Features of the Taco 1400 Series Pumps

Taco 1400 Series Pumps feature 2 electrical knockouts, permanently lubricated ball bearings that will be sealed for life, cooling fins to extend the life of the motor, and a precision balanced motor for quiet operation.

Taco 1400 Pumps and other Taco pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Why a washing machine shutoff valve?

The washing machine in your home has the power to produce a lot of water in a short amount of time. The potential for a flood if something goes wrong is too great to ignore. Installing an inexpensive http://www.supplyhouse.com/Washing-Machine-Shuttoff-Valves-610000 will give you the peace of mind that if anything goes wrong for any reason, the water will stop flowing and you will not risk getting a flooded basement.

Washing machine shutoff valves and other plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How to do auto-changeover

To have your thermostat automatically go from heating to cooling (auto-changeover), you will need an outdoor sensor. The outdoor sensor will communicate with your thermostat and tell it that it is warm enough outside to stop turning the heat on or that it is cool enough outside to stop turning on the Air Conditioner.

Thermostats such as Honeywell thermostat and White Rodgers thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Tools to have at hand

It's important to always have a toilet plunger and a toilet auger in your house, just in case. If the toilet gets clogged (which happens from time to time usually due to a buildup of mineral deposits), try the plunger first. This is a simple and often effective way to release a clog. If the clog is stubborn and the plunger does not work, a toilet auger will almost always do the job. The auger works to actually break through the clog and can reach up to 3 feet into the pipes in order to find it. An auger can also be used to grab onto an item accidentally dropped into the toilet such as a toothbrush.

Toilet augers and other plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How to use a Watts Auto Air Vent

Series FV4 Watts Auto Air Vents are ideal for high temperature applications because of their high temperature rating and for systems (such as radiant heat systems) with glycol mixtures. These air vents can also be used as an anti-vacuum device or to separate and disperse air while fluid is circulating through the system.

Watts Air Vents and Air Valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Osmosis vs reverse osmosis

Osmosis describes how solvent moves between two solutions separated by a semipermeable membrane to reduce concentration differences between the solutions. When two solutions with different concentrations of a solute are mixed, the total amount of solutes in the two solutions will be equally distributed in the total amount of solvent from the two solutions. Instead of mixing the two solutions together, they can be put in two compartments where they are separated from each other by a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane does not allow the solutes to move from one compartment to the other, but allows the solvent to move. Since equilibrium cannot be achieved by the movement of solutes from the compartment with high solute concentration to the one with low solute concentration, it is instead achieved by the movement of the solvent from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration. When the solvent moves away from low concentration areas, it causes these areas to become more concentrated. On the other side, when the solvent moves into areas of high concentration, solute concentration will decrease. This process is termed osmosis. The tendency for solvent to flow through the membrane can be expressed as "osmotic pressure", since it is analogous to flow caused by a pressure differential.

In reverse osmosis, in a similar setup as that in osmosis, pressure is applied to the compartment with high concentration. In this case, there are two forces influencing the movement of water: the pressure caused by the difference in solute concentration between the two compartments (the osmotic pressure) and the externally applied pressure.


Reverse osmosis faucets and Tomlinson faucets can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Make it easy to fix a mistake

With a PEX Ring Cutter, mistakes are much more forgivable. This lightweight yet heavy-duty tool will quickly remove copper crimp rings from 1/2", 3/4" or 1" PEX Tubing. If a ring has not been tightened properly or if you accidentally inserted a tee instead of an elbow, you can just cut the ring off and re-use that fitting where you need it.

PEX Fittings and PEX Tubing for PEX Plumbing and Radiant Heat can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Make sure there's liquid when using an effluent pump.

Do not run an effluent pump in a dry basin. If an effluent pump is run in a dry basin, the surface temperature of the pump can rise to a dangerously high level. The pump could then burn your skin if touched. The high operating temperatures will also cause serious damage to your pump.

Effluent pumps and Little Giant effluent pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

An advanced thermostat without the complicated installation

The Honeywell IAQ Series VisionPro Thermostats are more than just a thermostat, they are a control center for your home. They are able to control heating sources, cooling sources, ventilation, humidification, and de-humidification all from one source. And the best part? The thermostat installs with only 3 wires in your wall. The equipment interface module (EIM) gets installed in your boiler room (or wherever you keep your heating equipment) and the rest of the wiring is done right there, without having to go through any walls.

Honeywell thermostats and Honeywell VisionPro thermostats such as the YTH9421C1002 can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How does a B&G Comfort-Trol valve work?

Bell & Gossett Comfort-Trol Zone Valves are opened by a heat motor. Because of this, there is about a two-minute period between the time the thermostat closes (calling for heat) and the time the Comfort-Trol opens. As long as heat is required, the Comfort-Trol is kept in the open position by a built-in control switch, which meters small amounts of electricity to the heat motor. When the thermostat opens (signaling the need for heat has been satisfied), a return spring in the Comfort-Trol slowly closes the Comfort-Trol zone valve.

