Plumber Helper

I am sure all of you have noticed how much money it costs to buy a tank of gasoline these days.  And perhaps you have also picked up on the rising price of commodities including the food we buy.  Heck gold shot through the $1,000 barrier for awhile.   Sure things cost more in the US but it’s not just that.  I have been traveling abroad lately and it’s stunning to see how little the dollar is worth.  The Euro is basically worth twice the value of the US dollar, which has also slid against Asian currencies as well.  Being a baby boomer like many, I have spent a large part of my life saving money for retirement.  Having enough money now is like the carrot at the end of the string.  It’s hard to save enough when everything costs more and the dollar becomes worth less and less.  These are some difficult times right now and they look like they are going to get even worse for quite a while.

In case you’re looking, for Plumbing services in Seattle, I want to tell you about my friends at Good Services. They can handle your plumbing, sewer and heating needs with service for single family residential homes, property management companies, apartment buildings, coperatives, condo associations and businesses.

Good Services has been offering Seattle plumbing and heating services since 1909. The company has been on Capitol Hill since 1971 (first as Bruce the Plumber) and was well known to Mr. Frees. An agreement was reached and the combined company ‘Good Services’, continues to operate out of the Jay Frees building on 12th Ave. Since this time Good Services/Jay Frees has increased its area of work to include heating and radiant heating. Initially it had the only RPA Certified radiant heating technicians in Seattle.

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According to a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Daily consumption of chocolate bars made with a patented combination of plant sterols and cocoa flavanols may affect cardiovascular risk by lowering elevated cholesterol levels and improving blood pressure.

The study conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Illinois and Mars, Incorporated found that, as part of a balanced, low-fat diet, the daily consumption of CocoaVia® dark chocolate bars with added plant sterols (natural plant extracts) significantly lowered total cholesterol by 2 percent and LDL cholesterol (or “bad” cholesterol) by 5.3 percent in individuals with elevated cholesterol. In contrast, when the same study participants consumed dark chocolate bars without added plant sterols, neither total nor LDL cholesterol level was significantly affected, supporting that the consumption of plant sterols was responsible for the cholesterol reductions. Interestingly, the regular consumption of these flavanol-rich chocolate bars was also shown to result in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, reducing systolic blood pressure by 5 percent after 8 weeks. Of importance is that these improvements in cholesterol and blood pressure were observed without any adverse affects on HDL (’good’ cholesterol), triglycerides, or body weight.

The study authors suggest that specially formulated foods, like the chocolate bars used in this research, could have potential to help support cardiovascular health as part of a healthy diet. This is important, since, according to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all Americans are living with high cholesterol levels and one third are afflicted with high blood pressure, putting them at risk for serious cardiovascular disease.

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To start with don’t compare plumbers Grant Wilson or Jason Hawes to “Ghost Busters” because they hate that.

For the stars of a hit show on the Sci-Fi channel, “Ghost Hunters,”  names can be deceiving.? Hawes said, “We aren’t walking around with hoovers strapped to our backs,”  and they have never been slimed either.

Wilson added, “We have done lectures at colleges and they’ll play that song and we’re like, ‘Can you just turn that off’ ? drives us crazy ? because we’re so not that.”

Hawes and Wilson have been hunting ghosts on their own for nearly two decades. It all began after they encountered a few paranormal experiences of their own, experiences they didn’t want to talk about. The phenomena inspired them to found TAPS: The Atlantic Paranormal Society, a group that tries to help people who think their house, farm, garage or anything might be haunted.

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The first step to removing a carpet spot is to determine what caused the spot or stain, in the first place. Most commercial and institutional carpet spots and stains are caused by spills. But cleaning professionals should find out if the substance causing the spot is a solid or a liquid because each case requires separate spotting agents.
If it’s a spill, you want to reliquify it,flushing the area with water before using any carpet-spotting solutions.

Once the carpet is wet, use a clean, white towel to blot up the water, let the water dwell, then blot it up again.

