Category: Blog

What are the different types of toilet flanges? One of the most important components in any bathroom is the toilet. Its position, shape, and even color can dictate the feel of an entire room. This blog post is a large compilation of different types of toilet flanges and their construction, so you might want to check it out if you’ve ever wondered which type your toilet uses!

Before learning what types of toilet flanges are available, what exactly are toilet flanges?

Every toilet flange on a bowl is designed to provide the flow of water from the bowl to the sewer. Depending on what kind of toilet and plumbing you have, there are numerous types that can be found.

What are the different types of toilet flanges?

Copper

Copper is a unique metal because it has the ability to form into different alloys when mixed with other metals, resulting in a range of advantages. These benefits include better conductivity and strength, as well as greater corrosion resistance, which is essential for all types of toilet flanges. Copper is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which makes it a popular choice for plumbing applications.

PVC

PVC is a type of plastic that is used in the manufacture of flanges. PVC was first produced by Bayer in Germany in 1872 and was originally intended for use as a medicinal compound. PVC toilet flanges are commonly used in both residential and commercial plumbing systems. This type of toilet flange comes in a few different forms—either completely made of PVC or with a metal top. These types of toilet flanges fit drainpipes that are three or four inches across.

Brass

Brass is one of the most commonly used types of toilet flanges. Like copper, brass is malleable and resistant to corrosion, which makes this material a great choice if you want a toilet flange that lasts.

Cast Iron

Cast iron flanges are meant to be used with cast iron pipes. Cast iron is extremely durable and resistant to damage. In some cases, it may be possible to repair a cast iron flange instead of replacing it completely.

Aluminum

Because it is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable, aluminum is an excellent choice for your toilet flange. This metal will not rust or corrode, so it should last for years before needing to be replaced again. Some aluminum flanges are pure aluminum and others are manufactured with copper or zinc. While the pure aluminum type is generally better, both are suitable for use on your toilet.

How to Tell When a Toilet Flange Needs to Be Replaced

Now that you know what are the different types of toilet flanges, if you are not sure when your flange was last replaced, you can continue using it until it malfunctions, or if you want to avoid a mess, you can replace it to start fresh. A worn-out flange can cause a wide range of problems, including:

  • Leaking at the base of the toilet.
  • Loose toilet that rocks back and forth and may be unsecured.
  • Unpleasant smells coming from the sewer because of gases leaking through the seal.

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to replace your toilet’s flange sooner rather than later.

Posted on Author adminCategories Blog, Commercial Plumbing Service, Plumbing Service & Repair Phoenix AZ, Residential Plumbing ServicesTags Leave a comment on 5 Different Types of Toilet Flanges

Is your plumbing making strange sounds? This article discusses what might be causing your noisy water pipes.

Plumbing makes noise. It’s just a part of owning a home. But sometimes the sounds coming from your pipes might be difficult to ignore. Is it a sign of a malfunctioning plumbing system? Should you be worried about the potential damage?

When excessive noises come out of your walls, your kitchen sink, and other fixtures in your home, you may need to contact a plumber for the best solution. In the following blog, we list four common pipe noises and their common causes.

 

Listening for Noisy Water Pipes

Loud Banging

If you are hearing frequent loud banging sounds emanating from your pipes, the cause might be water hammers and trapped air. When you run the water in your home and suddenly turn off the tap, the force of the water coming to a stop can be so high that it creates a sound. This is known as a water hammer. In addition to the initial sound when the tap is turned off, the sound can reverberate as an echo throughout the plumbing system.

On the other hand, if you hear loud banging when you turn the faucet on, that could mean your system has air in it.

These issues happen for several reasons, so you’ll likely want a professional plumber to come and assess whether it’s serious.

 

Humming

If your water pressure is too high for the system’s capacity, it can also cause a humming noise in your pipes. This problem is common in homes that rely on well water. Many wells have a high pressure built into the tank and unless extreme precautions have been taken, your tank may be putting excess pressure on the pipes delivering water to your home.

If your system makes a humming noise, have a professional test the pressure and make adjustments to eliminate any humming noises.

 

Gurgling

Sometimes you may hear the distinct glugging or gurgling sound most commonly associated with clogged plumbing. A typical plumbing system has many bends and turns, which can cause clogs if improper items are flushed down the drain. Mineral deposits from hard water, often found in rural locations, can also cause a blockage.