Heating Valves and Zone Valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

PEX- not just for plumbing

AquaPEX tubing is perfect for plumbing applications, but is also flexible enough to turn into a hula hoop or a variety of other around-the-house projects. And if you get the clear, milky-white color, you can make that hula hoop glow-in-the-dark! Simply place some glow sticks inside of the PEX before connecting it together. When the lights go out, the glow sticks will shine through the PEX and a neon glow will surround you. From our experience, bigger PEX makes better adult hula hoops while smaller PEX is perfect for kids.

PEX Tubing and AquaPEX can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Installation of a base mount faucet

If there is a base mount in the faucet you will be installing, be sure to put silicone underneath the entire opening. The silicone will ensure a tight seal with your sink and prevent any potential future leaks.

Base mount faucets, such as Delta Classic Faucets and Delta Signature Faucets can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Green inside and out

The RAPL model Rheem Air Conditioners feature Earth-friendly R-410A refrigerant. Since it does not contribute to ozone depletion, R-410A has replaced R-22 to become the preferred refrigerant for use in residential and commercial air conditioners in Japan and Europe, and is quickly gaining in popularity in the United States. Rheem air conditioning units also use a wraparound outdoor coil made of copper tubing and aluminum fins for improved airflow transfer which helps reduce energy consumption.

Air conditioners and mini-split air conditioners can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Replacing an old thermostat

If you purchase a new thermostat to replace an older model, make sure that you do not just throw the old thermostat in the trash. If your new thermostat is replacing a thermostat that contains mercury in a sealed tube, it can not be thrown into the regular garbage. Contact your local waste management authority for instructions on how to properly dispose of the thermostat.

Honeywell thermostats, Robertshaw thermostats and White Rodgers thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Warm up on a cool night

If it's a bit chilly outside on a nice night, you can still enjoy your patio. A Schaefer Patio Heater will add instant warmth and a comforting glow to any backyard or outdoor restaurant. With its sleek look and warm glow, it will even make your patio look nicer. If you live in a colder climate, these patio heaters are also great for utilizing backyard spaces in the months where you might have been able to in the past.

Schaefer Patio Heaters and other Portable Heaters can be found at www.pexsupply.com

Replacing your Honeywell aquastat

To find out what models you can use to replace the aquastat on your boiler, you will need to find the model number of your existing unit. You should look for this number on the unit itself, not on the cover. On Honeywell aquastats, the last four digits indicate the range of the dial and the length of the capillary. This information is important for choosing the correct replacement. The first part of the model number tells you the series.

You can find many different models of Honeywell Aquastats at www.pexsupply.com

Flexibility with a bend support

Not only does a PEX bend support help to keep your PEX tubing free from kinks, but it also greatly increases the bending radius. Without a bend support, Viega PEX Tubing has a bending radius of eight times the outside diameter (for a one inch roll of PEX, OD= 1.125" and bending radius would be 9"). With a bend support, the tubing has a bending radius of five times the outside diameter (one the same one inch roll of PEX, bending radius would be 5.625"). A lower bending radius is good because it means that you can fit that PEX into tighter spaces and move around corners with ease.

PEX Tubing and PEX Bend Supports can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Accessory for T-KJr Tankless Water Heaters

The remote for the Takagi T-KJr2 Tankless Water Heater allows you to monitor both incoming and outgoing water temperatures, and to change the output settings to a different desired temperature from the factory-set temperature. Also, if something ever goes wrong with your T-KJr, the remote will display the error code so that you will know exactly what has malfunctioned and find out, quickly and efficiently, how to get it fixed.

Takagi Tankless Water Heaters and Tankless Heater Accessories can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Clean air is healthy air

The air we breathe is filled with contaminants that can make us sick such as gases, bacteria, mold, and viruses. An air cleaner will help to get rid of anything unwanted in your air and help to keep your family healthy.

Air cleaners and other HVAC products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Steam Angle Convector Valves

Steam angle convector valves are made of heavy duty bronze with a screwed bonnet, rising stem and composition disc. Each valve is tested twice for air under water, both in the open and closed position.

Radiator valves and other parts for baseboard heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Pipe sizing for a sump pump

When installing a sump pump, the discharge pipe should be the same size as the pump discharge for optimal performance. Using undersized pipe may dramatically reduce the flow and therefore waste energy and money.

Sump pumps and other plumbing pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Kraus Waterfall Faucets

In the last 5 years Kraus has been a leading manufacturer of high end bathroom fixtures. Kraus offers the most exquisite collection of waterfall faucets. This collection includes Kraus waterfall faucets for vessel sinks, under-mount sinks, and even bathtubs. Each faucet is uniquely designed to resemble a waterfall and creates a stylish and serene environment in any bathroom. For many years, Kraus products have only been available in high-end retail stores and would often have a hefty price tag of up to $1000. This all changed when SupplyHouse began selling the Kraus brand. Now, you can turn an ordinary bathroom into a spa-like paradise without spending a lot of money.

Kraus Bathroom Faucets and Kraus Sinks can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

PEX used with Wirsbo Expander Tools

The Wirsbo Expander Tool can only be used with PEX-a quality tubing. PEX can be made using three distinct processes, creating PEX-a, PEX-b, and PEX-c quality. PEX-a is the highest quality PEX available, the PEX that is most uniform in nature and the PEX that is able to keep a memory of its shape and return to that shape after expansion. When using the Wirsbo Expander Tool, you will stretch the PEX tubing out to the point where PEX-b or PEX-c would not come back, and thus would not create a secure connection. PEX-a's superior quality allows it to be expanded to fit over the fittings and within seconds return to its shape forming snugly around the newly inserted fitting.

