Premium Toilets For Your Bathroom

August 30th, 2014 Posted in Toilets
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The plain, white porcelain toilet has long been the standard of bathrooms in the U.S. However, there has been a larger demand for toilets which fulfill a purpose beyond the purely functional. Many of these new models offer high technology, along with aesthetic features which are creating a new standard in the bathroom throne. If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom, maybe its time to upgrade to the hottest trends in new toilets.

The Bidet

While Americans are not as comfortable with the bidet as our European counterparts, they are making quite the splash in homes across the U.S. A bidet offers an enhanced cleansing experience for users, usually paired with a traditional toilet in the same room.

High-Tech Toilets

Especially in many of the Asian countries, high-tech toilets are all the rage. Although they are slowly making their way into American homes, you are more likely to experience one of these toilets on a trip to Japan than at your neighbor’s home. These toilets are programmable, with heating features, sound options and bidet function, all in one toilet with a remote control.

Fancy Toilets

On top of the bidet and high-tech options, there are toilets which are designed to look like works of art. There are solid gold toilets, sculptured options, toilets built into furniture and even toilets with aquariums in their tanks. If you are tired of the plain, white toilet, there are many options to set your bathroom apart.

When you are ready to upgrade to a new toilet, talk to your local plumbing company about what options are available. From adding a bidet to your bathroom to a computerized toilet, your plumber can help make your bathroom the most amazing one on your block!

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.

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Keeping Your Sink Fixtures Looking Like New

August 30th, 2014 Posted in Faucet Repairs
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Sink fixtures have become an important part of the décor in both kitchens and bathrooms. It is not just about function; these fixtures are the final accessories which can bring the whole room together. While faucets and aerators are fairly simple to clean and maintain, they do need some special attention to keep them looking beautiful and working correctly. Here are some tips to maintain those expensive fixtures:

  • Cleaning. Keep in mind that most expensive faucets and other sink hardware may feature finishes which require special cleaning. To keep water spots at bay, make sure always to wipe away any moisture from fixtures, polishing any water spots with a dry cloth. Never use harsh cleaners with scrubbing compounds or corrosive agents on fixtures; these cleaners can destroy the finish.
  • Mineral deposits. For areas with hard water, mineral deposits can leave spots on your fixtures and even clog the head of your faucets or aerators. A solution of half warm water and half white vinegar can help remove these mineral deposits, just wipe down the fixtures and the faucet heads.
  • Aerator. The aerator on your kitchen sink should be cleaned every few months to prevent clogs in the fine water holes in the head. Simply disassemble the aerator and soak for a few hours or overnight in the same vinegar-water solution used for mineral deposits.

Some faucet maintenance may require a little more work, or the help of a plumber. You may have washers which need replacing or other components in need of minor repair. For leaky faucet repairs, call in your local plumber to get the problem fixed properly.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Preventing Bathroom Drain Clogs

August 30th, 2014 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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Bathroom drains seem to be the most prone to clogs, from the toilet to the shower. Bathrooms are one of the most used rooms in any house, which means that plumbing fixtures get their fair share of use, too. While some clogged drains cannot be prevented, there are ways to reduce the chance of encountering a clogged drain in your bathroom.

Bathroom Sink

From sticky toothpaste and shaving cream to the leftover hair trimmings after a shave, the bathroom sink is often the most common victim when it comes to a bathroom drain clog. Having a drain cover which can catch any longer hairs and debris is one way to reduce the amount of clogs. Since even stubble is still hair, it can gum up your drains. Try shaving over a container and throwing away this hair instead of washing it down the drain every day.

Toilets

A clogged toilet is something that no one wants to deal with, especially if it overflows. While some clogs cannot be prevented, there are items that do not need to be flushed. Excess toilet paper and feminine hygiene items can clog up a toilet on their own, or make an existing situation worse. Try throwing away any items which do not need to be flushed, or flushing twice for larger tasks.

Shower

The main culprit behind clogs in the shower or bathtub drain is hair. Each person loses about 100 hairs a day, many of them in the shower. Hair combined with oils, grease, soap and other products can easily clog up drains. The best way to prevent these common clogs is to use a properly fitted drain cover to catch the hair, then physically remove it after each use.

Even with prevention methods, bathroom clogs can and will occur. When you have a tough clog, call your local plumber to get it completely removed by a professional.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic and Sewer

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Three Items That Should Never Go Down The Drain

August 30th, 2014 Posted in Clearing Clogged Pipes
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It’s easy to pour all kinds of liquids and even some solids into your sink without thinking twice. This especially holds true if you have a garbage disposal, as it’s so convenient to just scrape plates and pans into the drain, then flip the switch. However, although it may work some of the time, putting the wrong items down your drain could be doing major damage to your plumbing. Here are three items to never put down the drain or in your garbage disposal.

