Fri 31 Dec 2010

Plumbers Columbia

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Hello and Welcome to Plumbers Columbia!

Yes, I realize that this is a strange name for a website, but there is a reason for choosing this strange name.

When a homeowner in Columbia needs a plumber, rather it be to repair a simple leaking pipe or to install a complete fire sprinkler system, there is a pretty good chance that they will go to their computer and type in: Plumbers Columbia… or Columbia Plumbers in order to find a plumber to handle their needs.

And, yes, I wanted you to find my site because unlike many of the other websites that come up, I  am not a licensed plumber and I don’t own my own plumbing service.

I’m actually much like you in that I’m just a consumer that has had trouble in the past finding a qualified local plumber and that’s why I created this site so that I could help you.

I felt like it was a good thing for me to do!

Now, I’m not going to bad-mouth any plumbing companies out there, but I will make a stout recommendation for several plumbing companies out there that are licensed, bonded, insured and that you can trust will handle your needs in a professional manner.

Also, I want to help home owners to understand how their plumbing systems work and provide them enough knowledge so that they can make minor repairs, or, if they are like many who are scared to death of plumbing problems, make an intelligent decision on which licensed plumbing contractors they should consider hiring in Columbia to handle larger jobs.

So, if any of your pipe systems are leaking or if you need to install a new water heater, this website is for you.

Before I got started on this journey to find a qualified licensed plumber, I didn’t have the first idea on how to repair a toilet. And, I certainly had no idea on how much skill an experienced plumber has…and, maybe you don’t either?

Don’t worry! I will cover all this on Plumbers Columbia. We will look at all of your plumbing systems. We will even look at how your plumbing is connected to your heating and cooling systems.

I will show you how to test your water pressure, repair a leaking shower head, and even how to install a new sink in your kitchen or bath. We will even take a look at the plumbing connected to sprinkler systems and the various types of pipefitting. I will show you what tools are needed and how to use those tools. I will provide you a lot of useful plumbing tips.

More importantly, however, this website will help you hire a licensed Columbia plumber that is professional and honest.

The last thing you need are unprofessional contractors working on your plumbing systems putting your home and comfort at risk and doing work that is not up to local plumbing code.

Also, the prices that plumbing journeyman charge for various types of repair work is all over the board. Home owners can easily get ripped off because they have no idea how much work is involved on a particular job…it’s just not something that most home owners do.

And, here is a word of warning: Don’t trust an operation like the Better Business Bureau to vouch for a business…they can’t be trusted!

You probably don’t know this, but did you know that the Better Business Bureau is paid by the businesses that they represent. They use the word “Bureau” in their name to make it sound like they are government related…but, they are not! If you doubt my word, check it out.

It’s also important to know what organization regulate professional plumbers such as the International Code Council and the South Carolina Code of Laws. Also, find out what kind of contractor’s license a potential plumber has or even if the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation even knows if they exist.

Find out if the owner of the plumbing company is a Master Plumber or are they a person with a journeyman’s card that has lost so many jobs that they decided to start their own business. If this is the case, they probably don’t have insurance and if someone gets injured or if they damage your home, you could be out a lot of money.

There are other things to find out. Is a permit required? Are inspections required? Will the work be done up to state and city codes? I could go on-and-on, but you see my point.

After spending a few moments on my website, Plumbers Columbia, hopefully you will be able to make a better decision on who to hire for your plumbing job. Or, maybe you will have the confidence to do the job yourself!

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Sun 2 Jan 2011

Tips For Fixing Plumbing Problems

Posted by under Tips For Fixing Plumbing Problems
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Plumbers Columbia: Some Simple Tips For Fixing Plumbing Problems

If you’re having plumbing problems at home, you don’t always need to call a plumber. Some plumbing problems are simple to fix and you can probably fix them yourself.

The article below is from a business located in Raleigh, North Carolina. I was in Raleigh last year and I know that it is a reputable plumbing firm and I’m sure that they provide good advice. So, I’m not going to go into a lot of details on how to fix many plumbing problems because they provide that information in this article that they wrote.

Go ahead and read this article…some great information is provided here.

