Plumbing fixtures come in various shapes and sizes. How do you know which ones are suitable for your home? In this blog, we will discuss How to find the right type of plumbing fittings and fixtures.
Plumbing fixtures include toilets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, faucets, water heaters, etc. They also come in various materials such as brass, copper, stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, porcelain, glass, marble, granite, concrete, wood, etc.
You should choose bathroom renovation according to its purpose and function. For example, if you want a shower head that has multiple settings or a bidet, then you should go for those options. And, if you want to have a bathtub with an overflow system, then you need to look for this option.
The best way to select the right type of bathroom fixtures is by considering their purpose and functionality. This will help you avoid spending too much money on the wrong products. If you are looking for a new bathroom plumbing fixture, you can browse through our wide range of bathroom fixtures online. We offer free shipping, fast delivery, and great customer service.
Types Of Plumbing Fittings and Fixtures
Pipe Joint
A joins two pipes is a connection between two lengths of pipe. It is used to join two pieces of pipe together. There are many types of pipe joints available. Some of them are:
Closed Nipple
This is one of the most common types of pipe joints. The nipple is made from metal and it is threaded at both ends. The threads make it easy to connect the two pipes.
Male-Female Type
This type of joint between two pipes is commonly known as a union. Male and female unions are similar to each other. However, they differ in terms of size. The male union is larger than the female union.
Isolation Valve
An isolation valve is usually inserted into a drain line. An isolation valve prevents sewer gas from entering your house when there’s some problem with the sewage system. The isolation valve is different from a venting valve.
Venting valves open up to release the air trapped inside pipes. On the other hand, an isolation valve opens only when there’s a problem with the drainage system. You may notice a bad smell coming from your toilet after a while because of the presence of a leaking pipe. In this case, you must call a plumber immediately.
Taps / Flush Tops
There are three kinds of taps that you can install in your bathrooms. They are:
Single Handle Taps
Double Handles Taps
Single Lever Taps
These handles are very convenient because you don’t have to use both hands to turn them. They allow you to control the flow rate and temperature easily. Also, they provide a good grip, even after prolonged usage.
Sinks
Most homes require at least one sink. It is important to choose a sink that fits your needs. For instance, you may want to consider installing a double bowl sink instead of a single bowl sink. You may also need a large capacity sink depending upon how frequently you wash dishes.
Showers
Showers are a necessity for every household. They are also called bathing facilities. Showers generally come in two forms – standalone showers and tub/shower combos.
If you prefer using a tub over a stand-alone shower, then you may need a watertight faucet and a tub spout. Tub spouts allow a person to take a shower without getting wet.
Bathtubs
If you own a home, then you probably already know what a bathtub is. Bathtubs are very useful because they provide a lot of space. Depending upon how often you bathe, you may need a big-capacity bathtub.
Toilet
Toilets come in all sizes and shapes. Therefore, you may have trouble choosing the perfect model. Before buying a toilet, you should think about where it will be placed and who will use it regularly.
Vanity Cabinets
Vanity cabinets are essential elements of any bathroom. These cabinets help you keep your grooming tools organized and accessible. If you’re planning on renovating your bathroom, then you might need vanity cabinets. You can buy these models separately or as part of a complete bathroom set.
Garbage Disposal Units
Garbage disposal units are not required if you follow proper garbage disposal care practices. This means that you shouldn’t put meat, bones, grease, and oils down the disposal unit. In addition, you shouldn’t try to grind large objects such as whole vegetables and fruits. Instead, you should cut them into smaller parts so that the garbage disposal unit won’t jam.
Cleaning Clogs
One way to prevent clogging is by keeping your drains clean and free of hair and debris. While cleaning out your drains, you’ll need a special tool known as a snorkel. A snorkel is a long tube-like device that lets you reach deeper areas in your drains.
When using a snorkel, make sure to move slowly and avoid pressing too hard against the walls. Afterwards, flush the drain thoroughly with warm water.
You can also hire a professional drain cleaner to assist you. However, it’s best if you do it yourself first before hiring someone else to fix your drains.
Pipes
You can count pipes as just another piece of furniture in your bathroom. Pipes are usually made from plastic or metal materials. To ensure that your pipes are safe, you should install covers on them. For example, you can use rubber caps to protect the ends of your pipes.
