Alert
How to clean clogged sink
Keeping your drains clean not only saves you a headache by preventing an unpleasant drain clog, but it also protects you and your family from harmful bacteria, infestations of drain insects, and odors originating in your home’s drains and plumbing systems.
When a drain clogs, you can attempt to unclog the pipe with simple home solutions without calling a plumbing company, but it is always important to remember certain safety measures when taking on do-it-yourself plumbing projects.
Why Are Clogged Drains Harmful to Health?
The worst case scenario caused by blockages in drains is sewage back-flow, but even when the clogging is minor and no sewage is present, other problems like drain insects breeding on the insides of the pipes and persistent drain odors threaten the well-being of your household.
Backed-up Drains and Sewage
If at any time you notice sewage backing up in your shower drain or bathroom drains, you should take caution to minimize exposure to the contaminant because it contains numerous bacteria that cause disease. Immediately protect yourself by following this check list:
1. Make sure children, pets and the elderly are not allowed in the exposed area; they are the most vulnerable to bacteria threatening health.
2. When in contact with sewage backing up from the clogged drain, use gloves and a face mask, and avoid skin contact with the material
3. Clean up the contaminated area and every item that came to contact with the sewage (especially toys) with diluted bleach (1 cup bleach for every 5 gallons of water)
4. Be sure to carefully wash your hands with soap after treating the sewage from the clogged drain
5. If you or a family member has symptoms such as fever, chills, or vomiting, it is a sign of exposure to sewage, and medical attention may be needed.
Drains Flies and Insect Infestations in Drains
Drain flies, also called moth flies or sewer flies, breed in drains, and while they do not bite, they sometimes spread bacteria and microorganisms from the location of breeding around your home. Cleaning drains professionally not only eliminates clogs, but will also make sure that the breeding areas for drain flies are disinfected. You can also locate the drain or drain trap where the flies are coming from, and use an appropriate drain cleaner meant for removing organic debris from the interior of the pipes.
Drain FlyIn homes, the most common areas for drain flies to breed in are the bathroom drains, most likely the shower drain. You can place masking tape on the drain opening, and if numerous flies get caught, you have probably found the source. Beware that the flies might not be coming from just one drain, but areas like sump pump pits and sewers in the basement are also common homes for the drain flies.
Regular drain cleaning ensures that your drains remain free from odors, insect infestations, and minor clogs. Clogged drains are only one of the nuisances involving drains, and protecting the health of the members of your household requires keeping the plumbing in your home running smoothly, even if that means calling in the pros every now and then.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Minnesota Plumbing Codes Conflict
Editor’s note: The following is a response to “New plumbing code for Minnesota? Them’s fightin’ words,” which appeared in Finance & Commerce on May 19. It represents the views of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), the group that developed the Uniform Plumbing Code and a key player in the state effort.
While we applaud Finance & Commerce’s effort to bring the state plumbing code issue to the public’s attention with its May 19 coverage, we believe the story included inaccuracies that must be corrected.
To give the reader a more balanced view of what’s happening with the code, we want to highlight some myths we believe the article created and provide our view of the facts:
Myth: A “plumbing code war” in Minnesota is pitting contractors, unions, building operators, owners, designers, and others against each other.
Fact: The state Plumbing Board’s goal is to maintain the best possible code by using a familiar format that’s based on the latest technology for the plumbing systems while protecting public safety. Far from creating conflict, this will eliminate the need for extensive training and education.
Myth: The issue is to replace Minnesota’s homegrown plumbing code with one of two international codes — the International Plumbing Code (IPC) or the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Fact: There has been only one proposal to replace Minnesota’s homegrown plumbing code. It was initiated by the International Code Council (ICC) utilizing a local building inspector in early 2010. The actual request document asks the Board to “repeal” and “replace” the existing code with the International Plumbing Code (IPC). Our group, IAPMO, requested that the Board consider the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and our association’s Green Plumbing Supplement as the basis for updating the state code. This is what the Plumbing Board decided to do by two-thirds majority vote. At no cost to the state or public, we’re working with the board and the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry to merge the existing Minnesota Plumbing and the Uniform Plumbing. We submit each draft for review to Labor & Industry officials and the Plumbing Board. The final decision for any revisions rests with the department.
Myth: Plumbing contractors and the board prefer the UPC because it sells more plumbing.
