Commercial Plumbing Blog

What Are the Best Plumbing Tools?

September 30, 2017 By Action Plumbing

Whether you’re tinkering with your plumbing or just curious as to what’s really in that toolbox your plumber’s carrying around, Action Plumbing is here to help. So, what are the best plumbing tools and what do we use them for? Here’s a list of some of the plumbing tools most commonly used by professionals to install fixtures, fix problems, and more:

Pipe Wrench

One of the tools most often used by plumbers, the pipe wrench is a necessity for many projects. It has countless uses, and there is a wide variety of pipe wrenches available many of which meet a specific need. For example, we use an offset pipe when dealing with odd angles or tight spaces. Also, an end pipe is handy for pipes close to a wall.

Channel Locks

In addition, they call channel locks tongue and groove pliers. We often use them in place of a pipe wrench. Typically a plumber will use two at a time, with one for unscrewing a pipe while the other stabilizes.

Hole Saw

When a plumber needs to cut a hole in a concrete, wood, or masonry surface, he or she often turns to a hole saw to get the job done.

Basin Wrench

If you’re working with an older faucet, a basin wrench can be extremely helpful with its telescoping shank and 90-degree angle capabilities.

Hose Cutter

Believe it or not, we use this tool to cut exact shapes and sizes of copper tubing.

Drain Augers

More commonly known as Snakes, this tool has come to the rescue of a multitude of plumbers when a basic plunger just doesn’t cut it.

Rib-joint Pliers

This versatile tool is used for turning everything from fittings to pipes, bolts, and nuts.

Metal File

You need to smooth out the metal pipe with a metal file once it’s been cut. As you can see, it can get the job done right.

Where is the Bathroom in 50 Languages

May 24, 2016 By Action Plumbing

where is the bathroom in 50 languages Anyone traveling abroad needs to know how to ask one important question. Gestures definitely won’t cut it in an emergency, and wouldn’t it be nice to communicate more quickly? Alas, Action Plumbing is here to help. Check out the following list of how to say “Where is the bathroom?” in 50 languages. (Warning: some translations actually equate to “Where is the toilet?”, but you get the idea.)

Afrikaans – Waar is die badkamer? Waar is die toilet?

Arabic – أين الحمام؟?

Armenian – Vortegh e bathrrom.

Asturian – U”l ban~u?

Azerbaijani – Bathrrom haradadır?

Bengali – Bātharuma kōthāẏa?

Bosnian – Gdje je TWC?

Breton – Pelec’h eman~ ar priveziou`?

Bulgarian – Kade e toaletnata?

Catalan – On e’s la cambra de bany?

Creole – Ki laplas twale`t-la?

Croatian – Gdje je zahod?

Czech – Kde je za’chod?

Danish – Hvor er toilettet?

Dutch – Waar is het toilet (W.C.)?

Finnish – missä onkylpyhuone?

French – Où se trouvent les toilettes?

German – Wo ist die Toilette?

Greek – pu íne i tualéta?

Hawaiian – Ai hea lua?

Hebrew – eifo ha’sherutim?

Hindi – aapkaa snanghar (sauchalya) kahan hai?

Hungarian – Hol a mosdo’

Icelandic – Hvar er snyrtingin

Indonesian – Kamar kecil di mana?

Irish – Ca’ bfhuil seomra na mban (f) / bfhear (m)?

Italian – Dove e’ il bagno?

Japanese – Bathrrom wa doko ni arimasu ka?

Korean – Hwa-jang-sil-i O-die Isum-ni-ka?

Latin – Ubi sunt loca secreta? Ubi est conclave necessarium?

Latvian – Kur atrodas vannas istaba?

Lithuanian – Kur yra tualetas?

Malaysian – Di manakah terletaknya tandas? Tandas di mana?

Mandarin – Duì bù qǐ, cèsuǒ zài nǎr?

Norwegian – Hvor er toalettet?

Polish – Gdzie jest toaleta?

Portuguese – Onde e’ o quarto de banho? Onde e’ o casa de banho?

Romanian – Unde este toaleta?

Russian – Gde zdes tualet?

Serbian – Gde je toalet?

Slovak – Kde je W.C.?

Slovenian – Kje je kopalnica? Kje je stranisxcxe?

Spanish – Donde esta el bano?

Swahili – Choo kiko wapi?

Swedish – Var är bathrrom

Thai – hong-nam-you-tee-nai?

Turkish – tuvalet nerede?

Ukrainian – de tut tualyet? (laznychka, uborna)

Welsh – Ble mae’r toiled?

Vietnamese – Trường hợp là bathrrom ?

Yiddish – vu iz der bodtsimer?

Zulu – likuphi itholethe?

What is Plumbing Code?

May 24, 2016 By Action Plumbing

If you’ve heard people talk about plumbing “code,” you’re probably wondering exactly what it entails. But before we get into explaining what it is, first let’s talk about what it’s not.