Radiant Heat PEX and pipe for PEX Plumbing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Radiant Heat Efficiency

For every 3 degrees that you can lower the water temperature in your heating system, that system becomes 1% more efficient. This might not seem like much until you look at the average running temperatures of different systems. Baseboard heaters typically run at 180°F while radiant heat runs at 120°F. That is a difference of 60°, or a 20% reduction in your heating costs. Radiant heat will typically be between 15 and 33% more efficient than other heating methods.

Radiant heat supplies and other heating supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Installation tips for Taco Venturi Tees

1)Venturi Fittings should be installed on the return side. Where the bypass requires additional flow, place the Venturi Fitting on the supply side. For maximum flow through the bypass, use two Venturi Fittings (one on the return side and one on the supply side).
2) Make sure that the arrows on the Taco Venturi Fittings are pointing in the proper direction for return or supply installation.
3) The Venturi fitting should always be installed with the Venturi marking between the by-pass supply and return lines.

Taco Tees and Venturi Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Not too close to the edge

When installing a new kitchen sink, you should make sure that it is not too close to the edge of your counter top. To be safe, at least one and a half inches should remain between the edge and the beginning of your new sink.

Kitchen Sinks including Kohler kitchen sinks and Elkay kitchen sinks can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Expanding PEX Tubing

An expander head for the Wirsbo Expander Tool is meant to be inserted into PEX Tubing to allow it to stretch out in order to allow a fitting inside. A 1" PEX fitting will not fit into a 1" PEX Tube unless the tube is expanded using a Wirsbo Expander Tool.

PEX Tools, PEX Fittings and PEX Tubing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Increase the life of your pump

A differential pressure by-pass valve is a valve that opens and closes automatically in response to the motorized valves or thermostatic radiator valves in your system opening and closing. The valve then dissipates the head pressure produced by a heating circulating pump, lengthening the life of your pump and decreasing the noise produced by the system.


Differential pressure valves, radiant heat controls, and other radiant heat supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Faucet not quite here yet

If you are waiting on a faucet (or fixture, or anything else) but your tubing is placed, you can insert a PEX EP Plug while you wait. This allows you to turn the water on and make sure everything works while you wait for that last part to arrive.

PEX Tubing and PEX Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Why use an air scoop?

Air scoops are designed to assure that hydronic heating and cooling systems run silently by removing all of the air from the system. Since air is lighter than water, it travels along the top of pipes and an air scoop is able to swiftly scoops up any bubbles of air that might rise up, leaving only the water to flow though.

Taco air scoops, air eliminators and other heating supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How many BTU's do I need? What is a BTU?

BTU stands for British Thermal Units and is used to describe heat output. One BTU is enough heat to raise one pound of water by one degree. To determine how many BTU's you will need, you need to know the heat load that your system requires and the amount of water that you will need heated.

Boilers such as Weil Mclain Boilers and Weil Mclain CGI Boilers can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Securing your loops

When you uncoil a roll of PEX Tubing, it will have a tendency to keep it's roll shape and want to coil back if given the chance. This is problematic when you are trying to lay out loops for radiant heat or a radiant heat installation. To make sure that your tubing goes, and stays, exactly where you want it, you can use a tube talon to secure it down to wood. These tube talons include a nail to secure the PEX pipe into the wood.

PEX tube talons and PEX Tubing for radiant floor heat can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Air vent capacity

The venting capacity of a Jacobus JD Angle Air Valve is equal to that of 27 ordinary air valves. You can use this high powered valve when a large amount of air needs to be vented (such as on radiators with particularly long branches and on very large radiators).

Maid-O-Mist Air Valves and Jacobus Air Valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What are the maximum temperature and pressure ratings for SharkBite?

SharkBite fittings are certified to 200 PSI and 200° F (which is 93° C).

SharkBite Fittings and other PEX Fittings for PEX Plumbing and Radiant Heat can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Why are Viega tools different colors?

Viega PEX Press tools come with different colored handles so that you can quickly tell exactly which tool is which. All of the sizes have a different color- 3/8" is green, 1/2" is yellow, 3/4" is blue, and 1" is orange. If you're looking to make a 1" connection, simply grab the tool with the orange handle and you're ready to go.

PEX Tools for PEX Plumbing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How to replace a condensate removal pump

First, turn the AC/heater system off at the thermostat. Disconnect the power cord of the pump and remove the nuts connecting the AC/heater safety shutoff wires to the float switch. (This is a low voltage circuit - typically between 12 and 24 volts.) Next, remove the flexible 3/8" discharge tube from the barbed nipple. Remove the four cover screws at the corners of the pump and lift up the pump cover to slide the water reservoir away from the the PVC drain pipe. Next, you will need to clean the drain pipe and lines with bleach and water before setting the new pump in place. Reconnect the drain and discharge lines, the safety shutoff switch wires, and the power to the pump. Finally, turn on the AC/heater at the thermostat, fill the pump basin with water and test.

