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Whole House Water Filter Installation Guide

Whole House Water Filter Installation GuideAre you thinking about installing a whole house water filter in your home? They have many benefits and are not that hard to install, if you have the proper tools.

Use the following guide from expert plumbers Toronto to install a house water filter system. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, hire a plumber to complete the task.

How to Install a Whole House Water Filter

A whole house water filter system is the best way to deliver clean and purified water throughout your home. Use the following guide for water installation for the filter .

Items needed:

  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Bucket
  • Pipe cutter
  • Teflon tape
  • Water filter kit (whole house)

At the main water supply, shut off the water. Open a spigot at the lowest point in home to drain the water and release the water pressure.Using the template that comes with the system, mark the pipe to ensure proper placement. (Keep in mind that the cartridge will need to be changed as needed so ensure that you are able to reach it readily and easily). To remove the section marked in step 2, make two cuts using a pipe cutter. If you are working in a narrow spice, use a mini pipe cutter. To ensure that the blades line up correctly, tighten the cutter on the pipe using the twist handle. Continue rotating the cutter until the cut is complete. Remove any burrs using the cutter’s reamer blade. To attach the fittings, position the small end of a compression nut on the ends of one of the cut pipes and then slip on the ferrule, repeating the process on the other side of the piping. On the filter housing, on the “out” and “in” ports, thread a bass fitting and install using the instructions provided. The fittings should be snug but not too-tight, so take care. To make sure that the fitting and the filter port are tightly sealed, use Teflon tape. On the water line, position the filter so the water flows in the “in” port and out the “out” port. While this might seem like an obvious step, it is quite often overlooked and the filter system will not work unless it is properly installed. 

Pro tip: The “out” port should be facing the water heater while the “in” port is closer to the meter.

  1. Place the water filter on the water line, allowing it to hang between the ferrules for the time being.
  2. Onto the fitting bodies, use your hands to make sure that the compression nuts are tight.
  3. Use two wrenches to tighten the fittings, making sure that filter is straight.
  4. Your kit will include a handle that is used to turn the inlet valve to “bypass”, “filter” and “off” positions. Once the filter is installed, the valve should be in the off potions.
  5. At the main water valve, turn the water on slowly to see if the filter is leaking anywhere.
  6. Next turn the handle to “filter” to allow the water to fill, again checking for leaks.
  7. Replace the filter as recommended by the manufacturer using the guidelines provided.

Contact DrainCom if you need any assistance on how to install a water filter whole house system. We will gladly help you with your plumbing questions or issues from sink repair to how to install a toilet to leaky spigots.

Helpful Facts About PEX Plumbing for Homeowners

Helpful Facts About PEX Plumbing for HomeownersPEX plumbing has been around for the last three decades or so and many homeowners have switched to this type of piping for their homes. But is it reliable? 

In the following article, we will explain how PEX pipes work and how they can benefit your home. If you need help with PEX pipe or sump pump installation, contact Draincom at 905-238-6800 or schedule a free basement camera inspection here.

Facts About PEX Plumbing

What is PEX pipe plumbing?

A plastic material that can be used for water supply plumbing, PEX, or Cross-linked polyethylene is extremely flexible and provides long term durability. If you are wondering how to install PEX, it is actually much easier to install than other piping materials. One of the many pros of PEX pipes is that they are heat-resistant.

NB: Check with your local municipality to make sure that PEX piping is permitted in your home. It is widely used worldwide, but plumbing codes can vary by location.

How is it useful?

PEX piping has been proven to be a reliable alternative to other forms of water supply piping such as PVC, galvanized steel or copper pipes. As long as it is properly installed, it is extremely effective and can last for many years.

Other than water supply line, PEX piping can be used for the following:

  • Radiant water heating applications
  • Residential sprinkler and fire systems
  • Portable distribution systems
  • Heat transfer applications such as:
    • Melting snow
    • Floor cooling
    • Permafrost protection

Pros of PEX Piping

Following are the main advantages that PEX plumbing offers over other forms of piping:

  1. PEX pipes are more resistant to breakage and damage from freezing.
  2. PEX pipes are extremely flexible which allows for easy installation.
  3. PEX tubing is bendable and therefore can be curved to fit around obstacles such as structural framing.
  4. PEX can be installed in an uninterrupted flow from start to finish as due to its flexibility you will not need additional tubing or fittings to complete the job.
  5. PEX tubing does not corrode over time and is also resistant to scale build-up.
  6. PEX pipes reduce heat transfer and therefore help with energy conservation.
  7. PEX piping is less costly than other piping materials.
  8. Unlike copper piping, PEX does not require threaded or soldered connections.
  9. PEX is NSF International certified for water purity as it is safe and lead-free.
  10. PEX pipes are less likely to burst in freezing temperatures as they expand slightly.
  11. If you live in a colder climate, you can use foam wrap insulation for added protection.
  12. Unlike copper pipes, water flows through PEX pipes quietly.
  13. As it is highly durable and will last more many years, PEX does not require a lot of costly repair or maintenance.
  14. PEX plumbing gives you the ability to turn off your water supply from a central location.

Should you have further information about the usage or benefits of PEX piping, do not hesitate to call the professional staff at DrainCom at 905-238-6800. We will answer any questions you have and offer free advice about cost and installation. Contact us with any of your plumbing concerns today.

