Question 1

Why should I hire a licensed plumber?

Accepted Answer

Plumbers must demonstrate their competence as installers of plumbing systems to an official executing board prior to being issued a license. A plumbing code which is technically perfect is valueless if its provisions are not observed and enforced. The issuance of a license by a community specifies that the holder is qualified both theoretically and practically and that their technical knowledge is sufficient to maintain the standards of the code.
Is licensing intended to prevent anyone but a plumber from doing sanitation work? NO…
 
Licensing prohibits the irresponsible, incapable person from endangering the health of your family, neighbors, and community. Any person may do the work who has sufficient knowledge to do it in a safe manner, so long as the Rules and Regulations of the plumbing and sanitation code are observed. However, those wishing to do such work must demonstrate their ability by taking out a license and passing an examination.
Many states require that, like a doctor, nurse, dentist or pharmacist, anyone whose work affects the public health and safety shall have adequate knowledge and training. No one wants a “quack doctor” to treat his family or a “soda clerk” to fill his prescriptions. For precisely the same reasons, one does not want a “handyman” to do work in his home, office, or factory which can adversely affect the health of his family, his employees, or his neighbors.
 
Done improperly this work would probably need to be rectified at the time the property changed hands which means paying twice for the same work. Additionally, licensed plumbing professionals are held to a certain standard of accountability – meaning they must perform their work correctly or risk being liable for accidents, damages, illnesses, etc. caused by improperly performed jobs – and must often hold some form of bonding or insurance that can help to protect you in the event of something happening.
 
So, while that small bathroom remodel might seem like a great, inexpensive DIY project, it is probably wisest to spend a little more and make sure a licensed plumbing contractor performs the work.

Question 2

What is plumbing “Code”?

Accepted Answer

Plumbing code outlines the best and most modern methods to be used in plumbing installations. Since the plumbing in any private or public building is a part of the community water and sewage disposal system, it is vital that such installations should not be left to the discretion of irresponsible individuals. The protection of the public health and safety must be maintained by the establishment of sound code provisions.
 
A plumbing or sanitation code is not a “plumber’s code”, like a code of honor. It is rather a set of Rules and Regulations imposed by cities, counties, and states on anyone who undertakes any work involving the installation of drinking water, sewer or toilet facilities in homes, offices, factories, schools and hospitals. Regardless of who might do the work, plumbing and sanitation codes require that it be done in a specific, safe manner because it was found that failure to do so caused widespread disease, which can be crippling and deadly-to the community.
 
Plumbers and most jurisdictions within the United States typically follow the Universal Plumbing Code (UPC) set forth by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), which is updated every couple of years to take into account new technologies and knowledge. While the UPC is the general standard for plumbing codes, be aware that your city, county, or state may have different or additional plumbing codes that must be followed. It is best to always contact your local authorities before beginning any DIY plumbing project, and be sure to work with a licensed plumbing contractor for bigger or more involved projects to ensure not only that you’re following the law, but also that your project will be completed in the safest, most effective manner

Question 3

Can Clogged Vents Stop Up Drains?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. A toilet with no vent may not flush the contents out of the bowl, but any other drain will work without a vent. (NOTE: the code is that all fixtures shall be vented). In my experience, only twice in 15 years has a vent been the cause of a drain backup. In one case it was roofers who stuffed the old roofing material down the vents and the other was just a stray piece of wood. In both cases the material made its way down into the drain pipe and had to be removed. No amount of vent cleaning would have done any good.

Question 4

Is Replacing a Tub a Big Job?

Accepted Answer

It is a JOB. A couple of suggestions… while you’re at it replace the waste and overflow and if possible the tub/shower faucet. Second, you can get tub surrounds in two pieces that will fit through doors and three (I like the Sterling brand surrounds), American Standard makes an Americast tub that has the properties of a cast iron – but without the weight. I personally prefer Kohler cast iron over Americast as I think it’s more durable. By the way, you can break out the old cast tub with a sledge hammer and cut up a metal tub with a Sawzall.

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