Q. We have a gas water heater and we would like to have an electric w.h. instead. How hard would it be to switch, and what do we need to do to change it over?

A. Its not too difficult... You'll need to run a circuit to the new heater, from your panel box...so that means wire, and a circuit breaker. (it should be on a circuit by itself, straight from the panel box, not run from something else). Plumbing wise, you'll just need some standard fittings/adapters to connect to your existing plumbing....for example, you may need to extend the plumbing (or cut it back) to match the connector on the water heater. You'll also need a cap on the gas line. (I'd just tape over the exhaust stack opening from the old heater with aluminum tape, or duct tape) Have Fun

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Q. I'd like to add decorative exposed copper plumbing to my bathroom (for a funky industrial feel) but I have no resources to reference! Does anyone know where I can find some? Thanks!

A. I've seen the look you're after and it's pretty flash here a couple of sites, although one is in black and white you'll get the idea of what is possible using exposed copper plumbing. www.vintageplumbing.com/ This other site has a few of the fittings you'll need to get it down. http://www.bizrate.com/plumbingsupplies/products__keyword--plumbing+copper+cross.html I tried answering your mail but it came back? anyway it's right now. Edit: Now this one isn't working, you're going to have to copy and paste the URL to get there, I have no idea whats happening here.

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Q. I added 3 plumbing fixtures to my garage without permit but didn't finish yet. I need to sell my house so I would like to stop working on plumbing and get the inspection. Can I just cap the pipes? Or do I need to remove pipes from the garage? Or Do I have to remove all pipes from the basement I installed?

A. Just apply for it & will get

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Q.

A. When you get a new countertop or a kitchen makeover, that does not include plumbing. Plumbing is extra and generally must be done by a licensed plumber. I had a new countertop put in my house as did my nephew and mother. None of these jobs was the plumbing hooked back up... it's just not the way it works.

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Q. I am just now starting to finish my basement. When we built 2 yrs ago we had it prepped for a bathroom and a wet bar. We are starting at the bathroom, do we put the walls up first and have the plumber out before the walls go up? Do we want the sink/tub/toilet there for him or is that not necessary? I guess my question is what steps do I take and in what order? Thanks in Advance!!

A. Do your framing for the walls, then call the plumber to have him install the pipes that will be hidden inside the wall. The bathtub etc can also be installed at the same time. Install the water faucets after the room is finished/walls installed so they will not be accidentally damaged during construction. Hint: Tape the drains & cover the toilet while you work so construction material, nails etc won't fall into the drain. 1 nail lodged in the drain, add some hair/sludge equals a real problem to fix later.

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Q. I cut a chase in sub-floor to change plumbing from a tub to a shower, i covered sub-floor with 1/4 durarock,then cement for a solid base,morter mix to slope floor towards drain i was then going to install a membrane when customers tile installer said it had to be removed and replaced that i installed it incorrectly. It was my understanding that after the membrane he was to install thinset over membrane and then tile ? can someone please help answer my questions i still am not sure if i made any mistakes i was trying to ensure a good base for durable longevity

A. The membrane goes behind the durock, and under the mortar bed, the idea is that the membrane holds all the water in and is the last defense between the wood and durock/mortar bed, thinset wont bond to the membrane, it is meant to be attached to concrete of some form whether durock or the mortar bed...putting a membrane in between will keep the the thinset from attaching properly and in turn would cause a horrible tile job, you will need to rip out everything you did and start over from the frame work, dont be surprised if this customer doesn't call you back for anymore work. i would suggest hiring a sub-contractor who knows how to do the job properly and eat the cost if you want to maintain any kind of reputation. and dont take jobs that you aren't 100% sure you know how to do. i dont suggest shoving the membrane under the mortar bed or making an attempt to "make" it work...if its not done right and it leaks you can face a law suit for future water damage because of poor installation of membrane. It has to be done right.

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Q. I had the plumbers in here on Friday to install a cutoff valve in hopes of getting a new refrigerator soon. I just had a "floating" vinyl floor installed 6 months ago. Good Armstrong high quality flooring. When the plumber moved my old peg-legged (no rollers on this baby) refrigerator he tore and "X" 4 inch by 4 inch section of my new flooring. They want to patch it. I say replace it. If it had been 4 or 5 years old I could live with a patch. I saved a long time to get this flooring installed. I paid cash for the materials and installation. What would you do?? Well good news!!! The plumbing company has agreed to replace my flooring. The President of the Company came out himself and said "if it was my house I would want it replaced too". End of story - problem solved. Thank you all for your answers. And oh Bob, nanananana!!!

A. Of course the contractors will tell you to patch it, they don't have to live with the floor. Is it too much to ask that the appliance be moved properly, is this his first job. A responsible contractor carries a set of furniture, appliance movers to avoid this situation. There is no way to patch this floor without leaving an obvious defect. Demand a new floor and if they don't respond, call the plumbers association and the better business bureau. That's the cost of doing business carelessly. If he broke your sink would you let him patch it, if it's a real business, he has liability insurance. Once you agree to a patch you are relinquishing your claim

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Q. - Quote to replace tub and tub surround - $1,700 - "this would be barring any problems" - Remove and dispose old carpet & baseboards - $300 - Paint entire apartment including kitchen and bathrom cupboards and hallway -$2,100 - Carpet installation (275 sq.ft) and vinyl flooring (275 sq.ft) - $2500 The apartment is a 1-bedroom only 550 sq/ft. it's a rental business and not in the best area in town in Ontario, Canada so I just want it to be nice and simple, not expensive fancy stuff. (for example commercial grade carpet is perfect). There was a heavy smoker living there before. is it possible painting is more expensive becasueof that for example? how much approximately should the above items really cost? THANKS.

A. If the tub quote includes the tub, new plumbing and faucets it is OK. Not good, but OK. The rest of those are nuts. The carpet and vinyl, removal, and replacement is more like 800-1000, unless you are buying high end carpet. Painting a place that small is maybe 60 in supplies and 100 to paint, it will take 6-7 hours to prep and paint. Another 2 hours for the cupboards.

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