Noisy
Pipes
Pipe noises range from loud hammering
sounds to high-pitched squeaks.
The causes may be loose pipes,
water logged air chambers, or
water pressure that's too high.
Anchoring exposed pipes is a simple
solution; other remedies such
as anchoring pipes concealed inside
walls, floors or ceilings, may
call for a professional.
Banging Noise
Pipes are usually anchored with
pipe straps every 1 to 1.5 meters
for horizontal runs, 1 to 1.5
meters for vertical. If your pipes
bang when you turn on the water,
you may need to add straps, cushion
the pipes with a rubber blanket,
or both. When you anchor a pipe,
especially a plastic one, leave
room for expansion. Do not use
galvanized straps on copper pipes.
Squeaking Noise
Only hot water pipes squeak. As
the pipe expands, it moves in
its strap, and friction causes
the squeak. Cushion it as you
would a banging pipe.
Water Hammer
This noise occurs when you turn
off the water at a tap or an appliance
quickly, or slowly. The water
flowing through the pipes slams
to a stop, causing a hammering
noise or the jump oscillates up
and down when opening the tap
slowly.
Shower Heads
-
If your shower head leaks
where it meets the arm, you
probably need to replace the
washer. To reach it, loosen
the collar, using tape-wrapped
rib-joint pliers. Unscrew
the head from the adjusting
ring.
-
Erratic or weak pressure usually
indicates mineral build-up.
To restore proper flow, clean
outlet holes with a pin or
unscrew a perforated face
plate and soak it overnight
in vinegar, then scrub it
clean.
-
If the shower head pivots
stiffly, check he washer for
wear and coat the swivel ball
with petroleum jelly before
reassembling
Clogged
Drains
Before trying any drain-clearing
methods on a blocked drain, check
that the bath's plug is opening
fully and is free of hair and
debris. If the stopper isn't the
problem, then the drainpipe is
probably clogged. First, try a
plunger or chemical drain cleaner.
Be careful not to allow chemicals
to come into contact with the
bath, basin, toilet etc. If this
does not work, call a professional.
A Leaking or Broken Pipe
-
Turn off the main shutoff
valve to prevent water damage.
-
Make temporary repairs to
stop the leak.
-
The pipe will have to be replaced
as soon as it's convenient
to do so.
A Blocked Sink
-
Shut off any faucet or tap
(such as dishwasher) that's
draining into the sink.
-
Unblock the sink using a plunger
or snake.
A Tap That Won't Shut
Off
-
Immediately turn off the water
at the fixture shutoff valve
underneath the sink.
-
If there's no valve there,
turn off the main shutoff
valve.
-
Repair the tap or, if necessary,
replace it.
A
Steaming Hot Water Tap
-
Open all the hot water taps
to relieve the overheated
geyser.
-
Turn off the gas or electric
supply to the heater.
-
Let the taps run until cold
water flows from them (this
indicates the water in the
geyser is no longer overheated).
-
Close them.
-
Call in a professional to
make any necessary repairs
to the geyser's thermostat
and pressure safety valve.
Main Shut Off Valve:
Always familiarise yourself as
to where the main shutoff valve
is, and if it is accessible in
an emergency.
Can
you tell me exactly how much the
plumbing job will cost me?
Once
we have assessed the problem we
are able to give you an exact
amount. Alternatively our telephone
consultants will be able to provide
you with an estimate according
to the information you have supplied.
How
much does a plumbing inspection
cost?
Drain
Surgeon will inspect your business,
school or hospital free of charge
if you have recurring drain clogs
or problem problems. This includes
a walk-through inspection of your
kitchen, bar and restroom. A preventative
maintenance plan will ensure that
plumbing and drainage systems
continue working properly.
What
is the difference between hard
and soft water?
Hard
water contains more calcium and
magnesium than soft water. The
problem can be addressed by adding
sodium which acts as a water softener.
The water softener process has
to be regenerated and recharged
from time to time.
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