Household Plumbing Tips and Tricks

By John Kirzno

Experiencing plumbing problems at home can cause a panic, especially if it occurs with the toilet, shower or some other appliance of vital importance. However, you don’t need to call a professional plumber for every problem as many issues can be taken care of by the homeowner himself. Whether you’re trying to unclog a toilet or can’t figure out why there’s standing water in your bathtub, here are some common household problems and how to fix them:

Running Toilet

There’s probably nothing more annoying than hearing your toilet incessantly run while you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep or go about your day. However, this problem causes the toilet’s water to run as though you had just flushed it. What you’re hearing is the sound of water running from the toilet tank into the bowl. Thankfully, there are a few simple tricks you can use to get the running water to stop.

First, you need to try to jiggle the handle to see if the problem resolves itself. Jiggling the handle can free the float ball or flapper, which is often the underlying cause of the issue. You can also open the back lid of the toilet and lift the float ball above the water level, which should also cure the problem. However, in many cases the flapper needs to be repaired. You can get these at any hardware store for around $10, and this should cure your toilet plumbing problem without the need for a professional.

Clogged Toilets

One of the top problems which homeowners call plumbers about is a clogged toilet. Clogged toilets are, indeed, an emergency. However, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can take to clear the clog yourself.

Unless you have a small, fragile toilet bowl, you need to skip over attempting to unclog the toilet with a simple bell, flat-mouthed toilet plunger. Instead, you need to run to the store and purchase a bellows-type toilet plunger. These toilet plungers, shaped like an accordion of sorts, are more powerful and plunge more effectively than any other bell toilet plunger out there. All you have to do is plunge a couple times with this type of plunger and most toilet clogs clear immediately

Clogged Drains

Another issue of importance involves the bathtub drain. These plumbing issues are problematic as you’ll often be dealing with them early in the morning when you get ready for the day. This is often a gradual problem, so you should notice standing water in the bathtub. When you’re taking a shower or getting out of the bathtub, the water won’t go down all the way or it will “stand” there for a long while after you remove the stopper.

To fix a clogged bathtub drain, you have a couple options. First, you can take a drain snake or closet auger and dislodge any and all debris getting in the way of the draining water. However, this technique doesn’t always work, or may work temporarily. One technique that does work for this issue is a commercial solution, such as “Drano,” or a similar product. All you have to do with this is pour it down the drain and wait for the clog to clear.

As you can see, there are several common household plumbing issues that you probably will deal with throughout your lifetime. Instead of calling a plumber to fix a simple clogged drain or toilet, taking a few minutes to complete some troubleshooting should clear things right up.

Triangle Affordable Plumbing offers quality plumbing services at prices you can afford. If you are looking for a reliable plumber service, our Plumbers Raleigh service can help you. We have what it takes to get the job done fast and effectively. Our Plumbing Cary services are also available, serving all residents of Cary. Visit our website to find out how we can help you save on plumbing services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Kirzno

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Sun 2 Jan 2011

How To Repair A Toilet

Posted by under How To Repair A Toilet
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My wife and I ate dinner and afterwards we decided to go see my mom and dad. Although their home is only about 15 minutes away, we had not seen them in about two weeks.

Shortly after getting there, I decided that I needed to go use their bathroom that’s located downstairs. When I got into the bathroom, there was a sign hanging on the toilet that said, “Not Working”. So, I went upstairs and used the toilet upstairs.

When I saw my dad, I asked him what was wrong with the toilet downstairs. He said that he wasn’t sure what was wrong with it, but when he flushed it, the toilet would leak.

I asked him if it would be OK if I tried to fix it and he said, “Sure, that would be great!”

So, I got on their computer and went online to see if I could find any information that would help me. I found a very helpful article and that article is posted below.

Anyway, the toilet is now repaired and it only took me a few minutes to fix it.

Here is the article I found:

How to Repair a Leaking Toilet

By Alyssa Davis

Toilet leaks can be caused by many different toilet malfunctions. A broken water supply line, a damaged wax ring below the bowl, or a ballcock tube that has slipped out of place can all cause leaks that are relatively easy to fix without having to call a plumber. Proper plumbing tools and some basic do-it-yourself repair skills will both help in completing the repair. The steps below outline how to repair a leaking toilet for different scenarios.