Fact: Plumbing contractors and the board do prefer the UPC. So do many others, such as plumbing inspectors. Besides being very similar, the state code and the UPC share the same philosophy that all plumbing provisions should be in one place and that place is the plumbing code. Plumbing is plumbing and residential plumbing is no less important than commercial plumbing. However, this is not the case with the IPC, which applies only to commercial buildings, and the International Residential Code is applicable to residential construction. Additionally, those two documents conflict in many areas. The user would have to learn two codes to cover commercial and residential. Furthermore, the IPC references six other codes that would otherwise be covered by the UPC. Buying the necessary documents and getting training makes this a very expensive proposition for a plumber, inspector, designer, or homeowner.
Myth: Because of the other codes adopted in the state, the only logical choice for Minnesota is the IPC.
Fact: Statements like this by some organizations are uninformed. Each ICC code is developed concurrently by one or more committees and supported by different staff members. A number of them are out-sourced or obtained from other organizations. With regard to plumbing, the IPC is not the predominant code in 26 states. There are numerous examples of codes developed by local authorities and our organization that are widely adopted and that work well with the International Building Code.
Myth: The Minnesota Plumbing Board is unwilling to consider the ICC’s arguments or the IPC, and “stonewalled” an ICC lobbyist.
Fact: After a review in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Minnesota determined the IPC is not a suitable plumbing code for the state. More recently, the plumbing board established a code committee after receiving a formal request from ICC to repeal the existing code and adopt the IPC. All meetings of the board and subcommittees had public meeting notices. In addition, both the ICC and our organization made at least two presentations and had the opportunity to attend all subcommittee meetings that addressed this very issue, as well as the regular board meetings.
Myth: The “fixture” count will cost Minnesota upwards of $6,000 per building with the UPC.
Fact: In the example cited in the story, the reason for the disparity in the fixture count is not because of needless additional fixtures to pad labor and building cost, but rather to respond to the research performed by the Stevens Institute of Technology and American Society of Plumbing Engineers that concludes that women require more plumbing fixtures due to the differences in how fixtures are utilized and wait times. The research also forms the basis for recommendations made by the American Restroom Association and the Journal of Planning Literature.
Myth: The IPC is a “greener” code.
Fact: Quite the opposite is true. IAPMO currently publishes the most advanced green plumbing code in the United States. The ICC is offering a draft document not yet formally approved by their organization or Board of Directors. The 2012 UPC will be the most sustainable plumbing code ever published. Green is nothing new; in fact, the UPC has been green for decades, with provisions for gray water reuse and establishing water consumption limits for plumbing fixtures and fittings. In 2012, the UPC will have numerous substantive changes that raise the sustainability bar even higher, while maintaining health, safety and reliability.
While we applaud Finance & Commerce’s effort to bring the state plumbing code issue to the public’s attention with its May 19 coverage, we believe the story included inaccuracies that must be corrected.
To give the reader a more balanced view of what’s happening with the code, we want to highlight some myths we believe the article created and provide our view of the facts:
Myth: A “plumbing code war” in Minnesota is pitting contractors, unions, building operators, owners, designers, and others against each other.
Fact: The state Plumbing Board’s goal is to maintain the best possible code by using a familiar format that’s based on the latest technology for the plumbing systems while protecting public safety. Far from creating conflict, this will eliminate the need for extensive training and education.
Myth: The issue is to replace Minnesota’s homegrown plumbing code with one of two international codes — the International Plumbing Code (IPC) or the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Fact: There has been only one proposal to replace Minnesota’s homegrown plumbing code. It was initiated by the International Code Council (ICC) utilizing a local building inspector in early 2010. The actual request document asks the Board to “repeal” and “replace” the existing code with the International Plumbing Code (IPC). Our group, IAPMO, requested that the Board consider the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and our association’s Green Plumbing Supplement as the basis for updating the state code. This is what the Plumbing Board decided to do by two-thirds majority vote. At no cost to the state or public, we’re working with the board and the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry to merge the existing Minnesota Plumbing and the Uniform Plumbing. We submit each draft for review to Labor & Industry officials and the Plumbing Board. The final decision for any revisions rests with the department.
Myth: Plumbing contractors and the board prefer the UPC because it sells more plumbing.
Fact: Plumbing contractors and the board do prefer the UPC. So do many others, such as plumbing inspectors. Besides being very similar, the state code and the UPC share the same philosophy that all plumbing provisions should be in one place and that place is the plumbing code. Plumbing is plumbing and residential plumbing is no less important than commercial plumbing. However, this is not the case with the IPC, which applies only to commercial buildings, and the International Residential Code is applicable to residential construction. Additionally, those two documents conflict in many areas. The user would have to learn two codes to cover commercial and residential. Furthermore, the IPC references six other codes that would otherwise be covered by the UPC. Buying the necessary documents and getting training makes this a very expensive proposition for a plumber, inspector, designer, or homeowner.
