Building plumbing system installation, inspection, troubleshooting & repair FAQs set #3.

These plumbing repair articles answer nearly all questions about diagnosing and repairing building plumbing systems, including water supply and drain piping, vent piping, gas and oil piping in buildings, plumbing fixtures, water heaters, water pumps, water pressure, water softeners, water testing, water treatment equipment, water wells, and septic systems.

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Plumbing System Diagnosis and Repair Guides

These questions & answers about building plumbing systems were posted originally

at PLUMBING SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR - please be sure to review that article

On 2020-02-16 - by (mod) - prison type sink-toilet clog repair

Tommy,

Prison toilets generally work like other toilets but are constructed of stainless steel and may use a power flush or gravity flush system. Shown here is a Kuge brand gravity-flush stainless steel toilet.

If your toilet has a flushing problem start by plunging it vigorously with a toilet plunger.

See details at TOILET CLOG REPAIR, UN-BLOCK

On 2020-02-16 by tommy cook

what style of toilets are the ones used in jails stainless steel tankless toilet sink combos. Need to know how it works so I can fix flushing problem

On 2020-01-21 - by (mod) -

John

You should not need to add any gasket-type material such as lampwick on heating oil piping threads, though I agree that's an old plumbers trick and I still have a few bits of lead-impregnated string in my box of plumbing washers and gaskets.

I figure if your fitting threads are so worn that just use of a pipe sealant rated for use on oil and gas piping isn't enough to seal the fitting, the the fitting is worn and should be replaced.

Living with a worn threaded fitting jury-rigged with lampwick is actually unsafe in a subtle way: for example vibration allowing air leaks into the system lead to improper burner operation that in turn can lead to a puffback explosion.

On 2020-01-21 by johnboy683

Lampwick ok ? on fuel oil threads, with dope of course.
Old plumber , John 🤔🤔

On 2020-01-15 - by (mod) -

Guy

I'm a bit confused;

It's normal and proper for there to be air in the water pressure tank. With the pump OFF and water pressure drained from the system by opening a tap, the water pressure tank air pre-charge is set to 2 psi below the pump pressure control switch CUT-IN pressure.

For example if your pump control cut-in pressure is at 20 psi, then your air pre charge should be set to 18 psi.

On 2020-01-15 by GUY

There was air trapped in the well tank and since it was old i decided to replace it and the water heater that blocked it in.

Now the air coming thru the system is twice as bad.

Tried bleeding whole house but it came right back. I'm thinking check valve at pump? any info would be great...thanks

On 2019-04-28 9 by (mod) - how to wire a water heater element with dual wattage

See ELECTRIC WATER HEATER ELEMENT REPLACEMENT wiring at

https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Electric_Water_Heater_Element_Replacement.php

On 2019-04-28 by Anonymous

how to wire a water heater element with dual wattage

On 2019-02-08 by (mod) - problem with frozen drainage pipes

Auntie

Before insulating the pipe I'd have its interior inspected by a sewer camera to see if it's sagging as if-so it needs to be repaired or you're still risking clogs and sewer backups.

You do not normally need to insulate a properly-sloped drain line as it doesn't hold standing water and so won't normally freeze.

On 2019-02-08 by Auntie P

I have a problem with frozen drainage pipes to the city manhole. From my clean outs to the manhole, the pipe runs under my driveway and it is suspected by my plumber that because of that the frost sinks lower and freezes the water that has bowed under.

From there to the manhole is another 10-12 feet. I live in northern Wisconsin and the freeze is definitely from my clean outs to the manhole. The crawlspace under my house has been heated and the pipes wrapped in heat tape.

I was thinking that if we can dig down under the pipe I could insulate the pipe with styrofoam. Moving the driveway would be a far more expensive option and require a rebuild of the garage. Would styrofoam be a viable option? Either the solid chunks from packaging or the expanding foam?

On 2019-02-08 by (mod) - frozen drainage pipes to the city manhole.

Auntie

Before insulating the pipe I'd have its interior inspected by a sewer camera to see if it's sagging as if-so it needs to be repaired or you're still risking clogs and sewer backups.

You do not normally need to insulate a properly-sloped drain line as it doesn't hold standing water and so won't normally freeze.

On 2019-02-08 by Auntie P

I have a problem with frozen drainage pipes to the city manhole. From my clean outs to the manhole, the pipe runs under my driveway and it is suspected by my plumber that because of that the frost sinks lower and freezes the water that has bowed under

. From there to the manhole is another 10-12 feet. I live in northern Wisconsin and the freeze is definitely from my clean outs to the manhole.

The crawlspace under my house has been heated and the pipes wrapped in heat tape. I was thinking that if we can dig down under the pipe I could insulate the pipe with styrofoam.

Moving the driveway would be a far more expensive option and require a rebuild of the garage. Would styrofoam be a viable option?

Either the solid chunks from packaging or the expanding foam?

On 2019-01-06 20:52:12.978009 by (mod) - sand and dirt that in your frinder pump system causes harm?

Great question, Matt.

While some commecial grinder pumps are specifically designed to tolerate various kinds of solids, others, particularly some low-cost and modest-duty pumps that are sold as grinder pumps may not survive long.

As you'll read, it is typical for a grinder pump model warranty to specifically exclude the effects of sand as well as some other substances that are hard on pumps.

Details are at SEWAGE PUMP DAMAGE & REPAIR

There you'll find links to PDF files giving specifications for a number of sewage pumps.

