Q: Greetings, Mr. Del Grande. My folks and I are in the process of building a home in Croatia. We want to do as much as the plumbing work as we can on our own, but we don't know where to start. We already have the bathroom sinks and toilets purchased, but need some instructions, tips and/or tricks on how to attempt this job. We found your great advice through a newspaper in Cleveland, Ohio. Thanks! -- Mario, CroatiaA: Hi, Mario. I'm always amazed at the letters that I get from around the world and how plumbing problems can be a common thread that we all can relate to. I think it's great that you and your family are working on such a large project together, and will give you the best advice I can. But, remember, plumbing codes change from state to state, here in America, and so I can only imagine that there are very big code changes in other countries!
For instance, I understand that our toilets here in America flush differently than toilets in Europe. Most American toilets use a siphon jet in the trap to flush, and because it's a siphon action, the water is actually pulled out of the bowl. I am told most toilets in Europe use a gravity flush, which means that water is released into the bowl from the top and gravity pushes the water out of the bowl. I also understand most of the plumbing systems in Europe are designed for maximum water conservation and that may mean that some of our standard water and drain-piping layouts in America may not be allowed in your country.
So my first advice is to find a plumbing expert or inspector in Croatia you can consult to get all your local plumbing codes in order. Now back to your question as to what you can do to as far as installing the plumbing for your new house. I'm going to give you the same advice I give many people here in America, when they ask me the same question. If you do not have experience in installing a plumbing system for a new house, don't attempt this for your own home without some type of professional plumbing help. There are three ways you can work with a local plumbing company, and my suggestion is to see which way works best with your budget and how much work your are willing to take on.
First, you can simply hire a licensed plumber to do all the work under your supervision. Second, you can have the plumber do all the heavy "rough work," or the installation of the water and drain piping system. When that is finished, you can do the easier "finish work" by hooking up the plumbing fixtures to the pipes sticking out of the wall. (Finish work can be tricky for a novice, too.) Third, find a plumber willing to have you work as their assistant, and work on the entire job together. This will save you on some labor costs and give you an education at the same time!
Bur remember this universal advice: No matter where you are, working with a plumber on big jobs will keep you out of a world of trouble!
Q: Ed, please help! My home is fairly new, and I have a problem with my washing machine. Suds often overflow from the drain. I don't use a lot of soap and I have even cut back more on the soap, but I still have the same problem! What is going on? Thanks for any advice. -- Jackie, Alaska
A: Hi, Jackie. The key word you used in your question was that you have a "suds" problem, and that is different from a water problem. If you had water backing up out of your washer drain we could suspect a restriction or clog. However, suds backup can occur with no drain clog. Many local codes require a two-inch washer drain trap with a minimum 18-inch-long stand pipe coming out of the trap to prevent suds backup.
The stand pipe is the tall pipe off the trap that the washer drain sits in. Since you have a new home you may have a stand pipe that's just too short. A short standpipe may not be able to contain all the suds. Check to make sure your stand pipe meets local codes and, if not, extend it. If your drain is located in a wall, you may have to call a contractor to open up the wall to check for your bubble trouble!
(Ed Del Grande is a certified master plumber and hosts DIY's Ed the Plumber. Send plumbing questions to him at edtheplumber@diynetwork.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service. For building-code concerns, always contact your local government office or a local licensed plumber.)
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2006/08/11/SHNS_EdDelGrande07_31_e.jpg",350,450))