Condensate removal pumps, air conditioners, and other HVAC products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What is the difference between the TK-RB01 and the TK-RB02?

Takagi makes two models of recess boxes, the TK-RB01 and the TK-RB02. The TK-RB02 is made for outdoor applications while the TK-RB01 is made for indoor applications. Use a TK-RB01 with any indoor Takagi Tankless Water Heater such as the TK-4 for natural gas.

Takagi heaters and Takagi tankless heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Why install a garbage disposal?

Garbage disposals make your life in the kitchen easier by saving trips back and forth to the garbage can and ensuring that your pipes do not get clogged if something accidentally goes down the drain. With a garbage disposal, you can put chicken bones, coffee grounds, fruit rinds, food scraps, and more right into the sink with no fear of a plumbing nightmare.

Insinkerator garbage disposals, kitchen faucets, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Is Pro Poxy20 safe for aquariums?

Yes. Pro Poxy20 is non-toxic and safe to use in aquariums. Make sure the product is given a full 24 hours to cure at room temperature, then wash the surface with soap and water before refilling your aquarium.

Epoxy and other Hercules Chemicals for plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Can the tube liner of a SharkBite Fitting be removed?

Yes. The tube liner can be easily removed by pulling it past the o-ring, then with the aid of the SharkBite disassembly clip or disconnect tongs, the Tube Support Liner can drop out of the fitting as it can move freely past the grab ring. Needle nosed pliers may be used to pull the Tube Suport Liner out. NOTE: The tube liner is essential for use with PEX Tubing and cannot be removed if you are using SharkBite fittings with PEX.

SharkBite Fittings and other PEX Fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Covering a baseboard

Not all baseboard heaters can be covered with the same baseboard heater covers. If you are unsure what brand baseboard you have, but need to replace a rusty or missing cover, you can purchase a one size fits all baseboard heater cover. These covers are easy to size and easy to install.

Baseboard heaters and baseboard heater covers can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What is the wall thickness of Joist Trak?

Wirsbo Joist Trak Panels are aluminum panels with grooves cut out to hold PEX Tubing in place in the joist spaces and also provide an area to retain its heat in order to warm the room above. Joist Trak Panels have a wall thickness of .050 of an inch.

Joist Track Panels for Wirsbo Joist Track can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Where to install a grease trap

Be sure to install a grease trap as close as possible to the sink that it is being used with. If the liquid has to travel too far before getting to the grease trap, you run the risk of the grease cooling to the point where it can clog your pipes before it reaches the grease trap. If you need a grease trap for two separate sinks, you must install two separate grease traps instead of having one trap that both sinks feed.

Zurn Grease Traps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How to connect PEX to a water heater

PEX cannot connect directly to a water heater. You will need a water heater adapter connected to the PEX, and the other end of the adapter will connect to the actual water heater. HydroPEX Water Heater Adapters connect using the HydroPEX Clamping Tool and HydroPEX Stainless Steel Clamps.

Hydro PEX Fittings, PEX Tubing and other parts for PEX Plumbing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What does potable mean?

Potable means fit for drinking. Potable water is water that you can drink, so in your house it is the water that is sent to sinks, showers, refrigerators, toilets, hose bibs, tubs, etc. When purchasing PEX for plumbing applications that will take water to any of these locations, make sure to get PEX that has been rated for potable water.

Brands of potable PEX include Wirsbo AquaPEX Tubing, Pre-Insulated AquaPEX Tubing, Viega PEX Tubing, Rifeng PEX Plumbing Tubing, and Pre-Sleeved AquaPEX Tubing.

PEX Tubing for PEX Plumbing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What is the heat output of a Beacon Morris F120?

A Beacon Morris F120 Surface Mount Cabinet Kit is not actually a heater, it is a cabinet to hold a Beacon Morris K120 Kick Space Heater. Without the K120, you will get no heat output from the F120. There are several accessories available for Kick Space Heaters including recessed cabinet kits, floor kits, motor fan assemblies, and grilles.

Kickspace heaters including Beacon Morris Kickspace heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

When does a TH6110D1005 thermostat turn off or on?

Your thermostat will always be "on", but it will call for heat or cooling at different times depending on the temperatures that you have set. When the Honeywell thermostat senses that the temperature in the room falls below 1/2 of a degree below the set "heat" temperature, the heat will turn on. When the temperature in the room rises 1/2 of a degree above the set "cool" temperature, the cooling will turn on. Both the heat and the cool will shut off when the desired temperature has been reached.

The TH6110D1005 and many other Honeywell thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What does galvanized mean?

In terms of plumbing supplies, galvanized is a metal that is coated in zinc. Galvanized nipples and galvanized fittings are available. You must make sure that galvanized material does not directly touch copper in order to avoid the corrosion of these materials.

Pipe fittings and plumbing nipples can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Is this tubing made by Wirsbo or Uponor?

Wirsbo and Uponor are actually the same company. The company used to be called Wirsbo, but recently changed its name and is now called Uponor. If you have old PEX tubing, tools, fittings, or rings that say Wirsbo on them, Uponor parts are totally compatible. The exact same products are made now, and the standards of high quality, precision engineering, and warranties you can count on continue; the only change is a new logo.

Wirsbo products including PEX Tubing for PEX Plumbing and Radiant Heat products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What's the difference between a sump pump and an effluent pump?

