Information on Kinetico Water Softeners

When it comes to detecting hard water, the signs can be quite obvious. That is precisely why it is a little bit easy to determine if you have to soften your water or not. However, the most difficult part is deciding which softener is best for your home, with a starting point being Kinetico water softeners.

water softener resin

The first thing you need to know is how water softeners really work. They are not the same as a water filter either. Basically, filters remove water contaminants while softeners soften hard water by reducing its mineral contents. This is where the transformation from hard to soft water occurs. You have to realize that when it's hard, it usually contains calcium deposits as well as magnesium metal, in some cases, bicarbonates and sulfates.

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In order for your tap water to be considered soft, those afore mentioned minerals should be reduced or completely removed. This is where Kinetico water softeners work well. First off, Kinetico's softeners use a three tank system, compared to the two tank systems that standard softeners utilize. Typically, the first tank is the mineral tank, while the second is the brine tank. The third tank is to make it soft, once it has been treated.

The extra tank will allow you to have an almost continuous supply of soft water, where two-tank systems will have you waiting for several minutes to have soft water. This is why many online softener reviews favor Kinetico water softeners. The mineral tank is typically filled with zeolites or polystyrene beads. One great feature of a Kinetico water softener that many individuals love is that it does not use an electric pump. The whole softening process really relies on a turbine which is responsible for moving the water from tank to tank.

The use of a patented turbine instead of an electric pump makes the Kinetico softeners more cost-efficient compared to other softeners. Keep in mind that hard water can drastically damage water filters. There are many good filters out there such as the Aqua Pure filters or a Berkey filter that filters contaminants well but gets damaged easily because of the hardness.

This is why you will need to have your tap water checked for hardness and contaminants before buying anything. If the test results show that your water has less than 17.1 ppm (parts per million), then it is considered soft and you will not need any softeners. Filtering would be another story; it would depend on the contaminants present.

Information on Kinetico Water Softeners

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Water Softener Reviews - Cut Through The Clutter And Find The Right Water Softener Now

There are many great water softener reviews today to help you find the right softener for your home. People tend to get confused with so many water softeners around. A review on each one of them is definitely going to help, as these people are not going to remember what they read in the newspaper about one brand couple of months ago and every brand is going to claim their product as best on their websites.

water softener salt potassium

A water softener is a necessity to obtain soft water greatly reduces the scaling of pipes, faucets, and bath fixtures, and reduces spotting of glasses, dishes and flatware. Soft water also helps detergent clean your clothes better, while making your clothes last longer too. But hasty decisions might cost you a fortune as there are sales people trying to get every penny out of you.

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There are numerous water softener vendors out there who sell both ionic exchange and magnetic water softening systems.

Culligan: This brand is favored particularly for its durability and purchase and rental offer. Culligan is also said to be good at removing iron from the water supply.

Brita: With over 40 years of experience this brand is considered to be reliable. Essentially used with Espresso machines and other coffee and tea making equipment.

Kenmore: Offers water softeners from the very basic to the heavy-duty models. The Kenmore systems also offer extras like the ability to filter out larger particles and added settings that make the units more efficient. Kenmore contends that the cost of everyday household upkeep can be cut in half with the use of a water softener system.

General Electric: GE offers water softeners small enough to accommodate a single-person household all the way up to a unit that will serve a household of four or more people. The GE water softeners include a technology called SmartSoft, which works through a low-capacity transformer to save energy, minimize salt loss, and gauge water softening needs.

Start with these 4 brands, and decide which is best for you. All 4 have years of experience in the industry, and have successfully helped thousands achieve their soft water needs. Shop around, read water softener reviews, and find the best for your home now.

Water Softener Reviews - Cut Through The Clutter And Find The Right Water Softener Now

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Applying Teflon to Your Carpet

Teflon is a product manufactured by the DuPont Corporation. This product bonds to the carpet fiber preventing liquids, dirt and debris from penetrating. Dirt stains left untreated quickly embed in the carpet fiber. Teflon keeps the dirt from adhering to the fibers, making the clean-up process much easier. Therefore, your carpet will look better and last much longer. Teflon will work on the majority of carpet fibers including wool.

In order for the Teflon process to work properly the carpet must be prepared for the application process. The two types of treatments are oil based and non oil based treatments. Teflon also needs to be worked into the carpet by using a pile brush for pile types and a rake for shag applications. The result will be the same, but the application and preparation process are different.

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Preparation.

