Archive for May, 2009

At first glance, plastic plumbing pipe looks easy to cut and join. But don’t be fooled. There’s more to a top-quality installation than meets the eye. Here’s a great tip from The Family Handyman of Readers Digest on how you can glue and join your PVC pipe with less hassle:

“Just swiping the pipe with cement and pushing on the fitting won’t ensure a strong joint. You want to make sure you have an even layer of cement over all mating surfaces,” he writes.

If you’re using PVC, wipe primer around the pipe and into the fitting to prepare it for the solvent cement. Let it dry about 10 seconds. Then spread an even layer of solvent cement on the same surfaces. To keep excess solvent cement from being pushed into water piping, don’t apply too much to the inside of the socket on the fitting. At this point you have to work fast to complete the assembly. Align the fitting and pipe about a quarter turn from their final orientation. Then twist the fitting a quarter turn as you press it onto the pipe.

Twisting the fitting helps spread the solvent cement evenly to ensure a solid joint. If you’ve made alignment marks, make sure they’re aligned with each other. Hold the pipe and fitting together for about 15 seconds until the cement grabs. If you let go immediately, the pipe may push out of the fitting, resulting in a weak joint.

1. Have your tank pumped and inspected every few years, or as needed for maintenance.

2. Don’t pour any solvents, chemicals, or oils of any kind into your drain or toilet.

3. Only flush toilet paper, no other paper or plastic products. Your potty is not a trash can.

4. Use bleach and other potent cleaners sparingly, including drain cleaners.

5. Never dispose of grease, coffee grounds, or popcorn in your sink.

6. Practice water conservation – this means fewer clogs in your system.

7. Don’t send bacteria killing toxins down the drain. You need it to break down your waste.

8. Choose to compost instead of using a garbage disposal. If you have one already, use less.

9. Feminine hygiene products can clog your system. Don’t flush even if it says ‘flushable’.

10. If you notice any issues with your system, have it checked immediately. Problems left unfixed could cause even more frustration and expense.

As warmer weather settles in, it’s time to start thinking about the improvements you can make to your home. Whether through something simple like adding a fresh coat of paint or more complex like redoing the plumbing, your house is going to need a pick-me-up in order to maintain its comforting feel and overall retail value. With the housing market the way it is, it’s key for homeowners to use this time to invest in the value and sustainability of their properties, rather than leave them to neglect and the effects of age.

Update your home and start adding value.  Let SimplyPlumbing.com help by providing you with fabulous designer faucets and fixtures to complete your new plumbing installation. Kohler faucets and fixtures are celebrated not only for their quality but for their gorgeous styling. Let their classic qualities and timeless look add dimension and beauty to your home.

On Monday, The American Water Works Association kicked off Drinking Water Week 2009, an annual celebration of safe, cleaning drinking water for all. AWWA is the oldest and largest nonprofit, scientific and educational organization dedicated to safe water in North America. For more than 30 years, the American Water Works Association has celebrated Drinking Water Week with its members in various communities throughout the U.S.

“Drinking Water Week is an opportunity for Americans to think about what water means to each of us,” said AWWA President Mike Leonard. “A safe and reliable water supply is central to our daily lives, and we enjoy some of the highest quality water in the world. This week is a great time to celebrate our drinking water and renew our commitment to keeping it safe.”

Throughout the week, AWWA will highlight what “Only Tap Water Delivers,” drawing special attention to drinking water quality, water efficiency and conservation, and the importance of water infrastructure. Water utilities, environmental advocates and others will celebrate drinking water through school events, public presentations and community festivals. They will also provide their communities with important tips for protecting our water supplies and conserving resources.

For more information or to learn how you can improve your plumbing to support safe drinking water, be sure to visit AWWA.org.