Want to Know a Few Plumbing Secrets?
If you fancy yourself as a DIY enthusiast and want to try your hand at some plumbing issues, then our blog post, as brought to you by our professional plumber, may prove to be invaluable.
Reheat Solder When You Cannot Cut The Pipe
The best way to uncouple a soldered pipe is by cutting it. However, there will be times when this is not possible, either because you can’t get your cutting tool into such a small space or because cutting means the pipe will be too short to make a new connection. The solution here will be to heat the joint and pull off the fitting once the solder starts to melt.
Replacing Metal Drain Lines with Plastic Ones
Metal drain lines that are often found under sinks may look more reliable than plastic, however, plastic is better in every way. Not only is it cheaper and easier to install, but it is also easier to adjust or tighten should a leak develop. And unlike metal, plastic will never corrode.
Loosen Stubborn Pipes with Heat
When a threaded connection simply refuses to budge, heat will often do the trick, especially on ancient connections that were sealed with pipe dope which hardens over time. You will, however, need to be patient. Getting the metal hot enough will take some time, so make sure you protect all surfaces nearby with a flame-resistant cloth. This method is only for water and waste pipes, and should never be used on gas or fuel lines.
Piggybacking Stubborn Shutoffs
Shutoff valves have a bad reliability record. Sometimes they will not close completely; while other times they do not close at all. In either case, there is an alternative to this. Most home centers sell what is known as a “piggyback” shutoff valve, this connects to existing shutoffs, and will stop the water immediately.
To sum up this blog, if you want to learn about our plumber services and what we can offer you, please call (310) 362-9976 today we serve the Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding region.