Copper plumbing can be damaged by aggressive, or corrosive water. Drinking water can contain varied dissolved chemicals and minerals that cause leaks in your plumbing. Ask questions about your water source and aggressive water treatment, and consider copper plumbing alternatives if the water proves corrosive.
A shower seat is a wonderful addition to a ceramic tile shower. Follow these steps for installing shower seats and you won't be disappointed with the outcome.
Regrouting requires a good sponge and a trowel. First mix the grout to a cake batter consistency. Next, apply the grout with the trowel and wipe off the excess. The sponge will be used to strike the joints. Follow these grouting tips for a successful regrouting job.
There is a wealth of information on solder and how to solder copper pipe. Books and associations can supply loads of help with soldering copper tubing or piping. Here are some ideas.
Tile grout removal can be done with grout removal tools in two ways: by hand or with power tools. The Roto-Zip or Dremel tool are high-speed grinders that can get the job done fast. Be sure to clean up as you go to avoid scratching existing tile.
Grout removal from ceramic tile requires some tools. First, cleaning ceramic tile grout can be done with oxygen bleach. Ceramic tile grout may need to be replaced if it can't be properly cleaned. More ceramic tile grout information can be found with the Tile Council of North America.
High water pressure can cause noisy booms, or water hammer, in your water system when taps are turned off. Unless this water pressure is relieved, piping can sometimes burst or leaks develop. Water hammer arresters include installing a pressure reducing valve and/or water heater expansion tank, or, increasing the size of piping. Stop the noise ... and potential problems.
Ceramic tiles laid on a bouncy wood floor will result in tile cracks. Steel I beams and floor joists play a big role in stable floors. Subflooring, like a cement board, should also be secure. Wood floor joists work well with ceramic tile.
The following table illustrates how far floor joists of a given height, grade and species can span and still meet the design criteria set forth by most ceramic tile associations. Contact a structural engineer if you have doubts about laying ceramic tile over floor joists.
Installing ceramic floor tile depends heavily on the ceramic tile floor layout. Ceramic tile adhesive is also important. Cutting tile and grouting tile finish off the job. Here are some tips for ceramic floor tile installation.
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