Archive for February, 2010

What to Know About Bathtub Faucet Replacement

Monday, February 8th, 2010

In these economically trying times, understanding a bit about simple home repairs and renovation can come in handy. In fact, what to know about a bathtub faucet replacement can save a fair amount of money that might otherwise go to a plumber to perform what is, in actuality, a simple do-it-yourself project.

The first thing to keep in mind is that certain faucets will only work with certain plumbing configurations, and more than a few aren’t actually interchangeable. Therefore, make sure an exact measurement of the faucet holes — done center-to-center — and then take the old faucet, once it’s been removed, along to the store where the new faucet will be purchased.

Keep in mind as well that a typical mixer faucet (the tap where the intermingled hot and cold water emerges) can come in many different sizes and types. It’s important as well to remember that while the style is completely optional, the size must be exact. Now, once the new faucet’s been purchased make sure that all instructions are read completely before installing.

Besides making sure the correct tools are used (pipe wrenches, an open-end wrench with smooth jaws for hex or square nuts or other specialty wrenches), it’s recommended that converting from iron piping to new copper or even plastic tubing be done, if possible. There’s no threading required for either of the two materials, in fact. And always check on local plumbing codes before starting.

Make sure that what’s called a “transition union” set-up be used to attach copper piping to threaded pipe, if that’s the material to be used. One-half of the union is threaded onto the old pipe while the other half is soldered onto the copper pipe. Thread the two halves together after that. One can also use this type of union to join iron pipe to plastic tubing or copper to plastic with a solvent cement, as well.

When it comes to a bathtub faucet replacement job, getting the assembly behind the wall will be the first challenge, but there’s usually a rear access panel in the wall opposite the faucet, so look for that first of all. Look in the closet behind the tub, for instance. The most common faucet assembly is the two-valve, and it’s usually a matter of just unhooking the old faucet assembly and attaching the new assembly, always making sure that all screws and nuts are tightened appropriately and that and threaded assemblies are sealed with pipe tape, where called for.

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How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Waking up in the freezing morning can be dreadful, but what is worse is when you go to turn on a warm shower to find no water coming out. Temperatures during the winter months can cause frozen pipes. If you would like to avoid frozen pipes, here are some suggestions.

1. Insulate your pipes. Remember that insulation is meant to retain the heat that is already in the pipe. It won’t be adding heat.

Rubber insulation is less expensive than fiberglass, and is easier to work with. However, it does not work well with heat tape because it doesn’t provide any vapor barrier. Fiberglass insulation can irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs but in the wintertime it proves to be a better insulator.

If you have exposed pipes under your home you can try using insulation “tubing”. It is easy to work with, and provides good insulation for colder climates. Don’t forget to keep pipe insulation tape nearby to use on areas that are harder to fit.

2. If you have a bathroom that is exposed to the winter air more than the rest of your house, try a home remedy to keep the pipe from freezing. Pour a cupful of windshield washer fluid into the sink and shower drains and leave them over night. This provides an anti-freeze effect.

3. Open the cabinet doors under your sink. This will let warm air from the room circulate around the pipes and keep them warmer. Open the doors in the kitchen and bathrooms especially.

4. If you are a “snow bird” who leave their homes for a length of time during the wintertime you could also purchase a freeze alarm, or an alarm that monitors the temperature of your home. These alarms can be programmed to alert you or a neighbor if the temperature drops below where it needs to. They can also be handy for those who are vacationing and don’t want to worry about coming home to busted pipes.

5. After you remove your hoses outside for the winter, be sure to shut off the valve that supplies water to the outside tap. You should also drain all the standing water from the pipe. Keep the outside tap open until the weather gets warmer, and then you can close it and turn back on the water supply valve.

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