Tag Archives: Plumbing

Tips to Prepare for a Home Inspection before Selling

July 31, 2017

The process of selling your house is a long and arduous one with many potential pitfalls and stress points, so whatever you can do to prepare for key moments will help you out in the long run. One of the most important times during the process is having a home inspection. It’s at that stage where your intended selling price and the actual price you might receive can become seriously distant from one another.

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors and the National Association of Realtors, close to four out of every five homes sold are evaluated by a professional home inspector beforehand, so it’s rare that you will be able to sell without one. For a buyer, it’s an essential tool to protect them from buying a money pit that needs much more work than they might have expected, so home inspections are here to stay.

Of course, we’ll assume that you have honest intentions, but there’s still work for you to do in order to ensure that you’re getting a valuation for your home that is fair to you as well as the buyers. Below are some useful tips to help you prepare for a home inspection before selling:

Tidy Up!

This is a basic one, but many home owners fail to do it. Even though the home inspector won’t be the person who wants to picture themselves living in your house, you still need to give them a good first impression and a house that has dirty dishes in the kitchen or toys strewn around the floors is not going to impress anyone. It will also make their jobs more difficult, which can’t possibly work in your favor. You might not want to purchase new storage options before moving, but think of it as an investment in keeping your next home tidy too. Also make sure you’ve tidied up in the yard as well, especially where access will be needed or where there’s an overhanging tree or overgrown bush that might cause concerns.

Check your Plumbing

A major stumbling block in home inspections can be the plumbing. Issues that you’ve lived with for years because they didn’t seem serious enough can be uncovered by an inspection. The water pressure will be checked by flushing multiple toilets and running the taps, etc. So if you know there might be some problems, fix them as soon as possible, otherwise it will cost you.

Fix those niggling little faults

Whether they are cracks in the wall, missing roof tiles or loose steps, you need to make sure they’re all sorted before the inspection, because every little problem counts and can add up to an unfavorable overall picture. If you don’t have the right tools, make sure you get some, as you’ll most likely need them when it’s time to set things up in your new home. This will save yourself some real headaches when it comes to selling your current home as well. You might also need a professional to fix electrical issues or scratches on cabinets or flooring. It’s important to make sure that you’ve checked everything before your inspection, so that it goes smoothly and works to your benefit.

Deelat Industrial offers a wide variety of building supplies and tools to make sure your next home inspection goes off without a hitch! We’ve got you covered with quality products at low, affordable prices. Shop with us today and save!

Applications and Uses for Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges

March 21, 2017

When it comes to measuring the thickness of certain materials, it can be difficult to obtain measurements if you don’t have easy access to what’s behind the object that you’re looking at, such as trying to determine how thick a pipe is.

These types of instances are when ultrasonic thickness gauges can really come in handy. Ultrasonic testing, using sound energy, can be used to determine how thick many different types of materials are. The devices measure how long it takes for an ultrasonic wave to travel through a material. Different materials conduct these waves at different times, so you can determine how thick they are.

Here are some common uses for ultra thickness gauges.

Product testing and quality control

If you are manufacturing products, then you want to be able to provide some quality control. One aspect of this, is to determine how thick each product’s parts are. This is where an ultra thickness gauge can be useful.

For instance, if you want to make sure that the plastic bottles that you are producing are the correct thickness that you specified, then you are able to check this with an ultra thickness gauge, without the need to go and cut open any materials. You could use this on every batch that you have manufactured.

Changes to industrial premises

Before performing building construction work, it is generally a good idea to assess the actual structures themselves to see what changes should be made, and if they can safely be made without causing further issues.

Sheet metals, pipes, and other materials within the building can also be measured using a thickness gauge. If you do not have access to perform measurements manually, then a thickness gauge will help you find out if changes can, or need to be be made.

Testing for corrosion

One of the most common uses of ultrasonic thickness gauges is in testing for the corrosion of various metals. Corrosion of metals can be dangerous to the structure of different objects such as tanks, hulls, pipes, etc. Testing for corrosion will ensure that you can replace metal items before they lose their structural integrity and become hazardous.

This is particularly important in either coastal areas, or out at sea. The conditions here make metals more susceptible to corrosion, so they should be tested much more frequently. Replacement of metals that have corroded significantly is an important task that should never be overlooked.

