Find A Spring TX Plumbing Company

 

Articles: Main Categories | General Information | General Plumbing

It could be that you are faced with a plumbing crisis or a costly planned project, but the process to find, hire and employ a plumber can be a daunting one. Here are some tips to help you engage a skilled plumber for your Spring plumbing needs.

The Option to Do It Yourself

A number of Spring plumbing tasks are not too complicated as to require a skilled plumber. Replacing washing machine hoses is an example, or replacing an aerator. The tools required can be bought at your local home-improvement store.

Know when It’s Time to Call for Assistance

Should the problem prove to be beyond your ability to handle on your own do not waste time. Ask around. Friends and family members could recommend a good plumber. Another source for information will be plumbing supply store clerks or the Yellow Pages but by far the best source of information will be the internet.

If you live in Spring, Texas, type “BBB Plumber Spring TX” into your favorite search engine and a number of reputable plumbing services will be at your fingertips.

Good Spring plumbing services can be found this way, although it must be emphasized that you need to find out more about the companies before you commit yourself. One way to do this online is to read the reviews from satisfied – or unsatisfied – customers that have used the company’s service before.

Get the Right Plumber for Your Requirement

Some plumbers are specialists in repair work; others focus more on new construction projects and remodeling. You therefore need to make sure you hire a plumber that meets your requirement.

Ensure that the Plumber is Licensed

Plumbing contractors that are licensed will have the knowledge and experience to complete the job as compared to a “handyman.” They will also carry liability coverage for your protection and will seek to acquire all the permits required for the project.

Ask All the Pertinent Questions

Information you need to find out at this stage will include the contractor’s work experience, whether his bid covers the removal of discarded old fixtures, bath tubs for example, and the state of cleanliness of the work area when the job is done.

Check the Contractor’s Track Record

Get the names of customers to call for vetting the contractor, or call toll-free the Better Business Bureau of Texas on 713-868-9500 or http://www.houston.bbb.org to see if any complaints have been recorded against the contractor.

Find out Which Pricing Scheme will be Used

The cost of materials aside, a plumber can charge a flat rate or an hourly rate. In general, you save money for single repairs if you take the flat rate pricing scheme, while for several repair jobs an hourly rate is to be preferred.

Don’t get Cheated

If you have a Spring plumbing crisis and you have to get a plumber quickly, don’t forget to ask for a flat rate figure and then get quotes from a couple of contractors for establishing the cost the job will take.

Know How to Handle the Spring Plumbing Payments

If the repair is a small one you should pay the full bill upon the job being finished, but for a large project you pay a small amount of the total, usually 10%, and one or several payments in the middle of the job and finally a final installment when the job is done.

Avoid a Lien against Your House

Ensure that the contractor gives you a lien release document before you pay the final installment. This document is meant to show that all outstanding claims by subcontractors and suppliers have been settled.

Remember, not all plumbers are created equal. Do some homework before an emergency hits.

 

Posted in Plumbing Information | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Simple Facts About Tankless Water Heaters

 

Articles: Main Categories | Tankless Water Heaters | Water Heaters

 

To heat up water in your home or business, you require a tank or tankless water heater. Most people opt for a tank water heater to hold the water that has been heated up then they have to constantly keep heating and reheating the water preserve a constant temperature. If you don’t like this idea, you can opt for tankless models.

Tankless water heaters work by heating up the water only when you need it, and the supply is unlimited. Also known as “on demand” heater, this type of unit is much more convenient than other types of water heaters available. They are also more efficient, unlike other models that prompt people to keep reheating the water in the tank to maintain the required heat, thus they will save on your utility bill.

Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters

As well as its economic efficiency, there are other features that are of added benefit.

  • This type of water heater has double the life span of the tank type of heater.
  • They don’t require a pilot light.
  • They are smaller and can be wall mounted.
  • They don’t heat up water until it is needed so are more energy efficient.
  • Although the initial investment is significant, this cost will easily be recuperated within a short time frame.

Tankless Water Heater Considerations

Tankless water heaters are more suitable for a large family whose water requirements are greater. Their overall efficiency will mean that they are less costly to run but the initial investment can be high. A tank type would normally cost between $600 and $800 whereas the tankless ones, along with installation, can reach amounts as high as $2,500.