First, the carpet must be cleaned to remove any dirt, grease or debris. If the carpet has not been cleaned the Teflon will not adhere correctly. Therefore, the product may not work as well. There are many different types of carpet cleaning methods to choose from. The most recommended way to clean carpet for a Teflon application is hot water extraction. This process actually sprays a hot water solution onto the surface of the carpet and is vacuumed up shortly after. Hot water extraction equipment is usually very powerful and can remove the majority of stains and carpet soil allowing the Teflon to adhere. Teflon can be applied to wet or dry carpet. Dry carpet is recommended. 

Application.

Teflon can be applied many different ways.  You can apply Teflon on your own, using a pump sprayer. A good pump sprayer can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes. They will have a nice selection to choose from. The cheaper sprayers have plastic nozzles and tend to leak more often and the spray pattern is not as precise. When applying Teflon, a precise flow of solution is important. Be sure to read the directions on any chemical treatment. The latest Teflon treatments on the market today have no odor and safe to use. Pour the Teflon solution into the pump sprayer and pump several times. Do not over pump the sprayer! This is a hazard and can cause the sprayer to rupture. You want a wide spray pattern when applying Teflon. Once the spray pattern is set you can begin to apply the solution. Hold the spray nozzle 7-8 inches from the carpet surface and spray evenly from one corner of the room to the other. Continue this process until the room has an even coat of Teflon. You can use a pile brush to work the solution into the carpet fibers. A pile brush can be purchased at a carpet supply company. Be sure not to brush with too much force or the carpet fibers can be damaged. See the Teflon instructions on the drying time.

Applying Teflon to Your Carpet

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Applying Teflon to Your Carpet

Teflon is a product manufactured by the DuPont Corporation. This product bonds to the carpet fiber preventing liquids, dirt and debris from penetrating. Dirt stains left untreated quickly embed in the carpet fiber. Teflon keeps the dirt from adhering to the fibers, making the clean-up process much easier. Therefore, your carpet will look better and last much longer. Teflon will work on the majority of carpet fibers including wool.

In order for the Teflon process to work properly the carpet must be prepared for the application process. The two types of treatments are oil based and non oil based treatments. Teflon also needs to be worked into the carpet by using a pile brush for pile types and a rake for shag applications. The result will be the same, but the application and preparation process are different.

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Preparation.

First, the carpet must be cleaned to remove any dirt, grease or debris. If the carpet has not been cleaned the Teflon will not adhere correctly. Therefore, the product may not work as well. There are many different types of carpet cleaning methods to choose from. The most recommended way to clean carpet for a Teflon application is hot water extraction. This process actually sprays a hot water solution onto the surface of the carpet and is vacuumed up shortly after. Hot water extraction equipment is usually very powerful and can remove the majority of stains and carpet soil allowing the Teflon to adhere. Teflon can be applied to wet or dry carpet. Dry carpet is recommended. 

Application.

Teflon can be applied many different ways.  You can apply Teflon on your own, using a pump sprayer. A good pump sprayer can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes. They will have a nice selection to choose from. The cheaper sprayers have plastic nozzles and tend to leak more often and the spray pattern is not as precise. When applying Teflon, a precise flow of solution is important. Be sure to read the directions on any chemical treatment. The latest Teflon treatments on the market today have no odor and safe to use. Pour the Teflon solution into the pump sprayer and pump several times. Do not over pump the sprayer! This is a hazard and can cause the sprayer to rupture. You want a wide spray pattern when applying Teflon. Once the spray pattern is set you can begin to apply the solution. Hold the spray nozzle 7-8 inches from the carpet surface and spray evenly from one corner of the room to the other. Continue this process until the room has an even coat of Teflon. You can use a pile brush to work the solution into the carpet fibers. A pile brush can be purchased at a carpet supply company. Be sure not to brush with too much force or the carpet fibers can be damaged. See the Teflon instructions on the drying time.

Applying Teflon to Your Carpet

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A Buyer's Guide to Plumbing Supply Materials

You can purchase plumbing supply materials from several places (these are in no particular order).

Big box hardware stores like Home Depot, Lowes, or Menards are the most well known. You can also visit your local hardware store like Ace or True Value, for example. Industrial supply houses mostly sell to businesses and contractors and will sell everything industrial; from material moving equipment to safety equipment and plumbing material. Some examples are Grainger and McMaster Carr. You can also browse the internet for e-commerce or on-line plumbing supply houses. These suppliers can offer everything from a few niche items to anything you can possibly imagine. Professional plumbing supply houses are another possibility. Many of them will only sell to professionals who carry credit lines, but some (the number is increasing everyday) are finding it exceedingly difficult to turn away cash paying customers (professional or not).

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How do I Decide Where to Buy My Plumbing Stuff?