At Deelat Industrial, we have a selection of ultrasonic thickness gauges that are available for customers to choose from. We supply these handheld devices in two different ranges; 220mm and 300mm. Both of these thickness gauges are powered by three 1.5V AAA batteries so that they can be used without an AC power supply if necessary.

These devices are certified for those ranges of measurements with steel, but can also be used to measure other materials such as aluminum. Each features an auto calibration setting so that you can change tasks easily. They are simple to operate, durable and built to last.

Deelat.com is your source for test measurement products. Whether it’s ultrasonic thickness gauges or humidity and temperature meters you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered with great prices! Shop with us today and save!

The Benefits Of Using Infrared Thermometers

March 13, 2017

An infrared thermometer might not initially seem like the most essential tool to have, but it’s a product that can really transform the amount of information you can find out about a home and the hidden problems within it. These kinds of problems are the ones that can build up and prove to be damaging and expensive, so an infrared camera is absolutely essential for home inspectors and well worth having for any home owner with an interest in looking after their property.

Infrared is a word we all hear used in movies, but what does it actually mean? It’s light radiation that exists just outside of the visible spectrum of light we see as red, which means that we can’t see it with our eyes. What makes it especially useful is that it is the part of the spectrum that includes heat radiation, which is why you can see bodies giving off heat when a movie spy is using infrared goggles to see in the dark.

Unless you’re a spy there isn’t really much use for infrared goggles in real life, but the technology can be used for many other purposes, one of which is in a thermometer that can be used in home inspections. Since infrared picks up heat radiation, an infrared thermometer with a high temperature sensitivity can be used by home inspectors to pick up on any anomalous patterns in the areas of heat within a house.

Thermometers like the Infrared Thermometer GM1651 come with a range of -30~1650’C, giving them an accuracy to the nearest 1.5C, as well as being audible and offering an alarm that includes red and blue signals to help detect areas that are hotter or colder than the room temperature around them. These can then be investigated further to determine what is causing that anomalous temperature, thus saving prospective home buyers from a nasty shock further down the line.

For home owners, plumbers and electricians, infrared thermometers can be vital tools in tracking down these type of problems so that they can be fixed. If there is evidence that pipes might be leaking but it is not immediately apparent where the leak might be, infrared can pick up on the lower temperatures in an area where water is leaking and cooling. It can rarely be conclusive on its own, but is a useful tool for the investigation process.

The same can be done with unexplained heating issues, as an infrared thermometer can quickly detect which parts of a room aren’t getting the same heat or are leaking the heat away. After discovering that information, work can then be done to fill in cracks or gaps in insulation that might be causing the problem. As you can see, there are many reasons why an infrared thermometer can be an essential tool, so why not have a look at what Deelat Industrial has to offer and see which is the right one for you?

Visit Deelat.com for the quick and easy purchase of infrared thermometers. We offer a wide selection of various types to choose from at low, affordable prices. Shop with us today and save!

Tips for Fixing a Leaky Faucet without a Plumber

June 15, 2016

Leaky faucets are a common problem in bathrooms and kitchens. To fix it, your first instinct might be to call a plumber. However, with a few tools and supplies, you may be able to correct the problem yourself. Follow these simple tips to help you find the source of the problem and potentially make repairs.

Prepping Steps

Before starting to remove things, there are a few safety or precautionary steps you should take.

1. Turn off the water by shutting off both the hot and cold water valves under the sink. No tools are needed, simply twist and turn.

2. Make sure your drain line is completely empty before proceeding.

3. For added safety, protect your drain by covering it with a paper towel.

4. Cover your floor with an old sheet to protect it from scratches, rips or tears.

5. Fill an old bucket or bowl with hot water and several capfuls of white vinegar to use for cleaning faucet parts.

6. When you take the faucet apart, line the parts in the same order for reinstallation later. You may also want to take several photos with your phone as you disassemble the faucet for added assistance.

7. Take the parts that require replacing to the store with you to ensure the proper size is purchased.

What is the Problem?

Next you’ll need to figure out the problem. Most often it will be one of the following issues:

Stripped rubber washers (compression faucets).

Broken neoprene seal (washerless faucets).

Broken o-ring/seal (washerless faucets).

Worn ceramic plate (lever operated faucets).

Easy Repair Steps

Once you have disassembled the faucet.

1. Remove the cap.

2. Take out the cartridge or disc to get to the seal.

3. Remove the seal or o-ring and examine. If in good condition, clean and replace. If not, run to the store for a replacement.

