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Emergency plumbing Tutorial by Portland Oregon plumbers

 

Emergency Plumbing Help - What to do where there is no plumber

Emergency Plumbing Plumbers Portland Oregon

You may not know the frustration of an emergency plumbing until you wake up in the morning to a totally blocked toilet or you face the nightmare of a burst pipe. Proper home maintenance can reduce the risks and costs of an emergency plumbing. You do not want to “pay through the nose” for a problem that could be avoided using basic plumbing tips. I have highlighted things you can do in times of any plumbing emergency as well as simple home maintenance tips every homeowner and or tenant should know to avoid emergency situations. Learn to be calm in all emergency situations – burst pipes, frozen pipes, totally clogged drains/toilets or leaking gas. And never escalate the tension that’s already built up as a result of the emergency. Alert all members of your family of the situation, and then take the following steps:

Emergency Plumbing Guide

Ruptured Pipe:

If you have a burst pipe, first you want to prevent water passing the point of the leak. To do this, turn off all stop valves/cocks that control water supply to that pipe.  If there is no internal valve, turn off your home’s main water valve immediately. If the escaping water cannot be controlled immediately, open all cold water taps so that the pipework and storage system drains quickly. DO NOT TURN ON HOT WATER TAPS.  Turn off the central heating system and, if it uses a solid fuel boiler, allow the fire to die out. Switch off any electric immersion heater. Call a professional plumber.


Frozen Pipes:

If a pipe freezes, turn off the main water supply at the stop valve inside your home. Verify that the pipe has no splits if it runs from a storage cistern and is not controlled by a valve. If you found any splits, empty the cold water storage cistern by opening the cold water taps and flushing the WC. If you know how to, you could siphon the water from the cistern with a hose pipe.  If the pipe has no splits, carefully thaw the pipe with a hair dryer, or with towels soaked in hot water. By heating the pipe slowly, you are preventing the pipe from breaking. Attention -  There may be splits that are not easily noticeable. It is recommended to contact your plumber. Be sure to turn off any heat source as leaving this on can cause a high risk if any part of the hot water system is frozen.

WARNING:

Verify that the pipe has no splits before you start thawing. Never thaw a pipe that has a split.

Never heat the pipe with a torch, as it could start a fire

Never use a naked flame to thaw a pipe.

Always start thawing a pipe at the end nearest the tap.


Water Heater Over- Heating or Steaming:

If steaming water flows from a hot water faucet, first turn off the gas or electric supply to the heater.

Open all the hot water faucets to relieve the overheated hot water heater.

Keep the faucets running until cold water flows from them.

Call a professional plumbing contractor for possible plumbing repairs.


Clogged Drains/Toilet:

If you ever find yourself in a situation where your toilet, kitchen sink, laundry line, bathtub, shower or any plumbing appliance becomes totally clogged, turn off the faucet or appliance that flows into the drain. Try to unclog the drain using a plunger. Do not attempt to use a snake or other plumbing tools if you are not trained to use them. Never use a chemical drain cleaner to open a totally clogged drain.  If your toilet overflows, you should stop the flow of water by reaching inside the toilet tank and pushing the tank stopper down into its valve seat. Hold it until the tank fills and the water stops. Next, turn off the shutoff valve underneath the toilet or turn off the main water shutoff valve.  Remember to never use a chemical drain cleaner if your toilet is totally blocked.  Consult a trained plumber instead.

Attention!  Drain cleaners contain harmful chemicals and should be stored and disposed of properly!

Leaking Gas:

If you ever smell gas around your house, turn off the gas supply at the meter using the control valve.

Never ignite a naked flame or strike a match or any naked flame for that matter.

Never touch any electrical appliance, light switches included.

Open doors and windows to allow proper ventilation.

Warn house occupants of the danger.

Call a professional for plumbing repair.

Plumbing Maintenance to Avoid Emergency Situations

It is highly recommended that you have your plumber do a regular maintenance check, to ensure your plumping equipment is working properly. This is a sure way of keeping plumbing and heating costs low all year round. You and each member of your family needs to know the location of the shutoff valve for every fixture and appliance, as well as the main shutoff valve for the house.  Find out where your stop valve is located on the incoming water supply or ask your plumber on his next plumbing service. When this is located label it and inform every adult member of your family. Check occasionally that it is working. Locate all drain valves on your plumbing systems. These can be used in an emergency to empty your water and central heating systems. Ensure that the storage system and exposed pipes are properly insulated, particularly in the roof space or attic. In very cold weather take special care to prevent water pipes becoming frozen. If you have a storage cistern in the roof space, it’s a good idea to leave the hatch open. Heat from the house will help to keep the cistern and pipes from freezing. Inspect your cold water storage cistern /tank  regularly and, if it is metal, make sure it is not corroding.  If you noticed any corrosion, never hesitate to call a professional plumber. Have your central heating boilers and other heating appliances serviced by a professional plumber every year. Dripping taps or continuously running overflow pipes are a sure sign that your plumbing system requires maintenance. A plumber’s service is highly recommended in such a situation to avoid a major plumbing emergency.

