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Roughing in is the initial stage of plumbing installation for new buildings. This phase calls for meticulous preparation and professional installation of plumbing connections to link the building to the regional water and sewage networks. Rough-in plumbing is a significant factor in any building’s foundation and requires careful planning. Allowing the plumbers enough time to do a good job will result in fewer plumbing issues once they finish constructing the house.

Understanding Plumbing Rough-In

Simply put, “rough-in” refers to the preliminary stages of a plumbing installation.

The rough-in plumbing phase of a building involves installing the water supply and sewage systems. Rough-in work comes before pouring the slab in homes with this type of foundation.

Since the pipes used to remove wastewater from a structure are often larger than supply lines, they are typically installed first. Next, the plumbers will lay in the pipes for the water supply after installing the sewer lines.

When roughing in, it would be best to consider where you want things like the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area when roughing in. The plumbers are responsible for installing the water lines and finishing the connections to these facilities.

Pressure testing is necessary to detect leaks in the system before further building continues. Inspectors will check the roughed-in plumbing for leaks after testing, then give the go-ahead for continued construction.

Three Types of Pipes in a Plumbing Rough-In:

• Water Supply Pipes

A connection to a water main ensures that you always have clean water in your home. You’ll need to attach these piping to your house’s primary water supply.

Each water pipe will have its shutoff valve that your plumber will install. This way, shutting off water to a specific house area will not affect other sites.

• The Sewer Pipes

Drainage lines facilitate the removal of wastewater from your property. The sewage from your house will go into these pipes.

The central drain line will also install a clean-out fitting by your plumber. This connection is a plug that a plumber can remove to gain access to the pipe in case it becomes clogged and requires cleaning.

• Mechanical Ventilation Ducts

Having correctly installed vent pipes in your home ensures that air can freely enter and leave the plumbing system. These piping systems are linked to the roof’s exhaust vent.

From the sewage main up through the ceiling is a vertical pipe known as the vent stack. It vents sewer gases and lets air into drainage systems to keep a vacuum from forming, which can impede or stop drainage.

Remember that proper installation is of utmost importance for a successful plumbing rough-in. It is recommended that you refrain from attempting this process on your own. Always seek the assistance of a licensed plumber for any plumbing-related tasks.

Guide to the Rough-in Plumbing Installation Process

After a brief review of the fundamentals, we’ll get into the specifics of how a plumbing rough-in is completed.

• The first thing you need to do is locate the main water line to your house. Clean water enters your home through this main pipe.
• The next thing to do is locate the main sewer line serving your house. The pipe that carries wastewater away from your home is the main sewer line.
• The next step is to locate the chimney or vent stack in your house. Once again, this pipe is a means by which air can enter and leave the plumbing system in your home.
• After determining the positions of these three components, your plumber can now plan and execute the pipework.
• A plumber should set up the water line initially. An attachment to the main water line serving your house is essential for this pipe.
• Drainage pipe installation comes next. This pipe must be linked to your home’s main sewer line.
• The vent pipe is the very last pipe to be set up. This pipe must be linked to the roof vent in your home.
• Once the pipes are in place, you may close off your home’s framework.

Your plumbing system is one of the essential parts of your home, so fixing any issues now will save you a lot of headaches later. As a whole, these are the fundamentals of plumbing rough-in. In light of the system’s complexity, you must enlist the aid of a licensed plumber for this step.

What Is the Average Time for a Plumbing Rough-in

Taking your time during the plumbing rough-in is essential because it is a complicated process. This aspect of the building process is crucial, so hire a skilled plumber to assist you.

In most cases, you’ll need to allot between three and five days to do the plumbing rough-in. This period is just an estimate and can change based on factors like the square footage of your property and the difficulty of the work to be done.

Expert Advice Is Crucial for Brand New Buildings Rough-in Plumbing

Hiring a skilled, reputable plumber to do the rough-in is crucial to avoid setbacks and slab leaks in the final product. Always verify a plumber’s references and licensing before hiring them as a subcontractor on a new building project.

Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about plumbing rough-ins, it’s time to engage a professional plumber to assist you with this stage of the building process

While taking a morning shower, there’s nothing more unpleasant than getting yourself submerged in a pool of cloudy, soapy, tepid water after you’ve finished. “Standing water” is a term used to describe shower water that discharges slowly or does not drain at all. It is a clear indicator that your bathroom drain is blocked up. 

Anything from a minor obstruction in your shower drain to a significant blockage in your primary sewer line could be the cause of a clogged shower drain. You must identify the origin of the jam as quickly as possible so that you can ascertain whether the repair is something you can do yourself or whether you need to call in specialists for plumbing services.

What Causes Drain Blockages?

Narrower shower drain blockages are typically due to an accumulation of soap scum, hair, and dirt, which can be challenging to remove. When it comes to clogging drains, long hair is particularly troublesome, and soap exacerbates the situation by causing hair to cling to the drain walls more readily than it would otherwise. 

The flow of water becomes more and more obstructed due to this accumulation over time, eventually resulting in a blockage. A clogged shower drain that refuses to clear despite multiple repair attempts, or several clogs throughout your home, may be a symptom of a more severe obstruction in your primary drainage system that requires professional attention.

Ways to Unclog Shower Drain

To clear or dissolve the clog, try one of the following methods.

• Remove the Clog by Hand

Occasionally, a blockage is immediately evident and easily accessible close to the surface of the water. Wear a pair of gloves and attempt to remove the clog as thoroughly as possible. There are tiny plastic hooks specifically designed for this purpose. (It could be tempting to use a coat hanger in this situation, but be cautious: doing so may cause damage to your sewer.)

• Use a Drain Snake

You can purchase an inexpensive, retractable, and flexible drilling tool at most hardware stores, a drain snake (also known as a plumber’s snake). Using the snake’s hand crank, you will send a metal wire down your drain, which will either split up or remove whatever is causing the obstruction. Disposable plastic models of the drain snake are also available; they do not require any cranking and can even be used to unclog a clogged toilet if necessary. After shower drain snaking, ensure that you clean your device thoroughly.

• Use a Pot of Boiling Water 

When no conspicuous obstructions are blocking the sewer, and a drain snake has been ineffective, encounters with boiling water may help dissolve softer build-up, such as soap scum surrounding the edges of the drain opening. Repeat the procedure a second or third time. 

• Use a Natural Drain Cleaner

Regular drain cleaners, such as Drano, are not always as effective as they claim to be, and they contain a high concentration of potentially harmful chemicals. Natural homemade cleaners can be as efficient as chemical cleaners when it comes to light clogs. Combine 1 cup of vinegar (preferably white vinegar) and 1 cup of baking soda. Pour boiling water on the drain to release the clog, pour the baking soda vinegar solution down the drain and wait 15 minutes. Clean with additional boiling water as necessary.

If you notice black gunk rising out of your drain or if none of the suggestions above has had any influence on the performance of your gutter, it’s time to contact a professional since you may be dealing with a sewage blockage. Make an appointment with a professional plumber for assistance, as this is a significant issue that may pose a health hazard. If you have several drains and toilets in your household emptying slowly or backing up, you will almost certainly require professional assistance.

Whenever you notice that your shower drain is flowing slower than required, it is best that you check for possible causes of clogs. You can use the methods suggested above but if you don’t notice any significant change, do not hesitate to call in a professional plumber to help you sort out the issue.

How to Prevent Shower Clogs

The best step you can take towards preventing shower clogs is by giving your plumbing system frequent attention. It may require more time and effort to deal with clogged shower drains and it may  eventually require a professional plumber’s attention.

It’s essential to prevent shower clogging because when you don’t it may become unnecessarily expensive to unclog. Additionally, when it’s clogged you’re at risk of contracting skin diseases due to the bacteria found in wastewater. You can prevent shower clogs by taking the following measures:

• Add Mesh Drain Screens to Prevent Clogs in Shower

The most straightforward method of preventing shower clogs lies in minimizing the level of gunk that enters the drain.

