Plumbing Fittings & Faucets

Plumbing fittings are faucets and valves. These parts get a lot of use, but with proper care will provide many years of reliable service.

Faucet and Valve Finishes

The most common and most durable fittings are chrome plated brass. Chrome plated brass does not corrode, and can be easily cleaned with a little warm soapy water. Modern fixtures come in many different finishes. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, and be certain to check the manufacturer’s warranty for a lifetime guarantee.

Faucets

Modern faucets are either washerless or compression type faucets. Washerless faucets can be double or single handled. In washerless faucets, the flow of water is controlled either by a special cartridge, or by a configuration of holes or ports. When the holes or ports are properly aligned, the water will turn on or shut off. Turning the handle with extra force won’t turn off the water supply in this model.

The benefit of a washerless faucet is the longevity of parts. Because there is little friction in the process, parts last much longer and require less maintenance.

Should you have an issue with your washerless faucet, if you are able to provide the make and/or model it will help ensure that our plumber arrives with all of the proper parts needed to restore a faucet or valve to proper operation.

You can usually repair a dripping compression faucet with a new washer. Remember that a leaky faucet can add up to over a thousand gallons of water a year. Not only do you pay for a leaky faucet in your water bill, but you also pay for it again in your sewer bill which is also based on water usage. Well maintained fixtures and valves will save you money in the long run.

Protecting our Sewer System and Saving Money

Some tips that can save St. Louis homeowners and business owners with their water bills. These tips also help us maintain the sewer system that we all use, a very important goal. Protecting our waterways is the responsibility of all individuals. In addition to disconnecting improper connections to the sewer system, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Fixing the sewer overflow problem potentially could cost millions of dollars and it will require your support. Your local governments will be working hard over the coming years as municipalities like yours strive to comply with an EPA administrative consent order to begin fixing problems.

• Conserving water is one way to lower your overall utility bill as well as to help reduce the flow being transported to the sewer treatment facility. Some ways to conserve water in your home include:
  • Install low-flow toilets, which use less water for flushing.
  • Take shorter showers and/or install a low-flow showerhead.
  • Turn water off when shaving, brushing your teeth and washing your hands. Only turn it back on when needed.
  • When using a dishwasher, run only full loads and use shorter cycles when possible. If hand washing, rinse sparingly or fill a second sink basin for rinsing.
  • Wash full loads of laundry whenever possible or use a lower water volume setting for small loads.
  • Remember that chemicals you use in your lawn and garden affect our rivers and streams as well. When it rains, pesticides and other chemicals will be washed into the stormwater system and deposited directly into our rivers. Use only toxic-free home and garden products whenever possible.
  • Wash your car at a commercial self-car wash that recycles wash water. If you do wash your car at home, wash it on the lawn to keep soapy water from flowing into the storm drain. Don’t leave the hose running continuously.
  • Water your lawn and garden in the morning when less water is lost to evaporation, and limit it to one hour a week (Healthy grass only needs about 1 inch of water a week.). Keep the grass cut at about 2.5-3 inches so it doesn’t dry out as quickly.
  • Redirect your downspouts if permissible, so that the rain soaks into your yard or garden, rather than running down the driveway or into the street.
  • Consider installing a rain barrel to help capture and store rainwater that can be used on your lawn and garden.
  • Plant trees and other vegetation to help reduce stormwater run-off by allowing rainwater to soak into the ground.