Plumbing Rules By Top Plumbers

Never place non-food items in the garbage disposal. Candy wrappers, cardboard, and paper towels should be disposed of properly in the trash.

Monitor children around garbage disposals to avoid injury, and to ensure they do not put any unwanted materials into the garbage disposal.

Avoid trying to stuff large food items in the garbage disposal. Whole pieces of vegetables, and large fruit pits should not be put down the garbage disposal.

When using the garbage disposal, help it along by pouring water down the drain with the waste. This can avoid simple clogs.

Clean your shower drain after every shower. Remove all hair and dirt from the exterior of the shower drain. Consider purchasing a shower strainer to place in your drain. The strainer will prevent dirt and hair from going down your drain and creating clogs.

Lastly, every parent, homeowner, property manager should pass these rules to every house occupant.

 

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This article is powered by Portland Plumbing Plus – Portland Oregon emergency plumbers; because we care for your safety.

 

 
Portland Oregon plumber teaches bathroom remodeling

Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Portland Oregon

Bathroom plumbing and remodeling importance cannot be over-emphasized. You'll agree with me that we are living in an era where unwinding at home has become a trend for many people. Who doesn't like to spend time in the comfort of their homes, anyway? Home relaxation is a great way to unwind after a busy and or stressful daily activity. Now, wouldn't it be worth it to add some life to that bathroom which has evolved from being just a place to wash into a haven of relaxation and comfort?

Planning Your Bathroom Remodeling

If you have been following my plumbing help and tutorials, you would know already that all plumbing starts with having a structured plan. There is a lot to consider when planning your next bathroom plumbing. First is your finance. The truth is - you can actually redesign your bathroom with as low as $100. Strange as this may seem but with a proper planning, you can achieve a new restored look in your bathroom without having to spend a fortune.

Another factor to consider is space - Choosing your bathtub, shower and other remodeling fixtures depends solely on the space you have on ground. You don't want to stuck fixtures in a limited space and then struggle to navigate in your bathroom - Not good. Choose your plumbing equipments and fixtures according to size of your bathroom. Get advice from your plumber or bathroom remodeling contractor if you are not sure what to choose. Family size is another point to consider when making your remodeling decision. Are you a homeowner who is just starting out life or do you have a large family. You don't want to choose a high bathtub in your very young kids' bathroom. Have your family at the back of your mind when you discuss your next remodeling project with your plumbing contractor or when you go out to shop for plumbing fixtures.

Bathroom Plumbing Trend -  Style                                                                                    Portland Oregon Bathroom Plumbing Plumber

Now you are reading this article because you probably are tired of the old look of your bathroom or perhaps because you want to flow with the time and have a home improvement that can be best described as trendy. In any case, style plays an important role in choosing fixtures for your bathroom plumbing and remodeling. Starting from lighting, to patterns and colors, a right choice of these and other combination of fixtures can transform your bathroom to that "paradise" you so desire. You can't go wrong with freestanding bathtubs as this is top on the list of modern bathroom equipments. So look out for those when you go shopping for a new look in your home. Showers with lots of jets, huge shower heads on horizontal arms and double showers are also top on the trending plumbing fixtures. No matter the choice you make, always look out for showers with high water-efficiency rating.

Choosing Your Color

We can't wrap up our bathroom remodel style without mentioning color. Choosing your color depends solely on your personality and mood. I would choose bright colors, though, because bright colors light up my mood and i find deep relaxation in my bathroom. Home sweet home.

Bathroom Plumbing

Plumbing is not only a skill but also an art. Top plumbers are distinguished by both their skills and ability to create a masterpiece out of every work. This said, you will want to get professional advice from a trained plumber or contractor before you embark on your next bathroom plumbing and remodeling project. It is recommended to use experienced plumbers and remodeling contractors for best results.


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This tutorial is powered by Portland Oregon remodeling contractors. Call Portland Plumbing Plus for affordable and professional Portland bathroom plumbing contractors and remodelers for modern bathroom plumbing, new plumbing installations and heating, gas piping, drain cleaning and sewer services in Oregon and Washington.

 





 
Portland Oregon plumbing professional showing how to replace a water heater

Are you looking to replace hot water heater? Find professional plumbers or water heaters tutorial

Water Heater Installation Repair Portland Oregon

Replacing hot water heater or any heating systems fixture is a delicate project that should be handled  by trained plumbers or heating contractors. Brave hearts can however replace the heater at home during emergency, where there  is no plumber on ground. Plumbing tutorials and home maintenance guides should be followed carefully before embarking on such plumbing project because improper heating systems installation is very hazardous. And make sure you are following your  local plumbing codes.