Take into consideration that the size is much more compact. Measuring only approximately 30″H x 20″W x 12″D, they can be fitted on a wall and will not take up the much needed space.

They are the perfect solution for homes that use a lot of water and those which have many showers, laundry rooms etc. Another type of home suitable for acquiring tankless water heaters are the ones that include an en suite bathroom which is located more than 60 feet away from the existing water heater. Fitting a tankless wall heater in here would ensure a ready supply of hot water whenever needed.

They are not suitable for places where the water quality is poor and high in mineral deposits without the installation of additional equipment. They also may not run where there is a well water system as they require minimum of 40 pounds of pressure to enable them to work efficiently.

Where it is possible to install a tankless water heater remember that it should last you a lot longer than a tank type of heater. Tanks have an expected lifespan of 8 – 10 years and the tankless type should last for 20 years.

Posted in Tankless Water Heater | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

PEX Water Piping Systems

 

Articles: Main Categories | General Plumbing | General Information

PEX water piping is a relatively new form of piping system and is gradually becoming popular. Let us first understand what PEX means and then we will go on to discuss why it is being used both residentially and commercially.

What is PEX?

PEX is an abbreviated form of the term – cross-linked polyethylene pipe. It goes under several processes which makes it tough and durable. It becomes so strong that it can easily withstand extreme temperatures, be it cold or hot. It can also resist itself from being affected by acids, alkalis and other chemicals.

PEX water piping has also proved to be immensely flexible, which is why it is becoming a favorite plumbing material for plumbers. It can easily be installed in cramped up spaces. Moreover, because it is flexible, it requires only a few joints which in turn cuts down the cost of additional plumbing material.

Because of the nature of its material and the fact that it can withstand even the lowest temperatures of water, it is also resistant to cracks and breaks in the winter.

PEX Water Piping Installation

PEX water piping is now approved in most parts of the US and Canada to be used in potable cold and hot water supply systems. These pipes are now also being used in hydronic heating systems. It is also guaranteed that PEX water piping can also be trusted for safe drinking water.

It should be noted however that installing a PEX piping system requires different kinds of tools and method than is used for other water pipes, so only those who are familiar with installing should be entrusted with this job.

Care should be taken with PEX pipes when used outside. This is because these pipes cannot withstand ultraviolet rays and can be damaged; therefore they are not recommended for outside use. They are however good for use in melting systems in driveways and sidewalks.

With PEX water piping, it is recommended that they should not be directly connected to any hot water heater, whether it is an electric hot water heater or a gas water heater, because these pipes can only withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Besides using polyethylene tees with the PEX pipes, brass fittings could also be used. It is said that almost 10 different procedures are available for PEX piping. So PEX water piping is indeed picking up pace with installations being made in most new home construction

Contact your plumber for more information.

 

Posted in Plumbing Information | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Residential Gas Water Heater Information

 

Articles: Main Categories | Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater

There is a good selection of residential gas water heaters available as this a very common type of water heater intended for domestic use. They are popular because they are faster at heating up the water and they prove more cost efficient to run than their electric counterparts.

A Residential Gas Water Heater is More Cost Effective

Often gas water heaters are less expensive to buy than electric. Also, gas is cheaper than electricity and as the gas heats water up faster the running cost should be reduced.

One popular brand of residential gas water heater is Bradford-White. They have 40 and 50 gallon tank capacities and require low maintenance. They also have automatic safety characteristics which will shut them down in case of any faults in the system.

Benefits of Using a Residential Gas Water Heater

If you are looking for a water heater look out for these characteristics:

  • Energy Factor
  • Cost to Operate per year
  • Up front costs to purchase and install
  • Quality and professional brand (Not the Lowe’s or Home Depot heaters)

Disadvantages of Using a Residential Gas Water Heater

Everyone has their own preference between gas and electric water heaters for use in their home. All have their own advantages and in the case of gas varieties, here are some of their well or lesser known cons.

  • You’ll obviously need to have a gas supply into your home if you want to use a residential gas water heater. If you live in a house where gas isn’t installed this can be a major factor as it can be costly to have it piped in.
  • Some people claim that they are slower than electric types but others don’t agree.
  • CO2 is given off from gas water heaters.
  • With older gas heaters there is a risk of carbon monoxide emissions. However with newer models the makers claim that their models meet all safety standards. With so much focus being put on clean air these days, air pollution does have to be taken into consideration.

