Dec
11
DIY Plumbing – Plumbing Gift Ideas
Filed Under DIY Plumbing | Leave a Comment
Looking for gift ideas this year?
Here’s our list plumbing gift ideas that would make great stocking stuffers – and should be handy in 
every household for the quick jobs that pop up.
1. Adjustable Wrench Set. Just the tool for odd jobs all around the home.
2. Pliers. A complete pliers set will ensure you’re ready for any type of job, from grabbing and holding tiny pieces of wire, to cutting through metal.
3. Measuring Tapes. Ready to help you with all of your plans and fix-ups.
4. Screwdriver Set. Make sure you have all sizes and types available when you need it.
5. A Multi Position Ladder. Perfect for jobs all around the house, multi position ladders raise and bend to reach any height you need.
6. Wet/Dry Vacuum. Perfect for all kinds of uses, from garage messes to water cleanup.
Happy Holidays from Quality 1st Plumbing!
Nov
21
Times are tough all over. Instead of replacing home items with newer models, you may be joining millions of other homeowners and start thinking of a do it yourself project instead.
The top 7 do it yourself plumbing projects are: 
1. Fixing a leaking showerhead
2. Fixing a leaking bathroom or kitchen faucet
3. Clearing clogs from kitchen and bathroom drains
4. Repairing a toilet leak
5. Replacing fixtures in the kitchen or bathroom
6. Maintaining the hot water heater
7. Replacing or fixing the garbage disposal
For any plumbing project, the best way to get started is to have everything you need in place before you get started, and have the time available to complete the project.
As a professional plumber, I end up in countless homes finishing up projects that either took longer than anticipated, or were simply more difficult than the homeowner expected. While cutting costs anyway you can is important, its also important to fix the problem the right way the first time. Whether you have a problem you need help with, or would like us to finish up a project you haven’t yet completed, Quality 1st Plumbing is here as a resource to you.
Oct
8
Green Plumbing Tip: Converting To A Dual Flush Toilet
Filed Under DIY Plumbing, Green Plumbing | Leave a Comment
Over the course of the last 30 years or so, we’ve seen a huge change in the amount of water used by a home toilet. Now thanks to the growing desire for green plumbing tips, many homes are installing low flow toilets, or even going to the next level of installing dual flush 
toilets.
According to the American Water Works Association, the average home uses 20.1 gallons of water per person for flushing the toilet. That amounts to about 30 percent of a home’s water usage. Upgrading from a 3.5 gallons per flush model to a 1.6 gallons per flush model will reduce one person’s annual water usage by about 15,000 gallons.
Low flush toilets were first introduced around 1994, and have since saved millions of gallons of water. But rumors still persist on customer satisfaction. Today’s low flush toilets are much improved over their older counterparts. And dual flush toilets can also contribute to cost savings.
Dual flush toilets are designed to handle solid and liquid waste differently, giving the user a choice of flushes. Most dual flush toilets use less than one gallon of water to flush liquid waste, and around 1.6 gallons to flush solid waste. The combined savings for using half flushes for liquid waste can result in savings of up to 68 percent or more over the conventional low flow toilet.
While dual flush toilets are widely used across Australia, Europe and Asia, they are now just catching on in the United States. The EPA is estimating by the year 2013, an estimated 36 states will experience water shortages; which means converting to water saving features is now more important than ever.
Sep
3
In every home, there are certain plumbing issues that come up that are more do it yourself in 
nature. From fixing a leaky toilet, to replacing a dripping faucet, when making minor repairs, buying the right replacement fixtures is the most important part of any project.
Step 1 – Find the problem
Sometimes the problem jumps out at you, sometimes it takes a little more research. Finding the source can help you limit the hours spent on the repair, and save countless trips to the hardware store. When you’re taking a part fixtures or piping, keep all the pieces together and in the right order so its easy to connect back together.
Step 2 – Match it
Even though you think you know what part you need to replace, looks can be deciding when you’re standing in the hardware store with dozens of choices. When in doubt, bring the actual piece with you to match up and compare, and ensure you are purchasing the right piece.
Step 3 – Get the right measurements
When replacing larger items like sinks or toilets, make sure you take accurate measurements for reinstalling. Sinks and toilets come in a variety of sizes, shapes and heights. Buying by looks alone could bring a big surprise when installation is complete.
Step 4 – Know your source
Different areas have different code requirements. Buying used or old, out of date materials can sometimes cause you to no longer meet code requirements.