No one wants to hear their drains gurgling or sucking, and trust us, no one wants to clean sewer lines! However, it may be necessary if initial attempts to clear the blockage are unsuccessful.

 

Rattling

Pipes that are suspended behind the walls and in the ceilings and floors must be fastened securely. If a fastener loses its holding power, water might move erratically through the pipe, which can cause it to rattle.

Securing a pipe to keep it from rattling can be difficult if you are unsure where the noisy water pipes are located. A plumber can help you minimize the amount of demolition needed to locate the source of the sound.

 

Dealing with noisy water pipes in your home? Get a professional to take a look!

Talk to Custom Plumbing of Arizona today if you are tired of listening to your noisy water pipes.

Posted on Author adminCategories Residential Plumbing Services, Blog, Commercial Plumbing ServiceTags Leave a comment on Got Noisy Water Pipes? Here’s What Could Be Causing All the Racket

If you’ve read our first post on how to avoid buying a home with plumbing problems, you’re in luck. This is our follow-up article on how to avoid plumbing problems after buying a house. As with anything, prevention and inspection are key to avoiding mishaps. Don’t get stuck in a home with expensive plumbing repairs—follow these tips first.

 

Plumbing Problems After Buying a House: 3 Tips

 

  1. Check the Water Meter to Find Leaks

If the home you wish to buy is equipped with a water meter, checking the reading is a good way to look for leaks. In Arizona, most homes have their water meter located outside. Your first step is to turn off all of the faucets in the home. At this point, your water meter should be still—this is an indication that no water is actively running inside of the home.

But if you notice that the water meter is still moving, that could be a sign of a leak. While you should get a plumbing inspection in any case, this is definitely a situation to call a plumber for leak detection. Be sure that the seller resolves any leaks before you settle into a new home.

 

  1. Check the Shut-off Valve

There’s no universal location for a home’s shut-off valve, but you might find it in a few different places. Does the house have a basement or underground space? Check these areas first.

Is the home built on a slab? Go ahead and inspect the garage or water heater area for signs of the valve.

If you’ve looked in every feasible location inside of your home but don’t find it, you will need to look outside. Check near any outside faucets. This is an especially common location for warm climates like those of Arizona since we don’t often have to worry about frozen pipes.

You might have a wheel valve that twists or you might have a valve with a handle. To shut wheel valves off, twist them clockwise until you can’t twist anymore. For valves with handles, lift the handle up one quarter of the way until it’s directly perpendicular to the pipe.

Once the shut-off valve is off, try to turn on any faucets in the home. No water should drip or gush out. In the case that it does, you’ll know that the shut-off valve needs repairs.

 

  1. Check Your Pipes

To avoid plumbing problems after buying a house, determine the age and material of the pipes within. If the pipes seem like they’re old and haven’t been replaced, you will probably want a plumber to take a closer look at them.

Copper or plastic pipes are usually an indication that the pipes have been replaced. Galvanized steel pipes tend to be fairly old since they were commonly used between the 1930s to 1980s. Since they degrade and rust easily, you will probably want to request a complete repiping of the home.

If the house has lead pipes, you will definitely need to replace them since they’re unsafe. Lead can cause significant health issues if it gets into your drinking water.

 

Trust Us to Catch Plumbing Issues Before You Buy

Need a plumber to come out to your dream home and perform a home inspection? Our plumbing professionals are happy to provide you with a free estimate. Call us at 602-883-2761.

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Clogged pipes are a no-go when you have a house full of guests ready to eat or shower. Having to call a plumber in the middle of your party or gathering can be embarrassing and put a damper on your festivities. Instead of letting your guests undergo second-hand sheepishness, avoid the clogs altogether and follow these tips.

 

5 Tips to Warn Off Clogged Pipes

Two of the biggest reasons why pipes become blocked off are because of waste and overuse. Here are a few simple ways to prevent these risks.

 

  1. Spread Out Showers and Laundry Loads

If you’re having guests over long enough that they’ll need showers and laundry done, then spread these events out as much as possible. Try not to have too many people shower one after another. If possible, clear the shower drain between each person. Similarly, try to complete laundry loads throughout the day instead of overloading your drains all at once.

 

  1. Dispose of Fats, Oils, and Grease Properly

If you’ve read our post on holiday plumbing tips, you’ll know that the best way to avoid clogged pipes is to store fats, oils, and grease in jars. But what do you do after that? The next step is to store your jars in the refrigerator to let these fats cool and solidify (if you’re able to store them alongside your leftovers). Afterwards, place these jars in the garbage can. But be sure to keep them upright to avoid spillage.

