Posts Tagged ‘plumbing’

Finding The Best Plumbing Pipe Sizes

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

In determining the sizes of the needed pipes for plumbing activities, it is not the physical appearance that is considered. It is also important to determine the external pipe diameters in sizing up pipes. Pipe sizes for plumbing are determined on a unit value where thread per inch is the thread size of a plumbing pipe. When measuring the size of plumbing pipe, the thread per inch and the diameter is taken.

Specific thread types of pipes that shall be used for plumbing projects are set out by the American National Standards institute or the ANSI. In prior years, sizing up of metal pipes were just dependent on their relative diameters. Thus, for the industry to have a standard measurement, they would make specifications based on the external diameters of the pipes. Although a bit similar in terms of plumber pipe sizing, relative thickness of the pipe is put into consideration due to the fact that the material of piping today is no longer made of pure metal or galvanized iron, but more on copper tubes. Hence, today there is what we call the Nominal Pipe Size or the Iron Pipe Size.

There are two types of sizes of plumbing pipes, the Iron Pipe Size (IPS) and the Copper Tube Size or CTS. IPS is based on the length on the pipe associated to its single wall thickness. While CTS or Copper Tube Sizes was formulated because copper pipes have different sizes in terms of its wall thickness apart from the measurements of the length and its diameters. Plumbing pipe sizes has different number of thickness or what we call “schedules”. These schedules are measured with the pipes inside diameter, or the ID, and the outside diameters, or the OD, in relation to the thickness of the walls. In terms of plumbing pipes weights, pipes are called Standard Wall (Std), extra strong wall also called as the XS, and the double extra strength wall also known as XXS. XS plumbing size is also regarded as extra heavy and XXS the double extra heavy ones.

The relative plumbing pipe size to be used would be dependent on the plumbing work or repair that would be done. For pipes that would hold massive amounts of pressure, the plumbing pipe size should be as heavy as possible to allow continuous and unwavering pressure rates. Heavier sizes would also avoid rupture of the pipes and possible leakages. Heavy walled pipes for these purposes are typically smaller in terms of diameter.

For purposes of drainage, waste pipe system and ventilation, plumbing pipe sizes that are relatively thinner and much lighter compared to that of the pressure pipes is required. These pipes would naturally allow the free flow of such materials. The standard residential plumbing pipe sizes are 1 to inch, 2 inches, 3 inches and the 4 inches pipes. The 4 inches soil pipe is most appropriate for disposing solid materials. The 3 inches pipe increases the flowing rate for horizontally inclined piping system that would be very beneficial to avoid clogging problems.

Do you seek to learn about purchasing good sizes of plumbing pipe or fixing leaking pipes? Click on my links for additional information.

History Of Cast Iron In Construction

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

More than 1,000 years prior to the West China produced cast iron. They managed to build a furnace which reached the 1,528C needed to melt iron and began casting the resulting liquid iron into products. Prior to that only copper could be used, which was nowhere near as strong or durable as cast iron. Casting iron was a very important step forward for metallurgy.

The Chinese made cast iron more than 1000 years earlier than the West. The first Western iron foundry dated from AD 1161, by which time the Chinese were already using cast iron in buildings. Early examples of this were pillars for full-size pagodas. Cast iron was not used for construction in the west until 1779 when the Iron Bridge near Coalbrookdale was built. From then on cast iron was used extensively in construction, providing the frame for many buildings including high rise buildings.

Oddly the only product that cast iron was extensively used for in the west prior to the Iron Bridge being built was for cookware. Cast iron is still a very popular material for pots and pans despite many lighter alternatives being available. Heat is evenly distributed throughout the pan meaning that the food cooks evenly. Cast iron pots and pans are so durable that they are often passed down through generations of a family. Cast iron ovens began to be made in the 1640s and many of them still work several hundred years later.

Cast Iron pipes began to be made at the same time as cannon in the early 1300,s. The first record of them being used for drainage is in 1455 at Dillenberg Castle, Germany. The oldest cast iron water pipes still in use date from the 17th century. They were installed to distribute water throughout the gardens of the Chateau de Versailles. In 2008 Saint-Gobain PAM were employed to restore the 35km system and were able to leave in place 80 sections of the original pipe, which was by then 340 years old.

