Plumbing Systems for Homeowners

Thursday, August 5th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments

What is PEX?

An Uponor plumbing system features Engel-method crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing. This is a flexible plastic tubing product that has been used for more than 35 years in radiant floor heating, plumbing and fire safety systems.

PEX is classified into three categories: • PEX-a (Engel or peroxide method) • PEX-b (Silane method) • PEX-c (Electron beam or radiation method)

The PEX tubing industry considers Engel-method PEX-a tubing superior because the crosslinking is done during the manufacturing process when polyethylene is in its amorphic state (above the crystalline melting point). Because of this, the degree of crosslinking reaches around 85%, resulting in a more uniform product with no weak links in the molecular chain.

The properties in PEX-a tubing make it the most flexible PEX on the market, allowing for the tightest bend radius available — as little as 3½” for ½” tubing. Its flexibility also greatly reduces the instance of kinked tubing. However, because of the thermal memory of PEX-a, if a kink does occur, a simple shot from a heat gun returns the tubing to its original shape.

The Unique ProPEX® Connection

The shape memory of PEX-a tubing allows it to expand and then shrink back to normal size. This allows for the use of Uponor’s unique ProPEX® expansion fittings, which capitalize on the shape memory of PEX-a to create strong, durable and reliable connections without the use of dangerous torches, glues or solvents.

Plumbing Products that Preserve Water, Energy, and Funds

Thursday, June 10th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments

We all like to save money.  If we can save money while benefiting the environment, then all the better!  Plumbing is an area where you can reap huge savings by paying a bit more up front for water and energy efficient appliances and fixtures.

Your fixtures may be serving you well at the moment, but if you’re in need of a replacement, look into these efficient alternatives for everything from water heaters to faucet washers.

Products with an Energy Star or EPA Water Sense sticker are always the better choice, but there are more advanced options you can go with as well.  Here are some ecologically-sound alternatives to look for:

• Toilets
• Sink and Shower
• Water Heaters
• Others
• Resources and Developments

Toilets

Composting — waterless (or very little water depending on model), no septic or sewage system necessary, decomposes solid waste into fertilizer, and now many odorless models exist, such as those made by Sun-Mar.  And here’s all you could ever wish to  know at envirolet’s Composting Toilet World.

Low-flow, dual flush — uses considerably less water.  Dual flush allows you to choose how much water is used (varies depending on the type of waste).

Waterless urinals —  hands free and odor free!

Sink and Shower

Low-flow aerators — screws right on to your faucet head and reduce water flow while maintaining pressure.

Low-flow showerheads — many options exist: look for flow control technology that actually increases water pressure, and those with non-aerating spray, which save energy as the water takes less time to heat up.

Sensor operated faucets — touch-free and water conserving.

Water Heaters

Tankless or instantaneous — provides hot water when you want it, eliminating the energy wasted by keeping water heated in a tank.  Can be used in addition to a solar heating system.

Solar — sunshine is free!

Point-of-use — smaller heaters installed where you want hot water.  Energy efficient and cost-saving.

The U.S. Department of Energy has a handy page for cost-comparison of different water heater systems.

Other

Hot water re-circulating pump — another way of eliminating energy and wait-time for water to heat.

Smart irrigation system — dramatically saves water by adjusting itself according to factors such as weather and will water only when plants need it.

Rain sensors — shuts off the normal irrigation system when it detects enough rainwater has fallen to provide adequate watering.

Resources and Developments

Here are some great websites featuring energy efficient appliances and fixtures:

Conserv-A-Store

Improvement Direct

Greenmaker

In recent years, Japan has taken bathroom technology to the next level. Forget just saving water, how about an impromptu medical check-up the next time you use the toilet?

And no need to run more water to reheat the bath—these insulating tubs keep water warm without wasting energy. The materials used are toted as eco-friendly, though there is some controversy concerning the use of polystyrene foam.

by GLI Editors in Plumbing

Top Reasons to Hire a Professional Plumber

Monday, April 12th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments

When you set up a new house, plumbing becomes one of the most important activities. It is essential to ensure that all plumbing is done in a careful manner in order to prevent any leakage of water or gas in the house. Every home owner in a city like Knoxville will require a Knoxville plumbing service at least once every few years. A clogged drainage system will inevitably spill the dirt into your bathroom or kitchen. Hence it is important to take care of drainage and water pipes in your house.

