Info

The hedgehog was engaged in a fight with

Read More
Lifehacks

Are brass sprinkler valves worth it?

Are brass sprinkler valves worth it? Higher Chemical Resistance — Brass is more resistant to chemicals typically found in irrigation water and therefore less susceptible to failure due to cracking. Longer Life — Brass valves can be used above and below grade whereas plastic degrades over time in extreme environments and in direct sunlight. How long do brass sprinkler valves last? Modern landscape irrigation valves are made of fiberglass- or nylon-reinforced plastic, and sometimes, brass. The vast majority are plastic. While some contractors may prefer brass valves for their longevity (a brass valve can last 50 years) they are more...
Popular

What to do if your water softener is too old?

What to do if your water softener is too old? The water softener is too old: These systems have a life expectancy of around eight years, after which they start to degrade quickly. If your system is old or if you don’t know how old it is, inspect its components for wear and tear damage, such as cracks in the tank and o-ring damages. How long does a good water softener last? A water softener can be a huge help for your home’s water quality, but it works hard to remove the mineral deposits that build up from your hard...
Lifehacks

Can a expansion tank go bad?

Can a expansion tank go bad? Like most appliances in your home - expansion tanks do have a lifespan so at some point - they will need to be replaced. The average lifespan of an expansion tank is between 5 to 10 years. Why is my expansion tank losing pressure? Pressure loss may be caused from a leak in the pressure relief valve, an issue in the expansion vessel, air in your system, or a leak in the heating pipework itself. What are the problems with an expansion tank? 3 Common Water Heater Expansion Tank Problems 1 Excess Water When...
Tips

What is the standard opening for a shower door?

What is the standard opening for a shower door? between 22-inches and 36-inches The dimensions of your shower's opening are also important. The standard shower door size is between 22-inches and 36-inches. A shower opening wider than 36-inches will likely need an additional door panel or a type of shower door designed for wide openings. How does a glass door in a shower work? Normally one glass panel is fixed while two other panels fold in on hinges, as screen panels do. In operating, they work much like the folding bifold doors on some closets, and they are used for...
Guidelines

Where can I find the manual for my Bradford white water heater?

Where can I find the manual for my Bradford white water heater? Your Bradford White water heater supporting manuals and documents can be found here. You’ll need to know your […] Read More… Where can I find the manual to my water heater? Is the m-i-403s6fbn water heater discontinued? M-I-403S6FBN has been discontinued. This product was discontinued by the manufacturer. Need replacement parts for this unit? To view a list of zip codes where this heater cannot be installed, click here. This Bradford White water heater utilizes a draft diverter and is atmospherically vented. Is there a 30 gallon propane...
Tips

How do you pressure test PEX water in new construction?

How do you pressure test PEX water in new construction? Pressure test PEX with air compressor pressure regulatorConnect compressor to one fitting and set line to 120 psi.Bring up to 120 psi for 30 minutes then down to 80 psi.Check pressure at second fitting for 2-24 hours. Can Viega crimp PEX? Tools and accessories Viega offers a variety of PEX Crimp hand tools, from full-size to compact, for 3/8" to 1" PEX Crimp connections. Do new homes use PEX? PEX piping - plastic piping of a certain type - is often used in plumbing, new construction and remodeling. It's a...
Q&A

What is active solar water heating system?

What is active solar water heating system? Active solar water heating (SWH) systems comprise five main elements: a collector or collectors that capture solar radiation, a pump to activate working fluid circulation, a storage system for the hot water, an auxiliary or back-up water heating system for use when sufficient hot water cannot be supplied by the solar ... What are the drain back systems in solar water heating system? The Sunoptimo drainback A system based on drainback, also called a self-draining or gravity drain system, allows the solar collectors to drain naturally and passively every time the circulation pump...
Popular

What does it mean to live in upstate New York?

What does it mean to live in upstate New York? Halfway across the state and several hours away, there’s a completely different world: Upstate New York. If you’re from out of state, “Upstate New York” most likely refers to any part of the region that isn’t the city. But local residents love to argue about where upstate begins and where downstate ends. Are there any midsize cities in upstate New York? While Upstate is made up of midsize cities (Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, etc.) there’s no comparison in size or population to NYC. The residents also couldn’t be more different. Upstate...
Q&A

What can I expect from a plumbing inspection?

What can I expect from a plumbing inspection? A quality home plumbing inspection will include checks anywhere water runs through your house. This includes sinks, toilets, tubs, lines, and pipes. Underneath and outside of your house, our plumbers will check both pipes and hydrants for leaks, as well as check for proper support to ensure anti-freeze protection. How do you test rough-in plumbing? You have to test using the maximum working pressure (80 psi) of water, or 50 psi of air. And you have to maintain the pressure for 15 minutes. For air testing drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems, you have to...
Guidelines

Why does my car make a hissing sound when starting?

Why does my car make a hissing sound when starting? Hissing. A hissing noise coming from under the hood is generally the sign of a leak, typically in either the cooling system or the vacuum system. If you hear the hissing sound right after you turn off the car, it is often a sign that oil or coolant is leaking onto the exhaust manifold or another heated engine part. Why is my air compressor hissing? Hissing or Whistling But a persistent hissing or whistling sound could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. A refrigerant leak could occur in your...