If you are a consumer and looking for material to do a simple repair the big box store should have what you need. They carry basic plumbing rough-in material and name brand fixtures. Their pricing on common items is very good, however, if you have a repair that requires uncommon materials (materials that they do not carry in-stock), the big box may not be the best place to purchase. Remember, the reason pricing on "common" materials is great at a big box is because of the tremendous volume they buy from manufacturers. If an item in not in-stock, they are not buying it in tremendous volume. Therefore, they do not carry the discount the in-stock item would.

Your local hardware store will carry a limited amount of plumbing materials (nowhere near the volume of the big box stores), but you will probably pay more for the same items you will find in the big box store (see above). Mostly, local hardware stores should be used when you are in a pinch. You may be able to find some private label fixtures that are pretty durable and competitively priced.

For materials or fixtures in large quantities, an industrial supply house or plumbing supply house/wholesaler can give you some very competitive pricing. However, for everyday plumbing supplies, these options are not very practical.

For both professionals and consumers, the best pricing will invariably come from e-commerce sites or on-line plumbing stores. Because these companies have less overhead (physical space, salespeople, distribution, etc) they can, and do, offer materials at a lower price. The downside is that you are buying from a "faceless" entity. You cannot go to the store any physically browse the aisles or talk to a salesperson or clerk. If you know what you are looking for, this can be a very cost effective way to purchase your plumbing supplies.

A Buyer's Guide to Plumbing Supply Materials

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Freeze Proof Outdoor Water Faucets

A drip from a freezeproof outdoor water faucet is repaired just like one from any stem faucet, by replacing the washer. The difference is in taking apart one of these devices, specially built to prevent freezing in sub-zero weather. The packing nut and stem require several extra steps to disassemble.

Drips are a common problem with these faucets because their design leads many people to turn the faucet off too hard, causing unnecessary wear on the stem washer. The faucet is installed at a slight tilt toward the outside walls, so that when the handle is turned off, the small amount of water remaining in the faucet body continues to run out of the spout until the body is completely empty.

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This draining action makes the faucet freezeproof, of course, but instead of waiting a minute for the trickle to stop, homeowners unfamiliar with the mechanism often try to turn off the faucet harder and thus wear out the washer.

All the parts of a standard stem faucet are present in a freezeproof faucet, but the sloped, elongated body of the faucet allows the stem to stop the flow of water inside the house, where the temperature stays above the freezing point. Water remaining in the exposed body drains out of the spout.

Are you having a hard time replacing a stem washer on a freezeproof outdoor faucet? If so, here's a tricky technique for an elusive washer:

First, remove the handle screw and the handle. Unscrew the hexagonal packing nut--it is designed to come off, even though the faucet body may appear to be all of one piece with the stem projecting from it. Then put the handle back on the stem.

Turn the handle counter-clockwise to unscrew the washer end of the stem from the faucet body. Then pull the handle away from the faucet body. If the stem cannot be budged this way--the packing holds it very tight--remove the handle, set a pair of locking-grip pliers over the round part of the stem and pull the stem free. Then replace the washer in the ordinary way.

Freeze Proof Outdoor Water Faucets

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Bathtub Faucet Repair Tips and Techniques

Did you know that you can fix a leaking shower faucet and save hundreds of gallons of water a year? Most people just think of a dripping faucet as an annoyance and don't realize how much precious water is being wasted one drop at a time. The good news is that almost anyone with a few basic hand tools can learn how to fix most dripping faucets.

Let's start with the basics. Faucets have one primary purpose, to allow the water in your pipes to be used in a controlled manner. This means that they have to open to allow water out of the pipes and close to keep water in the pipes. Not rocket science, right? The closing part is what we want to concentrate on here.

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There Are Two Basic Faucet Designs

Faucets drip when they fail to completely trap the water in the pipes. Most faucets use one of two basic methods to stop the water flow. Some, primarily older designs, use rubber or neoprene washers which tighten against a "seat" and block the flow of water. Drips from these faucets are addressed by replacing the washers and/or seats. We'll talk about how to do that in a minute. Most other faucet designs involve some sort of cartridge. Some people call these "washerless" faucets. Repairing newer style water faucets like these usually involves replacing the cartridge(s).

Washers And Seats

Older faucet designs often use washers to block the water and keep it in the pipes. Tightening the handle compresses the washer against a "seat" and seals the opening, thus stopping the water flow. If you need to do a bathtub faucet repair on a three handle wall faucet you probably have this type. You will also run into this style if you need to fix a leaking shower faucet hat has two handles. Many sink and lavatory faucets also use washers. One way to tell whether or not your faucets use washers is to see if the handle gets harder to turn as you turn it off. If turning it really tight stops the drip, this probably, but not always, means that you have washers. If you do have a dripping faucet that has washers, the basic repair process is very similar whether you need to know how to repair a shower faucet,repair a leaking tub faucet or fix a dripping sink faucet. There is, however, one important difference.