Today, cast iron is still used in construction mainly because of its durability. The other advantage to cast iron is the fact that it is so good looking and versatile. Fitting a cast iron water system to a building is a worthwhile investment.

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Copper Pipes For Plumbing Versus Plastic Piping

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

When you are plumbing a new house or re-plumbing an old house, the question of plastic piping or copper piping always comes up. A qualified professional plumber will be be able to provide you the drawbacks and long term benefits of each. There are several things to consider including cost, benefits, and the plumbing requirements of the job at hand.

The cost of copper plumbing is quite a bit more than plastic piping. Because the copper pipes are rigid, installing new copper piping in an existing structure may require tearing out drywall and ripping up flooring. Plastic plumbing on the other hand is flexible and can be routed throughout your home or business with much less damage to the existing structure. On top of this, the material cost of plastic plumbing will be much lower than copper plumbing.

The long term benefits of the plastic vs. copper battle are yet to be decided. Copper is a very dependable material for making piping out of and it has been utilized for centuries to plumb buildings. Plastic piping on the other hand has only been around for a few years. So its ability to fully stand up to the day to day usage has not been recorded. Certainly there has been lab tests and all of that, but until anything is tried out for several years and there is legitimate evidence to suggest it works as advertised, nobody can say for sure.

Plastic plumbing is flexible. This makes it easy to install. So re-plumbing an existing home or structure is much less difficult. Much like electrical wiring it can be routed through the existing framing or structure without having to tear out drywall or pull up flooring. It is also resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and condensation.

Copper plumbing is rigid and very hard to install in existing structures. Generally walls need to be torn out or flooring needs to be removed. So if you’re living in the building it will be a unpleasant and messy time in your life. It can also develop pinhole leaks if your water supply is acidic. On the other hand, copper plumbing is fire resistant and usually has a warranty of 50 years or more.

Both plastic and copper plumbing can affect the taste of your water. Copper piping can leave a metallic taste while plastic plumbing can leave a plastic taste. For both materials, this issue generally goes away after the plumbing has been seasoned. The greater issue is likely to be how the water tastes from the source.

The important thing is that you need to determine whether plastic plumbing or copper plumbing suits your requirements based on the demands of the job. A good professional plumber can provide you with the cost and benefits of each. In the end, it will be up to you to make the decision based on your budget and the requirements of the plumbing job.

If you’re someone in need of Las Vegas plumbing, Oracle Plumbing can meet your needs. Call us to discuss how this Las Vegas plumber can meet your needs.

Vital Information About Making A Career Out Of Plumbing

Monday, July 12th, 2010

If you are reading this, it is safe to assume that you may be considering making a career out of plumbing. If this is the case, you are in luck. The work is interesting and the money is good. Plumbers play a vital role in maintaining our social structure and way of life.

With this career, there is always work to be done and money to be made. You will find this to be one of the highest paid jobs in the construction industry. If this sounds good to you, it might be time for you to consider some basic info on the subject.

It should be no surprise that plumbers play an important part in public health. There are many benefits to this field, as it provides us with clean drinking water and sanitation, as well as maintaining our heating and septic systems. Without plumbers, disease would be a daily and destructive part of our lives. No plumbers means no washing machines or toilets, and no tap water or showers.

Many people may think this profession is nothing more than fixing leaks or unclogging drains. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, a very intricate and detailed understanding of plumbing construction and maintenance is vital, as well as the ability to read blueprints. Extensive knowledge of specific tools is also necessary.

The work will take a plumber into a variety of working environments. These include both commercial and residential areas that require both water and septic system construction and maintenance. There is some heavy lifting in the form of various tools and construction materials, so adequate physical strength is necessary. Also, an ability to endure unfavorable weather conditions is important from time to time.

In order to be qualified, you must obtain a license. The requirements of these licenses will vary from place to place. There are many educational opportunities for those ready to begin this career. Many technical schools and community colleges offer the appropriate classes. Many are able to take part in on-the-job training programs or apprenticeships, which are a great way to learn the trade.

The benefits of this occupation are numerous. The money is very good and there is always work to be done. There is, however, an educational process needed in order to both obtain the proper credentials and to get the work done properly and safely. These jobs are an important part of our social structure. Explore your local resources and begin your path toward this career.