Note: It is highly recommended that you contact a professional plumber or heating contractor for this project.

Before You Start

  • Turn off water supply by shutting off the valve feeding your cold water into the unit by turning it clock wise until snug.

  • For electric water heaters, turn off the power at the breaker  box. You can test this with a simple electrical tester.

  • If you have a gas water heater, you will need to turn off your gas by rotating the valve a quarter turn and removing the vent line at the top of your heater.

  • Be sure to have these plumber's tools ready - channel locks, screw drivers, garden hose, pliers and wrenches.

  • Have a structured plan for all plumbing installations and repairs.

Recommended steps to replace electric or gas water heater

Drain the hot water tank:                                                                                                                                          Portland Oregon Heating Plumbers

Locate a drain bib with a hose attachment at the bottom of the tank. Connect your hose to the bib and take the other end of the hose outside so it can drain off the water from the tank without flooding your house. Open the valve at the bib to start the draining process. At the top or on the side of your water heater you will find a rass valve with a trip lever attached to it. That is your t & p valve. This valve is a safety device to keep your water heater from building up too much pressure and sending it through your roof. This trip lever will also allow your heater to vent air while draining it. Make sure this trip lever is opened by pulling it straight up until it is pointing out. Your tank will take a while to drain. So in the mean time, you can go ahead with the next step while the tank is still draining.

Replacing water heater - step 2

Removing the hot water heater flex lines:

Remove the flex lines using your channel locks. Examine your connections at this point and replace the flex lines if you see a lot of green corrosion. At the top of your electric water heater you will find a small panel where the electricity is fed to the unit. With your screw driver, remove the panel and reach down inside to pull the wire capped lines up so you can remove the caps. Once this is done, you will need to remove the flex conduit that houses the electrical lines by reaching into the area with your fingers and feel for the nut that hold the conduit in place. Rotate the nut counter clock wise until the nut is completely off. Pull on the conduit to remove the wires from the unit. Your heater should be close to empty by now. If your heater is full of sediment, you can force it out by simply reattaching the cold water supply to the heater and turning on your cold water for a minute to push the sediment out.

Gas water heaters

Most gas water heaters will have two straps around the tank. The top strap will be 1/3 the way down from top and the lower strap will be 1/3 the way up. With a wrench or pliers, take the straps loose and make sure when you reinstall that they are snug and holding the heater firmly.

Water heater installation - Step 3

First prepare your new water heater by installing the new t & p valve. You will need to make sure to run the new 3/4 in copper line down to approx 6 inches from your water heater pan and if your line is discharging out a wall or into your crawl, you will need to cut the line with tubing cutters and sweat a coupling to reattach the line. To install your new heater just reverse the uninstall process. Move the new water heater into position lining up the existing plumbing with the water heater's plumbing locations. You will need to wrap the threads, copper with tephlon tape.

Water heater installation - Final step

  • Make sure that all wires are connected properly.

  • Verify that the caps are tight and no bare wire is touching any part of the unit.

  • Turn your water supply on.

  • Do not turn your electric back on until the unit is full of water.

  • Test your water heater properly.

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This Plumbing Guide is powered by Portland Plumbing Plus - best Portland water heater plumbers

Disclaimer: Remember, this is only a guide to installing a water heater and the steps must be mastered and all safety precautions taken before you try your hand on any heating systems parts. It is highly recommended to contact professional plumbers or heating contractors for such a work. Find affordable Portland Oregon plumbing contractors known for  excellent hot water heaters and boilers services.

 

 
Portland Oregon Plumbers Teaching How to Install a Toilet

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Our Portland Oregon toilets plumbers and plumbing contractors will give you exactly what you need, whether help for DIY or affordable toilet plumbing installation or repair services.

How to Install a Toilet

Toilet Plumbing Plumber Portland Oregon

Get the following plumbers tools ready before you start:

  1. A pair of channel locks

  2. Wax ring with flange

  3. Flange bolts

  4. Toilet

  5. Supply line

  6. Wood shims

  7. Wrenches


Toilets can be purchased at any home improvement store or supply shop. Be sure to read manufacturers' instruction manual before attempting any plumbing installation. Now, first step in installing a toilet is planning. Having a structured approach to your installation or repair is plumbing best practice. If you really want to make it as a professional plumber, then learn how to structure your work. Most toilets are sold with all required materials for installation but verify that you have all supplies ready. And turn off water supply to the toilet before you start. It is highly recommended to hire experienced plumbers for all installations and repair.