We are not referring to some sacred code of honor followed by all professional plumbers. (Although, that wouldn’t be a completely horrible idea.) There isn’t a universal truth all plumbers are expected to follow. However, there ARE important rules and regulations that need to be adhered to if you’re completing work that involves the installation of drinking water, or sewer or toilet facilities in homes, offices, factories, schools and hospitals. And … you guessed it … the government is responsible for enforcing those regulations.

Outlining what’s considered to be the best and most modern methods to be used in plumbing installations, the plumbing code is imposed by cities, counties, and states. These regs typically require that all such work be done in the safest way possible in order to avoid serious issues that would harm the community, like widespread disease and other health or environmental problems.

What is Plumbing Code and Who Sets It?

The Universal Plumbing Code, or UPC, is determined by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). Most jurisdictions in the U.S. and the plumbers therein follow the UPC, which is consistently updated to account for new knowledge and technologies every few years. However, it’s important to remember that the UPC is distinct from your local code. Although the UPC is the general standard set forth, it’s likely that your city, county, or state may have a different code of its own.

So how does this affect the DIY plumber? If you’re unsure about your local plumbing codes, it’s highly recommended that you contact the proper local authority before beginning any project to ensure you’re following the law. And if you’re project is big enough to warrant hiring a plumbing professional, only work with a licensed plumbing contractor.

Because both the UPC and your local codes are meant to protect you, your family, and your community, it’s extremely important that the be upheld for the protection of public health and safety.

Action Plumbing is fully licensed to perform both residential and commercial projects, and our professionals are available to assist you with any project you have. For more information on how the local plumbing codes work or licensure, contact an Action Plumbing representative today.

3 Reasons to Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

April 28, 2016 By Action Plumbing

reasons to avoid chemical drain cleaners The disadvantages of using chemical drain cleaners are clear. Although they may be a fast and easy solution to clearing a clogged drain, there are many reasons why chemical drain cleaners should be avoided if at all possible. A few of those reasons include:

Chemical Drain Cleaners Cause Damage

The harsh chemicals being used in chemical drain cleaners often cause damage to your pipes. The damage may not be easy to spot at first, but over time it can cause enough damage to create a hole that will inevitably lead to a leak. One of the most damaging culprits in chemical drain cleaners is hydrochloric acid, which can eat away at your hardware, including the enamel on your bathtubs and sinks. This additional damage is extremely costly and the direct result of solving a minor bathroom issue like a clog with damaging and dangerous chemicals.

Chemical Drain Cleaners Cause Damage to your Septic System

In order to break down water, your septic tank uses natural and organic bacteria. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners kill this organic bacteria, essentially rendering your septic system useless. Additionally, ongoing use of chemical drain cleaners will create a situation resulting in the need to completely clean your entire septic system to counteract the damage caused.

Chemical Drain Cleaners Are Toxic and Bad for the Environment

Considered to be a serious health hazard, the fumes released by chemical drain cleaners can be extremely toxic. Often lingering for several hours, these hazardous fumes can cause significant irritation to your throat, eyes, skin, and lungs. Chemical cleaners aren’t just hazardous for humans … their also harmful for both pets and the environment. Leftover cleaners often show up in our water supply system creating a dangerous situation for the wildlife and humans who rely on that water supply.

If you have any additional questions about the reasons to avoid chemical drain cleaners or are interested in what Action Plumbing can do to offer you a healthy alternative for your plumbing issues, contact us today!

Spring Plumbing Tips

April 18, 2016 By Action Plumbing

Now that the flowers are finally blooming, it’s time to get into Spring cleaning mode. This includes making sure your home or business’s plumbing system is order, and Action Plumbing has great advice to keep everything running smoothly. Here are a few Spring plumbing tips to consider:

Outdoor Plumbing

Investigate your gutters to make sure they are clear of debris and check for bird nests that may have popped up in recent weeks.
Clear drains and downspouts of any dead leaves that me be left over from the fall.
Check all pipes to make sure there isn’t any damage from freezing.
Be sure to replace any pipes that do have cracks before running the water for the first time.

Indoor Plumbing

Check all faucets and pipes in your kitchen a bathrooms for leaks and repair as needed.
Add a few drips of food coloring to the tank of your toilet to help find hidden leaks. If the coloring appears in the toilet bowl with 30 seconds, it’s an indication you may have a problem.
Unscrew your shower head and soak it in vinegar to clean away mineral deposits. Gently scrub with a toothbrush and soak over night if necessary.
Check the water valves located near sinks and toilets to make sure they are operable and in good working order.

General Plumbing

If you’re currently using a sump pump, you can make sure it’s working correctly by pouring a bit of water into the pit. Wait until the pump turns on and discharges the water.
Inspect exposed pipes located anywhere in your home and repair leaks as necessary.
If you commonly experience issues with back ups, install a backflow valve in the floor drain to prevent future problems.

If you have questions about spring plumbing tips or need assistance in any way, contact one of our expert plumbing professionals to find out more about how Action Plumbing can help.