Many people try to do their plumbing on their own. While this requires a certain amount of skill, there are some things that can only be done by a professional plumber. For instance, most Knoxville plumbing services have expert plumbers who can identify blockages and replace drainage pipes underground. Likewise, leakages in water pipes can also be plugged by them easily. Professional plumbers have all the machinery required for carrying out a plumbing job. Hence, you should call them over whenever there is a requirement of a plumbing job in a house or any other kind of building.

Leakages can be very damaging to your house, particularly to the wooden insides of your home. Excess water can cause the growth of mold which doesn’t leave a good impression on your eyes. Seepages like this should be plugged quickly. Many Knoxville plumbing services have specialized in this. There may be situations where the main water supply to the house will need to be shut, maybe even for many hours, and the entire water pipe line will need to be changed. Such situations are best handled by a professional plumber. They also ensure that proper safety measures are undertaken when the pipeline is changed through the walls and ceilings of the house.

If you notice a change in the color or taste of the water in your home then it is a good plan to get your plumbing checked. However, in most cases such a situation is generally the result of a problem with the water supply of your city or locality. It is also good to contact your Water Supply Company or municipality and report the matter to them. They might suggest that you contact Knoxville plumbing services who can then suggest you the solution for your problem.

It is important to hire an experienced and licensed plumber in your area. This not only ensures that the job is done professionally, but also that it is done without any undue wastage of time and money. Knoxville plumbing agencies are known to hire experienced plumbers and regularly apprentice plumbers. This helps in ensuring that good plumbers are available throughout the city, all days of the week. Most of these agencies can also address plumbing emergencies such as sudden pipe bursts or water tank overflows. It is therefore highly recommended that professionally trained plumbers in and around Knoxville are hired for plumbing jobs.

Plumbing become one of the most important activities. It is essential to ensure that all plumbing is done in a careful manner in order to prevent any leakage of water or gas in the house. For more information contact Knoxville Plumbing and get all your plumbing problems solved.

Wise ways to save on taxes

Friday, March 26th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments

The tax man cometh again but before you file in your returns, look for ways to maximize your tax savings.

THE time for filing tax returns is upon us again and foremost on every taxpayer’s mind now is how to pay the least tax without being penalized – or even imprisoned – for tax avoidance.

So the million-dollar question is how can Malaysian taxpayers pay less tax?

KPMG tax partner Pauline Tam points us to some simple moves.

“Make an effort to be updated with the full list of tax exempt or partially tax exempt allowances or benefits, personal relief, deduction, rebates or tax incentives that we as individual taxpayers are entitled to.

“Start to recap what you spent in 2009 and compile the receipts for purchase of books, magazines, sports equipment, computer and course fees for a degree at Masters or Doctorate level and so forth that you could have chucked away in your drawers.

“If you have somehow forgotten what you spent in 2009, it’s never too late to start planning now for 2010,” she advises.

Peter Lim, a senior manager with a multinational company, has a shoebox full of receipts, which he plans to sieve through in the coming weeks to offset against his taxable income.

“I aim to take advantage of all the tax reliefs that I am entitled to. My taxes always result in a big hole in my pocket, as I tend to lose my receipts and are not updated on the latest incentives and reliefs.

“Hopefully it will result in lower taxes for me this time especially since the Government did not introduce many new incentives for the year of assessment (Y/A) 2009,” he says.

There are few changes in terms of tax incentives, reliefs and rebates for individual taxpayers for Y/A 2009 versus Y/A 2008.

The main changes consist of the reduction of the top marginal tax rate to 27% from 28%; increase in the rebate given to individual taxpayers whose chargeable income does not exceed RM35,000, to RM400 from RM350; and tax exemption on interest income from Syariah-compliant savings bonds issued by the Government.

The withholding tax rate on non-corporate investors including residents and non-residents for income from real estate investment trusts listed on Bursa Malaysia was reduced to 10% from 15%.

In addition, bonus and directors’ fees are to be taxed in the year such income are received.

Therefore, tips for individual taxpayers to pay less tax would definitely come in handy. (See: Important points to consider and Quick Tips chart)

Employers’ role

KPMG’s Tam says employers might wish to educate their employees on the types of reliefs and tax deductions that they are entitled to, as well as the types of records that employees should maintain to substantiate the claims.

“This would go a long way in assisting employees. The tax awareness program could involve either inviting Inland Revenue Board (IRB) officials or their tax agents to conduct briefings on a yearly basis or whenever there are tax changes.

“The program could also include guidance on how to e-file their tax returns and to have a better understanding of their rights and obligations under the tax laws,” she adds.

