4/12/01

DRAIN PLUG INFO
Toilets: The toilet must be removed. Tennis balls, sand bags, etc. placed in toilets will not stop water from coming up under toilets. Shut off the water to the toilet and flush to drain the tank. Then, remove the toilet. Twist-tight plugs are the best choice -- they're also simplest to install and remove. A properly installed twist-tight plug will not leak or be forced out by back pressure. A tapered wood plug can be used, but it must be braced to the ceiling with a two-by-four. If the ceiling is finished with drywall, a piece of plywood should be placed at ceiling between the brace and finished ceiling. Panels should be removed from a suspended ceiling and the brace placed against the first-floor subfloor. Wood plugs will seep and can swell up, making removal difficult.

Sinks and wash tubs: To plug sinks and wash tubs, remove traps and use a plug or threaded cap. Threaded caps easily can be screwed on (care should be taken not to overtighten). Rubber-type caps with band clamps and twist-tight plugs also can be used.

Washing machine standpipes: If standpipe has a removable trap, use same procedure as for sinks above. If not, a twist-tight plug or rubber cap with band clamp can be used.

Floor drains: Floor drains can be plugged with twist-tight plugs or tapered wood plugs braced to ceiling the same way as described above for toilets.

Shower stall: May be plugged the same as floor drains.

Bath tub drains: Bath tub drains are more difficult because the trap must be removed and the drain pipe plugged or capped in the same manner as a sink. In an extreme emergency, it may be necessary to call a plumber to plug a bath tub drain.

Self-draining drain tile sump pits: Self-draining sumps that drain directly into the sanitary sewer are in violation of federal, state and city codes. In order to avoid overloading lift stations, causing sewers to back up in basements, self-draining pits must be cut off and properly capped off.

If you have any questions, call Joe Kalenze, Grand Forks city plumbing inspector, at 746-2634.

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