Plumbing Tips

Plumbing Problems After Hard Freeze?

We have had a hard freeze for several days in South Louisiana which is rare. My PVC water line burst in many places. I have got all of it fixed, but I am still having a problem. I have a sink and a shower where the water isn’t coming on. I don’t know what is causing this. All of the busted pipes are fixed.
Its not likely they are still frozen after a day and 1/2.
gizmoe – Can you tell me how to dislodge this debris?

Many times swelling of pipes cause debris collected on the inner walls of the pipe to dislodge and can plug up valves or screens in faucets.

Posted in plumbing problems | 2 Comments »

Can I get out of my lease if my apartment manager won’t fix a maintenance problem?

I’ve been complaining about a maintenance problem for almost 2 months that management won’t fix. The problem is a VERY noisy plumbing issue that wakes me up EVERYday. By their refusal to fix the issue can I legally break my lease?

You should read your least — most likely, it will have a clause that says the owner will keep the apartment in good condition.

The most important thing for you to do is to put your complaint in writing. Your legal rights can only be protected if you have a written record.

Try not to be threatening — just state the problem.

If you live in a city, there may be a landlord tenant agency that would intervene. Search for tenant rights and the name of your city.

Posted in plumbing maintenance | 4 Comments »

Is there a way to repair a crack in a porcelin toilet tank?

Yesterday I replaced the fill valve, flush valve, and handle. It looks like the toilet tank might have a very tiny crack in the bottom. The crack is running from front to back. It’s very thin, and hardly visible, I’m not even sure that it is a crack that runs all the way through. If it is a crack, I think might have overtightened one of the bolts that mount the tank to the bowl since the crack runs right through it.

The tank and bowl are yellow, so it will be hard to find a replacement tank in the same color, so if possible I want to repair it if possible. Is there a product that can repair the crack? Some sort of expoxy or glue or something like that?

Also is there any way to confirm that the crack is what is leaking and not something else? Thanks a lot for any advice!

From your description it sounds like you cracked it. To test for leaking you’ll want to dye the water with either some blue food coloring or an actual dye tablet. I don’t suggest trying to repair a cracked tank. Body weight and temperature variances may cause it to grow or expand over time. And you don’t want to be away from home with a leaking tank. Your best bet is to replace it.

Posted in toilet repair | 4 Comments »

Plumbing for new toilet on built up floor?

Just installed a new built up floor in the bath room. Now toilet flange is too low to get a tight seal even with with a thicker wax ring. New floor is about 7/8" above old flange while ring sets about 1/4" into receased bottom of toilet. Need a solution. Use a 2nd wax ring? Flange extender(s)? What types of sealants or gaskets would I need? Thanks.

the hardware should carry a built up neck piece for that, i know they use them on handicap toilets, good luck

Posted in toilet plumbing | 4 Comments »

Who pays for my personal items damaged by water leak?

The apartment above us got a water leak and water drained into our apartment. Our personal items were damaged by that. Also, landlord told us that we might move to another room.
If those who living in the apartment are responsible for that, will they pay for our personal items and expense for moving?
We don’t have time to take care of it by ourselves, so we are wondering.
We don’t have any renter’s insurance.
Thanks.
Water leak was caused by the apartment above us.

You answered your own question; Renters Insurance, the people renting above you did not cause the leak and the landlord has insurance to cover his / their property. Renters / Tenets need to purchase insurance to cover their / your personal belongings. I know you won’t like my answer but truth is you must participate in your own survival. In this case when you’re a renter / tenet you must have insurance for your personal stuff. Welcome to the world of renting.

Posted in water leak | 3 Comments »

How much would you pay for this plumbing job?

If you hired a plumber to change your whole set of shower knobs (where you turn on the shower) including all the supplies that the plumber buys for you…what is a reasonable price to pay the plumber for service and supplies?

And would you have hired a plumber to change shower knobs and the whole set or done it yourself?

plumbers pricing are different depending on where you live, if plumber used his knowledge and his time, truck,GAS, etc toget the correct parts, don’t complain. It’s a simple job for him/her but they are doing something that you needed. If your sewer was stopped up and your toilets were overflowing, would you complain when he fixed problem? Same truck,time,gas, knowledge.

Posted in plumbing jobs | 5 Comments »

Is this common on a home lease: "lessee is responsible for the first $100 of plumbing, elec & bldg repairs"

I just signed a 1 year lease on a nice but older 3 bedroom home. This clause does not take effect until month 6 of the lease. Just wondering if this is a common practice. This is in Texas

It depends. Is this a private owner? If so yes its legal. Its to protect themselves. Thats why it doesnt take effect unitl the 6th month. In 6 months regular issues would be resolved. After six months normally issues are caused by the tenant. Honestly $100 is not a large amount to ask. Do you pay a security deposit as well?

Posted in plumbing repairs | 3 Comments »

UK plumbing. What does PT1 and PT2 refer to in relation to water supplies?

You may be referring to BS 7291 Part1 and 2 which relates to H&C thermoplastic pipes and fittings If so try this link:

http://standards.mackido.com/bs/bs-standards24_view_6167.html

Posted in plumbing supplies | 1 Comment »

How do I get rid of another competing plumbing contractor without doing anything illegal?

I am currently using Service Magic, a lead service for plumbing leads, now another local contractor has joined. What this means is that now I have to compete with them on leads that we both pay for but only one gets.

Any Ideas that are not illegal?

DOOD! its called KAPITALIZM!

Compete
or something!

Tip, you don’t have to use "service magic"
get creative!

Posted in plumbing services | 2 Comments »

Is hot water plumbing connected to the toilet plumbing?

I have a problem. I always flush my cig butts down the toilet and now there is a plumbing problem in my apt building. They will be turning off the hot water for repairs. Will It get traced back to me?

Only cold water it routed to the toilet. Flushing drains the water to the sewage pipe. Hot or cold bears nothing to this, its all sewage.

Posted in plumbing | 6 Comments »