Plumbing

Plumbing vent bow loops, also known as Chicago loops, are used most frequently in kitchen island sinks, where access to the plumbing vent is not easily available. A loop of plumbing drains and vents…

In plumbing, waste lines are known as DWV, or drainage, waste and vent lines. Most waste lines are made out of PVC, a durable injection-molded plastic that resists corrosion and is cheap to…

"Rough plumbing" refers to all of the plumbing installation, including waste and supply lines, that occurs prior to finishing procedures on a building, such as painting. The area near the…

Home gardeners and professional growers alike use a variety of means of protecting young or otherwise vulnerable plants during cold winter months. One such method -- the cloche -- provides a simple…

The venting on a plumbing system is important for two reasons: It keeps the water present in the plumbing traps from being siphoned out by admitting air to the plumbing system, and it gives sewer…

A backflow preventer has the same function as a one-way valve: It allows water to flow in only one direction. This helps ensure that municipal water supplies aren't contaminated. Backflow preventers…

Bathroom plumbing fixture manufacturers offer items at a variety of heights to accommodate short, average and tall individuals. In addition, fixtures in public locations often have to comply with the…

Galvanized nipples are rigid plumbing connectors that consist of short 1- to 2-inch-long pipes of corrosion-resistant steel. The exterior of each end of the nipple contains threads much like a screw.…

Bathtubs, sinks and toilets are three of the top offenders for causing water leaks, according to FamilyHandyman.com, with minor leaks potentially causing major damage. Ceiling water damage should be…

Vertical plumbing stacks are common sights in unfinished basements. If you are finishing your basement, you can build framing to go around the stack, hiding it. A framework that hides a vertical…

Plumbing systems with replaceable vents consist of a removable air admittance vent that is connected to the P-trap under the sink or other fixture. These vents allow air to enter the plumbing system.…

An island sink is a difficult project to plumb, due to the location of the island. There are two ways to handle such a job, but the easier of the two is installing an air vent, also called an air…

Flex hose is a flexible plumbing hose made of PVC with the same connective ends as PVC pipe. Flex hose is used when regular PVC placement might prove difficult due to twists and turns in the pipe run.…

The plumbing vent stack lets air enter the home’s waste-drain-vent system and lets sewer gas escape. Both are essential functions for keeping your home's drainpipes safely working. New fixtures…

Residential plumbing brings water into the home for drinking, bathing and utility use by laundry machines, dishwashers and icemakers. The plumbing's most visible parts are fixtures such as faucets,…

Creating a new conduit for your plumbing system requires that you have a strong know-how of connecting the constituent elements of your plumbing system. Plumbing conduits are generally made with a…

Wet venting allows a single pipe to vent sewer gases outdoors and carry waste away. This type of venting can be a good solution when a toilet is too far from the soil stack. Connecting the toilet to a…

The plumbing infrastructure for a factory, commercial building or even a private home makes use of many types of pipes and devices. These networks allow for a consistent supply of water and an…

“Rough plumbing,” most commonly called the plumbing rough-in, is the initial set-up of pipes in and out of a home. It is called “rough” because it is done before the set-up of…

A condominium is a type of ownership in which a property is divided into separate units, each of which may be offered for sale. Each buyer owns his unit as well as shared interest in common areas.…

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development is the state jurisdiction responsible for managing and enforcing the state plumbing code, which governs fixture clearances. These codes…

Many basements, garages and laundry rooms have exposed plumbing and air duct pipes that detract from the overall appearance of these rooms. Since the pipes are vital to the home’s water, sewage,…

A good way of understanding your home's plumbing system is to study a diagram or schematic. The schematic, a drawing that focuses solely upon the plumbing features of the residence, allows you to…

Lead from the water pipes in older homes can cause health problems when it leaches into the drinking water. You can take steps to reduce the amount of leaching that occurs, such as by using only cold…

A plumber "roughs-in" a toilet by installing the waste and vent lines as well as the water supply lines -- in short, everything but the toilet itself. The waste line begins at the toilet…

Secondary returns are a type of plumbing system used in both commercial and residential water heating applications to ensure that hot water is always available at every point of use, or at every…

When you hear the phrase “plumbing tape,” you might think you know what is being discussed. But you might be wrong. There are two very different products that are commonly referred to as…

