Should You Do Your Own Faucet Repair or Replacement?

Replacing or repairing a faucet is not rocket science, but it can be more difficult than you may think. Many do-it-yourselfers will attempt a faucet project, especially if they have replaced a faucet in the past. However, not all faucets are the same and many of the newer models are more complicated than the simple versions of the past. Here are a few things to consider before attempting a faucet repair or replacement on your own.

Do You Have the Right Tools?

There is nothing more frustrating than getting into the middle of a plumbing project and realizing you don’t have all the right tools. Your new faucet may need different size wrenches or sockets to tighten parts than your old one. Needing to buy different tools can be an added expense.

Unforeseen Problems

It is a common issue to start a plumbing project and realize there are bigger problems than you initially realized. Once started, you often cannot stop until the job is done without losing access to your sink or tub. Make sure you are ready to tackle whatever plumbing issue may reveal itself during the project.

Protecting Your Investment

If you are upgrading your faucet to a newer, more expensive model, you want to ensure it is installed right. It may be worth it to hire a plumber that guarantees their work to protect your investment; damaging an expensive new fixture or needing to replace it down the road due to improper installation are common issues with DIY plumbers.

Even a smaller plumbing project like faucet repair or replacement can benefit from the expertise of a professional plumber. Save yourself time and trouble by hiring a professional to get the job done quickly and correctly.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Three Great Reasons to Upgrade Your Bathroom Faucets

Are your bathroom faucets outdated and wasting water? You use them day in and day out, but when was the last time you really paid attention to your bathroom faucets? If they are looking worn or beginning to leak, it may be time to upgrade to new faucets for your sink, shower and bathtub. Here are three excellent reasons to invest in new faucets for your bathroom.

  1. An inexpensive makeover. If you don’t have the time or money to remodel your bathroom, upgrading the faucets is a cheap way to give your bathroom a makeover. Just replacing the hardware and maybe adding some matching towel racks can spruce up your old bathroom, giving it a whole new look.
  2. Leaks cost money. Did you know that one leaky faucet can waste up to 2,000 gallons of water a year? Don’t let your money run down the drain and waste valuable natural resources. Replace old faucets that leak with new energy efficient options, like those with the WaterSense label that are approved by the EPA. You’ll stop the leaks and use less water for years to come.
  3. New technology. Beyond just beautiful faucets that are water efficient, you can add new technology to your sink and shower. Thermostatic valves that keep your shower the perfect temp or motion sensors for hands-free water flow are just a few of the many new tech options that are available for your bathroom.

Changing your faucets can make a big difference in your bathroom, from the style to the efficiency and convenience. With the help of your local plumber, you can transform your bathroom with just a few changes to your plumbing hardware.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

How Efficient Are Your Water Fixtures?

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 

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.

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.

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

Is your kitchen sink faucet linking? If you have an older style compression type faucet, you may be able to fix it on your own by replacing the washer. Compression faucets are common in the kitchen. Often times, the rubber washer deteriorates or becomes hardened with age. Replacing a damaged washer often returns a leaky faucet to operating like new.  So before you call a plumber, here’s how to try to fix it yourself.

Before starting on the faucet repair, make sure you turn off the water supply to the faucet.  There is usually a shutoff valve under the kitchen sink or you can turn off the water supply to the entire house.  Be sure to turn the faucet on to bleed off the excess water pressure.

Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the retaining screw.  Now, remove the valve stem using a wrench or deep socket.  Once you have removed the valve stem, you will be able to see the washer attached to the stem by a screw.  Remove the screw, replace the old washer with a new one and reassemble the faucet.

If your faucet is still leaking after you’ve replaced the washer, then you may have a more serious problem such as a damaged valve seat.  At this point, it’s probably time call a plumber to get a professional opinion.  Your plumber will be able to find the cause of the leak and help you decide whether you are better off fixing the original faucet or replacing it with new faucet.