A sump pump is designed to remove water, such as ground water or surface water. Sump pumps can ONLY move water and will not effectively move any solids. An effluent pump is able to move a combination of liquid and some solids. Effluent (by definition) is the outflow from a sewage treatment plant, which includes both liquids and some solids. Effluent pumps are typically used to pump waste from toilets while sump pumps are typically used to remove water that has collected in a particular location.

Little Giant Sump Pumps, Grundfos Effluent Pumps, and other plumbing pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What does PEX-b mean?

PEX-b refers to the grade of the PEX tubing, a reference to how the polyethylene turned into PEX. Viega PEX is an example of PEX-b tubing. PEX-b tubing is made through a process called the Silane method. This uses a chemical agent to break the bonds and form a tight cross-linking across the polyethylene in order to make PEX.

Viega PEX and other PEX Tubing for PEX Plumbing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Kraus Sink and Faucet Warranty

Kraus offers a limited lifetime warranty on all glass sinks and faucets. Kraus glass sinks are constructed from the most durable double layered tempered glass available on the market today. Kraus guarantees all glass sinks to be free of defect in materials and craftsmanship for one (1) year from the original date of purchase.

Kraus Bathroom Faucets, Kraus Bathroom Sinks, and Kraus Kitchen Faucets can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Tips for installation of a frost free sillcock

Make sure that you take your time and prepare all of the pipes for soldering before you begin installation of a frost free sillcock. Assemble all of the pieces without solder first to make sure that you have all of the pieces and the pipes are long enough to reach outside your house. Be sure to completely drain the system before attempting any connections. It is impossible to make a solder connection with any water remaining in the pipes. Once installed, your frost proof sillcock will assure that your water pipes will not be exposed to the elements and will not freeze in the winter.

Frost-free sillcocks and other plumbing valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

When to re-oil that pump

Bell & Gossett Series 100 pumps should be re-oiled to ensure proper operation and durability. At the start of every heating season, add one teaspoon of oil to the pump bearings. Motor bearings must also be lubricated. These bearings should get eight to ten drops of oil in each oil tube once every four months.

Pumps & Flanges including Taco pumps, Taco bronze pumps and Bell & Gossett pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

A product with over 2,000 uses!

WD-40 is a product with literally thousands of uses! It removes stains, paint, rust, adhesives, and any other unwanted marks on almost any material, lubricates hinges, zippers and locks, cleans and shines everything from piano keys to school lockers, and even removes the oil from your hands! WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. They say the third time is a charm, but the 40th time is the real winner with this formula that does it all!

WD-40 and other plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How do you make a cut in tight spaces?

Already installed the pipe but need to make a cut? Close quarters tubing cutters are perfect for cutting aluminum, hard copper, soft copper, brass, and plastic tubing when there isn't enough room for a standard handle to open fully. With a close quarters cutter, no space is too small to turn the knob and get a precise, accurate cut ready for connections in almost any material.

PEX Pipe, PEX Tubing, and PEX Cutters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Loop length for radiant

When installing PEX tubing for radiant heat, you must be careful not to make the individual loops too long. If there is too much distance between where the water gets heated and the end of the loop where runs under your floors, you run the risk of allowing it to cool to the point where it will not actually be heating anything. As a rule of thumb, for 1/2" tubing, be sure that no loop is longer than 300 feet. If you purchase tubing that is longer than 300 feet, you will need to cut it into multiple lengths before installation.

PEX pipe, and PEX for radiant floor heat can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Quicker connections

A battery powered Wirsbo Expander Tool will save time from each and every ProPEX connection that you make. Instead of using your muscles to open and close the tool, battery powered tools will do this for you, making sure that your tubing expands fully for a ProPEX Fitting to easily fit inside. If you plan on making a lot of connections, or just don't have the time to manually expand tubing for each connection, the Wirsbo Battery Expander Tools are a great investment.

PEX Tools including Wirsbo expander tools can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Grease Trap Maintenance

First, empty the grease trap of any water and remove the baffles. Dip a bucket into the grease trap to remove the accumulated grease. Then, scrape the sides, the lid, and the baffles with a putty knife to remove as much of the grease as possible, and deposit the grease into a watertight container. Contact a professional for grease pick-up. Once the grease has been removed, replace the baffle and the lid and record the volume of grease removed and the date so that you will be able to know when the next cleaning is due.

Grease traps and other plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Cleaner air is easy to achieve

You can capture and minimize micro-organisms passing through your forced air system when you combine your UV System with a high-efficiency air filtration system like an electronic air cleaner. Talk to your installer about adding an electronic air cleaner to complement your UV System and provide added protection for you and your family.

Air cleaners such as Honeywell electronic air cleaners, Honeywell humidifiers, and Honeywell thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Final steps in line set installation

Once all of the line set connections have been brazed, a vacuum must be pulled on the system to evacuate the lines. The manufacturer's installation instructions describe the system evacuation process. If your system operates on R22, then by law you must have an HVAC technician do this part of the job for you.