Myth: Because of the other codes adopted in the state, the only logical choice for Minnesota is the IPC.
Fact: Statements like this by some organizations are uninformed. Each ICC code is developed concurrently by one or more committees and supported by different staff members. A number of them are out-sourced or obtained from other organizations. With regard to plumbing, the IPC is not the predominant code in 26 states. There are numerous examples of codes developed by local authorities and our organization that are widely adopted and that work well with the International Building Code.
Myth: The Minnesota Plumbing Board is unwilling to consider the ICC’s arguments or the IPC, and “stonewalled” an ICC lobbyist.
Fact: After a review in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Minnesota determined the IPC is not a suitable plumbing code for the state. More recently, the plumbing board established a code committee after receiving a formal request from ICC to repeal the existing code and adopt the IPC. All meetings of the board and subcommittees had public meeting notices. In addition, both the ICC and our organization made at least two presentations and had the opportunity to attend all subcommittee meetings that addressed this very issue, as well as the regular board meetings.
Myth: The “fixture” count will cost Minnesota upwards of $6,000 per building with the UPC.
Fact: In the example cited in the story, the reason for the disparity in the fixture count is not because of needless additional fixtures to pad labor and building cost, but rather to respond to the research performed by the Stevens Institute of Technology and American Society of Plumbing Engineers that concludes that women require more plumbing fixtures due to the differences in how fixtures are utilized and wait times. The research also forms the basis for recommendations made by the American Restroom Association and the Journal of Planning Literature.
Myth: The IPC is a “greener” code.
Fact: Quite the opposite is true. IAPMO currently publishes the most advanced green plumbing code in the United States. The ICC is offering a draft document not yet formally approved by their organization or Board of Directors. The 2012 UPC will be the most sustainable plumbing code ever published. Green is nothing new; in fact, the UPC has been green for decades, with provisions for gray water reuse and establishing water consumption limits for plumbing fixtures and fittings. In 2012, the UPC will have numerous substantive changes that raise the sustainability bar even higher, while maintaining health, safety and reliability.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Green Kitchen
2011 Green Kitchen trends will continue to take off in 2011. This is true for materials and appliances used in the kitchen, but also for cooking practices and techniques. We touched on the kitchen décor trend of using more natural and sustainable kitchen materials in 2011. But the green kitchen trend is also about using energy-efficient appliances, and minimizing overall energy usage and waste in the kitchen itself.
It’s been calculated that more energy is used in the kitchen than in any other room of the house. This great amount of energy use is mainly attributed to refrigerators and ovens, but inefficient dishwashers, toasters, blenders, coffeemakers and microwaves all contribute as well. If you have the means in your 2011 kitchen budget, consider purchasing new kitchen appliances with high energy-star ratings and re-selling or repurposing your old appliances.
According to the Energy Star website, their fridges are required to use 20% less energy than non-energy star models. You can also buy energy star-certified dishwashers, freezers and more, at major kitchen appliance retailers.
In addition to selecting energy-efficient kitchen appliances in 2011, many homeowners will be making a greater effort to reduce and reuse (we hope you’re already recycling!). Kitchen composting systems will become more common and desirable. It’s estimated that most families waste about 25% of food purchased, or throw away $590-$600 worth of food every year. By cutting out impulsive food purchases and introducing a home composting system to your kitchen, your family can save money and minimize waste in 2011.
Low-flow kitchen faucets are another way of conserving in your 2011 kitchen. Faucets from Toto, Kohler, Grohe and American Standard are estimated to conserve water consumption by as much as 30%. Low-flow faucets and spigots are also now available in many attractive styles and materials, like polished chrome, bronze and nickel—so your 2011 eco-friendly kitchen can conserve while still exuding class.
It’s been calculated that more energy is used in the kitchen than in any other room of the house. This great amount of energy use is mainly attributed to refrigerators and ovens, but inefficient dishwashers, toasters, blenders, coffeemakers and microwaves all contribute as well. If you have the means in your 2011 kitchen budget, consider purchasing new kitchen appliances with high energy-star ratings and re-selling or repurposing your old appliances.
According to the Energy Star website, their fridges are required to use 20% less energy than non-energy star models. You can also buy energy star-certified dishwashers, freezers and more, at major kitchen appliance retailers.
In addition to selecting energy-efficient kitchen appliances in 2011, many homeowners will be making a greater effort to reduce and reuse (we hope you’re already recycling!). Kitchen composting systems will become more common and desirable. It’s estimated that most families waste about 25% of food purchased, or throw away $590-$600 worth of food every year. By cutting out impulsive food purchases and introducing a home composting system to your kitchen, your family can save money and minimize waste in 2011.
