Often homeowners have a narrow view of what a plumber does and does not do. In today’s world, where many purchase plumbing fixtures and appliances online, it can become confusing as to whom to call when they are ready for installation.
In addition, many view plumbers as someone you call when a pipe is leaking or a toilet is blocked, but they are not necessarily the first person people think about when they need a clothes dryer installed.
In this article, we will attempt to clear up the plumbing landscape so you will have a clear idea of what a plumber is trained and licensed to do and how ongoing training and dedication to their profession have a huge impact on the safety and comfort of your home.
Why Call A Plumber?
When you are preparing to upgrade a bathroom or replace your kitchen, some homeowners rely on their general contractor to complete all aspects of their renovation, from tiling the floors to lighting and, unfortunately, the plumbing. This can be a serious mistake.
Codes And Regulations
Every area of the country has plumbing codes and regulations that must be strictly adhered to to ensure the job is done safely and not put the well-being of the inhabitants at risk. Regularly scheduled inspections protect homeowners from improperly installed plumbing fixtures, appliances, and other related plumbing installations, but the system is not foolproof.
A licensed professional plumber is the only person who should be trusted with installing, repairing, or replacing plumbing components. Otherwise, seemingly inconsequential errors may become future plumbing disasters or require poorly installed plumbing to be torn out to correct the mistakes. Both of these consequences are time-consuming and financially draining.
Continuing Education
To stay abreast of exploding technological advances and state-of-the-art appliances and fixtures takes a concentrated effort. Professional plumbers take pride in their certifications by investing in training to offer superior fixture and appliance installations, amongst other plumbing needs.
Advanced Knowledge And Skills
When retrofitting plumbing or designing an addition, nothing can compare to the knowledge and expertise of a trained professional plumber. No matter the obstacles, a certified plumber will easily be equipped to devise several solutions to overcome any issues and guide homeowners smoothly through the process.
A professional plumber can tackle complicated installations of advanced appliances and new-fangled plumbing fixtures. Their experience is a priceless commodity that should never be devalued.
Proper Equipment
Although general contractors own their fair share of plumbing tools, some more specialized equipment can be extremely expensive and not worth their investment. Hiring a licensed professional plumber guarantees the equipment needed to install your new plumbing correctly will be available, and they will have been trained in the proper operation of each tool.
Plumbing Fixtures And Appliances Plumbers Install
Several fixtures are commonly associated with plumbing, such as toilets and sinks, but there is a separate class of fixtures known as appliances that they are trained to install as well. Here we will cover the most common fixtures and appliances professional plumbers install.
Showers And Tubs
Showers and tubs need to be installed by plumbers who understand the dangers of hidden water leaks. Poor installation of tiles, caulk, water supply lines, and drains can lead to structural damage and possible health-related issues.
Faucets
A professional plumber best handles faucet installation. This seemingly simple task is often completed by homeowners who want to save a few dollars. Often these money-saving efforts cost far more when a professional must follow up to repair sloppy installation techniques.
Bidets and Urinals
The plumbing behind these plumbing appliances is not as simple as you might imagine, so hiring a plumber is essential. These are not frequently seen in most homes, but they add a sense of luxury to a bathroom, and more and more are being installed today.
Washers and Dryers
Washing machines have two water inlet valves, drains, and laundry tubs which all benefit from professional installation. An improperly installed washer can easily flood the laundry room floor and cause extensive damage, especially when located on the second floor.
Dryers that run on natural gas need the expertise of a licensed and insured plumber. Gas installations should never be considered DIY projects. The consequences are simply too dire.
Freezers And Refrigerators
These appliances frequently have built-in ice makers and water dispensers, which require a water line to be installed. Incorrect practices can lead to minute leaks that are difficult to detect and can drip for a long period of time. This can encourage rot and unhealthy mold growth.
Garbage Disposals
Although not in every home, a garbage disposal is best installed by a plumber to ensure a watertight seal and correct connection between the sink and disposal.
Dishwashers
Many insurance companies will not cover damage resulting from poor installation. Although this appliance appears straightforward to install, we highly discourage it.
Sinks And Toilets
Installing sinks and toilets are two projects everyone associates with plumbers. Be certain to hire one when installing these fixtures, or you could be facing a sewer smell invasion of your living spaces or drains that refuse to empty.
Water Heaters
Not every issue with a water heater will require you to replace yours, and knowing the right next move is important. An experienced plumber can advise you on your options and install a new heater correctly if needed.
Water Softeners Or Filtration Systems
With environmental health at the forefront of the news, installing a filtration system is popular. Not only does it reduce the number of plastic water bottles being purchased, but it also guarantees contaminants and pollutants are removed from your drinking water.
More than 85% of homes across the US have hard water, and hard water is damaging to plumbing pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Installing a water softener is a way to prolong the life of a plumbing system while improving the quality of your water.
Hot Water Dispensers
Instant hot water to make a cup of tea or to bring an oatmeal breakfast fast to the table is a real luxury enjoyed in some homes. Plumbers know how to install these to ensure safety and compliance with all plumbing codes associated with this appliance.
