June 2021 - Page 351 of 985

What size water lines should I use in my house?

What size water lines should I use in my house? In most cases, the main pipeline from the street to your home is either 3/4 or 1 inch in diameter, supply branches use 3/4-inch-diameter pipe, and pipes for individual components are 1/2 inch. Remember that water pressure decreases by a half-pound per square inch for every foot pipes extend above your water supply. How big is a mimimum water supply pipe? Mimimum fixture branch pipe size refers to the size of the cold branch pipe, or both the hot and cold branch pipes. The listed minimum supply branch pipe sizes...

Tips

What would cause condensation on a toilet?

What would cause condensation on a toilet? Condensation is caused by cold water entering your toilet tank causing a drop in temperature on the outside surface of the tank. During humid weather, the tank temperature can be low enough to cause the moisture in the air to condense on the tank surface. Why are toilet tanks insulated? Toilets come with lined (insulated) or unlined tanks. The lining helps prevent the condensation, or “sweating,” that can form on the outside of the tank during hot, humid summer months due to the presence of cold water in the tank. Certain models don't...

Miscellaneous

How much does copper piping cost?

How much does copper piping cost? Copper pipes welded in joints will sell for less than a clean whole pipe. On average, scrap copper is sold between $1.20 to $2.50 per pound. Many different factors affect copper prices, so prices fluctuate daily. Is copper piping expensive? Copper Pipes Are Expensive Copper plumbing piping is more expensive than plastic piping, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). The latter is quickly becoming a standard in many residential applications for its strength and flexibility. Is copper piping cheap? Perfect for waste transportation and overall plumbing pipe systems, copper pipes provide...

Lifehacks

Why does pool filter lose pressure?

Why does pool filter lose pressure? It could be a clogged pump basket, clogged impeller, clogged pipe or clogged skimmer. It could also be a closed or broken valve before the pump. Or, the pump may have an air leak, and is drawing in more air than water, which will also reduce the filter pressure (and filtration). Why does my pool pump keep losing pressure? Another reason the pump might be losing pressure is if there’s air in the system. This is due to the water level being too low in the swimming pool. Inspect The Suction Lid For this,...

Q&A

What is an overflow pipe in a house?

What is an overflow pipe in a house? An overflow pipe is an extension from a storage tank or cistern that stops the water from overflowing. It's an essential part of a home's water storage systems, ensuring that your house does not flood with water; thus, the pipe is sometimes extended from the rear of the house wherever the water is discharged. Where does the overflow pipe in a kitchen go? The overflow pipe on a copper cylinder (or hot water cylinder) is also referred to as an expansion/vent pipe. It runs from the cylinder into the cold water feed...

Tips

Can cast iron pipe be used for potable water?

Can cast iron pipe be used for potable water? Flushing a water line that is made of cast iron Pieces of corrosion, both large and small, can sabotage your plumbing system once introduced to your drinking supply. To more serious issues such as a complete blockage in your water supply system. What type of pipe is safe for drinking water? Copper pipes with lead-free joint materials are the best choice for water pipes. They are long-lasting and won't leach chemicals into your drinking water. However, copper pipes are generally more expensive, and copper's intensive extraction and manufacturing process presents some...

Tips

What does the valve under the toilet do?

What does the valve under the toilet do? The fill valve (sometimes referred to as a ballcock) brings water into the tank after the toilet is flushed and stays on until the tank refills. Any time water exits the tank (such as when a flapper is leaking), the fill valve will turn on in order to maintain the water level. What is the overflow tube in a toilet tank? An overflow tube is a vertical tube inside the tank of a toilet. It's purpose is to move water into the bowl in the case where the ballcock malfunctions to prevents...

Tips

Does an ice maker need a drain line?

Does an ice maker need a drain line? Most undercounter ice makers do require a drain line, but there are exceptions, like the EdgeStar IB120SS, that do not. These models act as a freezer and keep the ice frozen, thus no need for a drain line. Other ice makers are not able to keep the ice frozen, and as the ice melts, it needs to drain. How do you drain an ice machine? The ice machine's drains can run down through the countertop and directly into the wall drain underneath the counter. These drains can be created from an existing...

Lifehacks

How do I find a slow leak in my toilet tank?

How do I find a slow leak in my toilet tank? The cause is a very slow leak from the tank into the bowl. This problem is almost certainly caused by a bad flapper or flapper seat. The solution is to drain the tank and bowl, check and clean the flapper seat and then replace the flapper if it's worn or damaged. Why does my toilet make dripping sounds? Dripping sounds often originate in the toilet tank. Plumbers diagnose the exact cause of this problem by removing the toilet tank lid, flushing the toilet. they can spot signs of tube...

Guidelines

What does rusty toilet water mean?

What does rusty toilet water mean? Brown Water in the Toilet Tank It could be that your pipes are rusting, or that your water supply is rich in iron compounds. Iron isn't a health problem, but it does tend to stain the sides of the tank and discolor the water. It can also promote bacteria growth. Why is my water suddenly rusty? The most common discoloring minerals present in water are iron and manganese. Tiny metallic mineral deposits get into the water stream via several different sources. These minerals are responsible for the color and rusty quality of the water,...