If your Bath Tub Faucet Looks Like this ....

If your Bath Tub Faucet Looks Like this ....

 Did you know this tub/shower valve no longer meets plumbing code (if installed new)?

You might consider replacing it with an anti-scald model (which is NOT in the pictures above).

The above pictures were just a repair / replacement of the existing faucet.  Its pipes (really copper tube) in the wall are arranged ONLY for this brand and model of bath tub / shower  faucet (which is no longer approved in the Plumbing Code because it is not anti-scald).  To have changed the type of tub/shower valve would have involved a minor bathroom renovation (tiles removed, etc).

Some of you may say that this is easily solved by turning down the hot water tank to 120 F.  However, that is the point at which HARMFUL Legionella bacteria start to thrive.  The catch-22 is that there is risk of SERIOUS INJURY from scalding if water is above 120 F.  The answer to this dilemma is either a "pressure balanced" or "temperature sensitive" tub/shower valve so the mixed hot-cold water never goes over 120 F WITHOUT having to turn down your hot water tank. 

The one in the top photo had several problems with it, so the home owner opted to buy a whole new assembly (instead of individual replacement parts - the knob was even stripped and wasn't turning anymore).

A more long-term solution would be to eventually renovate the bathroom (changing out / replacing the bathroom fixtures - Bath tub, etc.).  In the process, you could change the tub/shower faucet to a new Plumbing Code approved anti-scald, single handle tub/shower valve.


Here is a picture of a new tube shower valve (with the anti-scald feature) we installed on another recent job.

Thanks for reading,

Jay Bortnik
Journeyman Jay Plumbing
780-266-3939

Top 10 Reasons to get a Written Estimate from your Plumber

We all want to know how much something is going to cost us before we do it.

  This is the simple reason we offer
FREE Written Estimates (for non-permit plumbing work)
 in North Edmonton.

 The above picture is our basic Estimate form for "small plumbing jobs"(non-permit plumbing) such as replacing a sink, toilet, faucet, hose bibb, or repairing a leaky drain or pipe.

For more involved plumbing jobs (such as adding a new basement bathroom) where there are a multitude of tasks and materials, we use a more detailed form, and charge a fee (please phone us to inquire).

 Top 10 Reasons to get a Written Estimate from your Plumber

1. Know what plumbing tasks are to be done (to resolve your plumbing issue).
2. Know what plumbing parts/materials are going to be used (not all parts/materials are equal). 
3. Get some understanding of what is involved to do the job (repair, replacement, or installation).
4. Find tasks that you might be able to do yourself (to save money).  You might be able to dispose of that old sink yourself.  On a bigger job (basement bathroom) you might be so inclined to do the "jackhammering" to remove concrete for new plumbing drain lines.
5. If you are getting more than one estimate, it allows you to interview your plumber before he starts.
6. The written estimate protects you and the plumber from misunderstandings about how much it costs.
7. You will have written evidence of service, parts, and prices to be provided instead of mere verbal commitments about how long the job might take.
8. You are NOT hiring a plumber, you are engaging the services of plumbing business.  Only workers should make an hourly wage.  Workers show up and expect to be provided with most everything to do the job.  Businesses have overhead costs such as equipment, tools, vehicles, insurance, administration, etc.  If the job involves trouble shooting a mysterious leak, the plumbing business should have a diagnostic charge (that they have been able to make work on most jobs).  Once they have diagnosed the possible problem, then they should provide a more detailed estimate.
9. On bigger jobs, it allows you to compare estimates.
10. There are many ways to tackle a plumbing job.  Sometimes your plumber can do a simple repair that will hold you over until you can completely replace the part or fixture.  Other times it is necessary to replace it right away.  A written estimate may better allow you to see what fits for you right now.

Thanks for reading,

Jay Bortnik
Journeyman Jay Plumbing
780-266-3939
www.JourneymanJay.com

Plumbing Code Service Call

Today, we went out to repair a "leaky drain" on a kitchen sink.
A quick repair .... right?

And here is what we found.

 What is wrong (according to the Canadian Plumbing Code) with PHOTO #1?
(aside from the attempts by silicone to repair the right drain)
1.   The Dishwasher (white hose between drains) connection to the drain is not protected by a p-trap.
2.    There are 2 separate traps for one sink without a vent between (actually you only need one p-trap).
3.   The "collective trap(s) arm drops more than its pipe diameter which means that we could lose trap seal.  Trap seal is essential to keep sewer gases (that could kill you and your family) out of your home.
4.  The second drain is on the branch of a "Wye" and it is "back grading" which means water and waste must go "uphill" before it goes down hill.

 So we informed that customer that their leaky drain was NOT meeting Plumbing Code.  We stripped the whole drain piping under the sink and replaced the Kitchen basket strainer drain on the right (which originally had all of the silicone on it).

Drain piping is installed using industry standards (a continuous waste is utilized so that we can protect the 2 sinks and dishwasher with one p-trap).


This situation shows you that:

1.  You need to check your plumber's credentials (Is he/she an Alberta Certified Journeyman Plumber?  Get them to show you their Alberta Journeyman Plumber wallet card).

2.  Try to check your plumber out.  Not every Journeyman Plumber follows good plumbing practices.  Google your plumber's name.  Google the plumbing company he is working for.  See what kind of reviews they have been getting.  Check his resume if he is contracting on his own.  He would have to have been employed as an apprentice by someone.

3.  Don't try to force your plumber to break the rules.  This could have been the case here.  The fittings were neatly put together, but they were neatly put together wrong.  Maybe the builder for which he was working wanted "more cupboard space" under the sink?  Who knows what the motivations were.  The end result is that the original installation was wrong according to the plumbing code which means that it was unsafe for the occupants.  As well, performance of the drainage system was impeded (back grading drains).

4.  A Plumbing Inspector would not have checked this because changing a fixture doesn't require a permit.  Imagine if you hired the plumber, who did the work in picture #1, to do something that required a permit (any new piping in the walls or floor for new fixtures).  Then imagine that you "convinced" him not to apply for a permit.  So he does his work.  It looks neat.  It gets covered.  But he "back graded" some of his pipe and he did not vent the drainage properly.  Now you are wondering why your drain is always "slow" or "clogged".  And you are wondering what that smell is?


 Just something to think about next time you call a plumber.


Thank you for reading,

Jay Bortnik
Journeyman Jay Plumbing
Providing Free Written Estimates in North Edmonton
780-266-3939

Journeyman Jay Installs Bathtubs Too

 A special tub/shower installation for some special clients in NORTH Edmonton.

 I swear those tub walls are plumb.  Pictures courtesy of my "professional photographer" - Thanks Corinne.

Plumbing is definitely NOT for the inflexible claustrophobic.  "Get me out of this wall."



Many thanks to my hardworking wife who came in to take pictures (after her nap in the van).


A BIG Thank You to all our valued clients,

Jay & Corinne Bortnik
Journeyman Jay Plumbing
780-266-3939

I just found this great article online (truth be told, I was doing so much plumbing, that I did not have time to write a good blog post).

NOTE:  The advertising is NOT mine.

It was the deal (with the National Post) to post this for "free."

The article has some solid advice for home owners (particularly near the end of the article for those who like to meet their plumbers before engaging their services.

Journeyman Jay Plumbing does FREE written estimates for homeowners in NORTH Edmonton.

 

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