Plumbing is a skill that many people would prefer to avoid due to the potential issues that may come with unscrewing the wrong fitting and causing water damage, but with a little knowledge, you can save yourself a lot of money. If you have a significant plumbing job that needs to be done in your home, then we always recommend hiring a respected professional like Garner plumbing, but here are a few tips that may help you when you find that next leak.
1. There’s a significant difference between CPVC and PVC pipes. If you’re not sure what type of pipe you need for the job, you’re at risk of choosing one that won’t fit, so take some time to learn the difference. CPVC pipe is generally used for hot water and will be plumbed into a washing machine, for example, while the PVC pipe is used for cold and regular water. In addition, the two types of pipe are measured differently. PVP pipe is measured using the diameter of the inside of the pipe, while the CPVC pipe uses the outside diameter. If you’re replacing a pipe, this differentiation is very important if you want it to fit correctly.
2. If you’re picking up supplies for your next plumbing job, you should also take note of the type of glue you need, as there’s a difference for each type of pipe. If you’re installing a new piece of CPVC pipe, you’ll need the correct type of glue to handle the temperature of the hot water flowing through it. As well as this, it’s important to know you’ll need to apply a primer before you add the glue. Primer helps the pipe stick together, and again, there’s a specific type of primer you’ll need depending on the type of pipe and glue you’re fitting.
3. Shut-off valves are very useful to have installed throughout your house, and while they aren’t necessary for all situations, they are great if you’re working on one part of the house and still want to use water in another. Ensure you know where all of your shut-off valves are throughout your house, and use them whenever you’re replacing or inspecting piping.
4. There are a few key specifications you need to keep in mind when making changes to the plumbing in your house to meet regulations and home inspections if you ever want to sell or rent out your home. A shower drain, for example, needs to be 2″ in diameter all the way from the shower to the main line, while there’s some more flexibility with toilet drains, which need to be at least 3″ in diameter but can be up to 4″. Ventilation is required for all rooms with a toilet, and this must go through to the exterior of your house, although two ventilators can be connected and have the same exit point if they are close together.