  1. Grease or oil. Any fatty substance will cause a problem in your plumbing. Grease and oil may go down easily when they are in liquid form, but they tend to cool and coat the inside of your pipes and garbage disposal. Over times, this gooey substance will collect debris and create a clog or jam up your disposal. Keep all grease, oil and other fatty materials out of the drain.
  2. Produce. While a soft banana or pea can easily be chopped up in a garbage disposal, their shells or peels cannot. Keep fruit and vegetable peels out of your disposal, along with any hard produce such as carrots or other root vegetables.
  3. Harsh cleaners. Any strong chemical can erode plumbing pipes, gaskets and other plumbing fixtures. Don’t put any harsh chemicals down your drains, including the chemical clog removers marketed as being designed for plumbing. These cleaners can do expensive harm to your plumbing on their own, plus can have chemical reactions with one another, causing more harm than good in the long run. For severely clogged drains and small problems alike, call in your local plumber to safely remove the clog and protect your plumbing.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic and Sewer

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What To Do In A Plumbing Emergency

August 30th, 2014 Posted in Emergency Plumbing
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No one wants or needs a plumbing emergency; however, they happen every day all across the country. A plumbing pipe bursts, a toilet overflows or a water heater begins to leak. Whatever the issue, when a plumbing emergency occurs, you need help right away. Not only is the plumbing the issue, but you may be in danger of serious water damage to your home or even personal injury. It is important that you act fast to contain the damage until the emergency plumbers arrive.

Shut Off The Water

Whenever you face a broken pipe or other source of water flowing into your home, you need to get the water shut off as quickly as possible. In some cases, you may be able to shut the water off at the source, like below a sink or behind the toilet. For larger broken pipes, you will need to shut the water off at the main. Everyone in your household should know how to turn off the water in these different spots. 

Beware Of Electricity

If water has accumulated in your home, you need to beware of electrocution. Standing water in the basement due to a leaking water heater or broken pipe can be very dangerous. You may need to turn off the power to your home to begin removing the water.  

Call Your Plumber

As soon as you have the water turned off and the situation contained, call your local plumber. You should have a reliable plumber who offers 24/7 emergency repairs for these major plumbing disasters. They can get the problem fixed so you can begin repairing any other damage which may have been caused by flooding or breakage. Any excess water needs to be removed with 24-48 hours to prevent further damage to your home from rot, mold growth and mildew.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Is A Tankless Water Heater The Best Choice?

August 14th, 2014 Posted in Tankless Water Heaters
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At first glance, there are many reasons why homeowners would want to choose a tankless water heater over the traditional tank model. They are space and energy efficient, while providing on-demand hot water for the entire home. However, while tankless is a great option for many households, tank models are fighting back with new EnergyStar rated models which are less expensive than tankless versions. If you are considering the installation of a tankless water heater, consider these points.

  • Gas heated. Although the gas heated tankless water heaters are very efficient, those that run on electricity are not as energy friendly.
  • Save money on energy bills. Since tankless models only heat water on demand, they can save average households about $100 or more per year.
  • Initial cost is higher. Tankless water heaters typically range between $700-$1,500 while tank models range between $500-$800. Additionally, in replacement situations, there will need to be retrofits for plumbing. In new construction projects, installation costs will be comparable between both models.
  • Durable. Tankless water heaters can last for 20 years or more. With an average savings of $100 per year over tank models, these appliances will most likely pay for themselves over their lifetimes.
  • No water storage. One of the biggest selling points of tankless heaters is the lack of a large water tank in which water needs to be stored. This can reduce the likelihood of water damage from leaks or tank damage.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the most appropriate water heater to suit the needs of your individual household. However, in new construction homes with access to gas, they seem to be the best option for an energy efficient water heater which will last for decades.

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.

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Is Your Dishwasher Leaving Your Dishes Dirty?

August 14th, 2014 Posted in Drains
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If your dishes are coming out of your dishwasher with film or scum on them instead of sparkling clean, it may be time to check your dishwasher’s interior for problems. Even dishwashers can become dirty, or get clogged, due to accumulation of grease and food debris. Periodically performing routine maintenance on this appliance can help improve the cleaning performance, plus help reduce any foul odors from old food trapped in the washer.

How To Clean Your Dishwasher

To clean your dishwasher, start by getting a container of warm water with detergent, such as dish soap or all-purpose cleaner. Use a soft brush to clean the gaskets and rubber seals around the door, as well as the top and bottom racks. After scrubbing the ceiling of the dishwasher, pull out the bottom rack and scrub down the bottom, walls and around the drain. Check to make sure nothing is clogged in the drain; remove any debris which is stuck around the drain.