Step 5 – Know your options
The hardware store may seem to be the best place to find new fixtures. But there are other options. In many areas the public has access to wholesale supply companies and can find unique supplies not found in the big box stores. You may even check with your local contractor or plumber for information – they often have tips on businesses or websites that offer things out of the ordinary.
Jul
24
Plumbing Products – Recognizing The Different Types Of Pipe
Filed Under DIY Plumbing | Leave a Comment
Before working on any do it yourself plumbing project, its important to recognize the different types of piping within your home. Depending on when your home was built, you could have a variety of different types of 
piping, including some that may be no longer used within the industry.
Plastic
Most homes built since the mid 1970’s have plastic pipes and fittings. Plastic is inexpensive and easy to work with – the joints can be connected using primer and liquid cement.
You’ll readily find one two types of plastic pipe: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PVC (polyvinylchloride).
ABS pipe is the first plastic piping to be used in residential plumbing. Black in color, its easy recognizable, though many new construction areas no longer allow ABS because the joints have a tendency to come loose.
PVC pipe is white or cream in color, and is most commonly used for drain lines. It’s strong, indestructible by chemicals, and lasts indefinitely.
Copper
Copper pipe is commonly used for water lines because of its resistance to corrosion. It’s more expensive than the widely used plastic, but is great for long-term projects because of its durability. Copper pipe comes in two types: rigid and flexible. Flexible is often used for dishwashers, refrigerator icemakers, and other appliance that use a water supply. Rigid is thicker, and as its name implies, is more solid in form. It’s often used throughout homes, and in outdoor and drainage applications.
Cast Iron
Cast iron piping was typically used in homes built before 1960, and was commonly used for drain lines. Because of their tendency to rust over time, it’s important to call in a quality plumber to replace any existing cast iron piping.
Steel
Galvanized steel pipe is also commonly used in older homes. The average life of a steel pipe is around 50 years, so it’s better to replace existing piping instead of repairing.
PEX
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene pipe is the newest pipe used in residential construction. It’s easy to install, flexible, and uses compression fittings. Currently it is more expense than copper or plastic.
Jul
17
DIY Plumbing – Fixing A Leaky Faucet
Filed Under DIY Plumbing | Leave a Comment
One of the most common plumbing problems in any home is a leaky faucet.
Typically, a faucet can leak in one of two ways: a drip from the spout, or a water leak from the base of the 
handle. And because even the smallest of leaks can add up to thousands of gallons of water wasted each year, it makes sense to fix a leak as soon as you notice it.
The first step is to stop the water flow to the faucet. Some sinks have stop valves located under the sink. Bathtubs and showers often have integrated shutoffs near the fixture. Other homes have one main shut off valve to control the water throughout the entire house.
After shutting off the water, open the faucet and wait for the water to drain. Pry off the decorative cap (if any), remove the handle screw, and gently remove the handle. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove and additional screws and packing nuts.
As you remove each piece, check for signs of wear. Common problems are:
- If water drips from the spout when the handle is off, you probably need to replace warn washers.
- If water seeps out below the handle, the O-ring is probably worn.
- If the seat looks worn, it probably needs replacing
When replacing parts, make sure you get an exact duplicate. Even the tiniest of differences can increase the leak instead of fixing it.
In some cases, if you can’t find the parts or if you are in need of a number of them, it may be better to simply replace the faucet. It allows you to update your look, and have the entire problem fixed and back in order in no time.
[Have several leaking faucets, or wonder how to convert to low flow faucets to converse on water? Quality 1st Plumbing can perform a water analysis in your home, and provide you with detailed ways to save on your next water bill.]
Jul
16
1. Standard Plunger A standard plunger is a necessity for any type of backups in the sink, tub or shower.
2. Flanged Plunger A flanged plunger is a standard plunger with a funnel-like extension on the bottom that fits snugly into a toilet. 
3. Hand Crank Drum Auger When plunging does not clear a clog, use a hand crank drum auger, also called a snake.
4. Toilet Auger The toilet auger fits into the toilet to clear clogs and retrieve unflushable items like towels and toys, and has a sleeve to protect the bowl’s porcelain finish.
5. Adjustable Wrench An adjustable wrench gives you flexibility when tightening or loosening nuts and fittings without marring the finish.
6. Pipe Wrench A pipe wrench is grooved to bite into pipes and fitting for a sure grip, and allows plenty of leverage for tightening and loosening.
7. Groove Joint Pliers A pair of 12 inch groove joint pliers allow you to grip pipes and fittings.
8. Flashlight Choose a flashlight that stands on its own, and swivels to different positions. Many plumbing problems exist in tight, dark spaces, and a flashlight can quickly become your most important tool.