Bathtub Faucet Repair

The one critical thing to remember when fixing a leaky bathtub faucet is that you will have to turn the water off to the entire house before removing any parts other than the outer trim pieces. If you're not sure which pieces are trim, just turn the water off first just in case. Once you have turned off the main water to the house you can begin taking things apart. There are lots of different brands and designs of faucets out there and they all come apart a little differently, so you will have to sort of feel your way through.

Removing The Trim

The first step is to remove the handles. This is usually done by removing a cap to expose the handle screw and then removing the screw. Next, remove the handle. This may require a little finesse, as the handles sometimes get stuck in place. One trick is to place the handles of a pair of channel lock pliers behind the valve handle, one on each side, and tap evenly on the handle to nudge it loose. If this doesn't work you can buy a special tool to remove handles but these tools are sometimes hard to find and usually a little patience is all you need to do the trick.

After he handles are off, there is usually some sort of sleeve over the stem itself. This typically has to come off too. Once again, there are many different configurations. One popular design uses threaded plastic tubes to connect the trim sleeve with the valve. Other types have the sleeve threaded directly onto the valve. You will have to figure this step out before you can proceed. If you can determine what brand valve you have there is a good chance of finding instructions on-line.

Now For The Root Of The Problem

OK, so you have removed both the handles and any remaining trim sleeve from the valve. Now you are ready to get to the root of the problem, your valve stem. The washer is almost always at the other end of the valve stem from the handle. Usually the stem is threaded into the valve body and you will just need to unscrew it to remove it. Here's a tip. Stick the handle back on for a second and open the valve half way. This relieves pressure on the stem and makes it easier to unscrew. Now you just need to make sure you are loosening the correct nut.

Lots of valves have a packing nut around the stem. It is usually a little smaller and just in front of the actual connection with the valve body. The packing nut's purpose is to squeeze some special packing material around the stem to prevent water from leaking around the stem when the valve is in use. Loosening the packing nut won't help you, you need to get your wrench on the actual connection to the valve body. By the way, a deep socket is often the only tool that will work to remove the valve stem.

Removing The Valve Stem

The easiest way to make sure you have the correct nut is to see if there is a gap opening up between the nut and the valve body as you loosen the nut. The valve stem itself will also usually turn when you have the right one. If you have loosened the packing nut by mistake, don't worry, you will adjust it before you are finished anyway. Go ahead and remove both stems and keep up with which one is which, it matters on many valves.

After you have the stems out you should be able to find the washer on the "inside" end. If it is nicked, torn or brittle it is likely the cause of your drip. Even if it looks brand new, go ahead and replace it. You've already come this far. You can get replacement washers at almost any hardware store. Sometimes you may want to replace the whole stem, especially if the handle end is stripped out. It's best to just take the stem with you to the store and see if you can match it up. Most Do It Yourself stores have replacement stems for many popular brands. If your valve has a center diverter valve to switch the waterfrom the tub spout to the shower head the same process applies. Many times it is easier to replace the diverter stem than to repair it. This really depends on the design of the stem.

How Are Your Seats?

One more thing to check is the seats. These are the part of the valve body that the washer tightens up against to stop the water flow. If you can get your finger inside the valve, feel of the seats and see if they feel rough. If so, it would be best to replace them if you can get them out. The inside of the seats, which is where the water flows through when the valve is open, usually have either a hex or square recess. Special seat wrenches are used to remove the seats. You can usually get these wrenches at the same place you get the other parts and they're not expensive. You just stick the wrench through the seat and unscrew it. The replacement seats screw back in the same way, just put a little pipe dope on the threads before you install it.

Put It All Back Together

Once you've figured out what needs to be replaced and have done that, you just need to put everything back together. If your valve has packing nuts don't put the trim back on until you have turned the water back on. Once the water is on, go ahead and stick the handle on for a second and open the valve. Make sure no water is leaking around the stem. If it is leaking, with the handle opened half way, snug down the packing nut until the leak stops. Easy does it. If you get it too tight the handle will be hard to turn. Now finish installing the trim pieces and you are done.

Repairing Newer Style Water Faucets

If you have a newer, "washerless" type valve the repair process is similar, but usually easier. Many of these type valves use a self contained cartridge. If the valve starts to drip, just replace the cartridge and you're done. You still need to turn the water off and remove the handles and trim. The cartridge is usually held in place by a retaining nut on the valve body or, in the case of most Moen valves, by a retaining clip. Simply remove the cartridge and put another one in it's place. If your hot and cold are backwards when you finish, turn the water back off, pull the cartridge back out, turn it over 180 degrees and re-install it.