The Best Way to Fix a Leaky Pipe
Leaks form when there’s an imperfection in the pipe or when corrosion occurs inside. The most common causes of leaks include:
- Improper installation of a pipe system
- Water hammer
- Too many fixtures
- Dirty joints
- Improperly installed fixtures
- Incorrect flushing habits
- Improper maintenance
- Overflowing toilets
- Dehydration
- Aging pipes
- Corrosive chemicals
- Poor drainage
- Severe weather conditions
- Faulty valve
- Lack of proper ventilation
- Mould
- Excessive wear and tear
- Cracks
- Holes
- Insects
It’s important to determine why your house has developed cracks and repairs them properly. It’s possible that your foundation needs to be fixed, but this is rare since most houses don’t have foundations. Most cracks occur due to problems caused by other people.
Water Heater repair cost
Water heaters are appliances used for heating water in order to provide hot tap water. They are also widely used in commercial settings. There are three types of water heaters that are commonly available at home – electric heater, gas furnace and oil tank. Each type offers its own advantages and disadvantages.
When choosing between the different types of water heaters, it’s advisable to consider their features and cost. Electric water heaters are more expensive than gas ones because they require electricity to work. On the other hand, gas water heaters are less costly and consume less energy than electric ones. Oil tanks are the least efficient type of water heaters because they operate by burning fuel.
If you want the best value for money, then installing a gas water heater would be the best option. Gas water heaters are highly energy efficient compared to the other types of water heaters. You’ll save lots of cash if you’re planning to replace your current water heater with one that uses natural gas.
If you’re looking for high-quality water heaters, then you should opt for electric water heaters. These units offer great performance in terms of temperature control, reliability and durability. In addition, these water heaters have lower operating costs. This means that you won’t spend much time and effort maintaining your unit.
In case you plan to install a new water heater, then you might want to go for a gas water heater. Gas water heaters provide better heat efficiency than electric and oil water heaters. Thus, you can expect to reduce your utility bills. A good gas water heater will last longer as well.
However, make sure that you compare the prices of various brands before purchasing one. If you want to enjoy savings on your monthly bills, then get a reliable gas water heater from reputable manufacturers like Kohler. Also, ensure that the manufacturer has been offering outstanding customer service for years.
There are many reasons why your water heater may start leaking. The common causes include:
– Improper installation of the water heater.
– Improper maintenance of the water heater. For instance, cleaning filters regularly.
– Leaks due to a broken pipe.
– Electrical issues such as an electrical short circuit.
To prevent leaks and damage to your property, it’s imperative that you hire professional plumbers. Having said that, there are some things that you need to keep in mind when hiring a contractor.
Plumbing Services
You can choose from either small or large companies depending on how big your project is. Smaller businesses usually specialize in residential projects while larger ones focus on large commercial jobs. Some contractors also take care of both residential and commercial projects.
Make sure that you look for the following qualities in a company:
– Experience
– Reputation
– Licensing and insurance
Most jurisdictions require licensed plumbers to carry liability insurance. This protects homeowners from legal action against them if any injuries occur during the job. Plumbers must also have workers’ compensation insurance. Some states require additional licenses.
The most important thing to remember is safety. Have a thorough inspection of all parts of the house so as to avoid injury to yourself.
A qualified plumber will arrive at your home ready to work. They should bring everything needed to complete the job including tools, supplies, equipment, and materials. It’s also wise to ask what specific services the plumber offers to clients.
What To Look For When Hiring A Plumber?
Here are some tips to help you find a plumber who meets your needs.
Ask around. Talk with neighbours and friends about their experiences with local plumbers. You don’t have to use this information in order to hire a plumber but it’ll give you a sense of how they handle themselves during different types of emergencies.
Check online reviews. Online reviews can be very helpful when choosing a plumber. Reviews are a way for other customers to share their experience with a particular plumber. Take advantage of this option to learn more about the plumber, check out references and determine whether he or she is trustworthy.
Ask for referrals. Get recommendations from people who have hired a plumber in the past. Check with relatives, friends, business associates and co-workers. Don’t hesitate to use social media sites like Facebook to search for someone recommended by one of your contacts.
Look at credentials. Always verify that the license number matches the name shown on the business card. In addition, always check the background and license history of a potential contractor. Most states maintain records of previous convictions.
Once you select a plumber, carefully read his or her contract. Before signing anything, request a copy of your files. Make sure you understand what the agreement covers; particularly, make sure the price includes all necessary labour and material costs.
When hiring a plumber, make sure you get estimates from multiple sources. It’s not uncommon for the same plumber to charge several hundred dollars less for the first estimate compared to subsequent bids. A good plumber will negotiate a fair deal.