There in the Zoeller Shark pump manual whose link we provide you will read this warning

This warranty does not apply to and there shall be no warranty for any material or product that has been disassembled without prior approval of Manufacturer, subjected to misuse, misapplication, neglect, alteration, accident or uncontrollable act of nature; that has not been installed, operated or maintained in accordance with Manufacturer's installation instructions; that has been exposed to outside substances including but not limited to the following:

sand, gravel, cement, mud, tar, hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives (oil, gasoline, solvents, etc.), or other abrasive or corrosive substances, wash towels, etc. in all pumping applications.

The warranty set out in the paragraph above is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied; and we do not authorize any representative or other person to assume for us any other liability in connection with our products.

For a different view of commercial grinder pumps Here is an example of a

typical SEWAGE GRINDER PUMP SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS [PDF] from a Chattanooga Tennessee government document

The grinder assembly shall consist of a rotating cutter and a stationary cutting ring on the suction side of the impeller so the cutting assembly discharges directing into the impeller inlet. All cutters, both stationary and rotating, shall be made of hardened and ground stainless steel and shall be adjustable externally to maintain proper clearance.

The upper cutter and the stationary cutting ring shall be reversible for longer service life. In the absence of reversible cutters, a spare upper cutter and cutting ring shall be furnished with each grinder pump.

The pump-motor shafts shall be supported by permanently oiled upper and lower bearings.

Bearings and motors shall be protected from the liquid being pumped by dual mechanical seals consisting of a stationary ceramic seal and two carbon rotating sealing surfaces.

Any water leaking past the lower seal shall be detected by an electric sensing probe mounted in the seal chamber.

The probe shall be connected to the alarm light in the control panel.
A pump meeting those specifications might be more tolerant of grit in the wastewater. - retrieved 2019/02/11 original source: www.chattanooga.gov/public-works-files/11316_sewage_grinder_pump_systems.pdf

On 2019-01-04 13:13:10.247045 by Matt

The sand and dirt that is getting in your grimding pump system cause harm?

On 2018-12-25 14:51:15.322759 by (mod) -

Barry

Actually if you click to enlarge the HTP SuperStor indirect water heater sketches in our article on INDIRECT FIRED WATER HEATERS https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Indirect-Water-Heaters.php

you'll see the standard 4 connections:

1. cold water in to the heater
2. hot water out of the heater
3. heating coil loop supply from the boiler
4. heating coil loop return to the boiler

\

On 2018-12-25 by Barry

I’m planning on adding a second indirect tank (superstore) for extra capacity. Your HTC manual, figure 7 shows a typical configuration with a storage tank. However that tank has 3 connections. Is that a special tank?

On 2018-12-21 4 by Mike

I had a tank washer start to leak so. I removed the tank and replaced both washers.

I put the tank back on and snugged things down. No leaks but now the toilet won't completely flush. Water level looks right in the tank. Any ideas ? Thank You.

On 2018-12-12 by (mod) - the water pressure never goes above 42 psi. Its a new 30-50 switch

Alan

Please try the InspectApedia website search box just above to find

WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING

and you'll see our article giving diagnosis and repair procedures.

On 2018-12-11 y Alan

I have a well and noticed my pressure seems low. I tightened the nut on the pressure switch and it kicked on and the pump starts. But the pressure never goes above 42 psi.

Its a new 30-50 switch. So I stopped the pump and figured maybe the gauge is bad because it was all corroded. I put a new gauge on and started everything back up.

The pressure still wont go above 42psi. The switch is still on and and the pump is running. So I loosened the nut till the switch shuts off. Is the pump itself bad? Is there anyway to check that?

On 2018-09-28 by (mod) -

Great, Lora, do keep me posted.

On 2018-09-27 by Anonymous

@Lora,
I have printed your diagnosis worksheet and have located a plumbing camera. Success will be within my grasp!

On 2018-09-26 5 by (mod) - gurgling toilets, showers, and sinks, slow toilets and sinks

Lora

at PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS

we describe the causes and cures of gurgling drains; it would make sense to have a better guess at what's the cause before assuming there is much benefit from climbing onto a roof to try cleaning the vent stacks; that's not usually going to be the cause nor the cure unless something odd happened like a bird or mud-dauber wasps have nested in and clogged the vent.

More likely the drain system is clogged or there is a failing septic systems.

I recommend reading CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR

On 2018-09-26 by Lora

I live in a mobile home. I am having gurgling toilets, showers, and sinks, slow toilets and sinks.

I am to the point of getting on top of the roof to clean out the vent stacks. But, I can access the vent stacks but there is no clean out on the vent stacks. Can I install cleanouts to the vent stacks and avoid roof top?

On 2018-09-24 by (mod) - What are the codes regarding pressure balancing valves in the showers on mobile homes

Anon:

I am not aware of any building code pertaining to balancing pressure in showers on mobile homes or any other home.

But I may have mis-understood your question.

If you are asking about anti-scald valves, used to balance cold and hot water flow so as to keep temperature at the plumbing fixture below scalding burn levels, there are building codes in the U.S. and Canada at state and provincial level that specify the allowable temperatures.

See HOT WATER ANTI-SCALD REGULATIONS at https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Hot_Water_Temperature_Laws.php

On 2018-09-20 by Anonymous

What are the codes regarding pressure balancing valves in the showers on mobile homes

...

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