Delta Style Valves

One other common design that is considered "washerless" was made famous by Delta and copied by several other makers. It uses little "cup" seals that fit over springs recessed in the back of the valve body. The springs press these "seals" against the cartridge and regulate the flow through little tapered openings in the cartridge. If you have one of these and it's dripping, changing these springs and seals will usually correct it. Here's a tip. Once you have the cartridge out of the way, insert a phillips screwdriver into the seal and pop both the seal and spring out. Stick the new ones on the end of the screwdriver to help guide them into place. This is especially helpful if you don't have long slender fingers.

Delta, and a few imitators, also have a faucet design that uses a ball instead of a cartridge. This is not as common in tub or shower valves but there are plenty of them out there. The springs and seals are the same but there are lots more o-rings an parts to deal with. The good news is that these parts are readily available. While it's a little more complicated than learning how to repair a Moen kitchen faucet, which is a piece of cake, it is still easier than working with most washer type faucets.

These Techniques Work In The Kitchen Too

Armed with the knowledge you've gained in this article you now not only know how to repair a shower faucet and to repair a leaking tub faucet, but you can apply these skills to many other faucets as well. After fixing a leaky bathtub faucet, stopping a dripping outside hose faucet will be a breeze. The techniques that you will use to complete a "washerless" bathtub faucet repair can be used when repairing newer style water faucets of all kinds. Whether you have an old dripping tub faucet or a newer kitchen faucet that just won't quite shut off you can now fix it. So put these new skills to use, roll up your sleeves and stop that drip!

Copyright 2008 Bryan Stevens

Bathtub Faucet Repair Tips and Techniques

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The Secret to Wallpaper Removal - What You Need to Know For Fast and Easy Wall Paper Removal

Removing wallpaper can be one of the most frustrating DIY projects. However with this guide you will be able to keep your sanity and remove wallpaper more efficiently. Don't miss out on these ideas!

Materials Needed:

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Screwdriver

Wallpaper Perforating Tool

Spray Bottle for Wallpaper Solution

Wallpaper Solution

Garbage Bags

Sponge

Painters Tape

Sand Paper

Safety Glasses and Breathing Mask

Prep of the wall - Turn off the power breaker, and then remove all the switch and outlet covers. Once those are removed you can apply blue painters tape to the baseboards and outlets this can help protect your baseboard and outlets from scratches. Although tape is not required it can be beneficial to use, especially if you are going to be painting afterword.

You're First Cut - You first need to make a few cuts into the wallpaper. This can be done with a perforation tool; one can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes. Make sure you don't apply so much pressure that it cuts into the drywall.

Wallpaper Solution - Now you will spray or sponge on a wallpaper removal. You can purchase chemical concoctions for wallpaper removal from any home improvement store that will accomplish this. However the same effect can be had without losing 8 bucks, get a spray bottle and mix a cup of vinegar to every gallon of water. Make sure you mix it with as hot as you can stand water. This will do essentially the same thing. If your solution gets cold it will not be as effective, so you may want to remix so you have hot water in your solution. You can also use fabric softener to remove stubborn wallpaper.

Peeling the Wallpaper - You will now wait about 10 minutes for the solution to soak into the wallpaper. Once soaked you can begin removing the wallpaper. First peel of as much wallpaper as you can with your hands. You will want to pull away the wallpaper at about a 45 degree angle. Once you have peeled off as much as you can spray your solution on the wallpaper again. Let the solution soak for a few minutes; then begin scraping of the wallpaper. When scraping off the wallpaper you will want to use a 3 inch scraper. Use a plastic scraper instead of metal; metal scrapers are more probe to leaving dents and dings. When you are scraping make sure you don't scrape too hard, otherwise you may have to repair damage you caused.

Stubborn Piece of Wallpaper - One of the worst things about wallpaper removal is that stubborn little piece of wallpaper that will not come off. For those stubborn pieces you can get a piece of sandpaper and actually sand it off. The sandpaper can also be used to remove stubborn glue from the wall. You can hand sand or use a sander to clean off those stubborn pieces. If you do sand the wall you will want to make sure you are wearing a mask, wearing safety glasses and are working in a ventilated area.

Wash the Wall - Once you have removed the wallpaper make sure you wet down and wash the walls with fresh water. Use a sponge to clean off any residue that is still on the wall. It is important you wash the walls a few times so that there are no problems with residue when you paint or do something to the wall.

The Secret to Wallpaper Removal - What You Need to Know For Fast and Easy Wall Paper Removal

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DIY - Solutions To Plumbing Problems and Water Intrusions

Plumbing problems and water intrusions are deemed to be two of the major woes that every home owner may endure at least once, which is two very good reasons to own an efficient sump pump. Though nearly everyone would elect to call in a licensed plumber to do the nasty labor for them, most plumbing jobs are in reality, fairly simple ones that can be done without paying a plumber, a ton of money.