Broken Water Supply Line
A broken water supply line can cause water to spurt from the line connecting the toilet to the main water valve. The first step to repair this leak is to shut off the water supply valve. This will stop the flow of water to the toilet. Next, flush the toilet to remove the water from the bowl and hold down the handle until it is completely empty.

Unscrew the water supply line at the base of the tank first. Be sure to place a bowl and rags beneath the area to collect any drips of water. Using a wrench, unscrew the tube from the water supply valve. Screw the new flex hose on the toilet tank being careful not to over tighten. Slowly turn the water supply back on while checking for leaks as the water begins to flow.

Damaged Wax Ring
The wax ring is what the toilet base sits on. With time it can erode and cause leaks. Although many homeowners prefer to call a plumber for this type of repair, it can be done without one. Begin by shutting off the water supply and emptying the tank and bowl. The water supply tube should be disconnected from the top connection at the toilet tank. Unscrew the toilet from the floor and carefully set it aside.

With a putty knife, carefully scrape the remaining parts of the wax ring from the area. Clean the spot so that the new wax ring will be level. Place a new wax ring on the opening and replace the toilet. Bolt it back onto the floor, reconnect the water supply tube and watch for leaks as the water is turned back on.

Repairing a Ballcock Tube
The repair of a ballcock tube is the simplest repair of all toilet leaks. There is a small black tube that is in the tank of the toilet that connects to the flush valve fill tube. If the tube slips from the little clasp that holds it in place, it can begin spraying water in the tank and out from under the tank cover. To fix this toilet leak, simple re-attach the black tube to the clip. It really is that simple.

Toilet leaks can be scary and can quickly cause a lot of damage. Trust instincts and give the repairs a shot if possible. The supplies and tools needed can typically be purchased at local plumbing and home improvement stores. If there is any question about what is causing the leak or a feeling of unease about repairing the problem, it is best to call a licensed, professional plumber.

Alyssa Davis is a home style expert who writes regularly for Metal-Wall-Art.com and is especially knowledgeable on decorating with black metal wall art and coffee metal wall decor.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alyssa_Davis

For more information on how to repair a toilet, watch this helpful video:


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Sun 2 Jan 2011

Buyers Guide To Local Plumbing Supplies

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Plumbers Columbia:  Buyers Guide To Local Plumbing Supplies

In this article on Plumbers Columbia, I want to discuss some of the places to find good plumbing supplies in Columbia and the Midlands Region of South Carolina.

I’ve posted a great article below that discusses some of the best places to find plumbing supplies such as faucets, toilets, showers, and pipe. These places supply these parts in a variety of different materials such plastic, pvc, copper, and stainless steel. You shouldn’t have any problem finding exactly what you need.

These supply houses will also have all of the tools and equipment that you will need to complete your plumbing projects. Rather it be a pipe wrench, a plunger, or teflon tape…these supply houses will have it.

Some of the more notable plumbing supply stores noted below are Home Depot, Lowes, and Ace Hardware. But, there are many others so go ahead and read that article:

A Buyer’s Guide to Plumbing Supply Materials

By Sean Kavanaugh

You can purchase plumbing supply materials from several places (these are in no particular order).

Big box hardware stores like Home Depot, Lowes, or Menards are the most well known. You can also visit your local hardware store like Ace or True Value, for example. Industrial supply houses mostly sell to businesses and contractors and will sell everything industrial; from material moving equipment to safety equipment and plumbing material. Some examples are Grainger and McMaster Carr. You can also browse the internet for e-commerce or on-line plumbing supply houses. These suppliers can offer everything from a few niche items to anything you can possibly imagine. Professional plumbing supply houses are another possibility. Many of them will only sell to professionals who carry credit lines, but some (the number is increasing everyday) are finding it exceedingly difficult to turn away cash paying customers (professional or not).

How do I Decide Where to Buy My Plumbing Stuff?

If you are a consumer and looking for material to do a simple repair the big box store should have what you need. They carry basic plumbing rough-in material and name brand fixtures. Their pricing on common items is very good, however, if you have a repair that requires uncommon materials (materials that they do not carry in-stock), the big box may not be the best place to purchase. Remember, the reason pricing on “common” materials is great at a big box is because of the tremendous volume they buy from manufacturers. If an item in not in-stock, they are not buying it in tremendous volume. Therefore, they do not carry the discount the in-stock item would.

