Friday, October 15, 2010

London Plans A Statue To Honor Plumbers

The UK city of London plans to install a seven foot bronze statue of a plumber's apprentice. The goal of the statue is to honor the role of the plumbing industry in history of London.

The plumber statue will be installed in 2011 to mark the 400th anniversary of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers receiving it's Royal Charter from King James I.

Plumbing Questions and Answers will post pictures of the statue, once it is completed.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Moen Soft Grip™ Faucets


Water at the kitchen sink creates wet, slippery surfaces. Moen's new Soft Grip™ finish solves this problem with a non-slip, comfortable grip for pullout kitchen faucets.
Soft Grip is a unique finish that brings comfort, functionality and durability. The stylish, black finish is soft to the touch for a comfortable and sturdy feel in your hand - yet is durable in design for everyday use. While Soft Grip is applied to the two most interactive points on a faucet - the pullout wand and handle - the body of the faucet features Moen's Spot Resist™ Stainless finish for a stunning two-tone modern design.


Toilet Made in the USA - American Standard Cadet FloWise

The American Standard Cadet® FloWise® Toilet is made in the USA. American Standard is showing a commitment to American jobs and American Workers.

The outstanding toilet features:

5 Year Warranty
Vitreous China
HET (High Efficiency Toilet)
EPA WaterSense® Approved
Speed Connect® installation System.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Friday, September 10, 2010

Who Makes Pegasus Faucets?

Question:Who Makes Pegasus Faucets? Answer: Pegasus faucets are a branded line owned by Home Depot. The faucets are manufactured by a few suppliers, one is Blanco (European), and the others are Chinese faucet makers. With Globe Union being the main supplier.

Globe Union also is the maker of Danze Faucets.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Bath Not Cutting Off When Shower Is On?

The bath is not cutting off totally, it runs almost full out while the shower barely runs, is there a way to fix the cut off valve or whatever is not working. It’s the center turn knob not a button one that turns it from bath to shower.





You can replace the spout on the unit and that should fix it. I am assuming your shower diverter is on the spout.

If the diverter is in the valve then you will need to replace the cartridge in the shower rough valve.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Delta Faucets Artic Stainless Finish


Over the years the popular stainless steel finish has migrated from warmer tones to lighter tones with a more prominent blue tint.

Delta's Artic Stainless Finish features these cool metalic tones to match the current trend in stainless steel finishes.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Low Pressure in Tub and Shower Faucet


Question: The water in the bath / shower in our guest bathroom has started running very slowly. The water at that basin and in the rest of the house works fine. Any idea where to start?
Answer:
I think your Bath/Shower cartridge is clogged up. You can buy a replacement shower valve cartridge at a home store. First, turn off the water main to the home or the bathroom. Then, take off the handle and shower trim. Then you will see a cartridge that can be removed either buy unscrewing or pulling out a retainer ring.

Take the old cartridge to the hardware store and match it up. If your shower is an off brand, this may be harder to find.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Using PEX piping will it reduce the flow?


Question: Low water flow from new single lever faucet. Gone from ½” copper to ½” pex tubing with 4 pex brass fittings in line. Going with the pex fittings in line will this restrict the flow?

Answer: Pex has a higher flow rate than the same size of Copper Pipes. So, your flow should be increased not reduced.

Help Fix My Gurgling Toilet!


Question:
When I take a shower or run the dishwasher the toilet will gurgle and not flush correctly. Is the drain pluged? If I wait 2 or 3 hours all is good but when water is poured down the drain the noise (gurgle) still is there. No water collects in the tub when I shower and drain takes it away quickly.
Here is a link with more information on gurgling toilets.
Answer:
Your drain could be partially blocked and the extra running water is hurting the flush. However, my guess is that the toilet is "wet vented" using the drains rather than a separate vented pipe. So, when the dishwasher or the shower runs, the vent for the toilet is being filled with water.

Help Me Replace My Tub Drain with a Toe Tap Drain.

Question: I have a manufactured home and I am trying to replace the toe-tap drain. However this is not as easy as it sounds. In looking at the drain stopper after I removed the top and rubber washer, there is what looks to be a very oversized screw. I have tried with a screw driver, quarter, and even a pair of scissors to remove this.

Am I not supposed to? If I am, is there a special tool I am supposed to use? Any help you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Jeff Jones
Answer: Yes you are correct there is a special tool called a "tub drain wrench". See the photo above. These wrenches are available at home stores or online.