Some people think pouring scalding water down their drain will melt the grease plug that is causing their headaches. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the melted grease and fats and hair will merely flow down the pipe a bit further, where it will congeal again, usually at a place which is harder to get at.

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So the obstruction should first be plunged to try to open a path through the sludge. If that is successful and there is at least some drainage through the line, then a product that is designed to slowly eat the sludge away should be used. You can find a safe one which is designed to be completely non-toxic at a hardware store. Over a period of a few days, the bacterial action will do, what was just described. The product's directions will probably recommend using it periodically to keep your drains clean. Do that or continue to have the same problems.

In the event that you do have a completely occluded drain and a plunger won't open a path for the organic degreaser to work, you will then have to fall back on another tried and true method. With this remedy, you will need a plumbing snake. You can buy a snake at your closest SnakesRus (I mean your local Lowes store). A snake will positively work through your drains and break up obstructions.

Plumbing snakes are one of the best tools in a plumber's toolbox. You can usually rent a snake, even a powered one from a rental store.

Probably the best way to use the snake isn't easy, as it requires someone to get up on the roof and feed the snake down through the vent stack of the drain line. From there it can be fed all the way to the main drain pipe, breaking up all blockages it encounters in the line. After snaking the line, assuming that line is where the obstruction was, use cold water, NOT hot, as was explained earlier, to flush any debris. Then you can use the product described to avoid future problems.

If you find that your drain lines are not plugged, then your main drain pipe is probably the culprit. Locate the clean out port on the main drain line. It can be identified easily by the screwed in cap, which has a square fitting on the top. Be sure to have a pail or bucket handy to contain some water and gunk. Be SURE to instruct all residents not to use the bathrooms or cause any drain usage while the main drain line is open, or some momentous event might arrive at an inconvenient time.

After you are prepared for it, employ a wrench and remove the cap. Then use a plumbing snake to disintegrate any barriers in the main drains by pushing the snake forcefully in all directions within the main pipes.

Sump Pump Review

Another enormous money saver, is the installation of a high volume sump pump. An occasion of basement flooding, might be extremely unfortunate. A first-rate pump may possibly save you thousands of dollars in home repairs and home values.

If you don't have flood insurance, which is very pricey, a sump pump is a very tiny outlay, by contrast. Just be certain it's able to keep out a huge amount of water.

PS: A battery backup system and sump pump, in the event of electrical outage, would be an awesome idea.

DIY - Solutions To Plumbing Problems and Water Intrusions

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How To Solder Copper Piping

The world of plumbing continues to change and evolve just as technology seemingly alters everything in our lives. Due to its resistance of rusting, water supply lines inside the home were galvanized pipe and the sewer system was cast iron pipes.

Today PVC, CPVC and varied roll tubing constitutes the majority of newly installed water supply lines, with PVC & CPVC used for the sewer system. These new products are much easier and faster to install, which saves the builder construction time and ultimately the consumer money.

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This is all great, but what about the current million(s) homes which currently have water supply lines made of copper. What happens when a water line freezes and breaks, replace the entire water supply line? Of course not, that would be cost prohibitive, you repair the copper line at the break.

I'm going to guide you through a simple repair of a ½" copper water line which supplies the kitchen sink with cold water, by showing you how to solder in a repair coupling permanently sealing the leak.

Naturally, the first thing you do is shut the water supply off to the pipe which is broken to stop anymore damage from occurring. A wet or cluttered work area only complicates matters, so clean and dry the area before starting the repair work.

You'll have to analyze the size and length of the split pipe in order to decide how much of the pipe you're going to cut out. If there's only a pin hole leak, you can get away with cutting the pin hole out and replacing it with 1 repair coupling. If the split is ¼" or bigger, you'll have to cut out more piping and use two repair couplings.

I suggest if the pipe has frozen and split, always use 2 repair couplings and new pipe. The reason being, copper pipe can actually swell, becoming thicker walled, before actually splitting. If you cut the pin hole out, there's a possibility the repair coupling will not fit over the copper pipe because it had swelled at that point.

Let's assume we cut 3" out of the copper piping, which we'll now have to replace before the water can be hooked back up. Here's a list of materials and tools required to perform this repair.
* Copper Pipe ½", it comes in 10' lengths, but most home repair stores such as Home Depot and Lowes sell shorter lengths, although it may not be much more expensive to buy the entire stick and have remaining pipe for another job. If you can't transport a 10' piece they will cut in halve.