Although this is a small sampling of the fixtures and appliances a professional plumber is trained to install, the objective of this article was to increase awareness of the many projects with which a plumber can assist you.
Looking For Professional Installation Of Plumbing Fixtures And Appliances?
Now that you understand a plumber’s commitment to excellence and their vast knowledge about installing many fixtures and appliances, you will be more inquisitive when designing and planning plumbing-related projects. It may be easier to let the general contractor do all of the work, but it will likely cause problems in the future that easily could have been avoided.
If you take your home improvements seriously and you desire to create a home that is comfortable and safe, we recommend you give us a call today!
We guarantee the plumbing improvements at your home will be completed promptly, correctly, and efficiently because we have the experience and expertise to handle many projects you may never have even associated with the plumbing profession.
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Why Does My Shower Floor Feel Soft?
A shower floor that feels soft is undoubtedly a floor that has been invaded by leaking water. Water can work its way behind tiles and under shower bases, causing a breakdown in the supporting structure. This decay is recognized through a soft-feeling floor.
A shower floor supports an enormous amount of weight from the materials used to construct it. Wooden subflooring, plywood, and drywall are covered in a waterproof sealant, and then a decorative layer is added for style and design purposes. The weight of these components adds up quickly, and when you add a human to the mix, you can understand why a well-maintained support structure is important.
In this article, we will learn about shower substructures and popular materials used to finish wall and floor areas. We will then examine the different ways water can find its way underneath these aesthetically appealing surfaces where mold and decay can grow leaving behind a shower floor that feels soft, is unsafe, and may be causing you and your family health issues.
Shower Substructures
Behind and under every floor in your home lies hidden wooden studs, plywood, insulation, drywall, electrical and plumbing parts, and components of your HVAC system, which holds true in your bathroom.
In addition to these components, the bathroom has a waterproof membrane to prevent water from your tub or shower from penetrating the drywall and being absorbed into the insulation and wood supports.
If the walls or floor of the shower are grouted, it is essential this waterproofing be professionally installed since the smallest amount of water passing into the substructure can result in damages requiring the removal of the shower entirely.
The Shower Floor
Shower floors, also known as shower trays or pans, can be made of plastic, cast polymer, concrete/stone mixtures, or other solid-surface materials. A solid sheet of material is best, as grouting can be greatly reduced and, therefore, the change of water seeping behind the surface.
Slope
Slope in the shower is important for keeping unwanted water at bay. A shower floor should be sloped so all the water on the floor is directed to the drain. Water that continuously puddles can eventually work its way behind grouted flooring unless the showerer dries the floor completely after each shower, a very unlikely scenario!
Drains
Shower drains can also contribute to soft shower floors. An improperly installed drain can allow water to back up and seep under the subflooring, and a clogged drain line can place so much pressure on the pipe it could burst, flooding the area beneath the shower.
Since these issues occur out-of-sight, they can continue for long periods of time, causing extensive mold growth, rot, and a soft floor.
Grout
On surfaces that require grouting, such as ceramic or porcelain tile, the possibility of water penetration increases. As water is in contact with the grout, it can slowly absorb the water, and once water gets behind the tile, especially if no waterproofing or poor waterproofing was applied. Grout penetration on poorly built showers is the number one reason for a soft shower floor.
Material Types
Shower floors can be constructed of as many materials as you can imagine, although many are aesthetically pleasing but structurally disastrous. Some common materials found in today’s modern showers will be discussed here.
Concrete
Concrete is a modern and frequently requested shower floor option. It is durable so able to withstand heavy traffic. It is easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance. The key to a successful concrete shower floor is it must be properly sealed.
Marble
Marble is luxurious, and with thousands of options, there is a marble for everyone. The issue with marble is it can be slippery, so be certain to choose a slip-resistant type. We like marble because it creates a good defense against water infiltration and is an option we strongly recommend.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are popular since the design possibilities are endless. They are also a good choice because they resist moisture and mold, the two conditions present with soft shower floors.
Ceramic Tile
We tell our customers to avoid ceramic tiles despite their attractive cost. They are less dense than porcelain and are known to crack more easily than other options.
Synthetic Options
Fiberglass bases are common in shower floors. They do tend to become brittle over time, and that leads to cracking and an invitation for water invasion.
Acrylic is a better synthetic option and although not a dramatic fashion statement, it does hold up better than fiberglass. This is due to a finish coating applied to the acrylic that helps it resist cracking and mildew growth. An all-around good option when water tightness is the goal.
Looking To Eliminate A Soft Spot On Your Shower Floor?
Proper installation and high-quality materials can protect your shower floor from water infiltration and softening. If you have a problem with a soft spot, we are here to help. We understand the construction of a shower stall and how to correct issues that may send your shower to premature retirement.
Call us today to discuss your problems, and together, with our expertise and your commitment to safety and comfort, we can devise a solution and get you back to showering on a solid surface in no time! Pick up the phone, we’d love to hear from you!
Need an emergency plumber in Orange County? Contact us today!