Line sets, refrigerant line sets, and other air quality products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Easy assembly on zone valves

Honeywell V8043E1012 Zone Valves feature a compact design so that installation is easy. Honeywell also makes replacements easy, the entire zone valve powerhead may be removed or replaced without breaking plumbing line connections or draining the system. The actuator motor may also be replaced without removing the valve body or draining the system. This takes away a lot of the time and stress from traditional replacements.

Honeywell Zone Valves including the V8043E1012 can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Connecting a pump to copper pipe

With a Taco 006-BC4 Bronze 1/2" Sweat Connections, you do not need flanges in order to connect to copper pipe. If you are going from the pump straight to 1/2" copper, you can simply sweat the pipe directly onto the pump with no flange in between. Not all pumps work this way, so be sure to check what connection type your pump uses before making a decision whether or not to purchase flanges.

Taco pumps, including Cast Iron Taco Pumps and Bronze Taco Pumps such as the 006-BC4 can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Make your boiler room energy efficient!

Installing a Taco I-Series mixing valve will make your boiler much more efficient, save energy, and directly save you money in your energy bills. I-Series valves allow your boiler to not work at maximum capacity all the time, but rather to work based on outdoor temperature to gauge how high to fire. For example, without an I-Series valve, if it is 60° or -10° outside, the boiler will heat the same. It will stay on for longer in the colder weather, but it will get up to the same temperature. With an I-Series Mixing Valve, your boiler is able to fire to a lower temperature when it is warmer outside because it knows that you will not need as much heat.

Taco controls include zone valves and zone controls can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Connection method for Dual Check Valves

Watts Dual Check Valves in the 7 Series (such as the 0072205 1" Dual Check Valve) are threaded units with female threads on both sides. To connect to copper pipe to the unit, simply use an adapter with NPT male threads and screw the check valve in place.

Watts Valves, Backflow Preventers and other Plumbing Valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Features of the Ridgid Oiler

Ridgid Oilers have 50% more oil per stroke than other hand-held oilers which allows the die cast body and exposed parts to live a longer life. The ergonomic 2-finger trigger design reduces user fatigue and the heavy duty reservoir is light-weight yet will not dent, crack, leak or rust even under heavy use.

Ridgid tools including the Ridgid Oiler can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Troubleshooting a garbage disposal

If you are having problems with a garbage disposal, first turn it off. Then, reach under the sink and feel for the small Reset button. Reset your unit by pressing this button in all the way. Turn the unit back on and check to see if the problem has been fixed. If it has, you are done! If it has not, check the circuit breaker to make sure that a fuse has not been blown and test the outlet and electrical connections to make sure that everything is functioning properly. If no problem is found, it might be time to replace either the motor or the entire unit.

Garbage disposals and other faucets and fixtures including Kohler, Moen, and Delta can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

When to use a bronze pump

If you are transporting potable (or drinking) water, you will need to use a bronze pump. This means that for all plumbing systems, bronze must be used instead of cast iron. You might also need a bronze pump if you are using it for heating water but your tubing does not have an oxygen barrier. And remember, if you are using a bronze pump, be sure to also use bronze flanges.

Taco pumps including bronze Taco pumps and cast iron Taco pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Energy Savings with Dampers

Adding a vent damper to an existing oil-fired boiler or furnace is a very common job. A vent damper prevents chimney losses by closing off a boiler's vent when the boiler isn't firing. Steam boilers benefit from vent dampers more than hot-water boilers, and bigger boilers benefit more than smaller ones by saving a larger percentage of energy usage.

Dampers such as Field Controls OVD Dampers, and other HVAC and Air Quality Products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Multiple wires in a thermostat

Do you need a 2 wire or 3 wire thermostat? The Wirsbo Heat Only Radiant Thermostats differ only by number of wires. All other features and functions are identical. To find which radiant heat thermostat is for you, simply check your wall to see if there are 2 wires or 3 wires and buy the corresponding thermostat.

Wirsbo thermostats and other thermostats including the Honeywell thermostat can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

The durability of a diamond

Delta Kitchen Faucets featuring Diamond Technology are built to last up to 10 times longer than industry standard faucets. (Industry standard is based on ASME 112.18.1 at 500,000 cycles.) Testing demonstrates that the Diamond valve will last more than 5 million cycles. Waterways have been stress tested at 500 psi (the same psi as fire hydrants), and up to 200° F and will not pit, pinhole, scale or corrode in any way.

Delta Kitchen Faucets, Kitchen Faucets, and Bathroom Faucets can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

The Tekmar 519 is a great thermostat to use with a radiant heating system. To be sure that your wood never bends or warps due to high temperatures, this thermostat comes ready with a compatible floor sensor. Tekmar 519 Thermostat

You can find a variety of Tekmar thermostats and many other thermostats at www.SupplyHouse.com.

How does a gate valve work?

A gate valve has a mechanism to lift when water flows through in a specified direction. The sealing surface between the gate and the seats is flat and when water is not flowing through, a normally closed gate valve will have a seal on this surface.
Gate valves and other plumbing valves can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How does a grease trap work?

Grease traps intercept any oil or grease from the flow of water leaving your sink (or dishwasher). When the mixture of water and grease enters the trap, it begins to cool. As it cools, the grease and oil separate out of the water and rise to the top of the grease trap. The water continues flowing, eventually leaving the grease trap while the grease and oil remain inside. You will need to clean the grease and oil out when your grease trap gets around half full.

