Add a Powder Room to Your Home – Plumbing Assistance Makes It Easy

There are many good reasons for adding a powder room or half bath to your home. Some people will choose this option to increase the value of their homes. Others simply want to have additional resources for entertaining guests. You can decide to add a half bathroom on your own if you have the expertise and tools. There are qualified plumbers and contractors who will perform these additions for you.

Cost Helper reports that adding a powder room to the home can range between $7,000 and $25,000. Factored into this cost is the size of the bathroom and its dimensions. The materials needed for this addition are also factored into this amount. Plumbing is one of the considerations that can really affect the cost of this bathroom. If the room itself is far from water sources and sewer lines, it will cost more to construct. In this scenario, it is important to get the assistance of a qualified and experienced plumber.

Converting Existing Space

Some homeowners will choose to convert and existing space or room into a powder bath. This means redesigning the space for this purpose. Construction may be required for this project. Qualified plumbers can make the necessary connections to ensure water sources are available. They will also be critical to sewer issues for your new bathroom.

Creating New Space

It is possible to create a new space for this bathroom project. Poolside baths or office powder rooms can be created. This will require expertise as it relates to designing and blueprints. In some cases it will be necessary to cut or remove existing walls for this project. Having the materials needed is important for the success of the creation. Plumbing activities are essential to ensuring that water lines, pipes and connections are secure and accessible.

Downsizing for More Space

Large or full bathrooms can be downsized. This is a way to get more space in other rooms in this area. You can design a powder room to get a larger office or guest room. This process means ensuring that water sources are connected and that hardware is present. Adding new sinks and toilets will also require the expertise of a plumber.

It is important to have each step of this process professionally done. This is the case whether this is a do-it-yourself project or a contracted one. Plumbers are essential when it comes to powder room additions. There are multiple components in the average bath that need to be connected to a water source. Along with these components, piping and materials are required. Plumbers will help you to ensure that standards and guidelines are met and followed. This protection allows you to enjoy a fully functional bath.

How to keep the plumbing in my home protected with these common issues

Each year millions of homeowners experience plumbing problems. Some of these are minor issues that can be handled without a plumber. There are times, however, when only a professional will do. These are complex plumbing issues that require expertise. They are also best completed with the tools needed to do them properly.

It is never a good idea to let plumbing issues persist. Ignoring a leak or standing water is a risk that can lead to larger problems. This is why hiring a professional plumber is essential to handling these issues. These are not only individuals equipped to perform various types of plumbing repairs. They have the experience and expertise to offer homeowners real solutions that fix the problem. Here are some of the Top Plumbing Services that are required to fix home problems:

Clogged Drains
It may be surprising to learn that clogged drains in the kitchen can affect other areas. Plumbers are aware of the extenuating circumstances of one clogged sink. This is why they apply expert techniques to unclog drains. There are sometimes simple solutions for these drains. In other instances, it requires specific tools to unclog the drain. Expert plumbers will have all of the tools that they need for these jobs.

Water Heater Installation
There’s more to installing a water heater than simply making a purchase. The average homeowner will probably not know what is required. They will also not have the tools needed to do this installation properly. Plumbers on the other hand, do these jobs on a regular basis. They know the processes required for different types of water heaters. Hiring an expert will save you both time and money in the end.

Installing New Pipes
Some homes will require new plumbing pipes to function effectively. These can be complex jobs to perform. Plumbers may be needed to evaluate what types of pipes are right for your home. Along with this evaluation, it is necessary to install these pipes. Tools and related materials are essential to these projects. This is the best way to ensure that your home is getting a free flowing water supply.

Professional plumbers are qualified to perform the necessary services needed for your home. These experts understand the process required to complete the job. They also know how to operate tools and machinery for this work. Homeowners get peace of mind when they hire experienced plumbers for their specific plumbing issues.

Why You Need Water Backflow Preventers

Back flow devices are used to protect the main water source from contamination. This can be very important for certain reasons, especially where the source of water is connected to hazardous equipment. The purpose of water systems is to protect the welfare and health of general public, so devices to prevent back flow are placed in order to ensure prevention of water contamination when any problem occurs with cross connections or water line. The backflow systems prevent the contamination of pure drinking water.

There is a variety in devices that you can install. You can select a backflow device depending on the kind of water system and the potential hazard which can occur. If you want to install the simple device, you can do it easily on the outside faucets with low cost. The prices of devices to prevent water backflow vary depending on their complexity.

Why And How Contaminated Water May Flow Back Into Main Water Supply

Some people question the necessity of installing backflow devices in their homes and offices. There is a simple answer to this question; the clean water that you use for cooking and drinking has the same source of water supply as the water which is used for irrigation purposes. When you water the garden, water that is collected at the sprinkler head contains fertilizers and pesticides that you have used in your garden. Such contaminants can get drawn back in your main water supply by a process called back-siphoning. It can pollute your drinking water leading to harmful consequences. The backflow devices designed to prevent such reversal of the water flow.

There is a variety of devices available on the market.  Some of them are:

• AVB: Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker. It is the cheapest prevention device that is available.
• PVB: Pressure Vacuum Breaker. This kind of device is installed in the main water line of the house.
• Anti-Siphon Valve: This device is available in two versions; automatic and manual.
• Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer: This is the best kind of device. It is usually recommended for highly hazardous situations.

How Do Backflow Preventers Function

Different kinds of water backflow preventers are basically designed to function differently, but the actual principle is the same. Under usual conditions, the backflow valve or the flap stays open in a relaxed position in order to allow water to pass through it easily.

