September 28, 2006

Plumbing tips - The Right Plumbing Part

Tip! When it comes to knowing whether or not to work on a DIY plumbing project or call a professional, it's best to gauge a number of factors. Among them, your level of experience in repairing similar problems, the time that you have to dedicate to the project and your level of patience.

I've had a job stall for a week over a plumbing part! This is not an exaggeration, but also is not a doomsday or fear factor approach. If you plan your project and take it step by step, the better chance is that your plumbing parts will fit and the job will get done in a timely, professional manner. Plumbing Parts Plumbing parts include washers, hoses, tubes, connectors, drain lines, clamps and all the necessary fittings to complete a plumbing repair or replacement.

This does not include new replacement fixtures or units, such as a new toilet or vanity, but the impact can be the same - one missing part can prevent a bathroom form being usable. Check To See If The Plumbing Part Is In Stock Before I give my grand example, I will suggest that you make a list of what will be needed to complete the project at hand. Now, I've been doing this for a few decades and still have to make two trips for parts about every third job. The learning curve never seems to end in plumbing - at least for me. Nevertheless, it helps to make a list of needed plumbing parts. Be specific when looking at things. Small parts often look alike, but trying to use a right handed toilet flush handle on a left handed Model just won't work. After you make your list, it often helps to call and ask if the plumbing parts are in stock. If not, sometimes there is a substitute or another way of effecting the repair. Find out before you make two trips for plumbing parts.

If In Doubt, Ask A Plumber I often call my plumber buddy, not just to pick his brain but often enough that he suspects that. We have coffee occasionally and I always offer to treat him. If he does not have the plumbing part I need in his pocket, ninety percent of the time it's on his truck and costs me less than I would pay for it. Real plumbers know the shortcuts and the areas where you cannot afford to take a shortcut. This applies to plumbing parts and materials as much as installation labor. Now for my story about an eclectic friend and NASA scientist.

He built his bathroom walls to resemble a ship. None of the standard bath fixtures fit right and everything took double the labor to install. Last I heard he was three years into the project and waiting for a plumbing part from Japan to finish.