Grease traps and Grease trap accessories can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Line set installation tip

When feeding a new line set through a wall, it is typically easier to feed the lines "out" from the inside of the house rather than "in" from the outside. This will minimize any damage to the suction line insulation when feeding the tube through the wall. It is always advisable to slowly roll the lines open to avoid putting any crimps in the copper. If you are faced with a tight radius bend, cut the suction line and braze a 90° or 45° fitting to avoid kinking the flexible tube.

Line sets, HVAC Air quality products, refrigerant line sets and air conditioning line sets can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Outdoor sensors

Honeywell VisionPro Thermostats can be wired using an Outdoor Sensor. This sensor can be installed with up to 200 feet of wire to get outside and will allow a VisionPro to accurately display the outdoor temperature. Using the outdoor temperature as a guide, indoor temperatures can be programmed for maximum energy efficiency while maintaining optimal comfort in your home.

Honeywell Thermostats such as the TH8110U1003, TH8320U1008 and TH8321U1006 can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Connecting from 5/16" PEX

If you need to go from 5/16" PEX tubing to 1/2" PEX tubing, there are several parts needed to make the connection. If you are using compression connections, you will need a QS style 5/16" fitting assembly with R20 thread, a nipple with R20 thread, and another QS style fitting assembly for 1/2". insert the 5/16" assembly into your 5/16" PEX, screw the nipple onto the open end, and screw the other end of the nipple onto the R20 end of your 1/2" PEX fitting assembly.

If you are going from 5/16" PEX tubing to 1/2" copper pipe, you will need the same 5/16" QS style fitting assembly and an R20 thread copper pipe adapter. No nipple is necessary when going to copper.

PEX Fittings, PEX, and PEX pipe can all be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Takagi T-K3

The Takagi T-K4 Heater is only 14 inches wide and will fit in even the tightest spaces. Having a small unit means that there is less time for the water to travel within the unit and less energy is wasted. Safety is also constantly monitored in a T-K3 with an advanced system of circuits and sensors checking for over or under-heating, freeze conditions, gas levels, water levels, and even air and venting conditions. Available Takagi Tankless Water Heaters include the T-K4-IN-NG, the T-K4-IN-LP, T-KJR2-IN-NG, T-KJR2-IN-LP, and many more.

Takagi Tankless Heaters including the T-K4 Tankless Water Heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

You'll never see a plumber bite his nails!

Nail biting isn't an easy thing to quit, so if you want to continue, get a pair of red painted palm gloves! Your hands will be fresh and clean even after the most sticky situations. And the red color is stylish enough to accessorize any outfit.

Gloves and other plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

PEX to copper connections

When connecting PEX Tubing to copper tubing, you can either connect directly to the copper pipe or to the copper pipe through a copper fitting. If you are using a fitting as a go-between, you will need a PEX Copper Fitting Adapter. A copper fitting and copper pipe have different inside diameters, so a PEX Copper Pipe Adapter will not work if you are connecting via a fitting and a PEX Copper Fitting Adapter will not work if you are connecting straight to the pipe.

PEX Fittings and other supplies for PEX Plumbing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Can programmable thermostats really save energy?

Yes, programmable thermostats can save energy and save you money on utility bills. According to the the U.S. Department of Energy, a programmable thermostat can reduce heating costs by up to 35% and cooling costs by up to 25%. Your savings will largely depend on the length of your energy saving program periods and the temperatures set. For example, an energy saving period of 10 hours with the temperature set back 10° will save more than a 5 hour energy saving period with the temperature set back 5°. Source: Lux

Lux thermostats including Lux programmable thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How do you attach flanges?

Flanges will attach to your pipe through the threads by simply screwing them into place. Flanges have female thread, so you will need a pipe with male thread or a male connector on the end of your pipe. Any brand flanges will fit any brand pump, so you can use Grundfos flanges on a Grundfos pump such as the UPS15-58FC, or on a Taco pump. Flanges come in pairs, so when you purchase one set, you get flanges for both sides of your pump.

The Grundfos UPS15-58FC pump (part number 59896341) and other Grundfos pumps and Taco pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What tool for AquaPEX?

When using AquaPEX Tubing, you can use any tool for connections. The only thing to make sure of is that the fittings match the tool. With AquaPEX, you can use the HydroPEX clamping tool, the Watts crimping tool, the Wirsbo expander tool, the Viega PEX Press tool or no tool at all using SharkBite Fittings. Since AquaPEX is a PEX-a quality material, all tools will work, creating secure connections.

PEX Tubing and other parts for PEX Plumbing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Replacement aquastat for kickspace heater

The Beacon Morris 2024 is a Low Temperature (120°F) Aquastat Assembly which is a replacement part for the Beacon Morris Twin-Flo III KickSpace Heaters. Temperature source water, cut in is at 120°F which makes it ideal for solar or radiant heat.

Beacon Morris Kickspace heaters and kick space heaters can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Refrigeration lines for line sets

When purchasing refrigeration lines, measure the length of line set needed to connect your outdoor condenser to the indoor forced air equipment. Based on that length, the correct size diameter line set can be selected which will ensure your system meets the listed SEER rating and capacity. Once you have accurately measured the length needed, use our chart below to find the diameter best for your system.

