Stop the Drip

Plumbing maintenance has to be carried out from time to time especially on systems that consist moving parts such as taps and the mechanism of cisterns. It is important to inspect these moving parts periodically to ensure that they are operating smoothly. Taps and Stopcocks Plumbing equipment in the home is rarely noticed or appreciated until some thing goes wrong. Regular routine maintenance is required where there are moving parts such as taps, stopcocks, flushing/flouting and cut-off valves. The dripping tap and the faulty overflow are two common problems always experienced in the homes; repair is normally straight forward without major domestic disruption. The most common and irritating fault is that of the dripping tap. Because of the constant use of tap, one must choose highly efficient tap because of its frequent use. There are two type of tap- the bib tap which has horizontal water in-let and the pillar tap with a vertical inlet. Both work on the sane principle, a resilient washer is press down over the valve seat when the tap is tuned down, preventing water flow from inlet to outlet This washer seat loosely at the base of the spindle, the handle attaches to the spindle, when the handle is turned the spindle rises allowing the water pressure to lift the jumper and water to flow. There is another type of jumper that does jump, this is attach to a spindle by a press fit, this is used in situations where water is at low- pressure, and would not raise conventional jumper. This washer is the weak part of the system. It may become worn or the valve seat becomes partially obstructed as a result of foreign particles preventing the washer from correctly seating, leading to the familiar dripping. Before you dismantle dripping tap, first turn on fully, as a sudden force of water may dislodge an obstruction. If t fails you have to turn off the water mains and dismantle the tap for repairs. Before starting, assemble all the tools and materials you may require so as to minimize domestic dislocation. If kitchen tap is involved or concerned you should turn off the main stopcock. This stop cock should be inspected occasionally. Never leave it fully open or it may jam. Grease the stem periodically to ensure that it can operate quickly and smoothly in the case of emergency.

Plastic Water Storage Tank in Tropical Region: Advantages and Disadvantages.

Production of local plastic water Tank came into existence in African Region in Late 1980’s. Before this period the commonly used storage vessels were the welded steel water tank and the Galvanized tank. The steel or the galvanized usually used were of the thickness of 16 gauge which could serve up to six to ten years or more if care was taken to wash the inner tank and paint once a year. The cleaning, washing, drying and painting of steel, galvanized tanks prolong the life span, and that of any materials made of each, either for the sheets used for gates, fences or other domestic and industrial use.In some cases some people give much greater care to wire brush, scrap and paint these steel or galvanized wares up to two times per year; these special cares prolong the life time because the scrapping off of rust and renewed painting makes them to glitter and shine.The introduction of plastic Water tanks brought a great relief to the modern plumber especially those in Africa. The introduction removed the hard work associated with lifting up of steel tank manually to a height of twelve meter with ordinary rope, the weight of the plastic water of 1000litres weighs almost a quarter of the nearly phased out steel or galvanized water tank. The price of plastic water tank is cheaper as well as the installation cost.Therefore the conveyance of 1000litres of galvanized or steel tank which takes four men to lift to required height now takes two persons lift to the required position.Plastic DurabilityThe fact that plastic tank lasts longer years is true. Washing it twice a year to remove impurities from water, keeps the water tank free and clean.To have firm base for the over head water tank, considerable scaffolding structure should be erected, with the tank base having five or six iron crossing and flat sheet of 1.5mx1.5m on top for the water tank to stay upon. This will afford a nice base which can last 20 to 30 years or beyond.

Problems Associated With Plastic Water Tank in Africa

Due to our hot climate in so many African countries, the plastic tank when beaten by the sun causes the water inside to become warm. Not only that, plastic water tank made of white, yellow, Red, blue, causes a lot of problems when used. When the sun beats the plastic tank with water inside, made of the above mentioned colors it forms greenish substances called “algae”. The most badly affected are yellow, white, and Red colored tanks. This substance after growing on the inside walls of the tank peels and falls to the bottom of the plastic tanks and with help of the water volume in the tank it goes into the distribution pipe-line which many a time causes water blockages. At some places you will see green particles coming out from the tap whenever the tap is turned on. This irritating particle causes people to ask what has gone wrong. Solution for Algae growth inside the water tank: 1. Constant washing of such colored plastic tanks will reduce the growth and minimized it. 2. Painting the outer body of such colored tanks with black bituminous paint and repeating when the paint wears out. 3. Complete replacement of such colored water tanks. Arrangement is been made to inform manufacturers of such water tanks to stick to production of black colored tank only, which is not affected by algae even if ,left unwashed for two years. But I recommend that black plastic tanks should be washed at least twice a year for hygienic purposes.

