Tips For Replacing Your Faucets

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in Faucet Repairs
Comments Off on Tips For Replacing Your Faucets

What is the number one thing that most people never do when trying to install something new?  Read the directions! Your new faucet will come with a set of directions which will probably be all that you’ll need for that part of the project. The most difficulty that you’ll encounter will be in removing your old faucet, depending on the age (types of pipes and parts) of your existing plumbing.

First, look under your sink. Pull out all the cleaners and old rags, discarded vases, dog chews, plant food and special scrubbers. Check to see if there are shut off valves to the faucet and that they work. Secondly, measure the circumference of the tubes that supply water to your existing faucet. You’ll want to buy replacement ones that fit because today’s new supply tubes are easier to install around pipes in tight fitting places. You may need a pipe wrench or slip-joint pliers, if you need to remove any existing piping, in order to get to the faucet. If you have copper lines, a tube cutter may also be necessary. Additionally, you will also want to purchase a basin wrench, which is made especially for those older fasteners that clamp the assemblies to the sink and are often difficult to reach.

The idea here is to get together a list of what you need to complete your task and pick up those items before you start. When you have assembled all your tools and materials, begin dismantling whatever prevents your access to the faucet assembly. Also, if this task sound too overwhelming,  your local plumbing professional is just a phone call away and has all the necessary tools and know how necessary for a professional faucet installation.

, ,
Read More

Causes of Low Water Pressure in Your Home

December 7th, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
Comments Off on Causes of Low Water Pressure in Your Home

Nothing feels better than a good strong blast of warm water from your showerhead on a cool morning. However, when low water pressure transforms the flow from forceful to a limp drizzle, it loses its invigorating affect. Whether it is a showerhead or a faucet, there can be several causes to a decrease in water pressure.

If you’ve replaced older faucets with newer faucets in your home, you may notice a decrease in water pressure. That’s because faucets manufactured since 1994 have been required to include flow inhibitors to meet EPA standards. Faucets made prior to that time period had no flow restrictors.

If you have just moved into a new home or have recently replaced faucets in your home, there may be another reason for low water pressure. Debris and sediment can collect in the water lines during construction or during any shut down of the water flow in your home. Your faucets and showerhead have aerators or filters that may become clogged with that debris and affect the flow of your water.

To remedy this cause of low water pressure, simply remove the aerators from each faucet and clean them out. Do the same for your showerhead. Run the water through the faucets and shower spout, with both cold and hot water turned on, for at least two minutes to clear any additional debris. (You may need to create a temporary shield with a bucket to prevent the water from spraying out of the sinks while running without the aerators in place.) Replace the showerhead and faucet aerators.

If you are not able to determine the cause of your low water pressure yourself, it is time to call in a professional plumber to diagnose the problem.

, ,
Read More

Cleaning and Care of Your Faucets

December 7th, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
Comments Off on Cleaning and Care of Your Faucets

Faucets are seldom chosen simply for their utilitarian function; they are a part of your décor. That is why we have so many different styles and finishes to choose from. Chrome, brass, bronze and copper finishes are all available, as well as designer color choices. Styles come in sleek contemporary forms for the modern home, antique replicas for the period home and plenty of traditional styles for the homeowner to choose from as well.

The faucets always look beautiful when first installed, but keeping them shiny and looking new, does require proper care and cleaning. There is nothing complicated about caring for your faucets, but there are a few do’s and don’ts that need to be kept in mind.

  • Don’t let water droplets dry on your faucet when cleaning. Wipe them dry with a soft cloth to prevent mineral deposit being left behind.
  • If you do get water spots left on the faucet finish, wash off with warm water and buff dry with a soft cloth. For harder mineral deposits, use a half-and-half solution of water and vinegar to remove the deposits, rinse with plain water and buff dry.
  • Don’t use tub & tile cleaners on your faucet or shower fixtures. These have more caustic cleaning agents in them that can dull the finish.
  • Use of gentle household cleaners or window cleaners will leave your faucets shining.
  • The aerator on the spout of your faucet can get clogged with mineral deposits from hard water. To clean the aerator, simply remove it and let it soak in vinegar overnight. In the morning, rinse it with clean water and replace.
, ,
Read More

Adding An Outdoor Shower

November 30th, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
Comments Off on Adding An Outdoor Shower

Having an outside shower is an amazing experience. It is refreshing and relaxing, as well as a very useful fixture. There are several reasons to consider adding an outdoor shower to your home, some that are practical and some that are just for your own pleasure.

Hot Tub And Pool Owners

Chlorine and other chemicals in pools and hot tubs need to be washed off after you use them. Instead of your family tracking through the house to the bathroom to shower, it is much nicer and convenient to have an outside shower for them to rinse off in.