Hair causes the majority of clogged drains. As a result, try to brush your hair right before getting into the shower. Loose hairs will get trapped in the brush, and you can throw it away rather than flowing down the drain as you shampoo.

Professional plumbers at Cheap Plumber Toronto also suggest installing a mesh sewer screen at the bottom of each shower and bathtub drain.

The plumbers will install a small device, also known as a hair catcher, in your drain, which collects stray hairs and other debris before they have a chance to enter your plumbing system. You’ll have to clear it once or twice a month (or more frequently if you’re a heavy shedder), but it’s a minor consequence of having a shower drain that doesn’t clog.

• Flushing the Drain Regularly Can Prevent Shower Clogs

A hair catcher serves to prevent the majority of debris from getting into your plumbing system. It will not, however, prevent oil from seeping through the pipe. The residue left behind by body oils, shower lotions, and hair conditioners can quickly accumulate and clog the drainage system.

Weekly flushing of your shower drain can help keep it from becoming clogged.

Bring a huge pot of water to a boil, then pour half of it down the sink drain. Wait approximately five minutes before pouring the remaining liquid. If you perform this simple drainage maintenance task, it will assist in loosening any gunk that may be lingering in your sewer pipes.

• Natural Solutions to Keep Shower Drains Clear

If you want to take additional measures to ensure that your plumbing is free of obstructions, it is unnecessary to use harsh chemicals because you most likely have the remedy in your pantry.

Baking soda and vinegar are natural plumbing solutions that you can use to keep your shower drain from clogging.

Pour one and a half cups of baking soda down the sink’s waste disposal. After that, pour one-half cup of white distilled vinegar down the drain and close the drain. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 30 minutes before flushing with hot water.

When the two natural ingredients come together, they create a chemical reaction that foams up and agitates the pipes, clearing away soap scum and particles from your drainage system. As a bonus, this also aids in the removal of lingering odors from the drain.

Perform this simple drainage maintenance every few months or when you recognize slow drainage or scents coming from your drains and pipes.

A clogged shower drain is something that no one enjoys handling. Try to resolve the problem on your own first, but if you are unsuccessful, don’t become discouraged; instead, contact an expert who will complete the work quickly and efficiently.

Using a garbage disposal unit simplifies the process of getting rid of food waste. The typical garbage disposal will last for a little over a decade. Do you know how to install a garbage disposal? Keep reading to learn about how to install a new unit either to replace an old one or to put one in place for the first time. 

What You Need to Know Prior to Starting Garbage Disposal Installation or Replacement

When you turn on the switch to activate your garbage disposal and you hear a hum or the sound of grinding metal, you’ll realize something is not right. If this happens, you’ll probably need to replace your garbage disposal. The good news is that it’s not a difficult process even if some plumbing work is required. We asked several licensed plumbers like Cheap Plumbers to share some tips about how to install a garbage disposal. What you’ll see below are their recommendations for a smooth, problem-free installation.

• Check with local codes prior to putting in a garbage disposal. Some regions have plumbing codes that don’t permit disposals due to sewer capacity limits. They may also mandate the installation of an air gap if the disposal will be used along with a dishwasher. 
• The disposal will connect to the sink and will need a discharge that connects to the drainpipe. The outlet hose for your dishwasher connects to the disposal.
• Garbage disposals are usually available in different horsepower amounts. If your property has a septic system, you’ll require septic-safe disposal.
• If you’re installing a garbage disposal for the first time, you’ll need to do some wiring and plumbing work. Will you be able to do this? If not, consider hiring a professional with the right skills. Most current building codes mandate a dedicated 20-amp 120-volt outlet beneath the sink close to the garbage disposal. The outlet must be controlled by a switch that is easy to access by anyone standing at the sink. You likely already have this switch in your kitchen. If you don’t, you need it if you’re installing a garbage disposal. 