The flap is placed below gate of assembly. If the water begins flowing in the backward direction, the force created by flow raises the flap. The raised flap obstructs backward flow of water. And if the backflow prolongs, higher level of water pushes the gate to close. Thus, it makes a mechanical seal to block the water flow. When the water flow reduces, the gate goes to its original place with the help of gravity.

Relying on a professional plumbing company is best when you’re faced with decisions such as this, they are experienced and certified to insure all your plumbing needs including backflow prevention is well cared for.

The installation of backflow prevention devices has now become essential for all home and property owners because in their absence, the danger of contamination becomes very high.

 

Do I need a professional for water heater service?

The installation and repair of water heaters is among the essential needs for business owners and home owners. One needs to have technical expertise to carry out the task of installation of tank-less water heaters or even the traditional water heaters. People who need to install water heaters in their home are strongly recommended to hire a professional help for the installation.

Water Heater Installation

The services for installation of water heater are usually observed to be highly in demand during or before the winter season. People want to prepare for their winter season challenges and water heating system is the most important equipment to fight against cold. So, for installation or repair of the water heater before cold season, find reliable and expert plumbing services within your area. You should hire a professional who can not only install the water heater, but also is available for repairing services if you need them in future.

The professionally trained technicians can help you with all kinds of water heating system installation requirements. They can efficiently install, maintain and repair all water heaters that range from large commercial models to high efficiency tank-less water heaters. The main reason to hire a professional for installation is that you can free yourself from all the hassle as they are trained to provide quality services.

What Tools And Materials Are Used In Installing And Repairing Water Heaters

There are certain basic tools and materials that are used for installing or repairing the water heating systems. You can check the following list to have a clear idea:

• Water heating system
• Water pipe (copper pipe, CPVC or flexible)
• Circuit tester
• Teflon tape, solder or CPVC glue
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Measuring tape
• Hacksaw
• Torch
• Pliers

Water Heater Replacement And Repair

The lifespan of the water heater basically depends upon the kind of maintenance and care provided. With proper service, maintenance and care, your water heater can last much longer. Many people, whenever they require repair services for their water heaters, prefer hiring a professional technician so that they can get best services. Before he starts working on your water heater, an expert technician will inspect condition of the water heater and suggest the most suitable service for it. If the costs for repair and service are less than the costs for replacement, then carry on with the repair, otherwise the technician will suggest you to replace the system or any part of it.

Why You Should Get Your Water Heater Repaired

There is no doubt that you should call an expert plumber if you notice that your water heater is not functioning properly. If there is a decrease in its efficiency, there is a big possibility that something is wrong with it. The plumber not only diagnoses the actual problem but also provides with suitable services so that your heater may function properly. If you do not get the problem fixed right away, it may damage your water heater permanently and then you will need to replace the entire system. So, it is better to spend on maintenance of water heater once in a while rather spend a big amount of money to replace it.

How To Detect A Water Leak

It is common to notice a leaking water line when you see water seeping through roadway, foundation wall of your house or the sidewalks. It is essential to immediately take action and, if necessary, call for assistance when you notice a leaking water line as it may cause inconvenience to your family and neighbors.

If a leaking water line is ignored, it may also cause damage to your home’s foundation. This guide will help you in detecting a water leak so that you can solve this problem immediately.

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How Do You Detect A Water Leak From Your Water Pipe?

If you see a water leak in front or back of your house, you cannot essentially conclude that the water is leaking from your pipe. Basically, when water leaks from a pipe, it travels to the weakest place in the ground through cracks in road, sidewalks or valve boxes on sidewalk.

There is also a possibility that the water seen in front or backside of your house is coming from the water pipe leak of your neighbor’s house. So in order to take any necessary action for dealing with this problem you should first find out the actual place of of the leak.

But you’re not always so lucky at tracking down the starting point.  Many times you hear water leaking, but cannot identify where it’s coming from.

How To Determine The Water Leak?

You can hire a licensed sewer and water main contractor to perform a sound test on the pipe.  This test will help in determining the leakage in your pipe. The contractor will shut off main house control valve first in order to stop all the running water throughout your house. At this time, when the contractor carries out sound test with a sonoscope, water line must be completely silent. If a rumbling or hissing sound is heard in this test, there is a definite possibility of leakage in your pipe.

How To Resolve The Leaking Water Line?

There are advanced leak detection equipment used to find a hidden leak, if you cannot find it by yourself, it’s not something to ignore.

“Ignoring a leak can end up increasing your water bill and cause extreme damage to the home, it’s like throwing away money” says Nick Bechwati, owner of the leading San Mateo plumbing company, Express Plumbing.

What Kind Of Sounds Indicate A Water Leak?

• A ‘Whoosh’ or ‘Hiss’ noise can be heard from the main water line that experiences a reduced pressure.
• A ‘Thumping’ sound comes from the leaking water line that is striking the surrounding soil or a wall.
• A ‘Clicking’ sound is usually resulted by the pebbles or stones when they bounce off of your water pipe.

What Are The Factors That Affect The Sound Of The Water Leak?

Following factors may play a role in inducing certain sounds that indicate a water leak:

• Amount of the water pressure
• Depth of the water pipe
• Density of the soil surrounding you water pipe
• Size and material of the water pipe

Usually copper, steel and ductile iron pipes produce a louder noise than the pipes made of cement or clay and PVC. Regardless of the pipe material, smaller sized water pipes tend to produce louder noises as compared to the large sized water pipes. Depth of the water pipeline also plays an important role in detecting a water leak as it becomes difficult to hear the noises if the water line is deep.

So as you’re walking around the house, keep those ears open and listen to whoosh or a thumping noise, most importantly, if you hear it, you cannot simply ignore it, you or a professional need to quickly detect the source of the leak.

Resources: Express Plumbing – A Bay Area plumbing company for residential and commercial plumbing including Engineering Services.