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This handsome birdbath is also  a soothing fountain. Go green with this Solar Birdbath Fountain, which needs no wiring or plumbing. The sun does all the work, transforming this eye-catching birdbath into a bubbling spout of water.
The soothing sound of trickling water invites the birds and adds a relaxing atmosphere to your patio.
It’s  easy to use, you can set the birdbath up in minutes to provide a cool welcome to feathered friends. Direct sunlight activates the birdbath’s fountain, bringing the relaxing sounds of splashing water to your yard.

In addition to creating the relaxing sound of splashing water, solar power eliminates the need to run cords or install pipes. The built-in, high-quality solar panel powers the recirculating pump, which is out of sight in a covered reservoir. Aluminum with a verdigris finish.

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Coated silica particles filter out toxins, pathogens

Tiny particles of pure silica coated with an active material could be used to remove toxic chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and other hazardous materials from water much more effectively and at lower cost than conventional water purification methods, according to researchers writing in the current issue of the International Journal of Nanotechnology.

Peter Majewski and Chiu Ping Chan of the Ian Wark Research Institute, at the University of South Australia, explain that the availability of drinking quality water is fast becoming a major socio-economic issue across the globe, especially in the developing world. However, water purification technology is often complicated, requires sophisticated equipment and is expensive to run and maintain. Moreover, it usually requires a final costly disinfection stage. The Australian team suggests that nanotechnology could provide a simple answer to the problem.

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Intro:

Selecting the right ceiling fan isn’t just about choosing the right color and style. There are some key factors that you must consider your decision in order to get the maximum efficiency and enjoyment from your fan.  

Ceiling Fan Fundamentals
Fans do not actually lower room temperature, but instead circulate or ventilate air, which speeds up the evaporation of perspiration from the skin so we feel cooler (think of it as a wind chill factor inside your home).  The ventilation process also makes a room more comfortable by replacing hot, stuffy indoor air with fresh, outdoor air.  It is estimated that moving air with a fan has the equivalent effect of lowering body temperature by 3 degrees Celsius - very much appreciated on those hot summer days!
Motor
The motor is the ‘heart’ of the fan, and you certainly do NOT want a fan with a motor that clicks, hums or buzzes during operation (just TRY to sleep in a room with this type of annoyance).   Cheaper fans typically have an outer covering or case that is made up of very thin metal.  As you can imagine, these thin components may vibrate and rattle more than your more expensive models, which are more solid in design.  Thus the old adage “you get what you pay for” is very true in the case of fans.

Blades
People often mistakenly think only in terms of aesthetics when choosing a fan - selection is usually narrowed down to how well the particular blades (color or design) fit in with the decor of a room. 

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Using the correct tool or combination of tools is the secret of getting things undone when doing home maintenance jobs. Brute strength is not usually the answer.

When trying to loosen a screw the screwdriver tip has to fit snugly in the slot or star. If it’s too small it will not properly grip and probably slide out of the slot and mutilate the head of the screw. Once damaged, screws become almost impossible to remove with a screwdriver.

Not only does the screwdriver have to fit the screw snugly but the length of the screwdriver also has a bearing on how easily you’ll remove the screw. (in this case length does matter) The longer the shaft of the screwdriver, the more torque or turning power you can exert on the screw and the more likely you’ll get the screw out. By grasping the square shaft of a screwdriver with an adjustable wrench you further increase the power you exert by turning the wrench and screwdriver together.
Once the head of a screw or bolt is mutilated the slot can be cut deeper with a hacksaw sometimes. When that won’t work, you need a tool called a screw extractor or easy-out. Screw extractors come in several sizes. Each one has a drill bit size embossed on its shaft. First select a screw extractor smaller than the shank of the screw or bolt. Then you drill a hole of the size marked on the screw extractor into the top of the screw. Finally, tap the screw extractor firmly into the hole and with the special handle available for the extractors or an adjustable wrench you should be able to back the screw or bolt out.

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PLUMBING can be such a lucrative career path – even world sports champions are reluctant to give it up.

Mark Webster is the reigning BDO World Darts Champions and scooped a check for a whopping £85,000 with his sharpshooting from the oche earlier this month.

But he has no intention of downing tools and turning to the fulltime pro circuit just yet.

“It makes sense to carry on with my plumbing,” said the spirit-level headed 24-year-old, who was back in lectures just a day after winning the world title.

