Communication with your plumber is key to a successful repair or installation. By becoming familiar with the terminology, you will gain a better understanding of the plumbing basics. In addition, you will be able to communicate with your plumber more easily, which is invaluable when discussing the parameters of your plumbing project. Listed below are some basic terms used in the plumbing repair industry.
Snaking the Drain lines
If your plumber suggests snaking your drain lines, rest assured it is because of a blockage or obstruction within the sewer lines. When a blockage occurs, you could face slow moving or stopped up sink drains, toilets and/or bathtubs. Many times the only recourse to clear the lines is by using a snake or power auger to remove the blockage. A snake incorporates a rotating cutting head attached to a spring-like cable that winds its way through your sewer lines and cutting through blockages to clear the line.
Hydro-Jetting the Drain lines
Hydro jexsdabtting is different from snaking, as it requires heavier equipment and professional experience to avoid sewer line damage. The primary reason your plumber would hydro jet your sewer line is to remove a difficult blockage, one a snake could not handle. In addition, hydro jetting is also used to rid your sewer line system of heavy grease, sand and sediment that builds up over time.
Replacing the Wax Ring
Wax ring replacement is one of the plumbing basics that is required when your toilet leaks or seeps water around its exterior base. The time-tested rings are usually sufficient but can fail due to a loose toilet, uneven floor or deteriorating subfloor.
Replacing the Toilet Flange
When your plumber suggests replacing the toilet flange, they are referring to a mounting flange affixed to the sewer line used to hold a toilet in place. Depending on the material type of your sewer line system, a toilet flange is often cast iron or PVC, poly vinyl chloride. Flange bolts slide through slots on the flange and through the base of the toilet. Mounting nuts are then threaded onto the flange bolts and tightened to secure the toilet to the flange.
Replacing your Shut-Off Valve
Shut-off valves are small valves used to turn off the water supplies to sinks, toilets, dishwashers and icemakers. The handy valves are installed in close proximity to the applicable fixture for quick shut down of water supplies should the fixture fail. Over time, these valves may have a tendency to corrode, freeze and fail preventing water shut off. It is recommended that you always verify that your shut off valves are in good working condition to avoid the potential water damage that could occur should your fixtures fail or leak.
For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