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How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet: Step by Step

How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet Step by StepTypically, outdoor spigot systems do not require as much maintenance as indoor faucets. However, it does pay to know how to fix a leaky outdoor faucet in the event that it breaks or needs maintenance. 

Leaky faucets can lead to other issues such as leaky basement and even flooding, if not properly resolved. Use the following step-by-step guide from expert plumbers to fix your outdoor spigot. If you are unsure of how to replace the spigot yourself, do not hesitate to hire a certified plumber to ensure that the job is done properly.

How to Fix a Leaky Outdoor Faucet

Items needed:

  • Copper pipe
  • Hacksaw
  • Pipe cutter
  • Propane torch
  • Replacement stem
  • Safety glasses/goggles
  • Sandpaper (medium grit)
  • Solder
  • Tinning flux

Once you have acquired the above items, use these steps to fix an outdoor leaking spigot:

  1. Make sure that the main water supply to your home is turned off.
  2. From the backside, find the pipe that feeds the spigot to the wall. 
  3. On the opposite side of the wall, cut the pipe at the bend using a hacksaw.
  4. Cut the length of the corroded supply pile using a pipe cutter.
  5. Rough the inside of the new fitting for the spigot as well as the ends of the replacement pipe with medium-grit sandpaper.
  6. Inside the fitting (on the end at the outside), apply a coat of tinning flux and place the end of the replacement pipe in the replacement fitting. (the tinning flux will help the solder to adhere better).
  7. Seal the new joint using the tip of the flame of the propane torch, as well as solder to ensure ideal adhesive properties.
  8. Once the connection is fully soldered, let it cool before inserting the end of the new piping into the hole. Use the pipe cutter to cut off any excessive piping once you have ensured that the new fitting is flush against the side of the house.
  9. Follow the technique used in step 6 to install onto the pipe a fitting of 90 degrees.
  10. Measure from the end of the supply line piping to the new fitting to gauge the amount of replacement copper piping that will be required. 
  11. Cut the pipe using the above measurement.
  12. Rough the pipe ends with sandpaper as in step 5 before applying the tinning flux and soldering the replacement copper pipe to the 90-degree fitting at the coupling.
  13. Wait for the seals to cool completely and ensure that the connections are secure before turning on the water supply to see if the new spigot works properly. 
  14. Apply caulking to prevent leakage around the outer edge.

If you are not a skilled plumber and are not sure how to fix a leaky outdoor faucet after reading the above guide, contact DrainCom to schedule one of our licensed plumbers to complete the job for you. We can assist you with all of your plumbing repairs from toilet repair to clogged sinks to sump pump installation. Call us today for a free quote for your plumbing needs.

How to Lay the Pipe: DIY Methods for Pipe Trenching

How to Lay the Pipe DIY Methods for Pipe TrenchingAre you considering different trenchless pipe laying methods? This article will explain the different methods to lay the pipe so you can easily determine which one will work best for your situation. We want to give you DIY methods for pipe trenching to save you money. You can always call Draincom in Toronto and the GTA at 905-238-6800 if you want a professional to do it for you.

Trenchless pipe repair is one of the most popular methods, but it can also require some help from a plumber. Contact your local plumber to find out how this process works as well as the cost. Keep in mind that in some cases, excavation may be required. Also, make sure you are following the requirements for your property and location. This PDF file has all of the requirements from the city of Toronto for pipe trenching as of the date this post was written.

How to Methods for Pipe Trenching: Best Practices

  • Plowing

This method of pipe trenching is popular as it is eco-friendly, which is a plus for those who are looking to go green. This method of pipe trenching can be used on pipes as large as DN 600. However, one needs to take into account the pulling force that will be involved in the process as well as the pipeline stench and soil type.

A tractor is used to pull the plow that lays the pipes. The share is then adjusted to plow a furrow through the soil so the pipe string can be inserted, which then deposits the displaced soil onto the string of the pipe. This method is fast and easy and does not cause a great deal of damage to the land. 

  • Horizontal flush drilling

Horizontal flush drilling is most often used in densely built urban areas for trenchless pipeline construction as it is suitable for underneath buildings. Along a 2 or 3 dimension curved line between the front of the drill and the exit point, a pilot hole is drilled. A drill head is used to loosen the soil before widening the pilot hole. Finally, the pipe string is inserted into the borehole from the exit point.

  • Open-trench pipe-laying

This method is the most common, so we have included a step-by-step guide to open-trench pipe-laying get you started.

  1. First you need to decide where the piping will go before you begin.
  2. Determine how much pipe is needed by measuring twice to ensure that you have an accurate measurement. This can save you from having to reorder the piping. 
  3. To get the correct measurements for the zone-line and control wire, as well as the mainline pipe, add the total linear footage for control wire as well as poly-pipe. 

Be sure to order enough sprinkler heads and fittings. 

*Pro tip for ordering pipe trenching materials: It cannot hurt to order extra as you can always return any used product or save them for future use.

  • Using a vibratory plow, dig a 2-foot trench where you will be placing the sprinkler head. The plow will be used to slice the soil and place the pipe approximately 8 inches underground.
  •  Pull the piping underground to the location of the next sprinkler head using the plow until the job is complete.

Need further assistance to lay the pipe for trenchless piping? Click here to contact DrainCom for expert tips from a skilled and certified plumber in Toronto today! You can also call us directly at 905-238-6800. We would be happy to help you with your project.

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