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So you have read part 1 and have decided to take on this repair yourself.  Then let’s have at it! 

Use New Parts

You should plan on replacing all the parts that you loosen or remove during the replacement. So when shopping for a new wax ring, also buy a new water supply line and a new set of mounting bolts. The newer style flexible supply line that comes with both end nuts in place are preferred.  These parts will cost under $10. If you separate the tank and bowl, you should also buy new bolts, a new gasket and washers to re-connect the tank and bowl.

Protect any floor covering around the toilet, either remove it or cover with old towels. You will get water on the floor…count on it. If you have to turn the water supply off at the main house shutoff, fill two buckets with water. One bucket of cold water to use to drain the bowl (see below) and the other with hot water to clean the floor under the toilet and the bottom of the toilet. Finally fill your sink with warm water to wash up after handling the wax-ring.

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Signs that you have a Leaking Seal

If you have Dampness or water puddling around the base of the toilet in your bathroom. Or if water is leaking through and staining the ceiling below it is usually a sign that you have a leaking wax seal between the toilet and the drain. But before you replace the wax ring, do make sure the water is not coming from some other sources. There could also be a leaking connection under the tank or condensation on the tank may be dripping and collecting around the base of the bowl. Even a pin-hole in the drain pipe below the toilet may cause similar symptoms. 

In any case, moisture around the base of a toilet is a problem that should not be ignored. It will usually not go away by itself, and over time it can cause significant damage to the subflooring around a toilet and the ceiling below. Read the rest of this entry »

Up to twenty percent of American households rely on private wells for their water. A well is made by reaching ground water in the water table. Ground water is stored naturally below the earth’s surface. Most ground water originates as rain or snow that seeps into the ground and collects.

There are three different well designs in common use, and each design consists of three parts: The well pipe, the pump and the storage tank. Although wells are generally dependable, they can act up.

The oldest type of well, the piston pump, has rarely been installed since the 1950’s, but many are still in service. This classic style is driven by a windmill-or by a hand-operated pitcher mechanism. The piston, submerged in the well shaft below water level, is connected to a rod that extends up the well casing.

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A new revolutionary plumbing product PermaFLOW has been launched by PF WaterWorks, a Houston based consumer products company. It’s the first ever p-trap replacement and drain management system. Sanjay Ahuja, Vice President of PF WaterWorks, said, “PermaFLOW is a premium product with highly innovative features that not only replace the traditional p-trap, but provide continuous pro-active maintenance for the drainage system. Because conventional p-trap technology hasn’t experienced any major changes since Roman times, the revolutionary PermaFLOW Drain Management System is really changing history. Already patented, and with other patents pending, this is the next generation of drain management. PermaFLOW has been affirmed with the stamp of approval by IAPMO testing and received UPC certification for the US and Canada.” PermaFLOW is designed and manufactured in the USA.

Although a conventional p-trap serves as a necessary component of a drainage system, the simple design has always been prone to problems. PermaFLOW Drain functions like a p-trap in normal use, but also has added technology to ensure the “permanent flow” of water. Unlike traditional p-traps, PermaFLOW is made of clear ABS plastic, so potential problems are not only seen, they can be diagnosed and quickly remedied. The inlet and outlet pipes on PermaFLOW are angled to increase flow turbulence. This helps break and propel debris which minimizes deposition and prevents the sink from becoming clogged. Inside PermaFLOW there is a “first ever” rotating paddle that can clear blockage with a turn of the outside mounted dial. This rotating paddle feature also provides users with a by-pass mode to quickly avoid the blockage until convenient maintenance may be performed – as well as the ability to lift and easily retrieve items dropped down the drain.

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With winter settling in one must protect those pipes particularly if you head out on vacation. There are many things homeowners, renters and businesses can do to prevent having to make that distress call when the kitchen is flooding in the middle of the night.

It’s a pretty simple formula really, keep your thermostat on and any pipes that are directly exposed, have got to be insulated. Property owners should know that even a cursory check now can avoid trouble ahead.

According to State Farm Insurance, “an eighth-inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day.”

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It usually starts with remodeling a bathroom and installing a new shower stall. It works great except for a humming sound that will not stop unless the shower is turned off. It’s amazing how so many people can have the same problem and most of the time it’s a simple solution that most homeowners and many plumbers overlook.

