Westfield Plumbing is the network of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that deliver water and remove waste from a building. Plumbers install, repair, and maintain these systems. They interpret blueprints and building codes to plan pipe routes and ensure systems meet safety and health regulations.
Try baking soda and vinegar to clear a clogged drain before resorting to chemical cleaners. These natural ingredients are safer for your pipes and the environment.
When you hear the word “valve,” you may think about a device that controls or regulates the flow of matter such as water or air. Valves are a common component of plumbing systems and can be found in many different types of buildings, from homes to hospitals and industrial plants. They are used to control, direct, and shut off access and adjust water pressure within a pipe system. Valves can also help prevent backflow, which can be a major hazard for homeowners, as well as provide protection from potentially dangerous conditions in a plumbing system such as leaks or overheating.
Valves come in many different forms, and each type works differently depending on its purpose. They are generally made out of metals such as lead-free brass, bronze, or stainless steel, and can be manufactured using casting, forging, or machining methods. Choosing the right valve for a specific application can be challenging, as there are many different factors to consider including the design of the valve, its size and port specifications, the operating method, and the pressure and temperature ratings.
The most common and reliable type of valve is a ball valve, which consists of a sphere with a hole at the center. This type of valve moves up and down with the use of a threaded control that can be turned counterclockwise to open the valve and clockwise to close it. Another popular valve is a gate valve, which is often called a guillotine valve because of its medieval castle-like appearance. These type of valves move a small gate up and down with the use of a flat face, vertical disc or gate that is controlled by turning a threaded control at the top.
In addition to being available in many different types, a valve can be connected to a pipe through a variety of ways, including threaded connections. These connections create a secure and streamlined seal between the valve and pipe, and must adhere to certain standards in order to work properly. Some common connection types include push-to-connect, female threaded connections, and flanged valves.
Plumbing and Piping
The plumbing profession requires knowledge of the construction and maintenance of piping systems that deliver water and drain waste. Pipes are usually made from durable materials like copper, steel or plastic. They are installed in homes and buildings to supply water for drinking, cooking and bathing, and remove waste water through drainage lines that connect to sewer systems. Plumbing also includes a wide variety of fixtures and appliances, such as water heaters, faucets, toilets, showers, tubs, septic tanks and more. Many of these devices are visible to end-users, but others are in utility rooms and other hidden locations.
Unlike the specialized process piping that is found in industrial manufacturing, residential plumbing systems must comply with detailed building codes and must use non-corrosive materials. In addition, most plumbing jobs require a variety of specialised tools. Typical tools include hand held power tools, wrenches and screwdrivers. Plumbers also use a wide array of specialised tools, such as video cameras for inspection and pipe bending machines, to make repairs more quickly and efficiently.
Pipes in a home’s walls, floors and ceilings carry freshwater from a water source to fixtures, such as bathtubs, sinks and showers. Water supply pipes are typically made of PVC, but can be built with other durable materials. A plumbing system might also include a soil or waste stack, which is a vertical pipe that carries the drainage from a household to the municipal sewer line or private septic tank.
A drain pipe is a section of piping that collects and conveys the waste, water and condensation from household appliances. A drain line is normally connected to a toilet, sink, dishwasher and laundry machine. In some systems, a trap is placed at the base of a drain to prevent sewage from back-flowing into the household water supply.
Process piping is a type of piping that is in direct contact with a product, such as food, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. This type of piping is typically constructed from more durable materials, such as 304 or 316 stainless steel, nickel-alloy, chrome moly, fiberglass resin and other advanced material technologies. The pipes are designed to withstand high pressures and temperatures, and are often insulated for increased protection from chemical degradation.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Whether you used them to stage a science fair volcano or as an effective refrigerator odor eliminator, you’ve probably already discovered the power of baking soda and vinegar. These two inexpensive household items can create a chemical reaction that is an effective drain cleaning solution, without the potentially harmful sodium hydroxide (also known as lye) found in many store-bought cleaners.
To use this natural method to clean your drains, first run hot water down the drain for a few minutes to warm it up and help loosen debris. Next, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and immediately follow it with a cup of vinegar. The mixture of these two chemicals causes a bubbling, fizzing action that can break up and dissolve even the most stubborn clogs. This solution also helps eliminate odors and freshens the drain. Regular usage can help prevent future clogs and keep your drains running smoothly.
Before you use this method, make sure that your clog is not caused by an obstruction that requires professional help. You can check this by removing the drain cover or plug and looking down inside the pipe for any visible obstructions. Also, be sure that your pipes are in good condition and that there isn’t any damage to the drain or surrounding pipes.
Baking soda and vinegar are effective at breaking down food particles, organic waste, minerals from hard water, and soap scum. However, they do not dissolve grease or hair clogs, which are better left to the professionals.
Once the bubbles from the chemical reaction dissipate, the loosened clog material will be carried away by the draining water. If the clog is particularly severe, you may need to repeat the process one or more times before it is fully cleared. This is also a good time to consider having your pipes professionally cleaned.
Although this at-home solution can help with minor clogs, it is important to schedule periodic professional drain inspections. These inspections can detect problems early on, and often before they become serious, saving you both money and hassle in the long run. To schedule a drain cleaning service, contact your nearest ARS/Rescue Rooter location.
Boiling Water
Many DIYers have heard it suggested that pouring a pot of boiling water down a clogged drain is a good, cheap alternative to chemical products like Drano. While this is not completely untrue, it isn’t a great solution either. Boiling water can damage the pipes, causing a number of issues that can lead to expensive plumbing repairs or replacements.
For example, if you have plastic pipe, such as PVC, prolonged exposure to hot boiling water (212 degrees Fahrenheit) can cause it to soften and bend. This can weaken the joints and cause them to loosen over time, leading to leaks or even pipe failure. This is especially true if the pipe is exposed to high temperatures, such as from hot water running down a kitchen sink.
It is also not recommended to pour boiling water down a toilet, as it can melt the wax ring surrounding the toilet and potentially crack the porcelain bowl. This can lead to a very costly trip to the hardware store for a new toilet.
Additionally, boiling water can damage other types of household pipes if it is not used correctly. Metal pipes can become weakened over time from repeated contact with boiling water, and this could result in a broken pipe. Additionally, if the clog is caused by a hard substance, such as hair or grease, boiling water may push the blockage further down the drain instead of clearing it.
In the end, boiling water can be an effective drain cleaning solution, but only for certain types of clogs and pipe materials. For the majority of common household clogs, it is better to turn to a more targeted approach using a variety of tools and techniques. This will help ensure that your pipes stay safe and functional, avoiding expensive and inconvenient plumbing problems in the future. For more information about how to safely and effectively clean a drain, contact a professional plumber today.