Low-flow kitchen faucets are another way of conserving in your 2011 kitchen. Faucets from Toto, Kohler, Grohe and American Standard are estimated to conserve water consumption by as much as 30%. Low-flow faucets and spigots are also now available in many attractive styles and materials, like polished chrome, bronze and nickel—so your 2011 eco-friendly kitchen can conserve while still exuding class.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Trends in Backflow Prevention
To revive a quote from the Clinton/Bush election era, “It’s the economy, stupid!” Businesses in backflow prevention and construction are reacting to the shift in the economic realities of the last few years. Those that are waiting for a return or rebound to old levels are in for a long wait. Business as we know it has changed and so, too, must we — and the products we sell. The hydraulic conditions of backflow (backpressure and backsiphonage) are still running rampant in our piping systems. Products are being influenced by two key economic factors, the economy and legislation.
Recent legislative changes have led to a dramatic change in products being brought to market. In California and Vermont, new laws requiring a lower percentage of lead in bronze were enacted on January 1, 2010. Federal and state governments have always known the hazards of lead and have required lead free products. The problem was that the definition of “lead free” was not clear. Some federal requirements for backflow preventers and other plumbing products stated that bronze “shall contain less than 8.0% by composition to be considered lead free.”
In an effort to further remove exposure to lead, California and Vermont defined “lead free” at the lower level of 0.25% of the exposed wetted area. Although many people may say, “Who cares what they do in California?” the problem is that on January 5, 2011, the 112th Congress of the United States passed an amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SB-3874) requiring the federal definition to mirror the California and Vermont legislation. The federal requirement takes effect January 5, 2014; all bronze plumbing products, including backflow preventers, will have to change by that date.
Since before the Roman Empire ruled the world, lead has been used in bronze to improve the alloy. Lead has certain properties that make bronze a well-rounded, usable alloy. The reduction in allowable lead content has caused manufacturers to look for new metals to replace the 8% of lead to form an economical and easy to use bronze alloy. Some manufacturers are even looking at alternative non-bronze alloys, such as stainless steel and engineered polymers, to assure that their products are in compliance. These new materials, however, require significant increases in machining and manufacturing costs.
Backflow prevention manufacturers have always been under pressure to produce a reliable product more economically. Anyone can design something cheaper, but the product must still work to prevent hydraulic backflow. To assure their reliability, an approval process for all backflow prevention products has become mandatory. The Foundation for Cross Connection Control & Hydraulic Research at the Engineering School of the University of Southern California has become the internationally recognized expert on approval of these products. Their work and research have guided manufacturers in developing reliable products.
Once the products are approved, cost must be taken into consideration. Manufacturers have tried to provide features that reduce installation costs. Making these products lighter and more compact means that they require less physical space and equipment for installation in a piping system. This smaller, more compact size makes it possible to use smaller valve enclosures and freeze protection when needed, thus lowering the average installation cost.
Historically, backflow preventers utilized a horizontal installation orientation. This caused the larger assemblies (4" – 10") to take up several running feet of installation space in a piping system. New approvals allow certain assemblies to flip that horizontal body into a vertical orientation, following the piping up a wall. This sounds simple, but many assemblies arbitrarily taken from a horizontal to a vertical installation hydraulically will not prevent backflow. The demand for vertical orientation has caused manufacturers to address this feature in their designs.
The cost of maintenance is becoming another factor that contractors are evaluating and manufacturers are addressing. It is labor and material intensive to repair most older designs in the field. Field repair of newer designs is becoming far less labor and material intensive. Unfortunately, when business was good, some contractors, not well trained in backflow preventer repair, would mistakenly tell their customers that it is cheaper to replace small assemblies (1/2" – 2"). As the economy has shifted, these same customers are questioning these statements and finding better educated contractors who can repair, rather than replace, installed assemblies when possible.
For a couple more years, backflow preventers will contain leaded bronze. For decades, bronze has been recycled through scrap dealers. The ever-increasing cost of copper (the major ingredient in bronze) has led to a proliferation of theft of installed backflow preventers and of other copper and bronze plumbing and electrical items. The most common theft has occurred on irrigation installations. Thieves remove the assemblies, and nobody realizes the irrigation is off until the sprinkler system is needed or until plant material dries up. Many new theft prevention devices, such as lockable enclosures, are coming to the market.
In any industry, trends can be short or long. The trend for more economical manufacturing, installation and maintenance of backflow preventers will continue beyond good and bad economic times. The education of contractors who install and repair backflow preventers will help them to be more efficient. In the past, manufacturers produced products they could make easily and economically. New design features are forcing manufacturers to talk to their customers and to provide the product features they want to see.
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