* Solder, Flux, sandpaper (fine), a propane torch and Inside pipe cleaner brush. You can sandpaper the inside, but the brush is better and cheap.

* 2 - ½" repair couplings. It's important to get repair couplings and not regular couplings. Regular couplings have indentations on the inside of the fitting which only allows the pipe to be inserted half way into it, in order to provide an ample amount of soldering area. The repair couplings do not have this making it to where you can slide the fitting up and down the pipe.
This is essential to be able to install the repair section into an situation where there is no play (movement) of either of the stationary pipes being repaired.

* A rag, for wiping excess solder off the fitting and a glass or pan of water handy in case you catch something on fire you didn't mean to.

The repair procedure is as follows.

* Measure the gap of the cut out section and cut a piece of pipe slightly shorter. There are exact formulas for figuring the length, but in your case, close is plenty good enough. So for a 3" opening, cut a 2 ¾" piece of pipe allowing you an 1/8" clearance on either side.

** A rule. Copper pipe and fittings must be 100% clean. Clean to a bright shiny gloss at least 2" down the pipe. After cleaning do not touch the cleaned end with your fingers, as the oil from your skin can compromise the joint and create a leak. Always use plenty of flux.

* Take a piece of sandpaper and clean both ends of the existing pipe. Polish to a very bright shine. * Use the brush included in the flux container and smear the flux completely around the pipes.

* Wire brush the inside of the two couplings, apply flux and slide one on each pipe end. Sand and apply flux to the 2 ¾" pipe and insert into the gap, moving the repair coupling(s) as needed to insert the piece. Make sure the couplings are positioned to cover both ends of the pipe evenly. Your work is now perfectly aligned, cleaned, fluxed and ready to solder into a solid pipe.

* Propane torch instruction. Light the torch with a striker or a match. Adjust the flame to where the light blue flame inside the main flame ends in a sharp point, that's your hottest flame. When applying the heat to the pipe, do not engulf the pipe in the flame, just the end of the flame is required.

* Solder instruction. Solder comes in a roll which you hold in your hand. Unroll a 8" to a foot of solder, bend a ½" of the end of the solder at a right angle. The foot of solder is to extend your reach to the solder joints, but only ½" of solder is required for a ½" pipe joint. A little more is ok, but not too excessive as too much does nothing but run down the pipe or drop onto the floor.

* You will solder one coupling at a time. The first coupling will take a little longer than the first because you'll need to warm the pipe, the heat transfer will warm the second joint.

* Move the torch flame back and forth across the coupling joints evenly heating it. You'll hear the flux begin to sizzle and it will solidify. Touch the solder to the joint, if the pipe is not hot enough the solder will do nothing, but if the pipe is hot enough the solder will melt and quickly seal the joint. There is no need to move the solder around the pipe, the solder will automatically encircle the pipe closing the seam.

* Repeat for the other coupling, but it will probably melt the solder immediately.

* Wipe any excess solder from the joints with a rag, do this before it cools.

Allow the repair a minute or so to completely set up, then slowly turn the water back on, checking for leaks.

You've repaired a broken copper water line, costing about to bucks versus calling a plumber and paying 0.

How To Solder Copper Piping

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Hard Water Stains - The Cheap Ways To Remove Them!

Hard water stains can be very difficult to remove with ordinary cleaners, however, with the right approach they are easily eliminated! Using soap and elbow grease is a poor weapon in the fight against lime scale, but with some basic chemistry knowledge it becomes much more obvious how to dissolve those annoying hard water stains in no time at all.

Acids will remove hard water deposits and are typically found in toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers, metal cleaners and kitchen/bathroom cleaners that remove mineral deposits.

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Abrasives may scour off stains, and if used regularly, harsh abrasives will gradually scratch the finish of sinks, bathtubs and other items. Coarse abrasives will damage plastic, glass, plated and highly polished metals. Chlorine bleach can help remove stains. However, it can dull shiny finishes of porcelain enamel surfaces.

Abrasive Cleaners

Abrasive cleaners like scouring powder may remove or lighten stains. Regular use of harsh abrasives scratches the finish of sinks, bathtubs, or other fixtures. Once the surface is dull and rough, it will get dirty faster and stain more deeply. Even mild or fine abrasive cleaners may eventually scratch or dull surfaces. Do not use abrasive cleaners on fiberglass, ceramic tile or glass.

Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine bleach can help remove some stains, however, don't leave it standing for long periods of time, as this will dull shiny porcelain enamel surfaces.

Acid Cleaners
Phosphoric acid is often found in cleaning products that remove hard water deposits. Hydrochloric and sulphuric acids are sometimes used in diluted concentrations in toilet bowl cleaners.

