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PLUMBING FAQs

by Chris
www.PlumbingForDummies.org
This Page Is Always Improving! Free For Cheaper! 
All Home Improvement & Remodeling Expert Plumbing@HandyGC.com 
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Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions
* Common Plumbing Abbreviations
* Water Heaters
* Toilets
* Drains
* Faucets
* Construction Tips (Plumbing) and Code
* Gas
* Garbage Disposals
* Dishwashers
* Water Distribution
* Water Quality
* Noises
* Smells

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Common Plumbing Abbreviations

• W/C = Toilet

• CWM = Clothes Washing Machine

• DWM = Dish washing Machine

• LAV = Bathroom Sink

• HWT = Water Heater

• LT = Laundry Tray

• CFT = Claw Foot Tub

• FD = Floor Drain

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Water Heaters

Electric Hot Water Tank Inspection 
Once a year: 
1.) Turn off electric power before doing anything. Damage will result if electric element comes on when tank is dry. Turn off water supplying HWT. 
2.) Drain the water heater (HWT). After HWT is drained with hose still attached, open and close the inlet valve a few times to help flush the sediment out. Do this until the water comes out clear. You may have to dismantle the valve if there are large chunks of scale coming loose. 
3.) Remove the sacrificial anode, which looks like a plug in the top of the HWT. Inspect; it should be almost as long as the water heater. Replace if any portion of it is thinner than about 1/4".
4.) With anode out, shine flashlight inside of tank to inspect for rust. If you see a lot of rust, it's probably time to replace it before it fails. Water heaters are normally glass or ceramic-lined to prevent corrosion; this is also what the anode's for. The heat of the water hastens corrosion, once it starts. 
5.) Open up the element access panels. Disconnect one wire from each of the elements. With a volt-ohm-meter, check to see that both elements are still functional, if your meter peaks out with exceptionally high ohms, it's time to replace the element. 

Gas Hot Water Tank Inspection
1) Check the outside of the tank for rust and water leakage, look at the warranty life expectation written on the tank. If the life is expiring and/or you are finding rust marks on the outside of the tank, it is suggested time for replacement.
2) Drain the tank follow the above 2.) instructions using a garden hose.

Replacing a water heater:
    a) Check for and/or install a special pan underneath designed to catch water should the HWT develop a leak (or pop off the pressure relief valve). Have it drain to a safe place (outside house or floor drain).
    b) Gas HWT have to be at least 18" off the floor because combustible fumes *sink* and for air intake.