Whilst there are factors both for and against both types of water heaters the main one will always be personal choice.

Posted in Water Heater | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Common Water Heater Terminology

 

Articles: Main Categories | Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater

It doesn’t hurt to be well prepared when entering an unchartered zone and familiarizing yourself with common water heater terminology. Do just that when you start off on your quest for buying a water heater for the very first time. It sounds serious, but it is not that difficult.

So you must be thinking why learning water heater terminology is important when you are not going to service it yourself? Well, over the years, I have learned that even if you are not going to fix or install a gadget yourself, you should still equip yourself with a bit of first-hand knowledge about the product.

The Advantages of Understanding Water Heater Terminology

Below are a few advantages of familiarizing with water heater terminology.

  • First off, let me tell you that the service providers will take you and your task much more seriously if they get a feeling that you know something about the water heater yourself, even if you don’t. You can give this impression by using the correct water heater terminology when discussing how to get it fixed or installed.

     

  • Secondly, when buying a water heater for yourself, you will notice that the shop keepers or marketing experts will use a lot of water heater terminology when they are trying to sell a product to you. You won’t be able to decide on which one to buy if you don’t know what they are talking about in the first place.

 

  • Thirdly, knowing a bit of this terminology will actually teach you a thing or two about how the product actually works. So when in the future you face a bit of a problem and it is not too big, you can handle it all by yourself.

     

Common Water Heater Terminology Terms

Having discussed the importance of knowing the authentic terminology, let’s get right down to some of the common terms used in this business.

  • Gallon Capacity: This term refers to how much water in gallons can be stored in the water heater. It is important to determine how much water is required in the first hour of peak demand, as in winter mornings. Usually this capacity ranges from 30-100 gallons for gas water heaters and 2-119 gallons for electric water heaters.

     

  • Thermostat: The thermostat is the main component of the water heater. It regulates and controls the water temperature. Usually there are three settings – low, medium and high. If the temperature of the water inside drops below the setting that you have chosen then the thermostat will automatically increase the flame of the burner until the desired temperature of water is achieved.

     

  • T&P Valve: Also known as the temperature and pressure relief valve, this part also has great importance and you must see to it that it is installed in your water heater. In case of accumulated high pressure due to overheating, the T&P valve automatically releases some hot water to stabilize the pressure and to prevent a potentially risky condition.

 

  • Gas Burner and Pilot Flame: A pilot flame is a constantly burning little flame which is used to ignite the gas flow in the gas heater to achieve a full flame in the gas burner. Therefore the gas burner is a round disk, just as the stove burner, which is placed right under the water tank.

     

  • Gas Flue Tube: This component is only found in gas heaters. It is a cylindrical tube like a chimney which runs through the center of the water tank. Its purpose is to release the harmful combustion gases into the outdoors. This is the reason why a gas water heater needs to be installed only in a well-ventilated area.

     

  • Input: Knowing the input of the water heater is important as this is going to determine how much of your budget is going to go in billing. So the input is the amount of electricity or gas that is going to be used per hour to heat up the water present in the tank. The input would differ for both gas and electric heaters.

 

  • Limited Warranty: Like any other gadget, a new water heater also comes with warranty. A limited warranty refers to the number of years, during which the manufacturer is responsible for replacing components or providing services.

This is the basic water heater terminology that one should definitely be familiar with when planning to get a water heater installed or fixed.

 

Posted in Water Heater | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Performing An Annual Plumbing Inspection Can Save You Money

 

Articles: Main Categories | Bathroom Remodeling | Tankless Water Heater

Plumbing inspections can save you money, and let’s be fair who doesn’t want to make savings in this day and age. Performing some simple checks on an annual basis can prevent costly repairs in the future. Continue reading to find out more!

Tips to Save Money on Plumbing Services

These tips can help anyone save money by teaching them the things to look out for when they are doing their own personal inspection of the plumbing components.

  • First off, make a thorough inspection when you are buying a house and if you suspect that the owner might be hiding something, a qualified home inspector should be hired. The money an inspection costs now might save a lot of money later on. Still, there are a lot of plumbing components that are on the outside of walls and they can be checked on by anyone. Run through the entire house and turn on all the faucets and flush all the toilets to see if they are all functioning properly.
  • An annual plumbing inspection is beneficial to everyone. We do not really think of the pipes we cannot see until they burst and need expensive repairs. Every once in a while, check all the pipes you can without tearing down walls to ensure that they have no leaks. If any of them have even the smallest leakage, call a plumber. A changed pipe now is a lot cheaper than replacing a whole system along with repairing the water damage if the tubing gets severely damaged.