 Dog Owners

Washing your dog in a bathtub or shower can create a big mess.  A cleaner and more convenient solution is to use an outside shower instead. This is easier on the dog, saves strain on your back and has much less clean up. No wet paw prints throughout your house!

 Pure Enjoyment

What better way to cool off on a hot day then to jump into a refreshing shower outdoors? Having an outside shower to splash off the days heat or just to relax in under the sky can be a wonderful experience.

 Be Creative

Outside showers can be as simple as adding faucets, a showerhead, and drain in the open or even use a portable shower device. However, the ideal outside shower is an enclosed area with privacy and atmosphere. You can use plants, cedar planks or screens to create a private area. Add shelving and other amenities to store your shower essentials.

Once you have an outside shower, you will wonder how you ever lived without one. It is an addition to your home that is both luxurious and very useful.

 

, ,
Read More

Ways to Conserve Water and Energy with Your Bathroom and Kitchen Appliances

November 20th, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
Comments Off on Ways to Conserve Water and Energy with Your Bathroom and Kitchen Appliances

Water is the most abundant resource on the planet, but that doesn’t mean it should be wasted. Finding ways to conserve your use of water can save you money on your water bill and on your energy bill. There are several ways you can do this in your home.

  • Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full.
  • Replace an old showerhead or faucet with efficient low flow faucets and showerheads.
  • Look for appliances that have different load sizes for less water use.
  • Take short showers.
  • Replace old toilets with modern low flow toilets.
  • Reduce the amount of rinsing you do if you have a new dishwasher.
  • Periodically check your plumbing system for leaks.

You can reduce the amount of water you use with low-flow toilets, showers, and faucets.  Also don’t leave the water running while you are using it such as when you brush your teeth or clean the dishes.

You can also lower your electric bill by being more conservative with your use of appliances.  Here are some suggestions.

  • Lower the setting on your water heater.
  • Run appliances for the shortest amount of time possible, such as with washing machines or dishwashers.
  • Wash clothes in cold water.
  • Look for energy efficient appliances even if you have to pay a little more.
  • Follow the directions on use for all appliances, including the type of product you use in them to allow them to work more efficiently.

Contact your local plumber to install the water and energy efficient appliances that you need.  Your local plumber can also suggest the right faucets to buy and which products will benefit you the most.  If you have a trusted plumber, listen to their advice on which appliances and items to choose.

, ,
Read More

Water Saving Tips

November 6th, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
Comments Off on Water Saving Tips

Most of us take water for granted, as it is easily accessible and pumped conveniently into our homes. However, clean, healthy water is something we need to preserve and reducing waste can help save the clean water resources we have. Water conservation helps reduce the amount of pollution that can be added to our lakes, streams and watersheds, as well as reduce the amount of your water and energy bills each month.

Tips For Conserving Water 

If you have leaking fixtures such as faucets, showerheads, or toilets, call your plumber and have those toilets, showerhead, and faucets repaired.  Even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons of water per year.  In addition, every family can greatly reduce the amount of water that goes down the drain by just making a few changes in their daily routines. On top of using water efficient appliances and plumbing fixtures, there are small things everyone can do to save on water waste.

  • Rinsing. Whatever it is you need to rinse, whether it is a razor, dishes or fruits and vegetables, do not just rinse them over an open drain. Put a small amount of clean water in a clean sink or tub to rinse items.
  • Flushing. Replacing existing toilets with more economical, water-saver toilets is the easiest way to lower the amount of water used for each flush.
  • Run full loads. Both the dishwasher and the clothes washer should only be run when they have a full load. Clothes washers should always be set to the correct load size as well.

By just making a conscience effort, you can save on the amount of water you waste each day, helping the environment and your water bill.

 

, ,
Read More

Go Green and Save Green on Your Utility Bills

October 25th, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
Comments Off on Go Green and Save Green on Your Utility Bills

If saving the planet is as important to you as saving money, then green is definitely your color! When it comes to water, going green and saving green are often the same things. By reducing the amount of water and energy you use, you reduce energy and water waste and reduce your monthly utility bills as well.

 

There are several techniques, equipment and fixtures that will help you reduce your water use and lower your energy bills at the same time. Consider making these “green” changes around your home:

 

  • Collect rain and gutter run-off. Reuse rain and gutter run-off to water plants around your home, inside and out.

 

  • Fix leaky faucets and toilets. A leaking toilet or faucets can add up to hundreds of gallons wasted each month. Calling a plumber to fix the problem is a greener solution and is less expensive in the long run.

 

  • Convert to high-efficiency fixtures. Faucets, showerheads and many other fixtures come in high-efficiency models. Replace them as you can and switch to the “greener” models. Showerheads alone can save hundreds of gallons of water a month.

