Tips For Replacing Your Faucets

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in Faucet Repairs
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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.

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Top Options for Showerheads

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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This is one area in which everyone is pretty much aware of their own preferences. For instance, ever stay in a motel and remark that everything was fine “except that showerhead,” or feel dissatisfied with a shower’s water pressure? It is easier to narrow down your top options for a showerhead if you are first able to decide what features are most important to you personally.  Do you prefer a handheld shower for ease of flexibility; or, do you prefer a fixed, mounted head? Do you prefer several water flow options for massage? Would you prefer to conserve water with a low-flow showerhead or would you like to have a rain showerhead or even a downpour showerhead?

Showerheads with adjustable arms for height or positioning and adjustable spray patterns seem to be the ideal. Some companies are now offering a “volume control” for their showerheads, which actually stops the flow of water while you scrub, without requiring you to turn it off. Many showerheads now contain filters to remove contaminants that can cause dry or damaged skin. You may simply shop the options of your favorite brand manufacturer or you may focus on the gallons of water per minute in making your choice.

Once you’ve decided your most preferred features, you’ll need to decide on finish and style that would best fit with your current bathroom decor. Should you go with chrome, bronze, nickel, brass, polished, brushed or oil-rubbed? Polished chrome seems to be the most popular, since it is affordable and will match most bathroom decors. Regardless of your personal preferences, your local plumbing professional can help you narrow down all of these options to find the best fit for your needs.  Professional showerhead installation will help optimize the performance and reliability of your new showerhead.

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The Advantages of Adding a Second Kitchen Sink

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in Kitchen Sinks
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It is practically becoming a standard today for even modest-sized spaces to have two sinks.  Traditionally, second sinks have been used side-by-side as one bowl to wash dishes in and one to rinse in. With most homes today having a dishwasher appliance carrying the clean-up load, a larger sink bowl is now utilized primarily for cleaning of large cookware such as pots and pans. More often than not, one sink today is used for “storage space”; such as, dropping off dirty cookware or utensils in one sink, while continuing to prepare food or beverages in the second sink.

Adding a second kitchen sink is a definite plus, if not “must”, for those homes which have two or more cooks that prepare meals at the same time. Even if both chefs have separate duties, they will both often need the sink at the same time. Having two sinks will keep the meal preparation flowing smoothly, with the least amount of congestion.

A smaller second sink can be a useful addition to a kitchen island, suitable for rinsing and chopping vegetables, preparing beverages or hors d’oeuvres, or rinsing glasses while entertaining small groups of guests in conversation. Many designers recommend one large main sink and a smaller bar sink.  Of course, a second sink is always a welcomed necessity to a wet bar.  Sometimes an additional sink is added to simply take advantage of an outdoor view; especially, if the main work sink can’t be placed under a window.

Whatever your specific needs, your local plumbing professional can help you assess the perfect combination of sinks to complement your new, existing, or remodeled kitchen.

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Why Bathroom Remodels Are a Good Investment

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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Whether you are considering selling or remaining in your home for years to come, investing in home improvement just makes sense.  How can you go wrong by improving something that you own, regardless of the current economic climate?  If for no other reason, your home remodel project will make your home more comfortable and enjoyable for your personal use. Most people do remodel purposely with the intent of getting a good return on their investment; however, this cannot be expected right away.  It typically will take at least an additional year or two to realize a return of 80% to 90%. Of course, the longer that you remain in your home, the more money you can make on the initial investment in your improvements, as you allow the real estate market time to increase your property values.

For an overall return on investment, the Wall Street Journal rates bathroom remodeling as one of the top home remodel improvements to do. Is it worth the money to remodel your bathroom?  Remember that the bathroom is one of the busiest, most used, space in your home; as such, the constant use (combined with moisture) contributes to the development of structural concerns, like water damage, over time. The potential cost in loss of value to your home, should needed repairs go unaddressed, would, of course, be counterproductive to any discussion of return on your investment.

Do some research, set a realistic budget, and look through books and magazines to get some ideas. Also, check with a professional. Your local plumbing contractor can help with wading through all of the options available to you, and with helping you define exactly what you would like to accomplish.

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Popular Choices in Kitchen Sinks

April 23rd, 2013 Posted in Kitchen Sinks
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The type of sink you purchase can entirely change the look of your kitchen. The choices available today are as varied as a person’s individual style. Many choices exist in shape, size and materials, including stainless steel, enameled steel, enameled cast iron, fireclay, or vitreous (glassy) china, solid surfaces and composites. Some have more durability and easier cleanup, versus an older-world traditional feel. Sinks to choose from can be self-rimming, rimmed, flush-mounted or under-mounted, and with or without an apron front. The under-mounted sinks are gaining in popularity because of the ease in simply wiping off counters into the sink bowls. Today, you can have varying sizes of sink bowls, one large bowl, two bowls side-by-side of equivalent size, or one large bowl with a smaller bowl, one of which may be connected to a garbage disposal.

Your choice may depend on the size of your family, how many hands do the cooking and preparation, and your practical preferences. Regardless of the type of kitchen sink you choose, consider going with a name brand. Such leading manufacturers tend to be more focused on the quality of their workmanship. Having established a reputation for attention to detail, they are more “consumer conscious.” Furthermore, they also will carry the most current trends.

It may be wise to seek professional help in narrowing down your options because, if you invest in a sink fabricated from high-quality materials, it can have quite a long lifespan; you’ll want to make sure that it not only meets the needs of you and your family, but that you actually love the look. Your local plumbing professional should be able to guide you through the myriad of selections,  help you choose the kitchen sink that is exactly right for you, and professionally install the sink for years of trouble free service.

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