When you need assistance with a plumbing problem, find experienced plumbers London area or plumbing service Ealing area, depending on your location. You can get prompt and economical repairs done with qualified people.

A Helpful Introduction To Copper Re-piping

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Some time ago, home and business building structures are fitted with iron pipes coated with zinc or known as galvanized pipes. The galvanized pipes are subject to rust and deterioration when it ages and once it begins to deteriorate it has to be replaced. A homeowner can notice that the pipe is already on its deteriorating stage when water pressure is beginning to drop and filling of washing machines takes a longer time. Most evident in knowing that water pressure has slowed down is when you are taking a bath and noticed water is not in its forceful stream.

The most important factor is when the resident owner observes that the water is leaking from the valve has an odd color and a bad smell is coming out of and, and then the homeowner immediately calls a plumber to replace that rusted pipe. The color change of water is the consequence of dark rust in the electrified pipe and when zinc begins to turn apart from its coating. Thus, the water coming out from that pipe is directly affected and may result in health and fitness problems in your house and so the copper re-piping process of taken in consideration.

If you decide to do the re-piping yourself, then you must be at least knowledgeable of its basic steps. Thus, it is recommended that you research on how to do so. Upon starting out, it is essential that you trace down your system’s existing piping pattern. If you know the whole schematics, it would be a lot easier. You have to ensure that you are sufficient with the other tools and requirements like the required elbows, adapters, threading, and the like. Before using on to the copper pipes, you need to clean such fittings using a flux paste. Flux paste is acid based and also aids in soldering or joining the copper pipes into place. Cleaning the fittings and the pipes is important before you do the soldering.

If you have relatively less experience in soldering, you might want to ask some of the local companies or stores for them to give you an idea and the best techniques if ever. You will need to cut the pipes according to the length requirements of the area to be replaced. Afterwards, you may proceed in soldering the components. You should always counter check your work to avoid problems in the future. That is, hot water pipes should be connected to the hot water source and the cold ones otherwise.

Copper re-piping is a time-consuming home repair and even though you can do it yourself, it is also best to have it done by a professional plumber. The job can be finished by experts in re-piping within a day with a better quality result rather than working it yourself. Numerous companies that specialize in copper re-piping are available to handle this kind of service. It is best to canvass first for some quotations and evaluate the prices offered and the quality of services they have. If you want to be sure that the contractor is licensed, you may check with the proper Bureau in your local area.

If you happen to need to find out more about plumbing pipe sizes, check out my copper repipe site.

Some Issues To Consider When You Use Copper Piping

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

There are two forms of copper piping. There is rigid and there is flexible. The rigid form is what you will find in new homes and is neater to install, yet notably much more difficult than the flexible type. Flexible is best for repair work.

Copper fittings come in three basic types. The first is designed for making bends and turns in your pipe. There are also fittings made for joining or branching your pipe. The third type is couplings and adaptors. You can use fittings for either rigid or flexible piping.

When cutting the pipes, you are going to be using either a common hacksaw or a copper pipe cutter. The hacksaw will leave less burrs inside, making for easier cleanup. You are going to have to use a jig or a meter box to hold the piece steady while you cut. Use a wood block or board with a notch cut into it for this.

After you make your cut, remove the burrs inside. Typically a pipe cutter leaves more burrs than the hacksaw. Be sure to measure enough pipe to allow for the length required for the fittings.

Now that you have made your cuts and have your pieces ready, it’s time to solder them together. Keep your workspace organized and have all the pieces you will need laid out and ready to go. Using your soldering paste, apply it to the piece to be fitted, make sure to use enough but keep it to a thin layer. It will prevent oxidation during the heating process. Using a propane torch, solder the fitting until it flows easily and completely around the pipe.

Take great care not to overheat your pipe or it’s fittings. If you have more than one side to do, do them all together at the same time. To avoid damaging during reheating, use a wet towel to cover the copper piping.

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Getting The Best Types Of Ideal Copper Pipes For Your House

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

Copper pipes are now becoming an absolute substitute for metal pipes and galvanized pipes which are commonly used for drainage or water systems in households, industries, buildings and other infrastructures. Copper pipes tend to last longer and doesn’t easily fade out. It is also highly resistant to rusting and corrosion. Durable copper pipes have been the favorite of engineers and individuals for purposes of heating, plumbing, cooling and other systems that require pipes.