     

  • Think about changing the drains. Most of them are made of metal, specifically, chrome. If they aren’t shiny anymore that means that they are old and susceptible to rust and corrosion. Again, a small expense now will prevent a bigger one in the future.

     

  • Always remember to check the condition of your water heater in order to prevent it from failing catastrophically. If you need to buy a new one, do not be cheap with it. Get a bigger water heater if there are a lot of people in your house. Otherwise, there will not be enough hot water for everyone. Use a professional installer and professional water heater for maximum life and performance.

     

  • There are many plumbing details to be checked. Use the list to the left as a guide.


All of these tests can be easily performed by the owner of the house and it is recommended that a checklist plumbing inspection be performed at least once a year to prevent any serious problems with the plumbing that can cost thousands of dollars to repair. A plumber can perform these inspections quickly and efficiently.

 

Posted in Plumbing Information | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Hiring A Tankless Water Heater Installer

 

Articles: Main Categories | Tankless Water Heater | Tank Water Heater

The great thing about a tankless water heater is the fact that you will never run out of hot water. It is cost efficient and environmentally friendly as you only heat the water you are ready to use and don’t end up with a tank full of hot water that is going to go to waste. You also don’t have a 630 lb. plus tank sitting above your head.

The water starts to heat as you turn on a hot faucet creating a demand for hot water. The heater senses the water flowing through and knows to fire up. Once the faucet goes off the water stops heating and less energy is used. This means that you can have endless hot water and not have to wait for the tank to heat back up.

How do you go about getting a tanklesss water heater?

When you have decided that this is the way to go you need to look to hire a tankless water heater installer. A lot of firms advertise online that they are able to do this and while they probably can you want to make sure that you have someone who is an expert and covered by all the correct certifications.

The main accreditation you should look out for is the BBB. This is the Better Business Bureau and only companies who are fully able to carry out the services they say they can, will be listed.

Getting listed is not easy and you should know that once they are on the list they should be fine to use. Once accredited the company will not only agree to do the job to the required standard but make good any problems that arise as a result of their work. The accreditation is based more on their practices and the goods will not have been tested.

Companies such as Noritz and Navien will be able to help you find an installer for a tankless water heater near to where you live. They should agree to remove the old water heater and fit the new one. They need to check the valves and power outlet and make sure there is a new vent run.

Also ask them about testing the hardness of the water. If they don’t agree that they will do all this it may be best to go onto the next tankless water heater installer. In The Woodlands, Texas there will be companies who can do this.

To make sure that the job is done correctly you will be best to bring in an expert. If you don’t you could find that it does not work properly and also that your bills actually increase. If the tankless water heater is correctly fitted you should see a decrease in bills. Also, if you have a future problem the manufacturer will void any warranty if the installer wasn’t properly licensed and certified.

Make sure that the person you are considering is sure about everything they are telling you. It is no good them saying they might be there on Wednesday – get them to commit. If they are not particularly interested in making a proper arrangement regarding the date to do the job do you trust them to do the installation properly?

Remember to ask if there are any discounts or loyalty rewards for using them. Some companies may offer a discount on the first service if they are given the installation job while others will allow you to collect points for using their services. They can only say no.

Locating the proper company to install a tankless water heater for you doesn’t have to be difficult. Just keep the basics in mind:

  • Are they licensed and certified?
  • Do they have insurance?
  • Will they provide references?
  • Do an internet search to see if any negative comments come up and ask them about it.

Enjoy your endless supply of hot water!

 

Posted in Tankless Water Heater | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Looking For A Plumber For Your Kitchen Remodel

 

Articles: Main Categories | Kitchen Remodeling | Bathroom Remodeling

If you are looking for a plumber to carry out work on your plumbing kitchen remodel, there are certain factors that you should take into consideration when selecting one. Some of these will be described in this article below:

 

How Much of the Work Can You Do Yourself?

 

There are some plumbing kitchen remodel tasks that are fairly simple to carry out such as changing a faucet, but for a major plumbing kitchen remodel you are best to call in an expert.