 

  • Upgrade appliances. Almost all appliances that use water have energy/water efficient models. Although you may not be able to afford to upgrade all these at once, there are often rebates and tax breaks to encourage you to do so when you can.

 

  • Never let water run down the drain. Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth. Put in the plug before you start to run your bath water. Rinse items in a plugged sink or tub, not over an open drain. Get the point?

 

Just making a few changes here and there can save you money while you reduce energy and water waste. Go green and you will never look back!

, ,
Read More

How to Update Your Bath Sink Faucet

October 16th, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
Comments Off on How to Update Your Bath Sink Faucet

One of the easiest ways to update a bathroom is by changing your sink faucet. It will also help prevent leaks and save money since many of the newer models have a lower water flow than old designs.

Your first step is to determine the type of faucet you need to buy.  You will have to find out what kind of faucet will work with your sink based on the number and size of holes.  A one-hole sink will require a single-hole faucet where the hot and cold water come from the same handle.  A sink with three holes will have a separate handle for hot and cold water and one for the spout.  You will need to measure the size of the holes to match it to the correct size faucet.

You will then need to select the design you want for your new faucet.  You will find touchless models, ones where all both handles and spout attach to a base, and others where all three sections are separate.

Once you know which design suits your bathroom style, you will have to decide what finish you want.  Brushed satin nickel and oil-rubber bronze are two of the most popular styles today while chrome is an affordable choice that is always in style.

You can also buy a watersaving set that will help you save money on your water bill.  Many sets have a water flow of 1.5 gallons per minute to reduce the amount of water used.  If you are concerned about choosing the right faucet for your bath sink, ask a plumber for their recommendations.

, ,
Read More

Touchless Faucets For Residential Use

September 21st, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
Comments Off on Touchless Faucets For Residential Use

You’ve probably used a touchless faucet in public restroom or commercial building, but did you know that touchless faucets are available for residential use too?  Touchless faucets (also called electronic or automatic faucets) are slowly catching on as people discover the advantages that these types of faucets have in the home.

A touchless faucet turns on and off automatically instead of using a handle.  Sensors on the faucet detect your hands or an object such as a glass or dish under the faucet and the water is automatically turned on.  When the faucet senses that you are not using the water, it turns the water off.

The two main advantages of a touchless faucet are water conservation and hygiene.  Since the water flow stops whenever you are not using the water, touchless faucets are estimated to use up to 70% less water than a traditional faucet.  This is the reason why you see them in so many public facilities.  They use much less water than a traditional faucet.

Hygiene is another plus for touchless faucets.  Since you don’t have to touch the faucet handle to turn it on or off, germs are not transmitted the way they would be by a traditional faucet.  The spread of contaminants if reduced by using touchless faucets.

Touchless faucets use either battery power or electrical power from a wall outlet to operate and are somewhat more complicated to install and set up than a traditional faucet.  Faucet installation and initial adjustment of a touchless faucet should be handled by a licensed plumber.

 

, ,
Read More

Modern Faucet Design Makes Repairs Easy

July 17th, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
Comments Off on Modern Faucet Design Makes Repairs Easy

If you have been shopping for a faucet lately, you know that there are an endless variety of styles to choose from.  Did you also know that there are several different types of faucets?  In addition to traditional compression type facets, there are three common types of washerless faucets.   In fact, most of the stylish looking faucets (and even some of the traditional faucets) you see at your local home improvement center are some type of washerless faucet.

You may be thinking that you don’t want some strange type of faucet because it will be hard to repair if it starts leaking, but in fact the opposite is true.  One of the main advantages of a washerless faucet is that they can usually be easily repaired by a handy homeowner with a few basic tools.

Although traditional compression type faucets are usually reliable and parts are inexpensive, repairing a leaky faucet calls for some level of skill and a few specialized tools that most homeowners don’t have.  You can call a plumber for faucet repairs, but in most cases you are better off having the plumber install a new faucet rather than repair the old one.

Washerless faucets include cartridge, ball, and disc type faucets, all of which are designed to be repaired by replacing a few easily accessible parts.  You simply turn off the water supply to the faucet and follow a few easy steps to disassemble the faucet.  You did save the instructions that came with your faucet, right?  If not, no problem.  You can easily find the instructions on the internet at the manufacturer’s website. Once you have the faucet apart, take the old parts to the hardware store or home improvement center to get a replacement.

Put the faucet back together, turn on the water, and check for leaks.  Of course, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, calling your plumber makes sense.  They can have your leaky washerless faucet repaired in no time.

, ,
Read More
Older Entries
Newer Entries

Find Local Company | Featured Plumbers| Find Local Plumbers| Plumbers Directory