The American Society for Testing and Materials or ASTM is the legal government body which guarantees a certain standard of quality of the copper pipes. Producers must exceed certain set disclaimers and requirements established by ASTM and any product not passing the qualification might be rejected. At least 99.9% minimum solid copper composition is necessary in the pipes. The DHP Copper, which is in an annealed state and contains a rust-free phosphorous, tends to be the general mixture used in the composition of pipes, also commonly known as Copper No. 122.

Rigid and flexible pipes are two types of copper pipes which can be associated with its specific application. The smoother and neater ones are the rigid pipes. They are usually used in household piping system due to their much presentable look. The rigid pipes, although it look clean and neat, are harder to install than the flexible one. On the other hand, flexible pipes are excellent in job repairs because it is more suitable for all around piping systems. Some connections are difficult to reach and have more connections that require lesser cuts, flexible pipes are the most appropriate.

Furthermore, copper pipes may be classified according to their thickness. There are the Type K, Type L, and the Type M pipes. The thickest of these three is the K type which is very much ideal for use in projects dealing with high amounts of pressure. It is typical for deep underground tube requirements such as hydrants and underground public utility systems. It is very much resistant to rusting or corrosion due to high concentrations of protective coating or continuous polyethylene sleeve. The Type L copper pipes are relatively thinner walled. This is typically suitable for household and commercial piping systems. This type of pipe can handle generic water supply pressures and other common applications. The last type is the M Type copper pipe which has the thinnest wall sections. They are commonly aided for the more condensate and local drain piping system. This type of copper pipe is not suitable for use in water supply piping system.

In deciding what type of copper pipe should be used for a particular project, it is also necessary to determine the pipe’s temper. Temper in piping refers to the tubes relative durability or strength. In joining or fitting the copper pipes, soldering or brazing is required especially for the copper pipe types with a harder temper. At times, soft and hard tempers may also be joined by mechanical joints that may be implemented even without the use of heat, solders, or braze.

If you want to find the highest quality types of copper pipe or need to locate a repipe specialist, check out my links.

Some Advice About Copper Re-Piping

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

Maintenance on the piping system is essential in order to save water and other utility expenses in a household or building. The most common problem is water leakages, wherein you are already noticing a decrease in the water pressure or the water that is coming out of your water pipe is discolored with some rust particles. This surely indicates that there is an existing problem with the water pipes. Other indication that your pipes are already corroded is when you’re taking a bath and water is slowly flowing in your shower or whenever you are washing your hands in the faucet.

The above listen indication of piping problems tells us a single reason that could be pointed out, it’s the amount of dust in the electrified pipes. Rusts get building up when pipe gets aged and starts to get worse and causes a negative impact on the flow of water. The bad flow of water can be clearly seen in the water pressure decrease, as illustrated above. Another problem arises now, the problem of health and safety of your family and relatives. This problem occurs when a tap of drinking water is connected with these rusted pipes and your family gets health problems and a doctor must be attended immediately to reduce and avoid further consequences. Problems with leaking pipes should never be ignored and should be dealt with an immediate and effective manner. A copper re-piping is a solution to all your problems and should be immediately replaces with your rusted pipes, to avoid further problem related to health or safety.

In these events, it is very much essential for your galvanized pipes to be replaced by copper re-pipes. Replacing your current pipes would entail the removal of all existing galvanized pipes and be replaced with the much more durable copper re-pipes. All parts of the new copper pipe to be installed are made of copper, brass or bronze, materials that are generally resistant to corrosion. While in use, cell foams and isolators made from either nylon or felt aid in the minimization of noise.

It can be also importantly note that when you already observe corrosion problem of your existing metal pipe in even a single area, it is recommended that you should already be considering a total replacement of the system. This measure is done due to the fact that you can never prevent rust from scattering to other areas when it had already manifested itself. Usual costs of copper re-pipes ranges from $4000-$9000 relative on the specific requirement of the house or the building. The use of copper re-pipes may be determined as necessary whenever any of the following conditions are present: leaking pipes, corroding pipes, a decrease in the water pressure, unexplainable massive drop in the water pressure when flushing the toilet, brown coloration of the water with particles of rust present, odors and bad tastes of the water, and wet building foundation or slab.