Homeowners in the northern regions of the United States, especially those who reside in mobile homes, are accustomed to the winter hazard of frozen plumbing pipes. Heat tape is an inexpensive,…

Galvanized steel pipe contains a special coating intended to make it more resistant to rust and corrosion. However, the material rusts more than originally thought when it was introduced. That makes…

Plumbing -- vertically leveling -- poles varies depending on whether the pole is straight, tapered or a combination of the two. A combination pole has a straight lower section that allows a level to…

In plumbing systems, a two-way diverter takes water from one pipe and splits it in two different directions. This is helpful for continuing one water pipe while adding a 90-degree bend. One of the…

Installing a vanity in your bathroom requires careful consideration of the plumbing hidden underneath. Most vanities are installed against walls because the pipes underneath must be a given distance…

A manometer is an instrument for measuring pressure. Plumbers use it to check the pressure in pipes, as low pressure may indicate an undesirable leak. At its most simple a manometer consists of a…

Although some homeowners might think that plumbing for homes is all about having pipes that are completely solid without any ventilation so that the pipes never leak, this is a misguided assumption.…

The plumbing vent system in your home facilitates drainage. It also allows sewer gases to rise and exit through the plumbing vents in your roof. Periodically, these vents may become clogged with dead…

Squealing coming from your house’s plumbing can indicate either a small problem or a serious issue that needs the attention of a plumber. By noticing when the plumbing squeals, such as when you…

There are certainly no hard-and-fast rules that predict exactly how plumbing will be laid out in a building. Older buildings, especially those with additions made after the initial construction, may…

When it comes to heating your home, numerous alternatives to standard furnaces exist. One such method, hydronic heating, requires special installation considerations. Hydronic heating systems…

Toilet drain plumbing is not complicated to install, but you must follow certain procedures to make the drain functions properly. For instance, the pipe must go in at a certain grade and, of course,…

In order for a drain from a sink, toilet, shower, tub, washing machine or dishwasher to work properly it must have a vent. The vent usually exits the house via the roof. It allows sewer gases to leave…

Plumbing hardware makes our lives more comfortable. It forms a piping network that supplies our homes with water and removes the waste water. It provides parts for kitchen and bathroom sinks, and it…

Toilets require one supply line that is connected to both a fill valve inside the toilet tank and to a water line valve that's connected to a stub out in the bathroom floor or wall. Connecting the…

Plumbing vents are installed on rooftops as a way of ensuring that liquids flow freely inside pipes. The vents allow air into the pipes and prevent a vacuum effect from clogging the lines as they…

Condensation, or sweating, occurs when the moisture in the air condenses and collects on the surface of pipes that are carrying water. The same effect can be seen on a cold glass of water or a chilled…

Copper tees are slip fittings. Tees' have smooth-faced openings that slide over copper pipes and join the pipes via soldering. Inserting a copper tee into an existing plumbing line requires precise…

Connecting a tub spout to a galvanized water pipe is accomplished in much the same way as any other type of water pipe supplying the tub. A bathtub's water pipe is either threaded or it is smooth. Tub…

Aromas can change your mood. When you are outside in your yard and you smell flowers blooming or a neighbor’s grill searing dinner to perfection, it is hard not to feel content. If you notice a…

Designing the plumbing installation for a toilet is called the rough in. This process is basically just the beginning of the process, where the installer figures out where the drain and flange go.…

Plumbing vents are pipes that run from sinks, toilets and other fixtures to a vent stack on the roof or other outdoor location. According to Plumbing Knowledge, the vent stack pipe should measure 4…

Plumbing vents allow gasses to exit the waste water pipes of the home sewer system. Waste water flows on the downward slope of the pipes while the gasses flow up through the vent exiting through the…

There are several reasons you may need to run plumbing pipes outside. The plumbing may be needed for a sprinkler system or to provide facilities to an out-building. Whatever reason you have for…

Your house’s plumbing system may bubble from either a small clog in the drainpipes or vent pipes, or from a major clog. Ignoring bubbles may result in raw sewage bubbling up your plumbing…

The plumbing vent extends through the roof of the house and allows air and sewer gas to exit the waste water system. This vent allows the air pressure in the system to equalize as water is introduced…

Your plumbing vent pipes exhaust sewer gases out of the drainpipes in your house, as well as allowing the plumbing to draw in fresh air to replace air flushed down the pipes. Snow may pile up high on…

