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Knowing the Right Types of Plumbing Pipes

It is a joyous and exciting time when building or buying a new home. Likewise, it is a very busy and sometimes stressful process as well. There are so many specifics that you want to be sure of and it weighs heavily on the new homebuyer to not forget any important details. One very important detail that you want to be sure of is finding the right Types of Plumbing Pipes and knowing which are best suited to get the job done right.

Is this really that important? Can’t you just totally rely on the builders and plumbing staff brought in for the right Types of Plumbing Types? Well, more than likely they would get you set up correctly. However, in case you don’t want to even take the slightest chance, below we will familiarize you with four different Types of Plumbing Pipes.

Different Metallic Types of Plumbing Pipes

As you are probably aware, the different Types of Plumbing Pipes are made from different materials. Each has reasoning and its benefits for being made as such. The first two types we will detail for you are made of metallic-like material, with copper first and then galvanized steel.

Copper Piping

The first type of piping we will look at is copper. This is many times used to either construct or renovate gas line plumbing systems. Cooper pipe is known to be extremely durable and reliable in residential or commercial properties. They handle very high pressures and also extreme cold or hot temperatures. Copper piping is more expensive than our other options, but if installed right lasts 50-70 years on average. Below are the most important benefits or characteristics of copper pipe to take into consideration.

  • Very reliable against corrosion
  • Fire resistant
  • One of the most common materials available
  • Able to be used with hot and cold water
  • Does not release any dangerous materials into water
  • Must be soldered together by a professional

Galvanized Steel Piping

Next up among our Types of Plumbing Pipes is Galvanized Steel Pipe. These are obviously made of steel. But it is steel that has been dipped in a molten zinc protective coating. This helps prevent or at least delay rust or corrosion. These Types of Plumbing Pipes first became popular as an alternative to lead pipes in the months and years after World War I. The most popular that Galvanized piping saw was from those early days up and through the 1980’s. The one setback with these Types of Plumbing Pipes is that after decades of use they can develop corrosion and rust buildup which can create some serious plumbing issues. The benefits and characteristics of galvanized steel piping to consider are below.

  • They are less expensive than copper
  • More durability than copper pipe
  • They have a wider diameter to allow more water flow than other Types of Plumbing Pipes
  • Is mainly used for “gray” water (i.e., excess bath, sink, and appliance water)
  • Once they age and rust appears, there can be visible pieces of rust in the contents of your water

Plastic-Like and Non-Metallic Types of Plumbing Pipes

Just as with the two metallic Types of Plumbing Pipes, each of the two we will cover next has its benefits. These non-metallic pipes are very durable, as you might expect. Are they the right fit for your home or place of business? Well, take a look below and become more familiar with each and take any guessing out of the equation when answering that question.

Polyethylene Piping (PEX)

Our next analysis of the Types of Plumbing Pipes is made of plastic. Polyethylene or PEX pipe is used for water supply piping systems in homes or commercial locations. A major plus is the flexibility of this type of piping, which makes for easier installation. While initial installation costs are usually higher than other piping, there is practically no maintenance needed with PEX pipe. It ranges in sizes from 1/4 to 4 inches in diameter and is heat resistant and incredibly durable. The most important characteristics of PEX piping are shown below.

  • Easily installed
  • Generally leak-free
  • Helps conserve energy due to a reduced heat transfer
  • Less expensive than copper piping
  • Does not need to have a threaded connection or soldering
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Most resistant piping to scale buildup
  • A good fit for smaller commercial or residential property

Polyvinyl Piping (PVC)

Our final analysis of Types of Plumbing Pipes is one used for an array of piping applications. Polyvinyl or as it’s better known, PVC piping can be used for anything from sprinkler systems to transport piping for drinking water. This is a very popular alternative to lead-based piping that is often used throughout the United States and England. It is known as a very durable pipe and is very reasonably priced also, which adds to this materials allure. The fact that it has the capability to operate for over 100 years is also a good selling point. Some of the characteristics of PVC piping that you should know are shown on the following list.

  • Different levels of thickness of the pipe are available depending on what type of job it’s being used for
  • Is often used for drinking water and sewage-related plumbing applications
  • The PVC piping used in the aforementioned drinking water pipes are specially designed to meet any and all health regulations and requirements
  • Polyvinyl is a low-carbon, recyclable plastic. Thus, PVC piping is an environmentally friendly selection

Making Sure You are Making the Right Choice

So, this concludes our look at the four main Types of Plumbing Pipes. Now that you are a bit more familiar with your options, your decision for which pipes to use for which jobs should make more sense than coming in blindly. A conversation with one of the professionals from your trusted Raleigh plumbers at Poole’s Plumbing before they start the installation process combined with your new-found knowledge should have you on the right path to plumbing pipe perfection.

To contact us about your pipes or any other plumbing issues you may have, visit poolesplumbing.com.

 

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What is the Cause of My Slow Filling Toilet?

It has happened to us all. All of a sudden you notice after a flush that it is seeming to take your bowl longer than usual to fill back up. This is not a real uncommon problem. Likewise, it does not need to be something that turns into a huge problem., This of course all depends on how quickly you detect and address your Slow Filling Toilet.

Now, if you just read that and thought, “oh no, how can I tell what’s causing my Slow Filling Toilet,” it’s ok. Your friends at Poole’s Plumbing have got your back! Below we will give you three main issues to look for that could be the source of the Slow Filling Toilet. Remember, it usually takes the toilet about one minute to refill. Any longer than this you should keep an eye on the following things listed below.

Possible Causes of a Slow Filling Toilet 

As we note above, these are three possible reasons behind a Slow Filling Toilet.