There are some commercial domestic products that scour off stains or use bleach to remove hard water stains and have some major drawbacks, and that is not even taking into account the potentially dangerous products they contain that may harm your children or pets.

The SIMPLE ways to remove hard water stains:

There are some simple ways to remove hard water stains quickly and easily that will remove even the most stubborn stains and make your fixtures and fittings literally sparkle like new!

One of the most overlooked factors when dealing with hard water stains is realizing that they contain either calcium or magnesium. Therefore, they can be tackled by using completely natural acids that are found all around the home, are totally safe to use and could save you hundreds of dollars on expensive cleaning products.
white vinegar and lemon juice!
White vinegar, a weak acid, is about 5 percent acetic acid. It will remove hard water deposits from glass, rust stains from sinks, and tarnish from brass and copper, and works perfectly all around the home when combined with the correct ingredients. Lemon juice, another weak acid, contains citric acid, which can be used in much the same way as vinegar.

By using these simple, natural ingredients that are found all around the home - and in some cases combining them with other natural products for really stubborn stains, it is possible to remove limescale and water stains cheaply and in a way that doesn't harm our planet.

Hard Water Stains - The Cheap Ways To Remove Them!

LOWES WATER SOFTENER

How To Prevent Basement Flooding - Why It Happens And How You Can Stop It

Every homeowner's worst nightmare is when something goes wrong in their home. Especially when it's a big problem like water in the basement. Basement flooding is not only a nuisance, but it can be a health hazard. Damp walls are breeding grounds for toxic mold. Excess water can also damage the integrity of your home. So, what do you do? First, determine what is causing the excess water to enter your home. Once that is determined, you can focus on how to prevent it from happening again.

There are three main causes for water entering a home's basement. The first is when the home was built the basement may not have been properly sealed. This means the floors and walls are susceptible to leaking. Secondly, your house may have settled. Over time, settling can cause cracks in the walls and floor allowing water to seep in. Lastly, the water pressure outside may have built up so that it is actually leaks inside. This can happen when your water table rises or because of extreme rain or melting snow.

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What can you do to resolve basement flooding?

The first step to prevent against basement flooding would be to repair any cracks and holes in the floors or walls. Using a water-proofing compound which is easily purchased from a hardware store like Home Depot or Lowes, simply fill in any deficiencies.

If this doesn't work and you are still having problems with basement flooding, you can then call in a plumbing professional. There are a few things they can do to help prevent against unwanted water. A licensed plumber can install drainage channels and a sump pump inside the basement. This allows outside water to drain into a pit, where the sump pump then pumps the water back outside.

If the problem persists it may require drainage to be dug outside the foundation of the home. This will then redirect the water from the basement.

Hopefully you never have to deal with flooding in your basement. But if you do, just remember there are ways to rectify the situation. You don't have to live with a wet basement forever.

How To Prevent Basement Flooding - Why It Happens And How You Can Stop It

LOWES WATER SOFTENER

Who is Price Pfister and What Do They Sell?

So who is Price Pfister then?

They are a company and a manufacturer who have been around for over a hundred years (established in 1910). They are a manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom products and general plumbing supplies but in their initial beginning as a company they first started out with a faucet designed for use in gardens, but since this time have branched out. However during the two World Wars they did manufacture some products for the military. Price Pfister have recently been taken over by the Stanley Black and Decker group (2010).

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Price Pfister (who are now known as just Pfister) are specialists in the Residential market, but they also make custom designed products specifically for the hospitality industry. Just a quick look through their website catalogue will astound at the variety and quality of taps or faucets that they offer. Faucets are their speciality if you like, but one should not forget to mention all the other types of products that they offer. They offer all sorts of tailored bathroom series, shower systems, complete bath tub series, sinks, handrails as well as their elegant faucets or taps.

Many of the faucets have a distinctly old fashioned design to them, which makes them rather unique in a world which often thinks of a faucet is just a faucet as long as it just works and does the job it was designed to do!

Price Pfister have a very good reputation for high quality, which would explain why they have managed to survive as a business for over a hundred years. They were also the first company in the United States of America to offer a lifetime guarantee on their products in the even of leaks or drips occurring (and they still offer this). I can hardly at the time of writing think of another product apart from a quality guitar lead I bought quite a few years ago that has a lifetime guarantee. They are not the cheapest faucets in the world but the unique designs and lifetime guarantee's are definite winners and wallet openers for many.

Price Pfister have their products available for sale in many different retail outlets all across the United States, and you can also view their catalogue online at their website for a full list of different products. They also are offered at a wide selection of online retailers too, such as the likes of Amazon, Lowes or Buildit.

Who is Price Pfister and What Do They Sell?

LOWES WATER SOFTENER