The plumber Steve Bowton shows Bob how to sweat a joint in copper plumbing. First he cleans the pipes with an emery cloth. Then he explains that plumbers no longer use lead solder and instead use a tin and antimony mixture to protect homeowners from lead poisoning. Then he puts flux on the pipes and the fittings. Places the fixture on the pipes and levels it, then solders the joints. The flux helps draw the solder into the space.

Bob explains how remodeling a basement presents owners with options they didn't realize they had. In the Melrose home project, a space previously used as a little paint closet was converted to house a half bathroom that is badly needed in a home with only one bathroom for its four members. The area was reframed and the staircase restructured to accommodate the room. Al Leone of Plumbers Union Local Number 12 installed the new piping using PEX flexible tubing. Electricians were then called in to rewire the area. Electrician John Schiavone installed the wires, circuits, switches, and outlets.

Bob reviews the work done on the existing plumbing once all the waterproofing and flood-prevention measures are put in place in the basement. Al Leone of Leone Plumbing Corp. first cut the pipes into sections for easy removal. The cast iron pipe was cut and removed using a special pipe cutter. Bob explains that Leone is a union contractor who decided to go into business for himself. His helper, Matthew Orlando, is going through the apprentice training program through the Plumber and Gas Fitters Local Union Number 12 in Boston. The chapter spends $4,500 a year to put each apprentice through a thorough five-year training program where they spend two nights per week learning about everything from bathrooms to hospital gas work. Leone demonstrates some of the specialized work he does to install the pipe, including using oakum, a joint runner, and poured hot lead to form a joint seal. Leone then shows how some of the other seals are put in place in the pipe.

Bob tours the upstairs master bath with an eye towards the space's luxury appointments, including the double vanity fixtures, granite countertop, and Wellborn cabinets. Plumber Dave DuVerger is installing a trim package to finish off the spacious shower. The shower features three showerheads in a nearly six-by-six foot enclosure. To supply enough water pressure, these are built on a plumbing loop with a 3/4-inch supply line.

…Plumbing uses flexible PEX Tubing instead of copper pipe in plumbing applications. PEX Tubing…
…work with and more freeze resistant than copper. Because of this, PEX is a better choice…
…plumbing supplies including faucets, copper fittings, grease traps, PVC fittings…

…is part of a closed-loop plumbing system and timer that automatically pumps the pool water through a filter, heater, and copper/silver purification system. Already own a pool? Click Here to learn about The Fastlane® Sign up now to receive a…

…just the sink in stainless steel and other countertops in other surfaces. Copper Countertops A copper counter brings character and warmth to the kitchen. Copper s gentle patina comes with age and use. Photo courtesy of SpecialtyStainless…

Copper gutters will not rot or rust, and add a…
…a "walk by" component of the home. Copper gutters leave the realm of utility and enter the arena of architectural detail. Most copper gutter jobs are custom, allowing plenty…

The demand of copper is rising dramatically, along with the price. This has caused some people to doubt whether copper is worth using in homes anymore. In a recent survey conducted by the Copper Development Association (CDA), a majority…

…basement, loosen the support brackets of the copper pipe that supplies the outdoor faucet…
…Use a circular pipe cutter to cut the copper pipe leading to the outdoor faucet. Cut…
…Use a circular pipe cutter to cut the copper pipe. Step 4: Prepare a hole for…