Once the entire inside has been scrubbed down with soapy water, fill a coffee cup or small glass with white vinegar. Run the dishwasher with only the vinegar cup inside for a full wash. The vinegar will help rinse any leftover residue and eliminate bad odors. You can also reduce odors by sprinkling baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher between cleanings and running the rinse cycle.

If after cleaning your dishwasher your dishes are still not coming out clean, you may have a partially clogged drain, or problems within the dishwasher’s mechanisms. To explore the problem further, call your local plumber to inspect both the drain and your washer for other possible problems.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Refrigerator Ice Maker Maintenance

August 14th, 2014 Posted in Water Line Repair
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Hot days create a need to have plenty of ice on hand for iced tea, lemonade and other cool, tasty beverages. Nothing makes this easier than having a built-in ice maker in your refrigerator. Most models come equipped with at least the option to have an ice maker added to the freezer for quick and convenient ice access. Still, these devices do require maintenance and repair to keep the ice flowing on those hot summer days.

Ice Maker Maintenance

Like any appliance which works day in and day out, your ice maker needs regular maintenance. This is especially important since you are ingesting the ice made by your device. Some regular maintenance items include:

  • Cleaning the supply lines. Every few months you should flush and inspect your water supply lines. You can do this by disconnecting them and checking them for cracks or pinched areas on the line, then rinsing them thoroughly with hot water. You can disinfect them by adding about a tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of hot water and pouring it through the lines, then rinsing.
  • Replace the water filter. Many ice makers have a built-in water filter which needs to be replaced to keep ice tasting great. Check the manufacturer’s information to determine how often to replace, usually about every six months. If you do not have a water filter for your ice maker, talk to your local plumber about adding one to improve the safety and taste of your ice.

If your refrigerator did not come with an ice maker, but has the option to add one, your plumber can help you get a kit installed and plumbed into your water supply. In no time at all, you will have fresh, ready-to-use ice for all your cold beverages.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic & Sewer

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How Efficient Are Your Water Fixtures?

August 14th, 2014 Posted in Faucet Repairs
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Everyone knows that water is a limited and necessary resource for every living thing on the planet. It also costs money to bring into your home and dispose of properly. It only makes sense for the environment, and for your wallet, to practice conservative water use. An easy way to save money and make green choices which conserve this precious resource is to use water-efficient fixtures. The EPA WaterSense program and fixtures are a good way to start.

What Are WaterSense Products?

The WaterSense program is in partnership with the United States Environmental Protection Agency to provide products and services which promote conservative water use. Since its inception in 2006, WaterSense claims to have helped reduce water usage by 757 billion gallons. The products and services endorsed with the WaterSense label are certified to be at least 20% more efficient, without sacrificing performance. Some of the fixtures that are available for home include: 

These fixtures can help save a substantial amount of water every year over their lifetimes. A typical WaterSense faucet can save 700 gallons each year, and approximately 11,000 gallons over its life. The certified showerheads can save a half a gallon of water every minute the shower is running. WaterSense toilets can save families $110 a year, or about $2,200 over the life of the toilet in water costs.

If you are ready to replace some of your existing fixtures with WaterSense products, talk to your local plumber. They can help you get these new fixtures installed correctly, so you can start saving money and water in your home.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Septic & Sewer 

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Has Summer Got You Thinking About Outdoor Plumbing?

August 14th, 2014 Posted in Kitchen Plumbing Repairs
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Hot summer days call for time outside on the deck or patio, grilling food in the great outdoors when its too hot to cook in the kitchen. For those who love this time of year, the summer season is a great time to consider ways that plumbing could make your summers even better. If outdoor entertaining is one of your favorite summer activities, here are some plumbing ideas to help make it easier.

  • Outdoor kitchens. Are you tired of running in and out of the house during your summer grilling parties? Why not add an outdoor kitchen area, fully equipped with a plumbed sink for easy cooking and cleaning?
  • Wet bar. If you are an amateur mixologist or just like a cold beverage on a hot day, think how great it would be to have a fully functional wet bar on your patio or by the pool. Your house will be the most popular in the neighborhood!
  • Outdoor shower. If you have a pool or hot tub, an outdoor shower is an excellent way to rinse off the chlorine water, saving your skin and hair from potential damage. Even if you don’t have either a pool or a spa, there’s nothing like showering outside on a hot summer day to cool off.

There are many great ways to add convenience and fun to your home’s backyard with the addition of indoor plumbing in your outdoor areas. In addition to providing more outdoor amenities, outdoor plumbing can keep people from needing to go in and out of your home as much while you entertain outdoors. This limits the mess of entertaining to a few areas while also allowing greater energy efficiency in your home as doors are opened less frequently. Talk to your local plumber for more ideas on how to add water fixtures to your patio or deck area.

Posted on behalf of Shawn Bynum, Bynum Plumbing

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