Choosing a Marine Contractor for Your Next Project

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Owners of property next to the ocean often require marine contractors to build or repair docks, boat lifts and shoreline erosion control structures. Careful selection of a qualified contractor is critical to ensuring the success of such projects.

Marine software systems that provide real-time sensor data gathering, computation, display and logs are valuable tools for contractors. Such systems can help marine contractors get paid precisely for dredging work, reach project benchmarks and demonstrate compliance with regulations. Contact Marine Contractor now!

Marine contractors have the specialized construction knowledge and experience to build a wide range of structures, including docks, seawalls, marine piers, wharves, bulkheads, jetties and more. They also handle dredging, filling, shoreline erosion control and coastal restoration. Their work often involves high-level engineering and design technology, as well as specialized construction materials and equipment.

When choosing a marine contractor for your project, look for one with a solid reputation and track record of meeting deadlines. In addition, choose a company with stable management and long-tenured leaders. This will help you to avoid shady business practices and ensure that you get the quality work you need on time and within budget.

After the initial consultation, your marine contractor will prepare a proposal for the work that needs to be done. This may include sketches, plans or computer simulations to give you a clear idea of what your property will look like after the seawall has been completed. It will also specify the type of seawall that will be built (vertical, stepped or mound-type), and the material that will be used (concrete, stone or wood).

The proposal will then be presented to you for review and approval. If you have any questions or concerns, this is the time to voice them. Your marine contractor should be willing to address your concerns and explain any additional costs or delays that may arise.

Once the contract has been approved, the marine contractor will begin the construction process. This will include excavating the site, building the foundation and installing the seawall. Depending on the complexity of the project, this step may take several weeks or months.

During the construction phase, your marine contractor will monitor the project on a daily basis to make sure that it is progressing according to plan. They will also be responsible for obtaining any required permits from local authorities and other relevant government agencies. They will also handle the sand replacement, waterway openings and any other requirements related to your project.

Once the construction is complete, your seawall will be in place and ready to protect your property from erosion. However, it’s important to remember that even the best seawall is not a permanent solution to beach erosion. It’s still possible that your seawall will need to be repaired or replaced over time, particularly if it is located in an active erosion zone.

Dock Repairs

Most waterfront property owners will need the services of a marine contractor at one time or another, whether it’s to construct or repair a dock, boat house or ramp, seawall, cofferdam, or other shoreline erosion control structure. The selection of a reliable, knowledgeable and experienced marine contractor can mean the difference between a project done well and a botched job. Here are some tips, questions to ask and red flags to watch for when choosing a marine contractor for your next project.

Marine contractors should have skill and experience in the construction and repair of both residential and commercial waterfront structures. They should also have a solid understanding of building materials and environmental conditions. For example, it is important that wooden docks are constructed with pressure-treated wood meeting specific minimum standards. This is essential to the longevity and durability of the structure. Also, different mixtures of concrete are required in coastal environments compared to dry-land settings.

In addition to being able to perform the necessary work on your waterfront projects, a marine contractor should be able to work within your budget and provide you with a fair and reasonable estimate. They should also be able to answer any questions or concerns that you may have throughout the project.

When selecting a marine contractor for your next project, it’s important to take the time to find out if they have a solid track record and are licensed and insured. A good place to start is by searching the Internet and looking at local listings for marine contractors. It’s also a good idea to get recommendations from friends and neighbors who have used a marine contractor in the past.

A marine contractor bond is a type of surety bond that provides financial protection for clients in the event that the contractor fails to fulfill their contractual obligations or causes damage while working on a project. The bond is obtained through a licensed surety company and is often a requirement before beginning work on any waterfront project. In order to obtain a marine contractor bond, applicants must fulfill all bond requirements, including submitting the correct documents and paying their premium on time.

Boat Lifts

Having a boat lift installed at your dock allows you to store your watercraft safely out of the water when not in use. This not only protects the hull from damage, it also prevents marine growth and barnacles from attaching to the vessel, which significantly impacts resale value. Additionally, it takes away the need to trailer your boat to a public boat ramp, which can save you time and effort.

If you are considering the installation of a new boat lift, it is important to understand the different types available. First and foremost, it is essential to determine the type of lift that will be suitable for your vessel’s weight and size. The most accurate method of calculating this is by using the boat’s “dry” weight, which includes the weight of the vessel without fluids or accessories. This is usually included in the manufacturer specifications. However, you should also consider the “wet” weight of the vessel, which will include the weight of fuel, batteries, passengers and other accessories. Err on the high side when determining this to allow for a safety margin.

There are three main types of boat lifts, each of which is suited for a particular situation:

Bottom standing boat lifts (also known as freestanding boat lifts) typically consist of a set of two or more forklift-like arms that extend below the water and are powered by hydraulics. These lifts are ideal for situations where there is limited space or the water depth is shallow.

