOME

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Whether installing pipes in a new home or repiping an older home, there are several options when choosing which piping materials to use. You will want to consider the ease of installing and methods of installation when choosing materials.

Galvanized piping was used in many older homes, and is not recommended for installation in a new home. It was fine in older homes, but over time it corrodes internally, and a build up occurs, causing the water flow to be restricted. Many homeowners today replace galvanized piping whenever possible.

Options for replacing galvanized piping, or repiping in a home include PVC, CPVC, PEX and Copper piping. PVC piping and CPVC piping are similar, although PVC piping does have the restriction that it should not be used for over 140 degrees. Most hot water in homes probably won’t go over 140 degrees, but the usual choice between PVC and CPVC piping is to go with CPVC. CPVC piping has been used for over 40 years, and will withstand temperatures of up to 180 degrees.

Most newer homes have either CPVC piping or copper depending on the builder’s or homeowner’s preference when the home is built. When installing CPVC piping, certain adhesives are needed, and only the adhesives made for use with CPVC piping can be used. CPVC piping is very lightweight compared to copper, and fairly easy to install.

Copper piping has been used in homes since the 1920’s. It’s heavier weight than CPVC piping, but one of the drawbacks is that it needs to be soldered. In an older home, especially one where insulation is present near the piping, soldering may not be a good idea. Copper piping is good in that it doesn’t support bacteria growth, and it can be “bent” to fit in oddly shaped places, rather than joints being used. Copper is good where water is not highly acidic. If water is acidic, tiny “pin hole” leaks can occur eventually. It has a smaller external diameter than CPVC piping and is very heat resistant.

PEX tubing has been used for plumbing purposes since the 1980’s and many installers like PEX piping because of it’s flexibility; it can be turned to a 90 degree bend in just 8 inches of space. Flexibility and ease repiping are the main benefits of using PEX tubing. It does require the use of brass fittings.

Whether repiping a home or installing new piping, Palm Beach Plumber can be a very valuable resource for information.