 

Where to Find a Good Plumber

 

When needing a specialist for a plumbing kitchen remodel, ask around your relatives and colleagues as one who comes in recommended by someone is usually a safe and reliable tradesman. If you don’t get one with proper recommendation, try searching the internet for your area. Once you find a company, do further research on that company. The Better Business Bureau is a great place to look.

 

Look for the Right Type of Plumber

 

When you are looking for the right plumbing professional you will find that some advertise for general plumbing work, but some specialize in kitchen remodel. If you go for one who is specialized in what you seek then he should be better versed in this type of work. You usually wouldn’t hire a new home plumber/builder for remodel work. The two fields are quite different.

 

Make Sure That Your Plumber Is Licensed

 

This means that he is covered by insurance, he can get all required permits to carry out the work and usually his work is guaranteed. You can check the license of plumbers online at The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners website.

 

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

 

Ask the plumber how long the job will take, if the quote includes removal of all equipment and remember to ask how long he has been in the trade. Ask for proof of license and insurance. Ask for references that you can check. Do your due diligence to insure you find a trustworthy company that will do you a good job.

 

Check Him Out

 

Ask for names of previous customers who will vouch for his work. Contact the Texas Better Business Bureau on 713-868-9500 or www.houston.bbb.org to find out if he is listed and if he has had any displeased customers in the past.

 

How Do They Price?

 

Plumbers can charge you an hourly rate or more commonly a flat rate for the job. For larger jobs the flat rate system is probably your safest bet. Make sure your kitchen remodel contract spells out all charges for what is included and what will be extra or isn’t included.

 

The Best Way to Pay

 

When paying for a small repair, you generally pay upon completion of the job but for a large job, such as a kitchen remodel. you should pay a small deposit and maybe another payment half way through. Only when you are satisfied with the job and have received a lien release should you make final payment on the job.

 

Picture by DWR Construction Inc.

 

Posted in Kitchen Remodeling | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Find A Woodlands Texas Plumbing Company

 

Articles: Main Categories | General Plumbing | General Information

A Woodlands plumbing emergency or perhaps an expensive plumbing project you are planning to embark on requires that you find and engage a qualified Woodlands plumber to meet your requirements. But the process to find one can be scary.

Doing It Yourself

A few plumbing jobs are not too complicated and you may not need to enlist the services of a qualified plumber. To replace washing machine hoses for example, or to fix a blocked drain and change the faucets. All that you need are some tools (a snake or drain auger) and these you can buy at the local home-improvement store.

Call for Assistance at the Right Time

The problem may be such that you lack the skills, or the tools, to fix it yourself. In that case you should not waste time. Ask for information from friends and family and they may recommend a skilled plumber.

You could also approach clerks at a Woodlands plumbing supply store; the Yellow Pages could come in handy too. But the best source of information by far is the internet. To find a Woodlands plumber you could type “BBB Plumber Woodlands TX” in a search engine and you will be presented with a list of companies accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Another useful online resource for the Woodlands, TX area is the Woodlands plumbing directory. The directory has information about practically anything related to Woodlands plumbing, including repair, supplies, installation issues, and remodeling. A nice thing about the directory is that it is organized in categories, which makes it easy to use and browse or search for information. Details as diverse as water heater services, plumbing, kitchen or bathroom remodeling, etc. are clearly laid out, and using the directory you can have your Woodlands plumbing questions answered very easily.

In its plumbing section users of the directory will find information about the various reputable plumbing companies, with all the details about the service providers. One of these plumbing service providers listed in the directory is Click’s Plumbing. This is a respected and highly trusted plumbing company and offers services unequalled in the Houston, Spring and The Woodlands areas in Texas.

What makes Click’s Plumbing stand out from the others is the great services they offer, the satisfaction they guarantee their customers and the warranties for a job well done. All of this has made the company a popular choice for anybody with Woodlands plumbing needs.

Get a Plumber that Meets your Requirements

Some plumbers are more comfortable doing repairs while others specialize in new building projects, or remodeling. You have to know what kind of plumber you are hiring, and whether they are the right ones for the job.

Use a Plumber that is Licensed

Those contractors that are licensed are usually bonded and are covered against worker’s compensation. Nearly all of them will in addition offer liability coverage and they will seek to obtain all the permits required for the project.