Your local hardware store will carry a limited amount of plumbing materials (nowhere near the volume of the big box stores), but you will probably pay more for the same items you will find in the big box store (see above). Mostly, local hardware stores should be used when you are in a pinch. You may be able to find some private label fixtures that are pretty durable and competitively priced.

For materials or fixtures in large quantities, an industrial supply house or plumbing supply house/wholesaler can give you some very competitive pricing. However, for everyday plumbing supplies, these options are not very practical.

For both professionals and consumers, the best pricing will invariably come from e-commerce sites or on-line plumbing stores. Because these companies have less overhead (physical space, salespeople, distribution, etc) they can, and do, offer materials at a lower price. The downside is that you are buying from a “faceless” entity. You cannot go to the store any physically browse the aisles or talk to a salesperson or clerk. If you know what you are looking for, this can be a very cost effective way to purchase your plumbing supplies.

Sincerely,

http://www.theplumbinginfo.com

Sean Kavanaugh

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Kavanaugh

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Sun 2 Jan 2011

Understanding Home Plumbing Systems

Posted by under Understanding Home Plumbing Systems
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After my wife plugged up our kitchen sink, I began to realize how little she understood about how our home plumbing system really works.

After thinking about it for a while, I guess it’s really not surprising that she knows nothing about plumbing. After all, most of what I know I learned from my dad. My dad taught me. But I don’t ever remember him teaching my sisters anything about plumbing and I don’t think that plumbing is something most girls would learn about in school.

I did some research on the Internet and found an interesting article that I let my wife read. I now know that she has a better idea on how our plumbing system works.

Here is that article for you to read:

Understand Home Plumbing Systems

By J Wakefield

Understanding how your home plumbing system works can make minor and major repairs seem less stressful. You may even be able to fix minor problems yourself without having to hire a plumber.

Home plumbing systems have two main functions. The first is to provide clean water to sinks, showers, washing machines, dishwashers and toilets. The second function is to remove waste water traveling through various drains. Water pressure and gravity play large roles in each of these functions.

Plumbing System Components

In order to a plumbing system to operate correctly, the following components must be in place and in working condition:

  • Hot water heater – cold water enters the heater where it is heated and transported to faucets and other fixtures that require it.
  • Main Water Shutoff Valve – controls the amount of water flow coming into your home. If a pipe leaks, knowing where this valve is located can help reduce the risk of pipes bursting. Most shutoff valves are located close to the water meter.
  • Water Meter – this meter monitors how much water you use each day.
  • Fixture Stop Valves – these valves stop water flow from specific areas such as sinks, bathtubs and toilets. Valves are usually underneath sinks or close to fixtures.
  • Drainage Traps – ‘S’ shaped pieces of pipe that allow water to pass through during drainage, but prevent sewage gases from gaining access into your home. All sinks should have ‘S’ pipes. Bathtubs usually have drum traps. Toilets have built-in traps. If you notice fixtures in your home that do not have traps, they should be put in place as soon as possible.

Repairing Home Plumbing SystemsDepending on the situation, you may be able to repair minor plumbing problems without having to hire a plumber. Before beginning any work, it’s important to assess the situation, turn off water flow from either the main valve or the fixture stop valve. Common plumbing problems that can be solved without having to contact a professional include:

  • Clogged drains
  • Pipe insulation
  • Broken toilet chain
  • Broken o-rings inside faucet spouts

By learning more about the components of a plumbing system, you will be able to quickly determine what’s wrong and fix the problem. Many times, all you will have to do is buy replacement parts and put them in their proper place.For more advanced plumbing problems such as leaky pipes, internal plumbing issues and pipe replacement, you may want to consider hiring a licensed professional.

Article provided by J Wakefield for PAV Plumbing Pty Ltd, a Sydney plumbing company providing fast response maintenance and installation services to residential and business customers. Please visit the website for further information or to book a plumber http://www.pavplumbing.com.au

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Wakefield

For more information on how your home plumbing system works, watch the video below:

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