Checking to See if You Should Replace Your Garbage Disposal

Disposal that isn’t working right might be fixable. Try these three things to see if you can fix it:

• Check to see if there’s a jam. 

Is there something jamming your garbage disposal? If something like a piece of glass or some other hard object is trapped inside, the motor might have jammed. Switch off the power, turn off the water, and unplug the unit. If your garbage disposal is hardwired, you’ll need to turn off the breaker. Take out the rubber baffle located within the drain, use a flashlight to look into the hole, and use pliers or tongs to remove whatever is jamming the unit.

• Manually turn the motor. 

For this step, you’ll need a hex wrench. Rotate the wrench back and forth until the motor turns a full revolution. Remove the wrench and turn on the motor.

• Press the reset button. 

If your motor overheated following the prolonged operation, wait five minutes so that it cools down. Press the reset button. If there’s a jam, the motor might overheat.

Steps to Remove an Old Garbage Disposal

If the above mentioned steps didn’t resolve the problem, you’ll need to replace your garbage disposal. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1. Switch Off the Power

Switch off the power to your disposal.

Step 2. Disconnect Drain Tap

Get a bucket of water and some towels before tackling this part. Unscrew the drain trap and disconnect it from your old disposal unit. Loosen the nut on the PVC pipe. Use the bucket to collect any water or debris that may be in the pipe. Remember to keep the pipe since it’ll be needed when putting in your near garbage disposal.

Step 3. Take Out Old Disposal

Insert the wrench one a lug on the mounting ring. Use your other hand to support the base of the garbage disposal. Doing so will ensure that the mounting ring doesn’t fall down when you loosen it. Turn in a leftward direction to unscrew it from the ring. 

Step 4. Unscrew Electric

Your next task is to disconnect your garbage disposal from the electrical supply. Use a screwdriver to take off the cover plate on the bottom of the unit and then disconnect the wires. 

Steps to Install a New Garbage Disposal

Step 1: Disconnect the Pipes and Take Out the Strainer

Start by disconnecting the circuit breaker linked to your kitchen. You will then need to place a bucket beneath the P-trap. Then detach the drainpipes, take out the sink strainer, and remove any excess putty.

Step 2: Apply Plumbers Putty

Apply plumbers putty to the flange and press it into place. Place a towel in the sink and put the disposal on the flange so that it doesn’t move.

Step 3: Install Snap Ring

Beneath the sink, put in place the fiber gasket, the backup flange, and the mounting ring. Then slide them onto the flange’s underside. Put on the snap ring. You can do this by pulling it open and snapping it into place. Then tighten the screws with a screwdriver. The snap ring should be firm against the backup flange. Finish this third step by wiping away excess putty.

Step 4: Attach to the Dishwasher Drain

You’ll need to connect to the dishwasher drain. A hammer can be used to tap out the drain plug. Remove it from the disposal’s inlet.

Step 5: Take Out and Reattach the Wire Cover Plate

Remove the wire cover plate and attach the electrical cord. Ensure that you match up the wire colors. Push the wires back in and then put the plate back on.

Step 6: Connect the Drain

Connect the drain by putting the gasket in the discharge outlet. After that, attach the discharge tube using the flange and bolts. Hang the disposal. You’ll do this by aligning the three tabs with the mounting ring. Use a wrench to turn and secure the tabs over the ridges. Attach the dishwasher drain. Ensure the discharge pipe is properly lined up and attach the drainpipes. Use a tee pipe before the P-trap.

Step 7. Test the Garbage Disposal

Test your connections. You can do this by, firstly, putting the stopper into the sink drain and, secondly, turning on the water to fill the sink. Check to see if there are any leaks. Plug in the garbage disposal and switch on the power.

If you’ve read all the steps and think that it’s a tall order for you, remember that you don’t have to do it yourself. You can call a licensed plumber to take out your old unit and install a new one. A licensed plumber knows the ins and outs of working with plumbing and electricity. They also understand how to install a garbage disposal. For the help you need, contact local plumbers to have a licensed professional do the work for you.