It is illegal (and not a very environmentally or plumbing friendly practice) to connect any rain or ground water to the sewer or a septic tank. IF, however, you do hookup – at the very least put a trap in the line to keep sewer gas out of the house. …
Continue reading How do I connect my sump pump overflow to my septic tank or sewer line?There could be a couple of different reasons for this. Don’t mix PVC washers and nuts with metal washers and nuts. Keep them consistent. The plastic washers (ferrules) go with the plastic pipe and washers. The thicker side faces the nut and the thinner side the *cup*. The metal pipe uses metal nuts and square …
Continue reading The drain pipes under my kitchen sink and the garbage disposal keep coming loose – help!99% of the time when you hear a clunk in any pipe when you turn a faucet on/off – it’s a loose washer in the faucet. When you take it apart be sure you get the old washer and a screw. If you don’t – turn the water back on and flush out the missing …
Continue reading The Faucet CLUNKS When We Turn It On ?There are a couple of ways to go. That little rectangular box is a cleanout plug. It’s brass. If you can unscrew it great – if not cut off the square with a Sawzall and you will find that it’s hollow. Then cut from the center out to the threads in pie sections. Peel the …
Continue reading Adding a new drain to cast iron pipe where there is a cleanout?It is a JOB. A couple of suggestions… while you’re at it replace the waste and overflow and if possible the tub/shower faucet. Second, you can get tub surrounds in two pieces that will fit through doors and three (I like the Sterling brand surrounds), American Standard makes an Americast tub that has the properties …
Continue reading Is Replacing a Tub a Big Job?In the old days, sometimes after a long time. This was generally due to the poor quality of galvanizing. Today using galvanized pipe generally presents no threat. Plumbers tend to use black pipe with gas for two main reasons. One is that it costs less than galvanized (except I’ve seen some home centers charging more …
Continue reading Will Natural Gas Corrode Galvanized Pipe?In certain states gas unions are not allowed inside buildings, so make sure you’re checking code. There are left and right hand couplings and nipples that take the place of unions. No sealant is required on unions faces – the seal is made by the beveled male/female surfaces. Also do not use regular PTFE tape. …
Continue reading Leaking steel gas union?Dishwashers are supposed to leave some water in the unit at the end of each cycle. This is to keep the element type heater, used for drying the dishes, from burning up. It’s a lot like a water heater element. If a lot of water stays in the sump – the drain could be clogged. …
Continue reading My dishwasher does not completely drain itself – why?In many professionals’ opinion, copper rules in most situations (unless you have low pH or aggressive water)! Over time, the plastic can sometimes sag and possibly get brittle. If it needs to be repaired or altered in any way, the pipe will have to be glued and you will have no water until it dries. …
Continue reading Copper Water Pipe vs. Plastic?If you lived alone, only using one plumbing fixture at a time – correct pipe size wouldn’t be a big issue. However when you are in the shower and someone flushes the toilet – it is a big deal. The basic rule is two fixtures on a 1/2″ pipe. You need min. 3/4″ incoming cold …
Continue reading Sizing Water Pipes?