4. Once repaired, reassemble the faucet, turn the water back on, and test to see if the leak has stopped.

To keep it simple, you may opt to replace all parts or even replace your entire faucet (a wise decision if you have a ball faucet but less necessary if you have a compression one). If you choose not to, be sure to clean each part really well before replacing it. Dip the parts in your hot water and vinegar solution, and scrub with a scouring pad to remove build up. Rinse with water and dry as necessary.

Deelat Industrial is your source for plumbing supplies. Whether you require parts to fix a leak, or for kitchen or bathroom renovation projects, Deelat have you covered. Shop with us today and save!

Welded Pipe Fittings: Long Radius Elbow Applications and Uses

April 22, 2015 Leave a comment

In piping systems, an elbow joint is a specially welded fitting that is available in, generally, 90- or 45-degree angles. Elbow pipes create water-tight and durable joints, and enable a pipeline flow to curve and maneuver.

There are two commonly used elbow joints – short radius and long radius elbows. The biggest difference between the short radius and long radius elbow is the length of the curvature. A long radius elbow is, unsurprisingly, longer, and therefore, the elbow’s curve is less dramatic. Short radius elbows, on the other hand, are shorter and have sharper curves. When space permits, long radius elbows are preferred.

Deelat 3A Sanitary T316L Welded Pipe - Long Elbow — Deelat 3A Sanitary T316L Welded Pipe – Long Elbow

Common Types of Elbow Pipes

In addition to the standard 90- and 45-degree angled elbows, there are also 22.5- and 60-degree elbows, although these are much less commonly used. Typically, long elbows are available with ends that are prepared for welding, that are threaded with male or female fittings, or that are socketed. There are also elbows with two ends of different diameters; these are referred to as reducing elbows.

Additionally, elbows are most commonly made from durable metals, including copper, steel and aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel. Yet, there are also PVC, plastic and rubber options available. The material required is determined by the application. High pressure pipelines require elbows made of sturdy metals, while in some water applications, including in gardening and hosing, PVC or rubber may suffice.

Additionally, the angle of an elbow’s curvature is extremely important when selecting the correct fitting. For instance, in high-pressure systems, the impact of a substance in a 45-degree elbow is greater than it would be in a 90-degree elbow, and that can cause disturbances for highly sensitive materials. Additionally, this can cause extreme changes in temperature. That’s why in high-pressure applications, an elbow made of a durable metal is preferred.

Deelat 3A Sanitary T316L Welded Pip - Short Elbow — Deelat 3A Sanitary T316L Welded Pip – Short Elbow

Common Applications and Uses for Long Radius Elbows

Compared to short elbows, long radius elbows provide a few advantages. In addition, these types of longer elbows are used based on the fluid or substance that’s passing through the pipeline, gases and some liquids require less resistance, which is provided by a long elbow. Other advantages include:

The pressure drop within the pipe is less dramatic when long radius elbows are used. This is ideal for gas pipelines, as well as food and beverage piping.
Since less resistance is created, long elbows reduce the risk for backups or clogs.

Yet, there are some instances where shorter elbows are preferred. For instance, in areas that have space limitations, short elbows can be used to change the direction of a pipeline. Additionally, short radius elbows are generally more affordable than long radius elbows, which, in some cases, can be a deciding factor.

Elbows are made of all sizes, and they’re used in a variety of pipeline systems, including industrial and chemical facilities, oil and gas, water and plumbing, and food and beverage applications.

What to Consider When Purchasing Elbow Fittings

There are some important factors to consider, when choosing an elbow fitting. These factors include:

Material: Elbow fittings are made from a variety of materials, including copper, aluminum, stainless steel, rubber and plastic. Choose a material that can withstand high temperature or high pressure, if needed.
Size: Elbows are available in all Nominal Pipe Sizes, which is the United States standard for piping. Thus, you’ll need to choose the correct pipe size to fit your existing pipeline.
Threading Type: Elbows are available with all types of threading, including male and female threading. You need to match the thread of your existing pipeline to the new fitting. Generally, male threading requires a female thread, and vice versa. Plus, there are some pipe fittings without thread that require a weld.

Shop for cheap, low-cost long elbow pipe fittings on Deelat.com. Here, you’ll find the best prices and best selection of pipe fittings – we guarantee it.

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