Plumbers In Topeka Kansas are skilled tradespeople who install, repair and maintain the systems used for potable water, hot-water production, sewage and drainage in homes, businesses and industrial settings. They work with a variety of tools and materials, and must be able to follow building codes and blueprints.
They also must be comfortable with troubleshooting and problem-solving.
Leaky faucets not only waste water but also cause damage to the surrounding areas of your home. They introduce moisture that can encourage microbial growth. They can also cause pipes to crack and break. The leaks also cause unsightly pools of water and can result in higher utility bills. It is important to repair your leaky faucets as soon as you notice them so that the damage does not worsen.
To fix a leaky faucet, start by shutting off the water supply valves under your sink. Then, dry up any standing water on top of your sink and remove the handle(s) to gain access to the internal components. Before you begin, it is a good idea to pick up a kit that contains all the necessary replacement parts at your local hardware store. This will help you to get started quickly and ensure that the replacement part is an exact match for your existing one.
Once you have removed the handle, you can inspect the components to find the source of the leak. Often, this is caused by worn-out washers or O-rings. Replace these small parts to prevent future problems.
Another common cause of leaking is pitted or corroded valve seats. When this happens, sediment builds up inside the seat and erodes it over time. This causes the seal to degrade and water to seep out. It is important to replace your valve seat as soon as you notice it leaking.
Other problems that can lead to a leaky faucet include loose nuts and bolts, and a worn washer or O-ring. Loose nuts and bolts can be fixed by simply tightening them. If the problem is a worn washer or O-ring, you can usually buy a replacement at your local hardware store. Just be sure to choose a replacement that is an exact match for your current one, and coat it with nontoxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease before installing it.
If the leaky faucet is not caused by any of these issues, it could be a sign that there is a crack or hole in your plumbing pipe underneath the sink. This is a more serious issue that requires professional attention.
Valve Seats
Valve seats are a critical component of the valve system. They form the seal that prevents fluid leakage when a valve is closed. They are also the interface between the stem and the head of the valve. When worn, cracked, or misshapen they can cause a number of problems including loss of compression, valve burning, and valvetrain wear and breakage. It is also possible for worn valve seats to loosen and fall out of the head, causing catastrophic damage.
Replacing valve seats is a fairly involved process, and it should be done only in specific situations. Many engine builders rely on a variety of methods to remove old valve seat inserts from aluminum heads, including putting the head in a cleaning oven to loosen the seats to the point that they may fall out (be careful not to cut all the way through the head and into the counterbore). Some rebuilders use a die grinder to slit and weaken the seat, but this is risky because the sharp edge of the seat can scrape metal off the head during installation and ruin the surface of the head.
When a valve seat is replaced it should be machined to a precise dimension to ensure proper mating with the head and stem, as well as good heat transfer. A machining shop should have a specialized machine that is capable of making these types of corrections. Using a machine that is not properly set up or adjusted can lead to erratic valve seat tolerances, which can reduce the life of the valve seat and increase the likelihood of premature failure.
The valve seat must be as round as possible to provide a tight compression seal and allow for proper valve cooling. It should also be centered with the valve guide to ensure good contact and alignment. The counterbore should be smooth, centered, and flat on the bottom to avoid distortion that can reduce heat flow to the head. A concentricity gauge can be used to check the mating of the seat and guide.
A faulty valve seat is the source of a wide variety of problems, including loss of compression, valve burning, and failure to close. It can also interfere with the cooling of the valve and lead to abrasions on the head and valvetrain. This is a common problem with modern engines that are designed to run very hot, and it can lead to warranty claims.
Faucet Cylinders
Cartridge faucets use a single handle to control hot and cold water flow through the spout. They’re a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms and lavatories, because they offer a wide selection of style options. But like any plumbing fixture, cartridges eventually wear out and need replacement. If you’re experienced with DIY repair, this can be a fairly easy task. If not, you may need a plumber to help you with the installation process.
A few basic tools, including an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver set and needle-nose pliers if necessary, can make the job easier and faster. You’ll also want a new replacement cartridge and a roll of plumber’s tape to seal connections. Before beginning, shut off the water supply to the house, typically a valve located near the main water meter. This will prevent unwanted water from running during the repair and reduce the risk of accidental spills and mess. Also, open the faucet to drain any remaining water in the handle and spout body.
The first step in cartridge removal is to remove the handle and escutcheon cap. This is done by unscrewing the decorative cap and turning the handle counterclockwise to loosen the screw that holds it. Once the handle is removed, you can access the screws holding the disk cylinder and pull it out. Once the cylinder is pulled, remove the neoprene seals with a blunt screwdriver and replace them with fresh ones. Apply a thin coat of nontoxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease to the neoprene seals and O rings before installing them to keep them from wearing out quickly.
In the past, many homeowners used compression washers in their faucets. These are similar to the old Guest & Chrimes valves that were king until into the 1960s, but they’re more prone to wear and leaks than modern alternatives. Fortunately, most home owners have switched to ceramic disc cartridges. These are designed to mimic the valve technologies they replace, but they’re much more durable and don’t require a rubber or silicon seat washer.
The ceramic discs are also very tough and virtually maintenance-free. In fact, some of the newest models last a lifetime with no maintenance at all.
Faucet Seats
Probably the most common cause of leaky faucets is a worn out valve seat. The washer moves back and forth as you turn on the water, and over time this creates friction that can wear down the seat and other parts. When this happens, it may not seal properly, causing a leak. Fortunately, replacing the valve seat is not as difficult as it sounds, and there are several tools that can make the job even easier.
One tool that many plumbers use is a valve seat grinder or dresser, which is an inexpensive tool that can be used to reshape a worn valve seat and help it create a proper seal. Another option is to buy a kit that contains the necessary parts for repairing the faucet (springs, seats and/or a cam). This way you can replace all the working parts at once.
Another important part of the plumber’s toolkit is a thread size gauge. This is a handy little tool that lets you quickly identify the thread pitch and diameter of any pipe or fitting, making it much faster and easier to do plumbing work. This gauge can save plumbers a lot of time and money, so it’s definitely worth having in your toolbox.
Plumbers also use a variety of hand and power tools, including wrenches, pliers, wire cutters, hammers, drills, saws, soldering guns, heat guns and more. As a result, plumbers are at risk for a number of potential injuries. Some of these include exposure to biohazards like raw sewage, when working on sewer pipes; musculoskeletal injuries, from using manual labor and lifting heavy equipment; and exposure to electrical hazards, when working with wiring or electric tools.
Finally, because they are on call to respond to customers’ emergency plumbing needs, plumbers can sometimes be exposed to unanticipated risks. This can include dangerous conditions, such as working in high places or in confined spaces, and exposure to chemicals and other toxins when cleaning up after flooding or sewer backups. Those who are licensed by their state’s board of licensing typically receive training on how to safely handle these types of situations, and are required to follow strict safety guidelines when performing work in potentially hazardous conditions.