The culprit most likely in this case may be high water pressure in your home. In most areas of the country any plumbing system with water pressure over 80 pounds per square inch or psi for short, is considered too high for residential use. An easy test that you can do yourself to determine your water pressure is to go down to your local home center or supply house and buy a water pressure test gauge.

These gauges simply screw on to your outside faucet (Silcock.) spout, and when you open the valve the pressure is displayed on the gauge. Normal ranges are usually between 35 psi to 75 psi. Any water pressure over 80 psi is too high for most homes and a plumber should be called to install a “pressure reducer valve” to correct the problem. Sometimes an old shower may use more than 2.5 gallons per minute and your new shower system meets the current code of 2.5 gallons per minute or less. That reduction in flow combined with possible high water pressure can produce a humming sound in your plumbing system.

Remember folks stereotypes hurt unless your a plumber! Enjoy the video.

What is the difference between a 10″, 12″ and 14″ rough-in size toilets?

Difference in toilet rough-in size is the distance from the finished wall to the center of the sewer outlet back to the toilet. Here is some background. Historically prior to the mid 1930’s toilet tanks were hung on the wall. The 10″ or 14″ sewer outlet depended upon the piping used to connect the toilet tank to the bowl. The 12″ rough became the norm, when tank & bowls were connected together without the use of piping.

How do 1.6 GPF style toilets differ from older model?

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This is the five step process for making a good solvent cement pipe joint and how long a joint needs to set before we can use it. Temperature, humidity and pipe size all effect setup and cure time. Using a joint before it is fully cured, will allow moisture into the joint which will weaken it and may lead to future failure.

1. Condition the pipe and fittings so that they are at the same ambient temperature. Cut the end of the pipe square by using a fine-toothed hand saw and miter box or power saw. Tube cutters with wheels designed for use with PVC are acceptable, provided they do not leave a raised bead on the outside diameter of the pipe. There are shears available for cutting small diameter PVC pipe also.

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 solvent cementing is very important to making leak proof joints. The better we understand these processes, the better job we will be able to do.  Here are some answers to common questions about solvent cement:

How does solvent cement really work?
The solvents in the cement penetrate the plastic surface and cause the plastic to swell. The swelling continues until the gaps between the pipe and the fitting walls are closed and pressing against each other.

What plastics can be solvent cemented?
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) , CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl), ABS (Acetylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene), polycarbonate [PC or Lexan] Styrene, Geloy and other plastic materials.

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By adjusting the toilet tank at least once a year you can prevent wasting water &dealing with noisy leaks.

In a typical tank, the float rising w/ the water level in the tank operates the inlet valve to shut off the water when it is full. When the flush handle is pushed, its linkage lifts the stopper off the discharge-pipe opening & the tank empties into the bowl flushing it. The stopper floats back down on the dropping water level to plug the opening again while the float sinks down to open the valve. The weight of the water in the tank holds the stopper in place until the handle is tripped.

Problem: Too much water in tank
Solution: Adjust the float arm by the adjustment screw. Do not bend the arm it’s old & may break. Most tanks have a water level mark inside. This mark is one inch below the top of the overflow pipe.

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To keep your clothes dryer looking and running well for many years requires a small amount of attention.

•  be careful in using laundry products not to spill them on the exterior of the dryer. Wipe up any spills at once. Most exteriors are painted (synthetic enamel) which can be damaged or removed by chlorine bleach, ammonia, solvents or other chemicals often used in laundering & stain removal. Do not use dryer top as work-top for stain removal unless it is protected by heavy plastic cover, or for rust removal. Use the sink instead & follow remover product label directions exactly including flushing sink w/ cold water.
• do not spray pre-wash stain removers on clothing on top of dryer unless top is protected completely; this may corrode plastic control parts as well as paint.
• clean lint filter after each load for efficient drying. If load is very dirty, clean filter part-way through drying cycle also. Clean out exhaust vent system at least once a year, & be sure it is not clogged at any time. NEVER vent dryer into house; vent outside.
• check labels on garments & other textile items & never dry w/ heat those items which warn against such drying lest a fire start. Never dry items used w/ solvent or waxes for the same fire hazard reason. 
    

