Get Rid Of the Foul Smell and Bad Taste in Your Water For Good

October 25th, 2012 Posted in Water Filtration
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Nothing is worse than bringing a glass of water to your lips and smelling a bad odor coming from it. Water is supposed to be what we use to clean our bodies, inside and out, not contaminate it. When the water from your home has a bad smell or odor, it is time to consider getting a filtration system so you can have clean, healthy water again.

Many regions of the country have problems with contamination of their tap water from heavy metals, bacteria and other potentially harmful pollutants. Although the water may have been treated, it still can contain chemicals such as chlorine and other elements such as lead, mercury and copper. To make sure your water is safe to drink, cook with and wash in, getting a home water filtration system may be the answer.

Although there are many different types of water filtration systems, some are only for just the sink or refrigerator instead of the entire water supply in the home. To ensure all water is drinkable from all sources, a whole home water filter system is needed. Once again, there are many choices out there but the best way to ensure you get a certified system is to call a local reputable plumber to install the filtration system for you.

Having clean, healthy water is something that every home should have. If you have been buying bottled water and living with foul water odor, it is time to get a filtration system and feel good about the water in your home. In the long run, it will be a healthier and most likely less expensive choice for your family.

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Reviving An Old Bathroom With New Fixtures

October 25th, 2012 Posted in Remodeling
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Even if you cannot afford a whole new bathroom remodel, just replacing the old fixtures can give your bathroom a facelift. There are so many new types of faucets that can transform a plain white porcelain sink or tub and give them an updated appearance. Add to them a few matching accessories and your bathroom will have a whole new look.

Think of your new faucets as the centerpiece of your new design. Whatever style and finish you use on the faucets can be matched in towel racks, hooks, shelves and even your toilet paper holder. Many manufacturers will make an entire line of hardware to compliment each other. So once you have the faucet sets, everything else will fall into place.

If you are keeping your existing sink, you will be limited to faucet designs that fit the configuration of your sink. However, even if that is the case, there are still undoubtedly many new looks to choose from. There are generally four types of sink faucet configurations:

 

  • Widespread, 8-inches, in three pieces. This is great news, as they will fit most 3-piece sets even if they are not exactly 8 inches apart.

 

  • 4-inch spread. These are typically one piece that holds the faucet and the 2-water handles. This type will limit you a bit more.

 

  • Single hole. These are meant for sets that have the faucet and levers all on one stem.

 

  • Wall or deck mounts. This will give you many varieties to choose from, as you do not have to conform to the sink itself.

 

Once you choose the style and finish of your new faucets, your local plumber can easily put them in for you to make sure they are fitted correctly. Then you can add your accessories to match your new faucets. You will be amazed at the difference just those small changes can do!

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Go Green and Save Green on Your Utility Bills

October 25th, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
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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!

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Save Money, Space And Worry With A Tankless Water Heater

October 25th, 2012 Posted in Tankless Water Heaters
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The new kid on the block in water heaters is blowing the old tank models out the door. These new tankless water heaters have it all: design, efficiency and longevity. If it is time to replace your old water heater, you need to consider the benefits of upgrading to a new tankless variety before saddling your family with a tank again.

 

  • Save money. Everyone likes the idea of saving money on utility bills. Tankless water heaters save on energy by only heating water when you need it. Standard tank heaters constantly are heating the water stored, using energy 24/7 regardless whether anyone is using it or not.

 

  • Efficiency. Since these heaters do not store hot water but heat it when needed, there will be no more forced coldwater showers or laundry loads. Even with large families taking several showers, everyone gets to be warm!

 

  • Design. Without the large tank, these smaller heaters can fit almost anywhere and are often wall mounted. There are even models that can be installed outdoors. Free up that corner in your closet, garage or basement from the bulky old tank.

 

  • Worry. Most tankless water heaters are designed to last 20 years, outliving their bigger, energy-guzzling predecessors. No tank also means less chance of a major water leak and damages that are much too common in tank heaters. No worries there!

 

There really is no reason not to switch to a tankless design for your next water heater. With monthly savings, more hot water and increased space and efficiency, why would you choose anything else?

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Replacing a Tub with a Walk-in Shower

October 16th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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Some homeowners like to update their bathrooms and replace a tub they no longer use with a spa shower that they will appreciate.  They may think about selling their home and want to add to the home’s value or a spa shower may simply appeal to them.

If your bathroom remodeling project includes a spa shower, keep in mind a few things.  First, you will want to use a glass panel instead of a solid wall if you have a small to medium size bathroom.  This will allow the room to look bigger even with the addition of a shower.

It is also recommended that you skip the shower door and leave one end open to also make the room seem bigger unless you plan to install a steam generator.  Using the same tiles in the shower that are on the floor of the rest of the bathroom will extend the room into the shower.

The finishing touches are important, too with high-end fixtures and a rain showerhead adding a unique touch to the new shower.

If you decide to renovate your bath area, you do not need to call a general contractor to do the work.  You can hire your local plumber to remove your old tub and install the new shower.  They can even advise you on the best designs and ensure you get the right size for your room.  Whether you are adding a touch of luxury to your space or getting your home ready to sell, a spa shower can be the perfect addition to your bathroom.

