Originally posted 2018-01-12 21:59:35.
What You Need To Know Before Buying Plumbing Materials
If you are attempting a DIY plumbing project you will need the right materials, tools, and supplies. Although you should always use a licensed plumbing contractor, like Henco Plumbing Services for large plumbing projects, there are plenty of fix up or small remodeling jobs you can do yourself. Often, you will need plumbing pipe for your project. The following information, from Menards discusses various types of plumbing pipe that you can use when replacing or repairing home plumbing like the plumbing used for your home sinks.
Are you rethinking DIY and want to go PRO? Call Henco Plumbing at 360-773-8039 to schedule an appointment for us to come to your home and inspect your project, give you a price estimate, then do the job for you.
Learn How to Choose The Right Pipe And Fittings For Your Water Supply
When it comes to the pipes in your home, there are many different options available for you to use. Choosing the right plumbing pipes to transport your water can seem a bit daunting. Menards® offers a variety of pipes that are safe for potable water. This buying guide will cover the different types of material available and help you find the best option for your home.
Copper
Copper pipe is a reliable pipe material that has been used in homes for years as it’s highly durable and can be used with hot and cold water. Copper pipe is primarily used for hot and cold water distribution, HVAC systems, and refrigerant lines. Copper pipes are available in three different thicknesses . . . .
PEX
PEX pipe (also known as cross-linked polyethylene) is made from a highly durable form of plastic which is cross-linked to provide additional strength. Like copper, PEX can be used for both hot and cold water as well as for hydronic heating . . . .
Need tools? Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. You can buy used tools if you are planning a once and done job that does not require heavy duty equipment. You don’t need the professional standards tools like the ones we use at Henco Plumbing Services, but using high quality tools are always a good idea. You may not be interested in buying tools on ” rel=”nofollow”>eBay, but they do have some interesting information on how you should go about your tool purchasing.
DIY Plumbing Buying Guide and Tips
A Buying Guide for Plumbing Tools
There are jobs for the beginner and there are jobs for the professional. Common plumbing problems, including some common plumbing emergencies, are all actually fairly simple and can be fixed by the resident, with the right tools. And not having to pay plumber’s fees for common and simple problems means having money available for big jobs that are better left to the professionals, such as fixing the water heater.
A beginner to home plumbing needs to invest in some tools and could use some help figuring out which tools it really makes sense to buy. After all, who wants to waste time and money buying unnecessary tools? And who wants to risk not having the right tool on hand when it is needed? A professional, on the other hand, already has a wide range of tools, but has to decide which tools to keep most accessible, for easy use on any job at a moment’s notice. In either case, knowing what other people in a similar situation have found useful may help.
Here’s a video from Home Depot that has some helpful information about buying plumbing tools.
Video: Basics of Your Home’s Plumbing – The Home Depot
Sometimes, simply knowing where to shop for your tools and supplies can be a real head scratcher. Not all home building supply outlets carry every single tool or pipe that your project may require. Many building supply stores sell the very common articles, but you may find that you need to shop at plumbing specialty or a contractors’ only supply store for those rare items. This article from The Plumbing Info gives you information about where to purchase items for your DIY needs.
Buyers Guide – Plumbing Material
Break Up Your Plumbing Material Into Groups of Like Material
We’re not sure who “they” are or why “they” wouldn’t want you to know about them but here are some purchasing tips you can use to save money and aggravation.
Figure out what you need to buy and categorize the material into these basic groups. If you know you’ll be installing copper for water piping and PVC plastic for the waste and vent you’ll have the material take offs to easily send over to the appropriate stores. Please note these are basic groups we can break down into more detailed phases but for now this is adequate.
- Waste and Vent Piping
- Water Piping
- Fixtures/Plumbing Equipment and Trim
The simple reason for this is some supply stores are better at things than others especially at the wholesaler level. Some supply houses specialize in commercial plumbing material, some supply mostly residential. Some sell more plumbing trim than others, some sell a ton of copper or plastic. This results in better pricing and you can split the order up if it’s big enough. If you are a contractor and you’re in a sizeable metro area it is important to figure out who does what best.
Now that you’ve reviewed this information you’re ready to go to the various plumbing supply stores and get those necessary tools along with all the supplies you need for your plumbing project – right? Perhaps you are rethinking the DIY approach to your plumbing situation. If you feel that DIYing your plumbing may not be the best way to take care of your plumbing replacement or install, then contact Henco Plumbing Services at 360-773-8039. We have the experience plus the expertise to handle your plumbing job. We will inspect your plumbing, listen to your concepts for your project, then provide you with an accurate affordable quote for our services. Our licensed plumbers will complete your project on time and on budget, plus they will clean the work area when finished. All our services come with a 100% Workmanship Guarantee, so you can be assured of high quality and great finished plumbing job.
Sources: Residential Plumbing
Henco Plumbing Company 