12 Basic Plumbing Supplies You Should Have at Home 

by | Sep 16, 2024 | Plumbing Service

If you have been living in your house for quite a long time now, then you must have dealt with numerous plumbing problems like dripping faucets, clogged sinks, leaky pipes and plugged-up toilets. Plumbing problems always happen especially if the underlying problems have been there for long time.  

You can call for a plumber for every problem you have but for other people it’s too time consuming and expensive. There are problems you can fix yourself with the right tools, all you have to do is know what these are and its proper used. Dayton sewer and drain provides you with the list of plumbing supplies you should have at your home.  

Propane Torch  

You will need this if you’re going to sweat fittings and copper pipe. Prepare at least $30 or more for a self-igniting torch. This is more convenient to use than matches or strikers.  

Hacksaw  

You will be using hacksaw for cutting through hardware, metal pipe, plastic pipe, nuts and bolts. Keep extra blades just in case one gives up. You can purchase this saw at hardware store for $15 or more.  

Tongue-and-Groove Pliers 

This is popularly known as Channellocks. When you need to pull, grab, hold, twist, loosen or tighten anything this is the first tool you’re going to grab. Purchase both the 10-in size and 12-in size.  

Basin Wrench  

This tool holds the sink faucets in place and tightens or loosens nuts. Its swiveling jaw and long shaft can reach up into narrow and deep space and lock onto the nuts.  

Metal File  

You will need this tool for removing burrs and smoothing the edges of metal pipes after you cut it. Purchase the two files: the rat-tail file and half-round file.  

Pipe Wrench  

These are heavy and large wrenches which are used to loosed and tighten threaded fittings, pipes and nuts. There are 2 pipe wrenches, one for gripping and holding and for turning.  

Adjustable Wrench  

You will need an adjustable wrench for working on supply lines, compression fittings and other plumbing parts. When you buy one, make sure that the moving jaw holds a firm setting so it doesn’t slip loose. Get the 6-inc size and 10-in size.  

Hand Auger  

Hand auger is called as plumber’s snake. You use this when the plunger can’t clear the clogs. It has a 25 feet long flexible steel cable which is effective for clearing obstructions from showers, tubs, toilets, sinks and drain lines.  

Tubing Cutter 

You will need this tool to cut copper pipe in clean and quick way. Purchase both the close-quarter minicutter and standard-size tubing cutter.  

Closet Auger 

This is another clog-clearing tool designed for toilets. It has long steel cable that grinds through stubborn clogs.  

Plunger  

Plunger is popularly called as the plumber’s best friend. When you dislodge clogs from tubs, sinks, floor drains, showers and toilets, this is the first tool you’re going to grab.  

Fire-Resistant Cloth 

This cloth is used to protect combustible surface from open-fame propane torch. Just in case things go wrong, keep a fire extinguisher too.  

Choosing the Right Artificial Turf Installer 

by | Sep 14, 2024 | Artificial Grass

Changing your natural lawn to an artificial one is a huge leap forward for the functionality and aesthetics of your yard. However, there are a couple of choices you have to make. The most important ones are the product and the installer.  

It’s easy to pick the ideal artificial turf for your particular project. It does not matter how you want to use it. However, when it comes to the installer, you might have a hard time choosing the right one. 

Fortunately, we’re here to help. Today, we’re going to share with you some tips on how to choose the right installer for your artificial turf. 

Do Your Research 

It’s always a wise move to ask questions. Any reliable contractor should gladly answer all of your questions. However, there are other things you can do to help you narrow down your options. For instance: 

  • Read online ratings and reviews of the contractor. There are a lot of websites out there that offer this service, such as Yelp, Google My Business, Facebook, and more. You should also try to visit the website of the contractor and see the testimonials of previous clients.  
  • You can also talk with your colleagues, friends, or neighbors and ask for referrals. Perhaps they’ve recently installed artificial turf on their lawn. Ask them if they have a great experience with the installer. This allows you to know who to trust and who to avoid.  
  • Know how long the contractor has been in the industry. To check the reputation of the contractor, you can visit the website of Better Business Bureau. 

Should You DIY Instead? 

You can choose to install the artificial turn on your own. Unfortunately, professionals don’t recommend it. Keep in mind that it is a very complicated process. Every lawn is different. That is why each artificial turf has to be custom-tailored to achieve maximum durability and performance. There are a lot of various artificial turfs out there. Every single one of them is made for various purposes. In addition to that, installing artificial turf requires unique tools that regular homeowners don’t have.  

So, should you leave the job to a professional? The answer is yes. Here are several reasons why: 

Protect the Turf During Installation 

If you make a mistake during your DIY installation, you’ll end up with useless pieces of turf. On the other hand, professionals protect your turf. They guarantee that it’s installed properly. They will make sure that your turf will have a refined look that you’ll be glad to show off to friends and neighbors.  

Fast Installation 

It does not matter how handy you are. You will need a lot of time to install turf. On the other hand, professional installers do this regularly. Because of this, they already know every single step needed for the proper installation. Instead of wasting your time installing artificial turf, you should use your time on other projects or hobbies. Professionals will finish the job in no time. This allows you to enjoy your lawn much faster.