Ask all the Relevant Questions

Before the work begins you need to know a few things. For example how long the contractor has been in the plumbing business, will the bid cover removal of old fixtures (bath tubs for example) that will need to be discarded, and who does the clean-up after the job is done.

Cross-check the Contractor’s Work Record

Find a few people you can call to have the contractor vetted. You could also call the Better Business Bureau of Texas at 713-868-9500. Alternatively you could visit the site www.houston.bbb.org to check if complaints have been reported against the contractor.

Find out the Pricing Scheme Favored by the Contractor

Besides the money used to buy materials a plumber can charge you an hourly rate or flat rate for labor costs. In general you spend less for single repairs if you use the flat rate pricing scheme, while for some repair jobs an hourly rate is more cost-effective.

Know How the Payments will be Made

Small repairs are paid in one installment – the full bill when the job is done. But large projects are usually paid in three or more installments – a small one at the beginning (say 10%), one or more in the middle of the project, and a final installment when the job is finished.

So, do your research and ask around for recommendations.

 

Posted in Plumbing Information | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Common Plumbing Tools Used

 

Articles: Main Categories | General Plumbing

Most men have a plumbing tool kit around the house to use for the basic plumbing needs. This usually consists of a few wrenches, some teflon tape and some washers. However, a professional plumber is trained in the use of many more tools needed in order to perform his duties correctly.

The Tools of a Plumber: The Wrench

The wrench has always been the most handy tool for a plumber to have in his arsenal. From one point of view, the wrenches can be categorized into fixed and adjustable wrenches. As their name suggests, fixed wrenches are designed to only be used on a certain size or shape of pipes, valves and bolts. However, adjustable wrenches have a retractable clamp that can be resized for a multitude of sizes.

From another standpoint, the most common wrenches are the Stillson and the pipe wrench. The Stillson is mainly used on pipes. It is usually cheap and comes in different sizes ranging from 12 to 18 inches.

The pipe wrench is more expensive since it is subject to less distortion. It consists of a steel handle with locking jaws that can be placed around the item that needs adjusting. Using the adjustable jaws makes this wrench more versatile than the others.

While these are the most common wrenches used by a plumber, they are in no way the end to his extensive arsenal of tools. The strap wrench works on the same principle as the pipe wrench. However it has a leather strap instead of jaws which makes it better to use on materials such as plastic, aluminum or lead.

The end wrenches are much smaller and slimmer than the other ones and are used in tight spaces or where pipes are tightly grouped together. Two similar wrenches are the ones based on hex fittings. These are the nipple wrench and the hex wrench.

The hex fitting is perfect to use on objects that have a square or multi-sided shape. The nipple wrench, also known as an extractor, is a smaller version that, like the end wrench, is designed for use in close quarters.

The last two wrenches commonly used by a plumber are the seat and the nut socket wrench. The seat wrench also has hex fittings and it is used primarily on faucets. The nut socket wrenches are used for bath and shower repair. They come in a large set with a different size on each end of the wrenches to cover a full range of bathroom fittings.

The Tools of a Plumber: The Pliers

Another tool category that is indispensable to a plumber is the pliers. The most common ones are the locking pliers, the slip joint pliers and the expanding jaw pliers.

Locking pliers work similar to a wrench. Their position can be adjusted to allow for different sizes, while slip joint and expanding jaw pliers have a more manual operation. Slip joint pliers are used primarily on pipes and fittings. Expanding jaw pliers are inserted in an opening and then expanded to loosen the fittings from within.

The Tools of a Plumber: The Others

Other than pliers and wrenches, there are other various tools needed in a plumber’s daily routine:

  • The yoke vise is used to grip certain pipes ranging in size from an eighth of an inch up to six inches.
  • The chain vise is a smaller alternative than can hold bigger pipes. It has the same V-shape as a yoke vise, but uses a chain to hold the pipes in place.
  • Pipe cutters are vital to a plumber. They can cut a wide range of pipe sizes and are more accurate and more efficient than saws.
  • The final tools used are not as common and are less likely to be found in a typical homeowners toolkit: reamers, pipe threader, snakes and augers.

 

As you can see, there are many different tools involved in the plumbing trade. So, it is best to leave the repairs to the experts.

 

Posted in Plumbing Information | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments