Does Dearborn Brass/Oatey offer different styles of Flanges (escutcheons)?
Yes. We have 6 different styles of flanges that are listed below. All flanges are designed to cover the oversized hole opened in a finished surface in order to allow a pipe to pass through it without restriction or contact with the finished surface. This difference in size allows for expansion and contraction. All the styles of flanges are finished with a chrome plating.
Metal - Low and High Pattern Flanges are normally used when a water line is passing through a finished surface horizontally or vertically. For example, wood cabinets, painted walls, or finished floors.
Metal - Box Flanges are normally used when a drain line is passing through a finished surface.
Metal - Floor and Ceiling Plates are normally used when pipes are passing through walls or floors and ceilings, this is common in commercial or multi-family building applications. These flanges are also available in a split version, which can be installed after the pipes are in place.
Plastic – Split Flange Plates are used in the same applications as the Low Pattern Flanges. The difference with the plastic flanges is that there is a small molded line through the flange, which can easily be snapped in two. This allows for the flange to be installed as the pipes are assembled, or onto pipes already assembled. If the pipe is already in place, the plastic flange can be snapped on the molded line and installed around the pipe. Both applications give a nice clean finished look.
What is the difference between a brass slip nut and a die cast slip nut?
The brass slip nuts are chrome plated brass and the Die Cast slip nuts are chrome plated Zinc.
Can the pipe clamp be used to make repairs on all pipe materials?
These clamps should only be used on ridged metal piping and never plastic.
Are repairs made using a pipe clamp permanent?
The Cadmium Plated Steel pipe clamps are designed for temporary repairs only. This clamp should never be used to make repairs on any lines containing flammable materials, potable water or low to medium air should be the only items within the line being temporarily repaired. These clamps are not recognized by any building official as an approved pipe repair. It is very rare that a leak is isolated to only one section of a pipe and because of this, you should have a professional plumber assess the integrity of your piping system.
Are there any strainers available with decorative finishes?
Yes. The following finishes are available for our Plastic Strainers, Brass and Plastic Disposal Flanges:
Plastic Strainers are available in Biscuit, White, Bone, Euro-White and Black
Brass Disposal Flanges are available in UltraShine® Polished Brass and Polished Chrome
Plastic Disposal Flanges are available in Biscuit, White, Bowl Bone, Euro-White and Black
Should silicone or plumbers putty be used when installing a basket strainer?
Either product is compatible with our brass and stainless steel components, but this may not be true of the sinks that they are being installed into. You should always check with the sink manufacture to seek their recommendations on sealant. If the sink is a porous material, the regular plumbers putty may stain the surface. Refer to our FAQs in category 4 for some surfaces that regular plumbers putty should never be used with. You should only use silicone to seal our plastic strainers, the use of plumbers putty will cause fatigue failure.
How do you clean the basket strainers without affecting the finish?
The repetitive use of harsh cleaners or drain cleaners can lead to the degradation of the basket strainer finishes. To avoid this, mild cleaning agents should be used or cleaning chemicals should be quickly removed from the surface of the strainer. Remember to also use soft sponges or cloths to clean the strainer, abrasive scrubbing pads can also scratch the finished surface.
When are brass side outlet or direct drain Uni-Lift bath waste/overs used?
These styles of bath waste/overflows are installed when the wood framing of the home is centered directly below the vertical drop of the overflow tube, and the project requires a brass waste/overflow. These two options allow for the tub trap to be located directly below the stopper or offset to the side. The wood framing should never be cut out without approval from a local building official because it could weaken or cause collapse of surrounding floors and walls.
How is a bath waste/overflow tested for leaks after installation?
If you are just replacing an existing bath waste/overflow with a new one, a draining test will work. This test is completed by closing the stopper and filling the tub with cold water until it starts to flow through the overflow plate, and then shut off water and inspect all connection points behind the tub. Use cold water for energy savings. If the bath waste/overflow are part of a larger plumbing system installation, reach out to your local building officials to find out what type of test is required.
What is the difference between a Half Kit and Full Kit?
The Half Kits are sold without a DWV (drainage waste and vet) tee fitting, and without any 1½” precut pipe sections. These kits are normally purchased by contractors because they have the pipe and fittings in their stock. The Full Kits are sold with these items in the package, and are normally purchased when an installer doesn’t want to have extra pipe and fittings after the installation in completed. After installation, both kits look and operate the same way.
When would a condensate top elbow be used?
This elbow is very job specific and you would only use it if your local code allows this application. In some municipalities it is approved to attach a condensate drain to the overflow elbow because of the free flow through the overflow into the sanitary drains. This elbow should never be used unless a condensate drain is connected properly, because a leak can develop if it is not. You should always check with your local building officials before installing this type of drain connection.
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