The vent pipes in your house’s plumbing system vent sewer gases that are in the drainpipes, as well as allow outside air to flow into the drainpipes to replace any air that has been flushed into…

Plumbing leaks are destructive for a number of reasons. They weaken the structural integrity of your walls and ceilings, and they also encourage the growth of mold and mildew that endanger your…

Hammering in plumbing usually sounds like thumping or banging in the water pipes. Water hammer is the result of a pressure spike that causes an explosion in the plumbing. Water hammer can cause damage…

The key to properly plumbing a land-based oil rig is to level the platform. Most oil rigs are leased, and the drilling is done by certified drilling specialists. Once drilling begins, progress is…

If dirt becomes stuck inside your pipes, chances are it will slow the flow of water and lead to other problems with your system's performance. It's important to remove as much dirt as possible from…

Plumbing systems use vents to allow for proper water flow, especially drainage flow for fixtures, such as sinks and toilets. Without a vent attached to the system, air caught in the flow would cause…

A plumbing ferrule is a type of cap widely used in pipe and fixture joints to create a tight compression fitting. These special connectors can prevent gas and water leaks when properly installed. You…

A simple twist sometimes repairs a leaky plumbing joint. However, tightening joints doesn't guarantee a fix, and excessive tightening often exacerbates problems or completely breaks the pipe. The…

If your laundry pipes are making loud noises when you run your washing machine, you might wonder what's going on. Pipe noise is usually caused by faulty valves or other problems that interfere with…

Cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, is a relatively new type of plumbing material used to convey hot and cold potable drinking water in residential and commercial buildings. PEX is a very strong,…

Clogged drains are usually cleared easily using chemicals, boiling water or a plumbers snake, which is a bendable metal rod that can be forced through a drain to dislodge any clogged material. A…

A properly made soldered plumbing joint won’t break apart under normal use. When made correctly, a soldered joint in a water supply line will last for decades and may outlast the house itself.…

Copper fittings are used in a variety of plumbing projects in the home and outdoors. Copper fittings outside the home are more likely to corrode and need replacing than pipes inside the home due to…

PVC is a strong plastic substance used in plumbing throughout the world for its price as well as its durability. Although PVC is very strong and unlikely to break for several years, you may need to…

Flux is a compound commonly used in plumbing applications where two joints are connected using solder. This is a process known as "sweating" pipes together. Combined with solder, flux is a…

Plumbing a house built on a slab foundation requires careful planning and measurement. While pressurized water supply lines can be routed through the attic and spaces between walls, the flow in…

Some plumbing leaks are easy to find because the water sprays out or drips out at a high rate of frequency. However, other leaks may be more difficult because they may seep, such as a toilet gasket,…

Gravity drives waste and water through residential drainpipes. Therefore, the predominant principle of residential drainage systems is that waste runs downhill. Despite their simple guiding principle,…

In plumbing, the term "riser" refers to the device that connects the lateral line in a sprinkler system to the sprinkler head itself. Essentially, a riser gives the water that flows in the…

The technical term for a residential drainpipe system is drain, waste and vent system, or DWV. Vent pipes are essential components of DWV systems. Vents allow air into the piping system. Outside air…

A basic understanding of plumbing principles prepares do-it-yourself homeowners to successfully perform common plumbing repairs, including fixing leaks, replacing damaged parts and installing new…

PEX pipe, also known as crosslinked polyethylene, is a piping system designed to carry water through plastic. PEX is rated to carry both hot and cold water, and is certified to carry potable drinking…

One of the most common reasons to rough plumbing into a concrete slab is when you plan to install a bathroom in a basement. You must cut through the concrete so you can install the drain lines. As a…

Plumbing vents extend all the way up to the roof of buildings, which may seem odd because waste is supposed to drain downward. But all plumbing has to be vented properly. Without venting that catches…

Your plumbing vent is a critical component to having a properly functioning plumbing system. Occasionally these vents may become clogged with leaves, ice or other material, which prevents them from…

Unless you maintain a completely raw diet, some grease in your kitchen sink drain is inevitable thanks to oils from foods. The greasy oils cling to the pipes, snagging more oil and food bits. This…

Plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and showerheads, can become stuck due to an accumulation of mineral deposits and other debris. This may require removing the fixture to replace or repair it. The…

The plumbing system of your home is truly a scientific wonder. One of the most important elements of a plumbing system is the cycling of water into and out of the house. This is accomplished by a…

Whether you are looking to replace a worn shower spout or are in need of a kitchen faucet, modern plumbing fixtures come in a variety of colors. From classic metallics such as chrome to more…

Vibrating pipes can be the symptom of a minor issue, but others may signal a major problem. Never disregard unusual plumbing sounds as a nuisance. Fixing a small problem as soon as you recognize it…

Plumbing is a vital part of nearly everyone's life that they take for granted. It is the movement of water to and from a source via a series of pipes or aqueducts. We use plumbing for getting tap…

Plumbing stack vents are designed to divert the noxious fumes from your sewage line out of your home. These vents also regulate pressure on the sewage line and prevent sewage gas from backing up…

Turning on your water to a symphony of squeaks, bumps and rattles indicates a problem somewhere in your plumbing system. Typically, noises from your water pipes are caused by pipes that aren’t…

A closet bend is the 90-degree angle pipe installed beneath your toilet in the bathroom. This is the most important and often challenging part of toilet plumbing, but if you know what to do, it is…

Plumbing a toilet involves a considerable amount of work because many different pipes have to connect. When building a new home, or installing a new bathroom, the toilet plumbing and design will take…

Plumbing systems consist of many fittings connected to thousands of feet of pipe. The plumbing fittings are attached to the pipes using solder or with a method called compression. A compression…

PEX and PVC are two types of modern plastic plumbing pipes that have a variety of applications. Both materials are used to carry water within a house, but each type of pipe is designed for specific…

Plumbing caulk adhesive is applied in areas where plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, bathtubs and toilets, meet walls, floors and cabinets. Caulking is an essential part of the plumbing process since…

If you are building a new bathroom, or planning a new home, you're responsible for the installation of the toilet plumbing fixtures, including the drain and water lines. Drains usually install right…

When you hear a popping or banging noise inside copper pipes, it's a phenomenon known as water hammer. Water hammer occurs when water or any other fluid surges through pipes or to a fixture on the end…

Although plumbing materials manufacturers produce pipe to standard dimensions, the diameter of pipes varies greatly according to the pipe's application and the material it's made of. For example, to…

Although available for decades, PEX often appears new to homeowners because many municipal plumbing codes have yet to approve its use for residential plumbing. PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is…

A plumber's work spans between bathroom and kitchen, interior and exterior, and it involves several types of fixtures, pipes and pipe fitting systems. Despite the diversity of residential plumbing…

Residential plumbing, or home plumbing, can present you with serious difficulties if you ignore signs of problems for too long. For instance, you might have trouble deciding when to tackle a job…

When you see a plumbing leak on your ceiling, it may be easy to jump to a quick conclusion about the origin of the leak. Taking the time to diagnose the leak methodically will help you avoid thinking…

When working on a home remodel plumbing project, you will likely need to tap into or move an existing plumbing line. To do this, you will first need to soften and melt one of the solder joints to pull…

Because of its major role in sanitation, plumbing isn't an area where most home and business owners seek to save money. A backed up sink needs to be fixed regardless of how well the economy is…

When companies or government agencies such as counties and cities need Sheetrock or other materials and services, they write and release contracting opportunities known as requests for bids or…

The services of a master plumber are required virtually anywhere where houses, buildings or other structures exist. These specialists perform a wide range of tasks such as installing and repairing…

The Internet offers many opportunities to learn plumbing online. Technical schools offer online courses. "How to" videos are available for those who want to learn how to complete a specific type of…

The increasing demand for environmentally sustainable homes is placing new demands on the industry, especially for plumbers experienced with "green" plumbing products. Wages and employment are…

Certified in Plumbing Design is an accreditation issued by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. Individuals who demonstrate their abilities in the field of plumbing engineering by successfully…

According to the United States Department of Labor, a career in plumbing is in high demand as well as being one of the highest-paid professions in the construction industry. To become a plumber in the…

Direct plumbing systems receive water directly from the main water line leading from the source to the house. Direct plumbing systems are less complex than indirect systems, and usually require one…

A number of different standard tools are used by plumbers for most of the clogs and plumbing jobs they are called in to fix. These include a plumbers wrench, a plunger, Drain-O and teflon tape, to…