If you live in Beverly Hills you may be visited by a plumber you didn’t even call. Turns out the city has hired Rudder Ltd. to replace all the water meters in the village.

Rudders’ plumbers have to get inside each home, where they will turn off the water for a half hour or so and install a new, more accurate and efficient meter.
Village officials were not available Wednesday morning to say what would happen to people who refused to let the plumbers into their homes.

Shopping malls aren’t the only businesses that reap big profits on the day after Thanksgiving. For plumbers, it’s known as Black Friday too.

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Are you losing water pressure due to the white buildup deposits on your shower head? Shower heads can become clogged by mineral deposits left by hard water. When this happens, the shower head often spits water out in different directions instead of spraying. If the shower head is severely clogged, you might only get a dribble of water. If this is the case with your shower head, it might be time to clean it.

Remove your dirty shower head

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If you have ever traveled to a country with a questionable water supply or done some overnight backpacking a good water purifier comes in handy. Sized for travelers or hikers, the innovative SteriPEN™ uses UV light rays instead of chemicals to purify drinking water.

The Specs
Ultraviolet (UV-C) light rays safely sterilize clear water by destroying viruses, bacteria and protozoa including Giardia and Cryptosporidium
SteriPEN is simple to use: Just press a button and gently agitate the water with a quick stir
Purifies 16 fl. oz. of water (cold or warm) in less than a minute or 32 fl. oz. in a minute and a half
Small size fits most containers–use it in cups, mugs, water bottles and canteens
SteriPEN turns itself off once ultraviolet treatment is complete; can be used up to 5,000 times!
Watertight seals keep water away from the electronics; rubberized inset grips for secure handling in wet conditions
Low-power indicator lets you know when batteries need replacing; twist-off cap for easy battery access
Long used by municipal water districts and bottling companies, low-level UV-C light treats water safely, and unit’s light will not damage eyes or skin
Four alkaline AA batteries purify 20 to 40 16-oz. glasses of water; purify 130 to 140 glasses with lithium AA batteries (batteries sold separately)
Average weight is 8 oz. with alkaline batteries and 6.4 oz. with lithium batteries; weight empty is 3.7 ounces
Use only on clear water, as cloudy, sediment-laden water hinders effectiveness
Newest SteriPEN features easier battery access, water bottle and military canteen compatibility and a new, slimmer carrying case

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Focus Is On Deadly Global Sanitation Crisis

The toilet may not be first on your list of celebratory causes.  But every year, water and sanitation-related disease kills 1.8 million children – one child every 15 seconds.  World Toilet Day, Monday November 19, raises awareness of the more than two billion people without access to basic sanitation in the developing world.

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Thomas Crapper was a real person, his actual date of birth, was probably September 1836, since he was baptized the 28th of that month. Crapper did have a successful career in the plumbing industry in England from 1861 to 1904.

The date of Crapper’s death has also been a source of confusion for many years. For example, Chase’s Annual Events, the authoritative book for listing special days and dates, has listed January 17 as Thomas Crapper Day and January 17, 1910 as the date of his death.

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One thing I strongly believe in is don’t consider a career in anything unless you have a strong interest.  Picking a career strictly because it’s steady or pays well is not a strong enough reason. 

It takes a lot of work to become a professional plumber. You start as an apprentice, you develop skills and gain experience during this time, before you decide to take it to the next level. The next step is striking out on your own as a licensed plumber.

How To Become A Licensed Plumber

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There is a reason why manufacturers tell you to use specific cleaners . They don’t do it to sell more products (usually); they do it so you can keep the shine and luster of the new floor for as long as possible. For example, there is acommercial where someone is cleaning a wood floor with a wet swiffer. This would be a huge no-no. Water on a wood floor is bad.

Never use water on wood. You will get streaks and in the process ruin the finish on the floor and the money that you paid for a gorgeous hard wood floor has just gone to waste. You want to preserve the finish on the floor and keep it scuff and scratch free for years to come. A wood floor is an investment and you should treat it as such. Using only the proper cleaners, give the wood floor a treatment once a week. You won’t regret it.