Problem #1 – Water Supply Valve

Just to be clear, the water supply valve is the knob coming out of the wall just below the toilet tank. What purpose it serves is to control the water flowing into your toilet. If this is in any way closed or not functioning right, it may not be able to deliver the needed amount of water at the speed to fill it correctly. This would result in a Slow Filling Toilet.

Another possible problem could occur with the valve if debris of some type has built up. This can also make the filling speed slower due to the water flow being restricted.

Troubleshoot Tip #1 for Slow Filling Toilet

 If you check the valve and it is completely open, and still not producing enough water to fill the tank, call Poole’s Plumbing. We will give a check for debris buildup.

Problem #2 – Your Float Ball is Water Logged

The float ball is pretty self descriptional. For those not familiar, it is the ball inside your tank that sits on top of the water. Its function is to control the amount of incoming water. If this ball becomes waterlogged, it will not allow the tank to fill correctly.

Thus, the water may either fill at a slower rate or the correct amount may not enter the tank. This would also create a Slow Filling Toilet situation.

Troubleshooting Tip #2 for Slow Filling Toilet

 Check your tanks’ water level. First, remove the tank’s lid to check. Then if you can see that it’s not full or that the ball is not floating at the top, it may be waterlogged. As with the first two problems, if this happens, you could see a Slow Filling Toilet.

This is not the worst news however, as replacing a float ball is simple. Just pull the old one from the arm and put a new one in its place. Of note also though is that a float ball is somewhat dated technology now when it comes to plumbing resources. You may want to get more modern components for your replacement if the ball is no longer working.

Problem #3- Issues with the Fill Valve Tube

Your fill valve tube is inside the toilet tank as well. Quite simply when you look in the tank, it is the tube attaching to the fill valve. The tube’s function is to control the tank’s water level. Over time, with any toilet, the fill valve can start wearing down. Likewise, they can move out of alignment or become clogged as well. If any of those three problems are occurring with your fill valve tube, it can stop the tank from properly filling up.

Troubleshooting Tip #3 for Slow Filling Toilet

If you rule out the water supply valve and a waterlogged float ball, you should look at the actual fill valve. Look for any signs of wear and tear of it being in an incorrect position. It should be on the left side of the tank. Likewise, it should have a tailpiece that extends through the tank’s bottom where it attaches to the supply tube or shut off valve.

So, if you happen to notice you have a Slow Filling Toilet, this is no reason to fret. Calmly, coolly, and assuredly just take a look at each of the possibilities above and analyze. If there is an issue that you are uncertain or uncomfortable in fixing personally, give us a call! Here at Poole’s Plumbing, we are the number one name in Raleigh plumbers for over 20 years. To contact us, following the link to our “Contact Us” section at poolesplumbing.com.

 

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What is a Sump Pump? How Do I Know if I Need One?

Well, it sounds important…right? It rhymes, that’s undeniable. But seriously, many people I am sure are not fully aware of the answer to the question asked in the title of this post. What is a Sump Pump? Once you find out, equally as important of a second question is the following. How do I know if I need one?

To ask the question, What is a Sump Pump should not make anyone feel less intelligent or knowing than anyone else. Maybe you heard a neighbor discussing how it saved them from a flood? That alone should stoke one’s curiosity enough to ask exactly what this pump is and whether or not you need one.

What is a Sump Pump?

Ok, whether you know or not, we are going to tell you. A sump pump is a submersible device that gets installed in a pit dug at the lowest area in your home. Thus, the sump pump is usually found in a crawl space or the basement. The main function of a sump pump is to prevent your basement from a flood.

How Exactly Does it Work? 

Ok, now that we all know for sure, What is a Sump Pump, let’s move on to its actual function. Most of the time in actuality, the sump pump does nothing. Well, it is on standby actually, as if there are no heavy rains or deep water, then there is no function for the sump pump to perform.

However, when heavy precipitation does occur, the soil around one’s home becomes soaked and saturated. The groundwater in these type situations funnels then toward the pit which was dug for your pump. Once this starts filling with water, the sump pumps float switch is activated, and it turns on.

Once working, the pump drains to either a dry well, a detention pond, or a storm drain. In doing this it works to prevent the groundwater from rising to the level of the floor in your basement. So, basically, the sump pump is a little extra bit of flood insurance.

What is a Sump Pump Benefits?

Now we for sure know what a sump pump is. We also are versed on what its function is and how it works. Obviously, as noted, it can help keep your basement from flooding. But when laid out in a list, there are actually quite a few benefits. They are listed below.

  • Stop your basement from flooding
  • Safeguard any appliances in the basement from corrosion (washer, dryer, spare freezer, etc.)
  • Protect any paint and other wall coverings
  • Reduce the growth of fungus, mold, and mildew
  • Improve air quality
  • Protect and keep the foundation of your home intact
  • Keep your basement dry and comfortable year-round
  • Meet a requirement of many homeowner’s insurance coverage in case of a basement flood
  • Help protect against termites and other insects
  • You can worry less about bad weather

So…Do I Need One?

Ok, not to be repetitive here, but let’s re-trace our steps. We have a definition. It is clear what the purpose and function of a sump pump are. We even know how it works and what the many possible benefits are. Boy, we sure have come a long way since asking What is a Sump Pump?

However, while all of these things are pretty clear and straightforward, some locations need this type of device more than others. That being said, we would recommend having a sump pump if any of the things on the list below are true.

  • You live somewhere with heavy snow or rainfall
  • Your home sets on a flood-prone or poorly draining plot of land
  • You have had flooding and/or water issues in the past.
  • You have a finished basement

We hope in this post you have become more familiar with the sump pump. Hey, maybe you read through and it is not something that you need at all. But, if you learned from all we discussed in this article that you do need this installed, you’re in luck. Just give a call to the most trusted name in Raleigh plumbers for the past two decades, Poole’s Plumbing. To contact us, visit poolesplumbing.com.