Employers should also consider the available tax-exempt benefits and allowances when reviewing the annual remuneration package for their employees to reduce their financial burden.

However, these would have to be weighed against the additional cost and administrative tasks in implementing the benefits.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Taxation Services managing consultant Hilda Liow concurs.

“Malaysian employers are mostly quite receptive to employee tax incentives announced by the Government and do actively consider structuring their employees’ remuneration for tax effectiveness.

“However, the usual constraint is in ensuring that there is no increase of cost to the employer in implementing a tax efficient remuneration structure,” she says.

She stresses that Malaysian employers have to begin to appreciate the overall attractiveness of their employee remuneration and incentives programes as an important tool for recruiting and retaining talent.

New incentives for Y/A 2010

Incentives that taxpayers should look out for this year are as follows.

Firstly, the top tax rate on chargeable income exceeding RM100,000 is 27% for Y/A 2009, with a reduction to 26% for Y/A 2010.

Secondly, personal relief will be increased from RM8,000 to RM9,000.

In addition, there are new tax reliefs like a tax relief of up to RM500 per year for broadband subscription fees from 2010 until 2012.

The relief for life insurance premiums/approved fund contributions would be increased to RM7,000 from RM6,000.

The additional RM1,000 is given solely to annuity scheme premium from insurance companies contracted with effect from Jan 1, 2010.

The Budget 2010 announcement also saw the unprecedented introduction of a flat reduced tax rate incentive on the employment income of a knowledge worker in a specified economic region (the knowledge worker, qualified activity and specified region must be approved by the Finance Minister).

“The employment income of a Malaysian and foreign knowledge worker residing in Iskandar Malaysia and working in qualifying activities will be taxed at a flat rate of 15%,” Liow explains.

“This incentive applies to knowledge workers applying for and commencing employment in Iskandar Malaysia between Oct 24, 2009 and Dec 31, 2015.”

However, the IRB has yet to issue guidelines on the definition of “knowledge workers” and neither has it provided clear guidelines as to the application process and the documentation to support the application with the Finance Ministry.

To sustain a progressive nation, Liow says the Government would need to enhance the competitiveness of individual taxes.

“There is still the 1% gap between the top personal tax rate of 26% (effective from Y/A 2010) and the corporate tax rate of 25% (effective from Y/A 2009).

“An eventual harmonization of the top personal and corporate tax rates could provide a competitive advantage in attracting investment and providing greater flexibility for individuals in business to determine their business structure,” she adds.

According to Liow, it is also timely for the Government to expand green tax incentives to the individual consumer especially with the continued focus on green issues and the need for countries to work together to lower their carbon footprint and reduce gas emissions.

Currently, the only incentive enjoyed by an individual is the stamp duty exemption announced in Budget 2010 on the costs incurred to obtain the Green Building Index certificate by the first owner of a residential building.

“More incentives for the individual taxpayer could include residential energy efficient reliefs for energy efficient households, such as the usage of solar heating systems and circulating fans as well as fuel vehicle reliefs for the usage of personal hybrid vehicles,” Liow says.

Tam highlights that widening the income band in each income bracket for the respective progressive tax rates or granting more reliefs or deduction would have a substantial impact in easing the tax burden for individuals.

She reckons the Government could introduce parent relief in recognition of taxpayers supporting their aged and handicapped dependants with further parent relief if the taxpayer lived with the dependant.

“They can also allow taxpayers to claim the full amount of donations given to approved charitable organizations without any restriction. Currently, the deduction of donations is limited to 7% of aggregate income,” she says.

In addition, Tam says, the Government could consider reinstating the deduction of interest paid to finance the acquisition of real property as part of the incidental cost to the acquisition price for computing real property gains tax payable.

By ELAINE ANG and JOSEPH LOH

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/21/focus/5898878&sec=focus

4 Reasons Your Sink Drains Slowly

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments

If your sink drains are emptying slowly, it may be tempting to immediately call the plumber. However, there are many mundane problems that can cause your sink to drain slowly that do not require professional attention. Almost anything other than water that is flushed down a drain in large enough quantities can be enough to start the clogging process. What follows should give you an idea of the most common problems that sink drains face, and give you simple countermeasures to prevent them.

1. Hair Clogs

Hair is a common problem for drains. If any hair gets into your drain, it is probably going to stay there for a long time. Hair does not dissolve or break up easily, and as a result makes very strong clogs. In addition, it can even catch other small pieces of debris that would normally pass safely through your drain, allowing them to build up and cause further problems.

