PLUMBING
Understanding the use of chemicals on the job
the "old" that the industry has relied on for so long. Chemicals are ubiquitous throughout the industry. Almost no job can be done, or at least can be done much better and easier, without the use of chemicals. Chemicals have been used to join, seal, lubricate, clean, clear, repair, remove, reduce, resist, restore, prepare, protect, prevent, penetrate, dissolve, absorb, etc., for hundreds of years. The point of the previous
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paragraph is to demonstrate how much chemicals are taken for granted, although so many jobs would not be possible without them. Since chemicals have been so important, manufacturers have been spending most of their efforts to make available products work better; true innovations have been less momentous and subtler. Some of these innovations, however, are quite remarkable, in that they identify and address problems and provide unique solutions. The following are some of the latest and more interesting innovations. 1. People have long complained
about odors and about nuisance bugs coming from little-used drains, not to mention from the custodian closets and gym showers when schools are re-occupied in the fall. Many solutions have been suggested (most all chemical) to solve this recurring problem, but manufacturers have now engineered a solution — a specially formulated non-toxic mineral oil — that is safe, easy and long lasting. This product has the added feature of protecting drains from freeze damage. Since it is lighter than water, and since it won't mix with the water or evaporate, it forms a septic seal that remains in the trap and ensures that odors, bugs, bacteria, etc. can't pass this barrier. 2. Whenever a toilet is removed or
replaced, some water remains in the trap. It is exceedingly difficult to move a toilet without spilling some of that water, which often damages carpets, molding, floors, ceilings or something else. A very concentrated powder that turns the water in the trap into a semi-solid gel is now available; a toilet can be removed
he question, "What's new in chemicals?" is much more complicated than it seems. It's
without the risk of a spill. The gel, when overwhelmed with many more volumes of water, such as when the toilet is flushed, will re- liquefy and wash away. 3. When water is seeping through
a crack in a foundation, it is usually raining, with no end in sight. Although this seems to be a hopeless situation, there is a solution, a specialty cement that hardens and stops running water. It is a powder that, when mixed with a little water, forms a putty-like consistency. When pressed into the crack, the ball of putty makes a permanent fix while the water is running. There is no need to wait until the sun comes
spice odor that subtly permeates the home, making it difficult to even find the oil burner room by smell. 6. Since we're on the subject of
oil burner repair, it makes sense to mention that there are several choices for cleaning and degreasing these parts. Most often the fluids (waste oil, etc.) removed from the job need to be recycled, so it is important not to foul them with other components, such as chlorinated or brominated solvents, that need to be removed before recycling, adding considerable expense. These solvents perform very well, they are fast drying, and they are not flammable. The new
Since chemicals have been so important, manufacturers have been spending most of their efforts to make available products work better; true innovations have been less momentous and subtler.
out. This product also has many more uses, including swimming pool repairs. 4. It is common knowledge that
keeping refrigeration coils clean is probably the major variable affecting efficiency and, consequently, energy costs. There are many alternatives for cleaning coils, but a new product coats the coils, helps prevent dirt build-up and makes cleaning easier. With energy costs continually climbing, as they have been doing for the past forty years, any efficiency improvement makes sense. 5. Another new product is large
size, long lasting industrial strength solid air fresheners, which were specifically developed to be used following oil burner repair or maintenance. Whether or not any oil is spilled, all the equipment and the clothing worn by the maintenance person carries the smell of fuel oil. That odor tends to linger for at least a couple of days. To solve this problem, one of these new solid air fresheners can be placed near the oil tank, perhaps in a corner or under the tank. This solution is especially effective because the scent of the air fresheners is not heavy or obnoxious. It does not just mask the fuel oil smell but has a pleasant floral or
alternatives perform exceptionally well, without the solvents, but you have to be aware that they are flammable. Please exercise appropriate caution when using them. 6. The next product is not new;
just a new way to look at it. This may actually be more of a tip than an innovation. One of the most important chemical products that should always be within reach is a good, all-purpose silicone spray. It can be used in so many situations. This dry lubricant is easily applied and solves or lessens many problems. Of course, we all know that it's good to stop sticking or squeaking door hinges or sticking window frames, even if they're wood, but a silicone spray should be used any time that two parts don't go together as easily as you'd like. Use it to slip fittings together. Use it on anything that rubs. Use it on any tight fit or where friction is a problem. Be creative; it just makes most things go easier. Keep it handy and don't forget about it. Try it: You'll be amazed at how well it works. These are just a few "new' ideas.
We hope they help. The problems you encounter are usually not new, they're just new to you.
e Continued on p 136
phc may 2011
www.phcnews.com
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