9. Putty Knife A putty knife is handy for applying plumber’s putty.
10. Hammer and Screwdriver These simple tools can help you out in many ways, from loosening stuck parts, to putting items back together again.
Jul
10
Your garbage disposal is probably one of the heaviest worked appliances in your home, yet it’s often the easiest to take for granted – until it becomes clogged. Clogs are most often caused by the type of food and the amount of water 
used while using the disposal unit. Typically the waste line becomes clogged by one of a number of things:
· Inadequate water used for flushing food through the garbage disposal
· Too many starchy foods, such as potato peels, pastas or banana peel
· Grinding coffee grounds
· Grinding eggshells
If your disposal is having trouble draining, or won’t drain at all, the problem most likely resides in the drain trap. The drain trap is the P or S shaped plumbing line following the disposal discharge.
To get rid of the clog, start by disconnecting the drain trap, and removing the trap from the discharge drain attached to the disposal. Remove and clean out any clogs or obstructions.
If a clog doesn’t exist within the trap, then the clog exists in the line connecting to the wall.
Start by using a plunger to see if you can dislodge the clog with water and force.
The next step is to use a sink auger. With the sink stopper removed, extend the auger cable into the drain. Turn the crank handle of the auger until you feel the clog. Continue with gentle pressure until you’ve worked through the clog. Continue to repeat until the clog is removed. Flush the pipes with hot water once the drain is clear.
Jul
9
How To Unclog A Toilet
Filed Under DIY Plumbing | Leave a Comment
Maintaining a home means taking care of the little things as they happen. And occasionally that means unclogging the toilet.
When the toilet becomes clogged, there are two ways to clear it.
Unclog A Toilet Using A Plunger
There are two types of 
plungers: cup and flange plunger. The flange plunger, or ball plunger, is specially shaped to clear clogs in toilets. The flange’s special shape seals the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl, and uses a vacuum and the force of the water to clear the clog.
Continue plunging until the clog is clear. For stubborn clogs, continue on and use a toilet auger.
Unclog A Toilet Using a Toilet Auger
For stubborn clogs, it may be time to bring in a closet auger, or toilet auger. A toilet auger is a special tool with a long handle, an offset hand crank, and an auger bit at the end to break through clogs, or retrieve an obstruction such as a rag or toy. The auger bit is connected to the crank handle, and gives you a total reach of about 3 feet.
- To use the toilet auger, place the curved end of the auger handle towards the drain within the toilet. Insert the guide tip into the drain.
- Crank the auger into the drain until it tightens. Then change directions and crank the other way until tight. Repeat until you feel the clog loosen and disappear. In some cases your obstruction may be an item accidentally flushed, such as a towel or toy. If the auger continues to hit against something, pull up and check.
- If the auger gets stuck, continue to crank back and forth to release. Be careful not to pull to hard, or you may crack or break the toilet porcelain.
- After the auger is free, use the plunger again to make sure the obstruction is clear. Flush only when you are sure the obstruction is clear.
Jun
17
DIY Plumbing – Installing A Sump Pump
Filed Under DIY Plumbing | Leave a Comment
Doesn’t it feel like the rain will never end here in Colorado this season?
Depending on where you live, you may be experiencing basement flooding. Because Colorado is typically a dry climate, daily rain can take its toll in some areas. 
If you’ve noticed water seeping into your basement, it may be time to install a sump pump to forgo future water damage, and prevent damage to your belongings, and basement surroundings.
Sump pumps generally fall into two categories: submersible and pedestal. Both types of sump pumps are designed to activate based on a float switch that tells when the water level has reached a certain height. The main difference is where the motor lies, and its accessibility to the motor and its parts.
A sump pump is usually sold according to the horsepower of the motor. The size corresponds to how many gallons per hour the pump is capable of pumping out. For example, a ½ horsepower unit can remove anywhere from 3,000 to around 7,500 gallons per hour.
Because most sump pumps are hardwired into your homes electrical system, a battery backup should also be considered in case of power outages. Different options are available depending on the length of time the system will work before the electricity is back on.
Also check with your local government office on laws for drainage. Many areas now have laws in place for run off requirements from a sump pump. Make sure your water is routed to a legal destination, and a safe distance away from your home.
[If installing and maintaining a sump pump isn’t for you, contact Quality 1st Plumbing for help with all your plumbing needs. We’re here to get your house back into working order quickly and efficiently, saving you time.]
Blogroll
- Quality 1st Plumbing website - Quality 1st Plumbing website
- Troubleshooter - Tom Martino – The Trouble Shooter
- WaterSense