Colonial Construction Co., Inc.
509 Parker Avenue, Plainedge, New York 11756 (516) 796-1249 Fax (516) 796-0692
Yesterday's Quality Today...
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Colonial Construction Co., Inc. 509 Parker Avenue, Plainedge, New York 11756 (516) 796-1249 Fax (516) 796-0692 Yesterday's Quality Today...
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Plumbing This page is intended to help understand common problems related to plumbing Clogged Drains Over the years the inside of most drain pipes become clogged up with soap, grease and food residue. Many times homeowners don't realize how slow there drains are until something new is added or the entire kitchen or bathroom is redone. When the drain system is opened up and left open during construction, the residue in the pipes dries out. When the new work is completed and the water flows again, this dried out residue becomes swelled up and may increase twice in size. This usually results in a clogged or slow running drain. This is due to contraction of the residue and then expansion when the system returns to standard use. This system then must be snaked out to clean the entire interior sections of piping. New Toilets and showerheads It's not just low flow, it's the law. In 1995, the National Energy Policy Act mandated the use of toilets that use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Since then, low-flow plumbing fixtures including toilets, faucet aerators and showerheads have been developed that save substantial amounts of water compared to conventional fixtures while providing the same utility.
Different types of low-flow toilets use various technologies aimed at making the toilet more functional. Some toilets have large drain passages, redesigned bowls and tanks for easier wash down. Others supplement the gravity system with water supply line pressure, compressed air, or a vacuum pump. Conventional faucet aerators don't compensate for changes in inlet pressure, so the greater the water pressure, the more water you use. New technology compensates for pressure and provides the same flow regardless of pressure. Aerators are also available that allow water to be turned off at the aerator itself. Showerheads use similar aerator technology and multiple flow settings to save water. Low-flow toilets use a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared with about five to seven gallons of water used by a standard toilet. Low-flow shower heads use about 2 ½ gallons of water per minute compared to between four and five gallons per minute used by conventional heads. Low-flow faucet aerators can cut the water usage of faucets by as much as 40% from 4 gallons per minute to 2 ½ . Benefits/Costs Easy installation procedures make low flow plumbing fixtures feasible for retrofitting. It is estimated that low-flow toilets alone could save up to 22,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four. Low-flow plumbing fixtures are available in all the styles and colors of conventional fixtures. Low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads are available at little additional cost. Limitations There have been complaints that the low-flow toilets have trouble clearing the bowl and frequently clog. There is a higher cost associated with low-flow fixtures over conventional fixtures. Code/Regulatory Low flow plumbing fixtures must meet the appropriate American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards listed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Outside Faucets/Hose Bibs To prevent pipes from freezing during the cold weather seasons, your outside hose bibs should be turned off. To properly prepare outside faucets, follow these steps:
Furnace Filters Change or clean furnace filters on a monthly basis. Properly maintaining these filters can save you money. Soiled filters can cause your heating system to run inefficiently. The filter is found on the furnace, return air duct, or filter return grill. Dinapoli Plumbing Supply in Mineola carries a complete line of replacement plumbing parts You can visit them at this site Link Dinapoli Carbon Monoxide If your home contains any appliance which burns fuel and the appliance is not properly vented, this may put you and your family at potential risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Such appliances include (but are not limited to):
All of your fuel-burning appliances should be checked on a yearly basis for carbon monoxide leaks. THIS COULD SAVE A LIFE. Additionally, since carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, purchasing a reliable carbon monoxide detector is a wise investment. US
Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC
PRESS RELEASE ON CARBON MONOXIDE 1996 Carbon Monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). 1,500 people die annually due to accidental carbon monoxide exposure, and additional 10,000 seek medical attention. (Medical experts agree that it's difficult to estimate the total number of carbon monoxide incidents because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble so many other common ailments.) Carbon monoxide is a flammable, colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas produced during incomplete combustion of fuel - Natural Gas, Oil, Coal, Wood, Kerosene, etc. During normal combustion, each atom of carbon in
the burning fuel joins with two atoms of oxygen - forming a harmless gas called
carbon dioxide. When there is a lack of oxygen to ensure complete combustion of
the fuel, each atom of carbon links up with only one atom of oxygen - forming
carbon monoxide gas. How does CO enter the home? Improperly sized flues connected to new
high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters can also contribute to CO spillage.
(Many new furnaces and water heaters are installed using the existing chimneys
which may be the wrong size to allow the furnace to vent properly.) Related Plumbing Links |
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