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, careers in the plumbing industry are considered to be in the top tier for highest pay and demand in the construction field. Before taking a plumbing test, it…

Plumbing is one of the oldest and highest-paying construction trades and a skill that is always in great demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a continued better-than-average job…

If you are interested in the plumbing trade, then consider becoming a plumber. A plumber is trained to install, maintain and repair pipe systems that are used for varying purposes, such as water…

In plumbing, there is almost always another level to reach, something more to achieve. When you take your career to the next level, you increase your level of pay, your knowledge and your potential…

Plumbers are experts in repairing and maintaining pipe systems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), plumbers are among the largest and highest-paid occupations in construction. Most…

A journeyman plumber needs a license in order to work legally. In Pennsylvania, the counties and cities issue journeyman plumbing licenses, so the procedures vary across the state. Generally, the…

In an intensive plumbing training program, curricular guidance often relates to the assembly, installation and repair of pipes, fittings, and fixtures of water and drainage systems. Within a short…

Most cities and counties within the state of Illinois require businesses to obtain a business license in order to operate. These fees to open an establishment or run a service company are used by the…

Plumbers do more than just work on pipes and fix leaky faucets. They can work in construction and remodeling, and they often work with electricians and carpenters on commercial and residential…

Buying a commercial building is a major and potentially stressful investment. A commercial building has to be assessed both in terms of its condition and quality, and also in terms of its ability to…

In plumbing, a valve is a device that stops or controls the flow of a liquid. All modern water systems rely on valves to regulate where water goes and in what quantities and with what amounts of…

As with many trades, a commission at the state level in Texas regulates plumbing. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners provides a licensing system to all plumbers in the state to ensure…

If you're interested in a career in the plumbing industry, you may appreciate knowing the United States Department of Labor projects a 16 percent increase in employment for plumbers through 2018.…

Plumbing can be a very satisfying career choice for many professionals. Once you obtain the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful plumber, you will have the opportunity to work independently…

As of 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a high demand of commercial plumbers. Thus, many commercial plumbing job opportunities have been created. Commercial plumbing can be a…

Plumbers use several specialized tools. To the layman, some of these tools look odd and useless, but being designed by plumbers who know their craft well, the tools are intended for a specific…

Plumbers are responsible for installing, repairing or maintaining plumbing systems to establish a water supply or to remove wastewater. Plumbers must be proficient in using materials like plastics,…

The plumbing trade "has one of the highest numbers of workers and one of the highest incomes in the entire construction industry," according to CareerOverview.com. While a plumber can take home a…

Plumbing inspectors work for state and local government building agencies. The inspection of proper plumbing techniques are essential during the construction process. Plumbing inspectors ensure that…

Indoor plumbing has been around since the 1840s and pipes have been an integral part of what was once a luxury for the upper class. Indoor plumbing has become standard and is used in all civilized…

Beginning a career in plumbing is not a choice that should be made flippantly. Among technical careers, it is one of the most closely regulated. But due to its strong union, a plumbing career path is…

Learning to become a plumber used to require many hours of hands-on learning in the form of apprenticeships. Although hands-on learning may still be required for individuals to learn specific plumbing…

Creating personalized business cards can be easily done at home on your computer or through an online retailer who prints them for you. There are thousands of templates available and you can buy blank…

Whether you are an experienced plumber with your own business or have just completed a plumbing apprenticeship, your state likely will require a plumbing license. Passing a state licensing exam and…

Plumbers repair water, waste and drainage systems in residential homes and commercial buildings. They also install plumbing fixtures, including sinks, toilets, bathtubs and showers. Many states…

Plumbing can be a great career if you like working with your hands. As you learn the trade and become proficient and timely in your work, you can start to do quite well. Once you have the necessary…

Bidding on plumbing jobs can be an arduous process if you aren't sure of how to navigate through it. The bid you create should include the type of contract, the amount it will cost and the span of the…

When the now-famous "Joe the Plumber" surfaced during the 2008 presidential election, many people were surprised to learn that he didn't have a plumbing license at the time and wasn't recognized by…

Careers in plumbing can be challenging to obtain, depending on the sector, state of employment, experience level of the plumber and needs of the industry. If you are looking to start a career in…