Expansion Tank Support

An inexpensive way to support an expansion tank when attached to the vertical supply pipe above the water heater is to use a scrap piece of 2-inch ABS or PVC pipe. Cut the pipe 1-inch longer than the distance from the bottom of the expansion tank to the top of the water heater. Make a second cut 1-inch from the end, but only cut three-quarters around the pipe.

With a pair of snips or a hacksaw, cut the 1-inch piece from the pipe. Now you can attach the pipe to the side jacket of the water heater with a sheet metal screw through the flange left from the cut. This provides a secure support for the expansion tank. Our plumbing inspectors love it.

Mike Figg
Cordier Plumbing
North Canton, Ohio

Shower Trim Solution

Recently I allowed a plumber friend to lend a hand in setting out a large bathroom. He made a costly mistake while trimming out a mega-shower; he cut the volume control stem too short for the application. It was a mindless mistake that would cost the company much wasted time and money to reorder a stem.

My solution was to take a 1/2-inch piece of brass closet bolt, screw it into the threaded shaft of the cut piece with a touch of flux. Then screw the piece into the remainder of the stem with some more flux. A little light solder, and we were back in business to re-cut and install the trim properly.

William Guffin
Guffin Plumbing
Charleston, S.C.

Protect Your Plans

After a day’s work, most contractors roll up their blueprints and load them into their work vehicle, only later to find them crushed, ripped or creased by tools and supplies. For small- to medium-sized prints, I recommend using a scrap piece of 2-inch or 3-inch PVC as a plan tube to protect them from damage.

Make sure to spray paint or mark the PVC in some way so that it doesn’t get thrown out. This way the prints can ride safely and be in good condition the next time you need them on the jobsite.

Steve Stumbris
Masterson Plumbing
Portage, Wis.