Do it Yourself Repairs For Your Plumbing System -Clogged Pipes and Sewage Blockage.

Sewage blockage can be extremely dangerous to your health. If you are experiencing sewage backing up into your toilets, bath tubs, and showers, it is time to call your plumber. Sewage contains germs such as E. coli (causative organism for thyphoid fever), Cryptosporidium, Hepatitis A, and Shigella, so it must be cleaned up and the plumbing system repaired immediately.
Before the arrival of the Plumbers, begin to clean up the area with a solution of one cup bleach to every five gallons of water. Keep children, the elderly, and pets away from the area, and wear long pants, eyewear, gloves and boots. Wash your hands afterwards with soap and clean warm water. You can help keep sewage from backing up i.e. coming in, into your home by limiting the amount of water going down the drain.

Some of the reasons for the blockage might be: women’s pad, children’s pants, rags, toys (thrown in by children), rabbits digging hole into the chambers, etc.

It may be a clog between the shower and toilet, or the waste line may be plugged. Whatever the cause, protecting you and your family from harmful waste needs to be your first concern.

Symptoms from being exposed to sewage may include diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, chills, and vomiting. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

You must also clean all items and surfaces that were touched by the sewage, including children's toys, by using use one cup of unscented household bleach to every five gallons of water. Throw away items that cannot be washed and cleaned (such as mattresses, stuffed animals, baby toys, and wood cutting boards) and food that may have come in contact with sewage water.

If the sewage blocks the shower area, try using a k-rod. A one quarter inch k-rod that is 25 feet is the best bet. It will move more easily through the line. You may find that the shower trap gets backed up, while the toilet in the same bathroom does not. This is due to the fact that the toilet trap is typically about six inches above the floor level, whereas the typical shower drain is installed level with the floor.

Sometimes, you may be unable to clear this blockage yourself, and then call in a professional plumber. They will be able to clean up the leaked sewage thoroughly, as well as find out exactly where the clog is located. Unless you know what you are doing when you try to do your own plumbing repairs, it is generally wise to let the professionals handle it, to begin with and then you may copy their cleaning method if such re-occurs.

How To Fix Home Plumbing Problems With Ease.

From time to time, leaking faucets, clogged drains and faulty pipes - is there any hope of getting some respite from the minefield of home plumbing problems? That's the kind of plaintive wail that resonates across homes all over the world. Is there any hope, homeowners search relentlessly for some sort of respite from these problems?

These problems can be countered without falling prey to the guiles of plumbing professionals and their horrendous costs. A few plumbing tools and some patience ensure the blueprint for sparkling success.

Five Rules For Success
Routine plumbing problems around the house do not signify the beginning of woe. Here's how you can go about conducting minor repairs yourself without incurring huge cost of materials and manpower:

Before you embark on any kind of repair work, make sure you are armed with proper plumbing tools. Make a beeline to the nearest plumbing supplies store and pick basic tools like an auger, a plunger, a Philips screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, pipe wrenches, slip-joint and needle nose pliers, compression nuts and rings and faucet seats.

Familiarize yourself with the location and functioning of the shut-off valve of every fixture, as well as the main shut-off valve in the house. You will need to turn off the water supply during all repair projects.

If the problem occurs in a particular fixture, you'll need to close the valve of that fixture only, generally located beneath the fixture, by turning it clockwise. What if that fixture does not have a valve of its own? Simple, then all you do is close the main shut-off valve in the house.

To get to the root of a leaky faucet, you'll have to take off the faucet handle with a screwdriver, followed by the screw cap that secures the stem with an adjustable wrench. All this with a great deal of patience and limited force, so that you don't damage the faucet.

In some faucets, the washers may have to be replaced to stop the leak, while in washerless faucets, the 'O' rings may be the cause of your anxiety.

This tips is enough to kick start your mini repairs at home easily without incurring cost and it will even become a vocational exercise of some sort that brings fun alongside with it.

AFRI-PLUMBING EXPO.

My name is Chris Marizu,a member of COREN(the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria), a down-to-earth Plumbing & Water Engineer from Nigeria. I want to share with you my experience as an Engineer from African background,new developments in this noble industry as well as proffer solution to the plumbing challenges you are having with a sound consultancy service.

You are welcome to this online journal and please,make a comment before you leave this site.

Regards,
CHRIS.