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Murray, I'm trying to hook up water lines to a laundry tub faucet, keeps leaking, Bob Novi, MI
Q. Murray, I'm trying to hook up water lines to a laundry tub faucet, it keeps leaking how do I stop the leak. I have been trying to use C-PVC pipe and fittings. But every time, the fittings have leaked around the threads, where they screw on to the faucet. I have used C-PVC pipe and fitting before, with no trouble. But on the others, I have used PTFE tape on the threads. Should I use the tape on these? I thought I had them too loose, so I tightened them. Or would I be better off with copper fittings and pipe, and hooking them into the CPVC with a Quest fitting? Bob M, South Lyon, MI
A. Most faucet connections for sinks are straight threads, and pipe threads are tapered. You probably need a supply tube to make the connection. This goes between the shut-off valve and the faucet as done on kitchen and bath sinks. You can get flexible stainless steel hoses that have rubber washers to do this. Good Luck, Murray Gula
Murray, I'm trying to hook up water lines to a laundry tub faucet, keeps leaking, Bob Novi, MI
Q. Murray, I'm trying to hook up water lines to a laundry tub faucet, it keeps leaking how do I stop the leak. I have been trying to use C-PVC pipe and fittings. But every time, the fittings have leaked around the threads, where they screw on to the faucet. I have used C-PVC pipe and fitting before, with no trouble. But on the others, I have used PTFE tape on the threads. Should I use the tape on these? I thought I had them too loose, so I tightened them. Or would I be better off with copper fittings and pipe, and hooking them into the CPVC with a Quest fitting? Bob M, South Lyon, MI
A. Most faucet connections for sinks are straight threads, and pipe threads are tapered. You probably need a supply tube to make the connection. This goes between the shut-off valve and the faucet as done on kitchen and bath sinks. You can get flexible stainless steel hoses that have rubber washers to do this. Good Luck, Murray Gula
Hi Murray. I have a 6 1/2 yr old single family house. No hot water distribution except to washing machine, so I know the hot water heater works. HELP! Have tried all sinks and other appliances, Thanks Jack, Novi MI
You need picture-hanging hardware that are strong enough to support the weight of the mirrors. Figure out how much the mirrors weigh each, then go to Home Depot and look for the picture hanging hardware in the hardware aisle. They comes packaged for diffrent weight. For heavy mirrors, I recommend getting a packaged set which consists of hooks, screws with eyelets and steel wires. Alternatively, you can buy the steel wire separately and cut them to length as needed. Don't use nail to hang your mirrors unless you are nailing to a stud. For the most part, you will be hanging your mirrors on drywall, so it is important to get the picture hanging hooks. By nature of their design, they will hold the weight of your mirrors. The hooks can support anywhere from 20 lbs to 150 lbs. Find two locations on the back of the mirror to screw the eyelet screws. Make sure that you screw the screws on the wood frame, not on the back of the mirror itself. Then tie a piece of steel wire on the screws, making it very slack so that when hung, the wire makes an inverted flat V. You also need to attach the wire about three-quarter way up the back of the mirror. If the mirror is wide and heavy, use two hooks about 12 inches apart on the wall. To hang the mirror, stand on a chair or stepladder. It helps if you can have someone hand you the mirror while you are standing on the step ladder. Murray
What happens when roots get inside sewer lines?
If not disturbed, the roots will completely fill the pipe with multiple hair-like root masses at each point of entry. The root masses quickly become clogged with toilet tissue, grease and other debris flowing from homes and businesses to the main sewer, resulting in reduced flow and slowed drains. A complete blockage may occur if the roots are not removed and root growth impeded.
Once roots have entered the pipe, they continue to grow and expand, exerting considerable pressure at the crack or joint. The increased pressure often breaks the pipe and may result in total collapse, which requires repair or replacement.
Some pipe materials are more susceptible to root intrusion than others. Clay tile pipe is easily penetrated and damaged by tree roots. Concrete pipe and PVC pipe may also allow root intrusion, but to a lesser extent than clay pipe. PVC pipe usually has fewer joints and the tightly fitted joints are less likely to leak as a result of settlement around the pipe.
What can I do to regularly to help avoid plumbing problems in my bathroom?
These helpful hints should help keep the plumbing in your bathroom running efficiently.
• Once a week run hot water down the drain to help keep it free-flowing.
• Repair leaky faucets to avoid further damage to the fixtures and faucets.
• Tubs and showers should be fitted with strainers that catch hair and soap chips. Clean the strainers regularly.
• To remove unsightly mineral deposits on your shower head, put one cup of vinegar in a plastic bag and place it over the shower head. Hold it in place with a twist tie and let stand overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and wipe off the mineral deposits with a damp cloth.
• Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket. Do not flush facial tissue, sanitary products or diapers as they do not dissolve and can clog the lines. Keep a trash container in each bathroom.
Showerhead Maintenance:
• Showerheads develop uneven spray when the holes become clogged with mineral deposits from the water. To clean:
• Unscrew swivel ball nut - you will need adjustable wrench or channel-type pliers. (Hint: to protect the finish from scratches, first wrap the jaws of the tool with masking tape.)
• Unscrew collar nut from showerhead.
• Gently clean the outlet and inlet holes of the showerhead using a thin wire.
• Flush the head with clean water.
Back up sump pump
Q: We just went through a horrible flooded basement experience when our sump pump failed last week. We were out of town for a couple of days at a wedding and we returned home to a tremendous mess. My finished basement was ruined and I didn’t realize that my homeowners insurance didn’t cover sump pump failures. What can I do to make sure that this doesn’t happen again?
A: You can have a back up sump pump installed. They have both water powered and battery back up systems available today. - Murray
TIP: Help stop clogged drain pipes.
Q: If you have a clogged drain, try this tip
A: Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of vinegar; dissolve then pour into your drain followed by boiling water. Great fix, works well if you let stand for a while, also can be used as a clog preventer in your drainpipes several times a year. Murray G.
Sump Pump not pumping!
Q: I have a problem with the pipe coming out of the sump pump, the output pipe is not letting the water out, I had a plumber snake the pipe for $150 he put the snake down and he hit dirt, he said he is going to have to replace the piping for $2500? I can’t afford this, what should I do. Please help. Olga in Livonia.
A: For now you can have your sump pump hooked up to a 4 inch pipe with a flexible discharge hose going into it! This will allow a drain off till a plumber can put in an underground system for you. A new French drain can be installed for a lot less money. Buy the way you can no longer hook up your sump to the underground city system. I would call Concrete and Waterproofing Solutions 866-515-9196 to give you a price to fix your system. They do this kind of work and are very good to work with. Good Luck, Murray
Ask Murray...
For years, Metro Detroit has relied on Murray Gula and his firsthand knowledge of home improvement. Now Murray has brought together a team to help you with your home improvement problems. To find someone who can help, select a category from the list on the left, or click here to ask Murray a question!