Pile mount or piling boat lifts are more permanent options that attach directly to a dock or a foundation of concrete or wood piles. This boat lift style is able to withstand significant water level changes and can support heavy, long boats with ease.

Finally, a floating boat lift is a good option for areas where the water level fluctuates significantly and is prone to tide shifts. Floating boat lifts are composed of air-filled chambers that float on the surface of the water and can accommodate vessels up to 45 feet in length. This type of lift is easy to maintain and can be expanded easily if necessary, making it an excellent choice for large watercrafts.

Boat Ramps

A boat ramp is a type of marine concrete structure for trailered small craft that provides easy access to waterways. The ramps have a sloping paved surface (typically one vertical: eight horizontal) that extends from the level of the land at the top down to a point below low tide where launching is possible. Boat ramps are often constructed using a mix of concrete elements, with in-situ concrete ground slabs used above the tidal zone and precast slabs used in the wet portion.

It is important to work with a Marine Contractor who has experience building boat ramps, and who understands the specific requirements of each location. It is not unusual for a local jurisdiction to have strict regulations for the design and construction of these types of structures.

In addition, marine contractors should have the expertise and experience to work within the guidelines of all relevant state and local permits. These documents may require detailed drawings, engineering studies, and/or environmental clearances. In addition, a thorough review of coastal erosion control publications should be reviewed to ensure the construction methods proposed by the contractor are consistent with accepted standards.

For example, it is common to see a pier with heavie cleats, and while they provide good traction for boats, these can also cause people to trip over them. Instead, a better option is to have a curb built on the pier, which provides a hand grip for boarding and disembarking the boat, as well as providing a place for the boater to tie their rope.

The ramp’s slope is another factor that must be considered, as it should be a relatively gentle angle to provide good vehicle traction and to avoid slipping and falls. A ramp that is too steep will create difficulty for drivers, particularly front-wheel drive vehicles, and a ramp that is too shallow will cause the boat to sink in the water when being loaded.

Lastly, it is very important that the ramp have good drainage. This can be achieved by incorporating a series of drainage grooves that are trowelled into the concrete surface. The sloping surfaces of the ramp should also be designed to deflect sediment from the site. This will not only reduce maintenance costs over time, but it will make the boater’s experience safer and more pleasant.

Save Money by Replacing a Leaky Faucet Yourself

by Posted in Plumbing Tagged , , , , ,

Parma Plumber is a skilled professional who installs, repairs and maintains plumbing systems. Their work can involve a variety of projects, including repairing leaky faucets, installing new pipes and fixtures, and connecting gas lines.

Plumbing

A career as a plumber offers many benefits, including stability and the chance to solve problems. However, there are some important things to consider before starting a plumbing apprenticeship.

The drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet can drive you crazy—not to mention add up to a significant water bill. But unlike a clogged toilet, you can often fix a leaky faucet yourself. You just need the right tools and some patience. If you’re handy, you can even save money by replacing a faucet yourself instead of calling in a plumber.

Before you start working, turn off the water supply valve under your sink. This is usually a valve with a red handle (shown below). It’s important to turn off the water supply before starting any repairs, otherwise you may spray water everywhere—including on yourself and any objects in the room.

Once the water is off, remove the faucet handles by unscrewing them. If the handle screw is stuck, try using penetrating oil or another degreaser to break up rust or sediment. Once the screw is removed, gently pry or twist the handle off. Be careful not to break any parts or make any other damage to the handle.

Once you have the handle off, you can see the stem and the stem nut that holds it in place. This nut can be very tight, so you’ll likely need a wrench to loosen it. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this can damage the faucet.

A good rule of thumb is to tighten the nut about halfway, then stop. Once the nut is loose, you can remove it and replace the washer or O-ring. You can also use this opportunity to clean the aerator at the end of the faucet spout, which is a common source of leaking.

After the O-ring or washer is replaced, you can reassemble the faucet. If you have a cartridge, ball or ceramic-disk faucet, the process is slightly different, but still fairly straightforward. After reassembling the faucet, you should have no trouble getting it to work correctly. However, if you have any problems, don’t hesitate to call a plumber or try another solution.

Repairing a Faucet with a Cartridge

Cartridge faucets are a type of washerless fixture that uses a special cartridge to control the flow of hot and cold water. If yours is leaking or the handle won’t turn off, you may need to replace the cartridge. If a single-handle cartridge faucet is dripping continuously, it’s a good idea to replace the seat and springs as well. In addition, if you notice a difference in water temperature or have trouble turning the handle, this is also a sign that your cartridge is worn out.

First, shut off the water to the faucet by turning the stop valves under the sink. Then, remove the faucet handle using a screwdriver or Allen wrench. If there is a decorative cap or escutcheon covering the handle hole, unscrew or pry off the cap. You might need a spanner tool, which is sometimes included in a cartridge repair kit, to loosen the Allen screw that holds the handle to the stem.

Next, unscrew the setscrew or screw that holds the cartridge to the faucet body using a Phillips screwdriver or an Allen wrench. Then, pull straight up on the handle to remove it from the faucet. Remove the decorative escutcheon or chrome sleeve, if present. You should also remove the decorative collar, which may have a set of screws holding it in place. Now you can get at the cartridge retaining nut. If it is rusted or dirty, use a rag to wipe off the old rust and grime.

Once you’ve removed the cartridge retaining nut, replace it with a new one and then insert the cartridge. If the cartridge is not a perfect fit, you may need to sand it down or grind it flat in order to make it sit properly in the faucet seat. If the seat is pitted or damaged, you’ll need to replace it as well.

Before you install the new cartridge, coat it in plumber’s grease to help it slide into the faucet. Also, remember to note the cartridge’s orientation when you remove it so you can reinstall it in the same orientation. The cartridge tabs should line up precisely with the retaining clip notches or slots.

Repairing a Faucet with a Ball

One of the most common plumbing issues is a drippy faucet. Whether it’s a single handle or double, the annoying dripping can add up to water wastage and damage. While it’s tempting to call in a plumber, a little patience and some basic tools can save you the cost of an emergency visit.

Start by shutting off the water supply lines under the sink. Close the main valve, then turn off each handle. Stuff a rag into the drain to keep water from flowing while you work.

Most ball faucets have a removable handle that allows you to inspect and replace internal components. If yours is a screw-in type, remove the handle by unscrewing the set screw. Then, pry off the decorative cap on the handle with a knife or screwdriver and pull off the handle. Often, this is all it takes to fix a leaky faucet.

For more advanced models, remove the cam nut and plastic handle cam by turning counterclockwise with large slip-joint pliers. This can be a bit tricky, and you’ll probably need to jiggle the handle to get it off. You’ll then see the plastic cam and ball assembly, which you can lift out and inspect for signs of wear. You may need to replace the ball itself or the valve seat seals if they’re cracked or pitted.

If you still have a leaking faucet, the problem is likely with the spout O-rings, which are located under the spout. They usually need to be replaced if they’re worn or cracked, but you can also try squeezing and wiggling the spout to try to force it off. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to remove the handle and other parts to access them.

Purchase replacement O-rings at a hardware store or plumbing supply specialist. Make sure you buy the same size as your originals and coat them with nontoxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease before installing them. Once the O-rings are in place, screw the spout back on and turn on the water to test for any leaks. If you’re satisfied that the problem is solved, you can wave goodbye to those irritating drips for good.

Repairing a Faucet with a Ceramic-Disk

A ceramic disk valve faucet, also called a cartridge or cartridge-and-ball faucet, is one of the most durable and long-lasting types of faucets. However, it can still suffer from leaks or other problems that may require repair or replacement parts. The good news is that these types of faucets are relatively easy to fix and don’t typically require a professional plumber to do the job. If you’re faced with a leaking faucet, start by turning off the water supply valve by twisting it to the “Off” position. Then cover the drain with a rag or stopper to prevent small parts from falling down the drain.

Next, remove the handle by unscrewing the screw under it. You should be able to see the lever post behind it, which you can unscrew using a screwdriver or wrench. Once the handle and decorative cap are removed, you can unscrew the screw holding the escutcheon cap, which should allow you to lift it off and expose the cartridge underneath. You may want to clean the cartridge seals and cylinder openings at this point to get rid of mineral buildup. A scouring pad and distilled white vinegar work well for this task. If the cartridge seat is damaged, you’ll need to replace it as well. Once you’ve cleaned the cylinder, screw it back into place and insert the new seals. If you’re not comfortable replacing the seals yourself, a repair kit that includes them should be available at your local hardware or plumbing store.

Once you’ve replaced the seals and washer, reassemble the faucet by replacing the escutcheon cap. Use a screwdriver to loosen the set screw, then pull off the handle. You’ll need to reassemble the stem, which should be easy with a wrench or adjustable screwdriver. You may need to replace the O-ring on the stem, which is often the cause of leaks. Once again, you can purchase replacement O-rings at your local hardware or plumbing supply store and should coat the new one with plumber’s grease before putting it in place.

The most durable and long-lasting types of faucets are those that have ceramic disk valves, which feature two perfectly flat, fire-hardened ceramic discs with matching holes to control water flow. This type of faucet is expensive to buy and install, but its high performance usually pays for itself by avoiding repairs and extending the life of the fixture.