Plumbing

Bathtubs

There are several different bathtub materials to choose from if you're looking to replace your bathtub.

Cast iron is still the premier tub material. Be sure to take measurements of all of the doorways, halls and staircases to be sure that it will fit. An original cast iron tub may have been installed before your walls went up!

Enameled steel is strong, durable and relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, if the enamel gets chipped the steel underneath will eventually rust.

Man-made materials can very greatly as far as quality. They are usually lighter weight and therefore install very easily.

A new tub will last you while, pick something that you will enjoy for the next 20 years or so. Also something to keep in mind, "jetted" or whirlpool tubs, have become very affordable, come in all sizes and can add to the resale of your home.

Drain Augers

Drain augers are commonly used to unclog toilet bowls. Since these fixtures have a built-in reversing action or a U-shaped trap, sometimes a great amount of pressure must be exerted to the end of the snake to force it up and over the drainpipe opening. For these types of stoppages, an auger at least 6' to 8' in length must be used. It will have to be forced vigorously back and forth after an obstruction is felt to break up the blockage and it can be flushed away with water.

Faucets

Faucets for the kitchen and bath are available in one or two handle models and come in a variety of styles. As a homeowner, deciding what style you want to install is just as important as knowing how to repair it once it is installed.

Washerless faucets reduce leakage problems that result from worn out washer valves because they do not contain washers. These faucets are relatively easy to repair, because most new models have a water-control mechanism inside a replaceable cartridge that you can repair yourself easily.

Compression faucets function when the lever that is attached to a threaded spindle is turned. When the spindle is moved, it the washer is pressed against a finished ring that surrounds the flow opening to shut off the water flow. If the washer and ring do not make a tight contact the faucet will leak.

Gutter Cables

It's not the icicles that you see hanging off your roof that are going to do the damage to your home. It's what you can't see underneath that causes the problems. Using roof & gutter de-icing cables prevents water and ice damage by providing a clear path for melting water to flow off the roof. Be aware that these cables are not designed to melt all the snow and ice off of the roof, but to prevent ice dams from forming in gutters, downspouts and tab shingles.

Choose a roof de-icing cable installation pattern for your application of gutter cables. There is 1) the double cable installation in which the cable is installed on the unheated portions of the roof and on the inside of the gutters and downspouts; and 2) single cable installation where the cable is placed only on the roof. Longer roof overhangs require longer cable runs up the roof.

Pipe & Tubing Cutters

A pipe cutter makes cutting through pipe much easier than using a hack saw, which too many do-it-yourselfers often try to do. Most cutters have one cutting wheel and two rollers that make smooth, right-angle cuts on pipe 1/8" to 6" in diameter. Major points of wear are on the rollers, wheels and pins that they are mounted on. When the cutting wheels have worn out, it is advised that you purchase new wheels instead of trying to sharpen them yourself.

Use a tubing cutter if you plan to cut brass, copper, aluminum or thin-wall conduit. Tubing cutters are similar to pipe cutters in that they have cutter wheels and rollers. Some have a triangular blade-type reamer to assist in cutting and folds out of the way when not in use. They are sized to cut materials with a diameter of 1/8" to 4-1/2".

Showerheads

Massaging showerheads use water pressure forced through a diverting valve to create a pulsating water action. Most models allow the user to adjust the pressure or force for personal preference. These showerheads can be purchased with mounted or hand-held installation. All models offer at least two types of massaging action; and can be converted to normal shower action.

Standard showerheads typically have full-range, adjustable water pressure sprays and feature self-cleaning rims and swivel ball joints. They are typically made of chrome-plated brass or plastic. Remember that although plastic is usually less expensive it will also be less durable. All new models must meet the federal standard of 2.5 gallons per minute.

Sump Pumps

The main purpose of a sump pump is to get rid of excess ground water that accumulates around a basement that is below the water line. The basement should have a drain tile around it to collect ground water and bring it to the sump in the basement.

Automatic and manual models are available with either gravity-fed or self-priming operation. Capacity is rated on the amount in gallons-per-hour can be pumped as well as the "lift" pressure generated that tells how high the liquid is to be pumped. Some models offer battery back up in case of a loss of power.

Pumps are designed in two different styles; both doing an equally good job. A submersible pump, which the motor and the pump are sealed in one unit, fits into the pit in the floor to pump out water.
A pedestal pump is also available that has the motor mounted on a column above water level, and the base is fit into the pit.

Toilet Seats

On average, a toilet seat should be changed every 3-5 years. Better products have high-quality plastic or kiln-dried hardwood seats and lids with tongue and groove fitting. Nylon hardware is a sturdy option and won't rust. If you decide on a seat cover with metal hardware, solid with a chrome-plated nickel finish is best. Some seats have easy on-and-off hinges that make it possible for you to install easily and remove for a thorough cleaning.

Water Filters

If you hate the taste of well water or would rather drink water with fewer chemicals in it, you need a filtration system. There are a few different types of filters on the market depending on what you are looking for. Filters typically use an activated charcoal filter to remove up to 98% of the lead found in water and 99.5% of the bacteria, chlorine, odor and bad taste.

Whole house filters trap any sediment before it travels through your pipes. It is connected at the main water line and is not difficult to install yourself.

Faucet filters are simple to install by attaching it directly on to your faucet.

Countertop filters are very similar to faucet filters and are just as easy to install.

There are also undersink filters that work from below where they are connected directly to the water supply line. The filtered water is then available through a separate drinking water faucet installed above the sink. This system requires a bit of plumbing knowledge to install, but tend to be more convenient than a countertop filter.

If you choose not to install the filter to your water supply, there are filtration pitchers available that you can fill and store in the refrigerator. The filter tends to remove 93% of the impurities but has no hassle of installation!

Icemaker filters are available as to attach to your water supply line. It will help improve the taste of your cubes and should last 6-12 months depending on its use.