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How to Update Your Bath Sink Faucet

October 16th, 2012 Posted in Faucet Repairs
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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.

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Common Causes for Clogged Drains

October 16th, 2012 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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Clogged drains are a common issue for plumbers who get calls from residential customers.  This problem can be prevented and costly repairs avoided if homeowners know what should never be put down their drains.  While hair is the most easily recognized culprit, other things are the most common causes of clogged drains.

Grease is the worst culprit of drain clogs because it becomes solidified once it cools, effectively blocking the drain.  Even liquid grease such as vegetable oil can cause issues, but solids are the biggest problem.  Grease should be stored in a container such as a metal or glass jar and thrown away once it has cooled.

Another problem for clogged drains is food, especially with a garbage disposal.  Certain foods are thick and do not grind up as fine and can get stuck in the disposal.  Foods such as celery, potato or apple peels should be thrown away instead of tossed down the disposal.  Coffee grounds and eggshells are actually good for a disposal and do not cause problems with the drain.

Soaps and body lotions can cause problems for drains.  The ingredients in these items cause them to stick to the sides of the drain and build up in the pipes.  If you notice the soap scum that accumulates on your shower walls, this is what it does on the inside of the pipes as well.

If you have a clogged drain, you may be thinking about using a chemical product to remove the clog.  However, you should be careful when using these types of  products because they can cause damage to your system over time.  In addition, if they don’t work you will have a sink full of caustic chemicals to deal with.  The better option is to call a professional plumber to unclog the drain and avoid putting things in it to cause problems.

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Choosing a Replacement Water Heater

October 16th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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Replacing your water heater when it quits working is usually a high priority, but a trip to the local home improvement store can leave you feeling overwhelmed with all of the choices available.  You can make it easier by breaking the decision down into different considerations.

First, you will need to determine your energy source. Most traditional water heaters are either electric or gas, but you can also purchase one that is operated by a heat pump or powered by the sun. There are also tankless water heaters or indirect water heaters that operate with the home’s heating system.  You should find out if you have another option other than the type of water heater you were already using and compare the costs and operating efficiency of the two.

Next, you will need to select the right size for your water heater.  Each type of water heater will give you certain options, but you will need one large enough to keep you from running out of hot water during your peak usage.  However, you don’t want to pay for a tank larger than you need.  Besides the higher purchase cost, you will also have the continual cost of keeping that much water hot and ready for use.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you will want to find one that is energy efficient to save on operating costs.  Your final decision will also be based on the different costs of the water heaters that match your criteria.

To make your decisions easier, you can call a plumber.  They can advise you on the right size for your household and answer any questions you might have.

 

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Buying a New Garbage Disposal

October 16th, 2012 Posted in Garbage Disposals
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Whether you are replacing an old garbage disposal or adding a new one for the first time, you have several things to consider when buying a new disposal.  While you can replace the old one with a new disposal similar to it, you want to make sure it is the correct choice.  You may want to upgrade to a bigger, better one.

The first thing you will want to look at is the type of garbage disposal you want to buy.  They come in two styles: batch and continuous.  Continuous is the more well-known with operation of the disposal being controlled by a switch.  Batch mode garbage disposals only operate when the unit is activated and the lid engaged.

You will also want to look at size since that determines the size and amount of food it can handle.  Most homes will need at least a ¾ horsepower unit to prevent problems with operation.  Weight is another concern since some sinks won’t be able to support a heavy unit.

Replacing a current disposal with a new model should only take you about 30 minutes but installing a brand new device can take up to 2 hours.  You will need an electrical power source nearby for the unit to work.  Installation varies depending on where your drain line is located; it can either be in the wall or the floor.

Installing a garbage disposal takes basic plumbing skills and electrical skills.  Unless you are confident in your plumbing and electrical abilities, it may be wise to hire dependable plumber to handle the project.  This is especially helpful if you are installing a new disposal rather than replacing a current one.

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Keeping Grease Traps Clean

October 10th, 2012 Posted in Grease Trap Cleaning
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Regulations in most states require restaurants, commercial kitchens, and other facilities that can introduce grease into the plumbing system to have a grease trap. A grease trap is a large box shaped device containing a series of baffles that that is installed in the wastewater line.

The grease trap traps and collects fats, oils and greases (called FOG) while allowing waste water to flow into the municipal sewer system.  A grease trap can be a small 40 to 50 gallon device installed in the floor of the kitchen or a larger 500 to 1,000 gallon tank buried in the ground outside the facility.

If your facility is required by state law to have a grease trap, you are probably also required to have the grease trap cleaned and emptied regularly. Not only is it the law, but a dirty grease trap can be the source of offensive odors and can also be a fire hazard.  If you have one the smaller types of grease traps in the floor of your facility, it is possible to clean it yourself (or have an employee do it), but grease trap cleaning is a nasty, dirty job.  In addition, you still have the problem of disposing of the accumulation of grease.

Cleaning the large grease traps is a job for a professional and the reality is that smaller grease traps should be professionally cleaned as well.  The pros use large pumping trucks and have the equipment and experience to quickly and efficiently clean large and small grease traps.  In addition, they will haul away and dispose of the old grease.  Most grease trap cleaning contractors will set up a regular cleaning schedule that will keep your grease traps clean, safe, and odor free while allowing you to focus on running your business.

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