Line sets and other air quality products can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Can the wiring for two circuits touch in a zone valve?

Even if two circuits touch at a transformer, they still do not communicate or interfere with each other in any way. As long as there is only one point of contact between the two circuits, they will act independently and will not be affected by each other.

Zone valves and other zone controls and heating supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How to install a floor sensor

Use PEX as a conduit for floor sensors in radiant heat: Take a small piece of extra PEX and slide the sensor into it. When you pour the concrete, make sure that the PEX sticks up so that that area will not be filled. This way, if you ever need to replace the sensor, you don't need to break your slab.

Wirsbo Floor Sensors and other other parts for hydronic radiant heat can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Measurements of the HFT1200 Manifold

The HydroPEX HFT1200 12 outlet 1" Manifold with 1/2" PEX Outlets and 3/4" PEX Inlets is a copper manifold to be used with radiant heat systems. This part is approximately 26.75 inches long and has 1.5 inches of space between outlets.

Radiant heat manifolds and other heating supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Controlling your humidifier

Honeywell TrueSTEAM Humidifiers are controlled either manually or with a Honeywell thermostat. All of the TrueSTEAM models with "w/VisionPro IAQ Control" in the product name come with a Honeywell VisionPro Thermostat, ready to connect to and control your humidifier. You can use this thermostat to change both the temperature and the humidity of a room to find your optimal comfort level.

Honeywell humidifiers and Honeywell thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Taco 1400 Series High Capacity Green Pumps

For heating jobs requiring more than a standard heat pump, Taco offers the 1400 Series High Capacity Pumps. These pumps feature a flow range of up to 147 GPM, and a head range of up to 51 ft.

Heating pumps including Taco 1400 Pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Installation Instructions for the DT-2

To install your Bell & Gossett DT-2 Drain-O-Tank Air Charger, follow these easy steps:
1. Isolate the compression tank in which the Drain-O-Tank is to be installed with shut of valves or drain the system.
2. Apply pipe joint compound conservatively to the male 1/2" NPT threads only.
3. Screw Drain-O-Tank into Compression Tank fitting on bottom of tank and tighten securely.
4. Repressurize the system.

Expansion tanks including the Bell & Gossett Drain-O-Tank can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Changing cast iron pipe sizes

To go from one size cast iron pipe to another size, you will need a cast iron reducer. Reducers are available in many different sizes from 1/2" to 3".

Cast iron reducers and other pipe fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

HydroPEX for plumbing

HydroPEX tubing is typically used for plumbing applications. Blue tubing is used for cold water and red water is used for hot water. This makes looking at your plumbing system and knowing exactly which tube goes where easy.

PEX Plumbing supplies and PEX Tubing can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

The HydroLevel Water Feeder VXT-120V comes set with a 2 minute delay before feed, a feed setting of LWCO, maximum steam pressure of 15 PSI, maximum water supply pressure of 150 PSI, maximum amp draw of .2 amp (120 VAC), and water flow of 1 GPM.

HydroLevel products and other water feeders such as McDonnell Miller Water Feeders can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Which backflow preventer do I need?

Your local water company will determine which backflow preventer is required for your home. For a general guideline, if there are any chemicals entering your water or if your home is located near a pond, river, lake, or ocean, you will need an RPZ Assembly Backflow Preventer. If you are using a sprinkler system with no chemicals, you will need a Double Check Backflow Preventer. If you need to isolate an internal element (such as a coffee machine, ice maker, etc) you can use a Pressure Vaccuum Breaker. Note: Pressure Vaccuum Breakers do not protect external water supplies.

Backflow preventers can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

The Everything 'Stat Compatibility

The Lux non-programmable Everything 'Stat is compatible with most 24v Gas, Oil, Electric Heating and Air Conditioning Systems, Single and Multi-stage Heat Pumps, 2 Wire Hydronic Systems, Hydronic Air Handlers, and Millivolt Systems. This thermostat is NOT compatible with 3 Wire Hydronic Systems or Line Voltage Systems (Without Transformer.

Lux Thermostats and other thermostats can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

How often should I clean a grease trap?

A grease trap should be cleaned whenever it gets around half full. Depending on the size of your grease trap and your grease usage, the time that it will take to fill will vary. To be sure that everything will function properly, it is recommended that your grease trap gets fully emptied once per month.

Grease traps and other plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What is a vacuum breaker?

A vacuum breaker is a less complex version of a backflow preventer. It is a small anti-siphon device used to prevent contaminated water (or any other unwanted water supply) from entering your water supply.

Vacuum breakers and other plumbing supplies can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

Grille for Kickspace Heaters

Beacon Morris Kickspace heaters do not come with a grille. The grille covers the face of the heater, and is the part that is seen from your room. Grilles are available in several patterns and colors, so you will be sure to find one that fits your decor.

Kickspace heaters and kickspace heater grilles can be found at www.supplyhouse.com

What is a flange union?

A flange union is a pair of flanges used to hold two pieces of pipe together. The flanges get screwed together and the pipe is attached through threads on the flange. To complete a flange union connection, you will need two flange unions, screws, and your pipe to be connected.

Flange unions and other pipe fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com