You can remove hair clogs from your drain by using drain cleaner, or using a plunger or drain snake. However, you are much better preventing them before they happen altogether. If you have problems with hair clogging your drain, you should purchase and install a hair trap to keep your drain in good condition. Be sure to empty it regularly, as there is a good chance your filter will fill up quickly if you have enough hair going down your drain to cause problems.

2. Grease Clogs

Grease can also cause many problems for drains. While grease seems like it would not be solid enough to clog a drain, the truth is that  there are many things that can make liquid grease solidify enough to both block the flow of water, and trap other solid particles to make a stronger clog. You can avoid grease clogs by simply not pouring grease down your sink, or pouring hot water down with it when you must do so. Additionally, you should be able to remove weaker grease clogs by pouring hot water down your drain. However, if this does not work, more standard methods will probably be necessary.

3. Mineral Buildup

If you have hard water, minerals may build up in your drain pipe, causing your drains to work more slowly than usual, or even stop altogether. Mineral buildups can also cause other debris to accumulate more quickly. You can remove a mineral buildup with drain cleaner or a drain snake. Additionally, dealing with the problem at the source by dealing with your hard water problem is also a possibility.

4. Soap Scum

Soap scum functions much like grease in your drain. Although it is a liquid when you wash it away, it can solidify and accumulate just as much as any of the other substances that form clogs. Additionally, soap scum can catch other items that are being flushed down your drains and form them into clogs. Soap scum is very difficult to avoid putting down your drains, so unfortunately there are few effective preventative measures that you can use against it.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/4-reasons-your-sink-drains-slowly#ixzz0iRgDmC4D

Common Problems with Drain Cleaner

Friday, February 19th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments

A chemical or enzymatic drain cleaner is often the first choice to remove blockages caused by hair, grease, soap, human waste or other foreign materials. It’s easy and inexpensive to use, but can cause problems if you choose the wrong cleaner for the type of clogged drain you have, or if you use the product incorrectly.

Damage to Pipes or Surrounding Surfaces

Chemical drain cleaners react with the blockage material by creating heat that disintegrates it. Designed to be denser than water, they are more likely to splash and corrode surrounding surfaces. To reduce damage to surrounding areas like porcelain, stainless steel and aluminum faucets, pour the cleaner as close to the drain as possible and use only the minimum amount necessary. Most require that you either add water to the cleaner or add cleaner to the water. Do so carefully and slowly to reduce splashing. Avoid pouring the cleaner into a plastic or porcelain basin to reduce the chance of cracking it.

Be aware of what type of piping you have. Chemical drain cleaners can soften soft plastic pipes (PVC). They can also cause additional damage to already old and corroded pipes. You may have to use an enzymatic drain cleaner to prevent damage to your pipes. They tend to be less corrosive, but they’re also less effective at dissolving blockages. A manual drain cleaner like a drain snake is also an option.

Toxic Fumes

Chemical drain cleaners tend to release vigorous gases. To prevent breathing in the fumes, use drain cleaners only in well-ventilated areas and don’t stand close and watch as it works.
Avoid mixing different types of drain cleaner. If one type doesn’t work, don’t use another type since you could create a chemical reaction like a dangerous cloud of toxic gas or an eruption of chemicals from the drain. Mixing drain cleaners could also make it impossible to later unblock the drain manually with a drain snake due to the risk of exposure to unknown chemical mixtures.
It’s crucial that you don’t mix drain cleaner with any cleaning product containing bleach. This could create chlorine gas that is deadly to humans and animals.

Drain cleaners tend to be affordable to use, but some of the more budget-conscious may be tempted to buy the cheapest product available. The cheaper ones, such as those found in discount dollar stores, tend to be ineffective. The strength of their mixtures are often inconsistent so you’ll never know how potentially toxic they are. It’s best to go with a medium- to high-priced cleaner from a reputable store.

Danger to Pets

Liquid drain cleaner can pose a danger to pets who often like to drink puddles of water in sinks, tubs and toilets. Even a small amount of the product is poisonous and can kill your pet if he or she drinks it. After using any liquid drain cleaner, make sure to clean the surrounding area thoroughly. If possible, keep your pet away from the toilet, sink or tub for a couple of days.

Helpful Hint’s for Front Load Washers

Friday, December 11th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

A frequent problem with front load washing machines is a pungent odor coming from the unit. This problem is due to a bacterial buildup cause by a lack of proper sanitation. Preventive measures such as weekly use of sanitizing tablets, which can be purchased at the local appliance store, as well as leaving the door open after each use to allow proper air ventilation.