Therefore, copper re-piping is a very big advantage in your irrigation mechanism and thus you’ll see a great increase in the level of water pressure and you will have clean water to drink, wash your hands and take a bath.

If you need to learn about a re-pipe specialist such as Calcoast Repiping, check out my website for more free articles.

Beautiful, Durable Cast Iron

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Cast iron is a great material for a rainwater drainage systems. It looks is durable, strong and beautiful. Its strength allows it to resist attempts at vandalism or removal by thieves, and it will be able to cope with even the heaviest rain or snowfall.

You mainly find cast iron rainwater drainage systems on the outside of listed buildings or those in conservation areas. However, in reality cast iron guttering and downpipes can add a touch of class to virtually any building, regardless of its age or architectural style. Thankfully, in many parts of the world conservation laws now mean that old cast iron systems have to be replaced with new systems made of the same materials, giving an ailing highly skilled industry a much needed boost.

Because cast iron can be painted any colour it is much more versatile than other rainwater drainage systems, which come in very few colours or designs. Cast iron comes in many different styles, with new ones being developed all the time to keep up with modern architectural trends. Adding a cast iron rainwater drainage system to a modern building instantly gives it an upmarket look. This is especially true of large buildings, such as office blocks or shopping centres.

Cast iron is an environmentally friendly product that is made largely out of recycled iron and steel. Using it can really help to save the planet. It is so durable that it will easily last a 100 years, in that time you would need to replace most modern systems made out of other materials at least 3 times over, a fact that adds to the products environmental credentials.

Cast iron has several less obvious advantages including the fact that because it is much more solid and rigid than other systems you never get that annoying gushing noise in heavy rain that modern systems suffer from. This makes it ideal for communal buildings and buildings such as offices or hospitals were noise levels need to be minimised.

The perception most people have is that a cast iron system will easily rust and require a great deal of maintenance, this is completely untrue. Cast iron is naturally rust resistant, but does still need to be protected from the elements. It needs painting every 5-10 years, how often depends on the climate in your area. Because it is so solid you do not get the loose bracket or broken pipe issues that you get so regularly with plastic or modern rainwater drainage systems.

If painting the system so regularly is daunting, then buy from one of the companies that coat their cast iron system with thermoplastic coating powder. The finish is baked on in the factory, so there are no small holes through which water can enter and spoil the finish. This finish lasts much longer than normal paint.

Want to find out more about cast iron gutters and cast iron products, then visit Sam Gobain Pam for the very best advice and deals.

How To Prevent Clogged Drains

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

In the role of a certified plumber in the Las Vegas area, we receive lots of service calls for stopped up drains. Several of the most common drains that end up clogging include the kitchen drains, bathroom drains, toilets, and tub drains. While we certainly like the business, many of this group of calls meant for drain clogs can be prevented if you understand these straightforward steps:

1. Every few days run very hot tap water down the drain. This is a sure way to keep a drain clear of odors. Care for any partly stopped up drains promptly.

2. Put a tablespoon of baking soda into the kitchen drain about once a week, then slowly pour in 1/4 cup of vinegar or lemon juice and let it stand for 30 minutes. Next run run hot water through the drain to eliminate minor buildups and odors.

3. Put a tablespoon of baking soda into the kitchen drain around once a week, then gradually pour in 1/4 cup of vinegar or lemon juice and let it set for 30 minutes. After that run hot water down the drain to eliminate minor buildups and odors.

4. Pouring a powerful salt water (brine) solution down the kitchen sink drain can eliminate odors and keep grease from building up.

5. Alternatively, consider a natural drain cleaner even for blockages. Remove any standing water then pour 1/2 c. Baking soda into your drain. Follow this with 1/2 c. Colorless vinegar. The baking soda is basic and the vinegar is acidic, so they will react with a churning action and should break up the clog without using any chemicals.

If you’ve kept up with your drain cleaning maintenance, and you still end up with a blocked drain then it’s time to call a certified plumber. Your problem could be more than just a clog in the P-trap and if there is a problem downstream from there, the safest and surest method to get it fixed is by enlisting the services of a certified plumber.

As a Las Vegas Plumber, Oracle Plumbing gets plenty of service calls for clogged drains. If you follow these simple steps, you’ll be able to prevent calls for clogged drains in Las Vegas.