Plumbers recommended steps to install a toilet                                                                     Plumber Portland Oregon Plumbers

First prepare the floor for the toilet. Then install the flange. Place your wax ring on the installed flange and center your toilet bowl over the wax ring making sure that the bolts align properly in the holes. Then lower your toilet bowl down on the wax and rock the toilet until it is flat on the floor. If you still have any rocking to the toilet, you may need to shim it. If not, then place your metal washers and nuts on brass bolts and tighten them. Be sure to tight gently and never apply too much pressure as this can break the toilet base. When the toilet is properly secured, then install the supply line and tighten until it feels snug.

Next step is mounting the toilet tank to the bowl. First place the sponge gasket around the end of the flush valve. Then look for a large nut and threads in the tank. You will slide the gasket over this large nut. Prepare your brass bolts by sliding a rubber washer all the way down to the bolt head. Put each bolt in the holes found in the tank. Lift your tank and place it on the bowl making sure that the tank's bolts align properly in holes on the bowl. Use a deep 1/2 in-deep socket and tighten the tank bolts until the tank has little to no movement. As with all plumbing installations, do not over tighten bolts.

The last step is installing the seat. Locate the holes for the seat on the toilet bowl to slide in vinyl bolts. Put vinyl nuts under the bowl and align with bolts. While holding the nuts with your fingers, use a flat-head screw driver to tighten the screw with your driver until seat is secured firmly on the bowl with no side to side movement.

Congratulations. You just assembled and installed your first toilet.

Toilets plumbing installation or repair is not complete without proper testing. So before you walk away, remember to turn back on the main water supply line, then open the stop valve, and allow the tank to fill. Test your installation by flushing many times to be sure everything is working perfectly and there are no leaks.

 

Didn't find answers to your plumbing question or problem? Ask a plumber online Now to receive more tutorials and home maintenance tips. Click here ► Free online plumbing help to ask your question or contact Portland Plumbing Plus for professional plumbing services. Call now for free estimates.

 

 

 
Plumbing Tutorial and Help

Plumber Plumbing Portland

Did you know that Plumbers in the US and in Portland Oregon in particular earn up to $100,000 per year? Now you know. The plumbing trade involves more than working with pipes, tubing and fixtures. We are developing series of plumbing tutorials to highlight different areas of plumbing career. These series are geared towards empowering every young person and/or adult who wishes to become self - employed in this era of "hyper-unemployment".

You'd be glad you followed these set of plumbing tutorials as they will equip you with all the skills and information you need to become a "boss of your own".

Plumbing contractors, DIY home owners and apprentice plumbers will also gain a wealth of useful information to enhance their skills and business practices.

Our tutorials will cover areas such as:

  • Plumbing installations and repairs

  • Tubs installation and maintenance

  • Drain cleaning and rooter

  • Cold and hot water supply

  • Traps, drains, and vents

  • Septic systems

  • Rainwater, surface and subsurface water drainage

  • Irrigation

  • Fuel gas piping

  • Backflow prevention

  • Basement waterproofing

  • Bathroom remodeling

  • Catch basins

  • Ceiling leaks

  • Circulator pumps

  • Clogged drain

  • Copper piping

  • Curb traps

  • Water heaters

  • Sewage systems

  • Water pipe

  • Electric snakes

  • Excavation

  • Faucets leaking

  • Frozen pipes

  • Garbage disposals

  • Grease traps

  • Heating systems (HVAC)

  • Hydro water jet service

  • Jacuzzis

  • Leak detection

  • Low flow toilets

  • Pipe freezing

  • Pipe location

  • Pressure relief valves

  • Pumps

  • Roof drains

  • Septic tanks

  • Sewer back-ups

  • Shower heads

  • Shower pans

  • Sinks leaking

  • Sump pumps

  • Tankless hot water heaters

  • Toilets leaking

  • Trenchless technology

  • Tubs leaking

  • Urinals

  • Video camera inspection

  • Water heaters

  • Water pressure issues

  • Well pumps...

Now put on your shoes because we are taking you on a ride.

Visit our plumbing help page for full plumbing tutorial or contact Portland Plumbing Plus - Top plumbers in Portland Oregon

 


Question: Sewage/Sewer Ejector Pump Problem

Question
Why does the injector pump go on and off during the day and night. This just recently started. It's at least 25 yrs old. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
I am assuming that what you meant by "injector pump" is the "sewage ejector pump" in your plumbing system. Is this ejector pump located in your basement? Your question is not descriptive enough to enable us have a clear picture of the problem you have but because you requested an expedited answer, I am going to try to respond to your question based on the assumption that you are talking about your "sewage ejector pump"

Sewer Ejector Pump/Sewage Ejector Pump/Sewer Ejector/Sewage Ejection Pump/Sewage Ejection System/Lift Station Pump, all refer to the same sewer system...

Read Full Answer For Sewage/Sewer Ejector Pump Problem

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