To loosen the drain basket, insert the tongs of the wrench into the drain basket. The wrench has different sizes to fit all popular drains. Then, un-screw the basket. You will need to put plumber's putty on the new basket or toe-tap drain. Also, use a new rubber washer. The washer is installed between the tub and the drain on the underside of the tub.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Hansgrohe Axor to Join Brizo in Not Selling on the Internet

Faucet makers Brizo and Hansgrohe Axor have ceased online retail sales. Internet sales have been the one bright spot in an otherwise slow economy. Despite a recession internet retail sales are expected to rise 10% over last year.

The manufactures may be feeling pressure from dying brick and mortar showrooms who are suffering at the hands of the internet retailers. However, the trend is towards the internet and fighting the trend is usually not a good business decision.

The internet party continues for the brands that embrace online retailing. Total Online retail sales are expected to be 319 Billion by 2013 according to emarketer.com

Saturday, February 20, 2010

How To Clean A Delta Faucet

Always blot dry any water from faucet surface. Allowing water to evaporate on the surface can lead to build up of mineral deposits. Cleaning with a damp non-abrasive sponge and buffing it dry with a clean soft cloth should help keep your product looking beautiful. To remove water spots, use warm water and a soft, damp cloth. Hard water stains may be removed using a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water.  Make certain that you rinse thoroughly with water afterward.

If additional cleaning is required, all of our finishes may be cleaned with the following household cleaners: Formula 409® Antibacterial All Purpose Cleaner, Fantastik® All Purpose Cleaner, or Windex® Original Glass Cleaner, when used according to the manufacturers' instructions for use. 

Avoid using the following which can damage your finish:
  • Avoid industrial cleaners and abrasive cleaners, such as those used for toilet bowls, green Scotch-Brite heavy duty scrub sponges, Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner and Lysol Basin Tub, Soft Scrub, and Tile Cleaner.
  • Avoid products that state on the label that they remove tarnish and rust, and those containing hydrofluoric, hydrochloric and/or phosphoric acids and caustic agents.
  • Avoid harsh abrasives or polishes
  • Avoid bleach-based cleaners 

Monday, February 15, 2010

i have a single sink/vanity in my bathroom but i want a double sink. do i need seperate plumbing or can i run a T across to the new sink?

Question:
have a single sink/vanity in my bathroom but i want a double sink. do i need seperate plumbing or can i run a T across to the new sink?

Answer:
You should be able to cut in a tee. However, you should check with your local codes to make sure this is permissible. Also, the drain going down, should be 2" and the vent should be 1-1/2" this is also could vary depending on your local requirements.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

My Kohler Toilet Will Not Stop Running. Help!

Question: My Toilet Will Not Stop Running. Help!


Answer: This is a common problem and it wastes water and costs you money every month. To fix this follow the steps below:


(Note: This fix is for Kohler Toilets, however, it will work for all toilets that use the fluidmaster style flush system.)


1. Shut off the water supply to the toilet.








2. Remove the float valve top by rotating the top cap 1/4 inch counterclockwise. Lift up the float arm ads you rotate the top. The arm will leverage off the cap.




3. Remove the seal from the cap and rinse it off with water. Check the condition of the seal for any tears or cracks.




4. Cover the unit with a cup to prevent water splashing and turn on the water supply to flush the line. (Do this for about 30 seconds.)




5. Turn the water supply back to the off position.




6. Reinstall the seal (the old one is fine if it is in good condition, if not then replace with a new one.)




7. Turn the water supply back on and check to see if the running water has stopped.



Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Kohler's Conceal™ Mirrored Medicine Cabinet - New for 2010



The Conceal™ mirrored cabinet from Kohler features a seamless design that is easy to clean and is rust-free.

The new medicine cabinet can be mounted recessed into the wall or it can be mounted directly to the wall. The mirror is available with either a beveled edge or a metallic gray frame.

Friday, January 22, 2010

New for 2010 Kohler Clearflo® Toe Tap Drain



The Clearflo® drain by Kohler is available in all of the popular Kohler finishes.

The drains open and close with a simple toe tap so a drain lever is not required. The drains are constructed of solid brass and they are very durable.

Kohler Contemporary Bottle P-Trap K-9033


With many modern bathrooms, the underside plumbing is exposed. Kohler has released a new Bottle P-Trap that enhances your contemporary bathroom.

The p-trap is small and unobtrusive and it meets most building code requirements. The Kohler P Trap is available in colors to match Kohler Faucets.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Kohler Elate™


Kohler's new faucet for 2010 is called the Elate™ This faucet is designed to give the consumer Kohler's good looks and quality, yet at a lower price point.

The faucet features a high arched spout, and pullout spray wand with 2 different functions, and the design is modern and very minimalist.

The Elate™ Kitchen Faucet will be available in the late 2nd quarter of 2010.