HowToDoThings.com Plumbing

How To Replace a Toilet

ramb37 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:14:59 -0500

How To Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

handeeman — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:06:15 -0600

This is a simple and easy way to get a toilet to flush fully without using a plunger. It works about 70% of the time. Also use this technique if you THINK the toilet might clog (you can see the signs if things are not going down the way they should). If your toilet always plugs, it could be the sign of something wrong with the wax O-ring under the toilet, or a sign that the toilet is cracked somewhere.

How To Implement Heating Efficiency Ideas

johnnyhayneser — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:52:31 -0600

Saving money on your water heater is a great idea. There are so many different things you can do to save hundreds of dollars per year with very little work. Let's review some things to look for when dealing with the different types of plumbing parts associated with water heaters.

How To Remove Sediment from a Water Heater

johnnyhayneser — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:06:19 -0600

All water that enters into a water heater contains natural minerals of some kind. Heating the water causes the minerals to separate and fall to the bottom of the tank. Usually this sediment build-up is made of calcium carbonate. One sign of sediment build-up is a sulfur (or rotten-egg) smell around your water heater. With gas water heaters, sediment problems may cause the entire heater to become noisy while on.

How To Implement Safety Tips for Water Heaters

johnnyhayneser — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:06:16 -0600

Much of the maintenance work on a water heater will have to be performed by an electrician or plumber. But some maintenance and improvements can be done by a homeowner. However, if you are not comfortable with performing such tasks, always call a professional. Here are some safety tips to follow before working on your water heater:

How To Decide Whether to Buy a New Water Heater or Stick with Your Old One

johnnyhayneser — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 12:31:32 -0600

The information in this article only applies to tank-type water heaters (gas or electric). It does not include information on solar water heaters or tankless water heaters.

How To Upgrade Your Water Heater's Drain Valve

johnnyhayneser — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:58:34 -0600

The drain valve is located near the bottom of the water heater tank. Many water heaters come with drain valves that are prone to leaks or breakage. Plastic cone valves (these have a cone-shaped handle) and plastic faucet valves often drip, freeze and/or clog with sediment. Even after only one use, plastic valves often leak. Also, because the drain valve is made of plastic, the threads on the valve are easy to cross-thread when attaching a garden hose to it.

How To Keep Your Electric Heating Elements from Failing

johnnyhayneser — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:41:51 -0600

The following applies to electric water heaters only. The heating elements in an electric water heater are susceptible to sediment buildup, burnout and sudden failure. Learn how to clean and inspect the heating elements in your electric water heater.

How To Prevent Rusting in a Water Heater

johnnyhayneser — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:17:10 -0600

What Are Plastic-Lined Nipples And Why Do I Need Them?

Pipe nipples are small fittings that connect two pipes together. Many pipes and pipe nipples are made out of brass or copper because these metals are “noble” metals. This means that brass and copper do not chemically react with oxygen—the cause of corrosion or rusting—as much as other metals do (such as steel). The hot and cold water lines on top of the water heater are usually made of brass or copper. Unfortunately, most water heater tank linings and pipes are made out of steel. If these different metals touch each other, the brass or copper will actually promote rusting on the steel tank while the brass or copper remain rust free.

How To Inspect a Leaky Water Heater

johnnyhayneser — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:41:57 -0600

Inspect your fittings. Don’t know which fittings you need to inspect? Check all of the following; make sure the fittings are tight and dry. Use a cotton swap or Q-tip to wipe around the areas to make sure they are free of moisture and rust.

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