 

  1. Clean Your Plates for the Dishwasher

Before placing your plates in the dishwasher, be sure to scrape all the leftover food and sauce off. Either throw the food waste in the garbage or in your compost bin. This prevents your pipes from being clogged with leftover food and allows your dishwasher to do a better job of cleaning. The same goes for your pots and pans. If you’re having trouble scraping the food off, be sure to soak them beforehand to loosen up any food.

 

  1. Avoid Corrosive Drain Cleaners

Plenty of drain cleaners use corrosive materials that can eat through your pipes. While they might temporarily clear a block in the short run, they cause damage in the long run. This damage can prove expensive, especially if you have to replace pipes. Your best option is to call a plumber that can clear any clogs or blockages without degrading the material.

 

  1. Leave Tough and Fibrous Foods Out of Your Disposal

Your garbage disposal cannot handle fruit pits, coffee grounds, bones, potato peels, pasta, or any manner of tough foods. While it can handle the soft parts of fruits and veggies, avoid adding any particularly fibrous foods like celery.

If clogged pipes become an issue, call Custom Plumbing of Arizona at 602-883-2761. Depending on how blocked your pipes are, a drain snake might not be enough to clear them. Hydro-jetting is another service we offer to get rid of particularly tough blockages. For more information on how we unblock pipes, click here.

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While Thanksgiving is over, the holidays haven’t quite ended. Chances are, you’re planning on cooking another great feast (props to you). But preparing another large holiday dinner can create a huge burden on your pipes. We firmly believe that prevention is just as important as treatment. But preventative maintenance is often less expensive than treating problems after they cause damage to your home. Before you go cooking your holiday ham and inviting family over, here are five maintenance tips to prevent plumbing disasters.

 

Prevent Plumbing Disasters: 5 Tips

  1. Request water heater maintenance
  2. Check for slow drains
  3. Fix leaks
  4. Get your garbage disposal under control
  5. Use your toilets and sinks for what they’re intended

 

  1. Request Water Heater Maintenance

Freezing cold water is not the best way to surprise your guests. If you have a few years left on your water heater, you probably won’t need to replace it—but you should request maintenance on it. A plumber can inspect your heater for any damage or rust as well as perform a much needed tune-up. That way, your heater can work all winter long.

 

  1. Check for Slow Drains

Slow drains are not only frustrating (and slightly gross if you’re standing in dirty shower water), they can be a sign of clogs. Before any guests arrive, use a drain snake to clear your pipes of any debris. A drain snake is a thin, flexible wire that helps unclog your toilet, sink, and bathroom pipes. If your drain snake isn’t heavy duty enough to handle the clogs or blockages, call your local plumber.

If you can, check the drains occasionally throughout your gatherings and ensure that drains work as intended.

 

  1. Fix Leaks

If you have random pools of water around your toilet, bathtub, or sink, that’s a likely sign that you have a leak. Other signs include wet or moldy patches on your carpet or walls, and higher water bills. Before your holiday party, be sure to fix these leaks as soon as possible. They can cause mold damage, heinous smells, and dismayed guests.

 

  1. Get Your Garbage Disposal Under Control

Every holiday, we talk about the importance of managing what goes into your garbage disposal—but we can’t emphasize it enough. Leave grease, oils, and large chunks of food out of it. Citrus rinds and small pieces of fruits and vegetables are okay to chuck inside. Artichokes, banana peels, corn husks, and other tough or fibrous produce are off limits though. For best results, always be sure to run cold water while you’re using your disposal.

 

  1. Use Your Toilets and Sinks for What They’re Intended

Another easy but important tip to prevent these kinds of disasters. Don’t use your toilets for anything but waste and toilet paper. Feminine hygiene products, flushable wipes, toy trucks, and anything else are off limits. Yes, even flushable wipes—they often don’t degrade and can cause clogs. Don’t use your sinks for food scraps, grease, or oil. Only use them for water and other non-toxic liquids that don’t congeal or solidify (think fruit juice).

 

Call Us for Your Plumbing Disasters

Some way, somehow, someone at your gathering might accidentally violate one of these tips and cause one or two plumbing disasters. That’s what Custom Plumbing of Arizona is here for. We’re available 24/7, even on holidays. Call us at 602-883-2761.

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