Bellows Plumbing, Heating & Sewer

Plumber Blog - Plumbing DIY

DIY Gas Leak Detection Search

Tuesday, 8/18/2009 by jason schlunt

Living by the ocean means every homeowner will, at one time or another, suffer a gas pipe leak. Locating the leak, assuming its on an exposed pipe, is usually very time consuming but easier than you think. Though we use a number of different methods and expensive equipment to quickly locate most gas leaks, it's still possible to locate a gas leak using nothing more than Dawn soap and water mixed together in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on all exposed pipes and fittings. If you see it bubbling, congratulations you've found the leak.

I'd recommend calling in the experts to fix the pipe or fitting, but at least you'll save money on the leak search.

Posted: by Jason S
Tags: Plumbing, DIY, Gas

Unclogging a stuck drain, give it a try on your own.

Monday, 7/20/2009 by jason schlunt

Are you like me? You like to try things yourself before calling in the experts. If so then it is possible to unclog minor sink and tub stoppages by yourself. Now I have to say none of these methods are guaranteed to work, but besides a little water in the face they won't do much harm if they fail.

The first thing to check is the pop up. You may be able to lift the stopper from the drain. If the stopper won’t lift out, that means it’s connected to the pivot rod. If you go behind the sink, you’ll see where the pivot rod and pop-up mechanism screw together. Unscrew this connection and remove the stopper.

Sometimes unclogging a sink or tub stoppage can be as simple as hitting the stoppage with a plunger. First you'll need to seal of any areas that air might escape, you want the force of plunger to hit the stoppage, not escape through the overflow. Use a wet rag and plug of the overflow or the side sink. Fill the sink so that the water level is above the rubber part of the plunger. Using the plunger, just as you would to unstop a toilet, hit the clog with all you got.

I recommend staying away from things like Drano or any of the acids. Not only can they be harmful to your health but they do more harm to your plumbing system and environment than good. Every year we come out to a house where the client has done thousands of dollars worth of damage to their plumbing system, either ruining the glues and plastics of their sewer line, or completely ruined their septic tank. My advice, try the methods above, and if all else fails call in a plumber.

Posted: by Jason S
Tags: Drain Clogs, DIY

Meter, meter where art thou?

Monday, 7/20/2009 by jason schlunt

Locating a leak is never an easy task, it's usually one you want to leave to the experts. But, it is fairly easy to determine if you have a leak. It starts by locating you water meter and understanding how to read it. It's always a good idea to slowly remove the lid as wasps, reptiles, and rodents have a tendency to set up shop in the meter box.

The meter is usually located along the sidewalk, in front of your home, inside a concrete box with a concrete cover marked “WATER METER.” In some homes the water meter is located in the basement. It may be a bit dark inside the meter box, so bring a flashlight along! Also you may find your meter is buried in dirt, a small garden shovel is a good idea for exposing the meter if necessary.

Meters measure water either in cubic feet or gallons. One cubic foot equals 7.48 gallons. For example, if your meter says you used 41 cubic feet in a day, you would multiply 41 by 7.48 to find out that over 306 gallons were used that day. Utilities with meters bill by the “unit,” normally, such units are measured as 100 cubic feet (748) or alternatively, 1,000 gallons. You can check for leaks on individually metered residences by using your meter. Make certain that no water is being used on the property. Then open the cap of your water meter. Note the location of dial test hand. Don’t run water for 30 minutes. If the dial has moved, you’ve got a leak.

The leak can be anywhere, toilets, angle stops, exposed pipe, underground pipe, hose bibs, water heater, the list goes on. Next week I'll discuss some potential leak spots and how to test.

Posted: by Jason S
Tags: Leak Detection