Friday, May 17, 2013

Basic Methods To Stop Plumbing Nightmares Beginning With Dielectric Isolation

By Antoinette Quinn


When a home owner takes up a wrench for some plumbing work they are working on, they are taking a lot on faith. There are various things that could possibly go wrong. Luckily though for many people, they generally end well. Having said this, home owners really risk their effort, sanity and personal time if anything were to end badly. There are easy steps all homeowners should apply when doing repairs and installations. This means from a stainless steel flex to a water heater's dielectric isolation fittings.

When doing a remodel always avoid galvanized pipe like the plague. It last poorly over time, it corrodes easily, and it is difficult to tie into with other nonferrous pipes, fittings and fixtures. If you do come across some take it out, as it will likely not be able to handle the improved pressure of the new plumbing you just installed.

If exchanging the galvanized pipe is not manageable, make sure to use dielectric unions or fittings when connecting them to pex or copper systems. This should help prevent any metal transmigration. It should also help assure any fittings stay tight and will not leak from premature corrosion. They often cost a bit more than other regular fittings but really are worth every penny.

There is a method for connecting fittings together. Make sure all the fittings are completely clean. Put the pipe dope inside the female fitting first, than around the outside of the male fitting. It does not take much. Wrap the Teflon tape around your male fitting by overlapping it and completely covering it up 2-3 times.

Always go against the pipe threads so the Teflon does not unwind when you tighten the fitting. Start it using your fingers making it finger tight. Than tighten it one or two more turns before testing for leaks. If it bubbles slightly tighten it and retest. Make sure to wipe the fitting down so it stays clean and looks professional.

Remember that incorrectly installed gas lines only do one thing. They hurt people. If you put in gas lines make sure you know what you are doing or hire someone to do it for you. There are just too many things that could possibly go wrong. Do not be foolish, play it safe.

When remolding your home, always try to have a basic idea of where any pipes are in the walls. A single nail inside a copper pipe could hold for several weeks before it starts to leak. Using a stud sensor which finds wiring and plumbing and wiring is useful for this and are inexpensive. After you have developed an idea of where everything is at write it down to save to use later.

Try not to over tighten any fittings. It will not mater if they are brass, steel, copper, dielectric isolation fittings. The only thing you do by over tightening is weaken it by stretching out the threads, and cause a bigger leak. Make it tight, and bubble leak test it. It is always much easier to tighten them a little more than starting over from the beginning.




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