Toilet leaks aren’t anything to panic over, but no one likes walking into the bathroom with dry socks and coming out with wet socks. Toilets that leak at the base are usually an easy fix with some DIY how-to steps.
You can make the repairs you need quickly using this guide that provides you with the reasons behind your toilet leak, the tools you’ll need, what to do about the leak, and tips to prevent future toilet leaks.
No doubt, 2020 has been a different and difficult year. We’re certain that you’re looking forward to a much better 2021 and are already planning on ways to make that happen.
We’d like to help! We have a suggestion for a way to get your household plumbing in better shape than it’s been in years for 2021. It’s as simple as calling the Trusted Plumber and arranging with us for drain cleaning in Sun City, AZ.
It’s true that drain cleaning is a service people call us to do when they’ve got an obstinately plugged up drain in their house and no amount of plungin’ and elbow grease will get it out. Our professionals can always open up a clogged sink drain, shower drain, or toilet using our tools. We’re thorough and make sure that the clogs we remove won’t come right back a week later, which is often what happens when homeowners try to unclog drains with store-bought chemical cleaners. (Don’t use these cleaners! More on this in a minute…)
But drain cleaning is also a preventive service, not only a reactive one. You can arrange for drain cleaning throughout your house that will help keep your plumbing system in excellent shape. You can’t see the insides of your drains, so you won’t realize how much, well, “gunk” can build up inside them over the years. For example:
Professional drain cleaning is designed to remove all this buildup from drain pipes. Our plumbers don’t just do a quick plunge or rooter on the drains—we scour the interiors to get the pipes into “like new” condition.
Not only will your plumbing system run into fewer clogs during the coming year (in fact, you’ll probably experience zero clogs once we’re done), it will also be at lower risk for corrosion, leaks, high water pressure, and general aging. It’s a big all-around win for your plumbing.
Nope! Please don’t do this. As we mentioned above, not only are these chemical drain cleaners not thorough, often allowing clogs to come right back, but they can cause damage to the pipes because of their acidic contents. It’s the exact opposite effect from what you get with professional drain cleaning. Plus, these chemicals are highly toxic and can harm your skin and eyes and create dangerous fumes.
Have your drain cleaning done right: call our team! We’ll see you have a plumbing system that’s ready for a better year ahead.
Trust The Trusted Plumber for your plumbing needs in Glendale and the surrounding area.
This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com
If you are planning on welcoming guests into your home for the holidays, then you need to make sure that your plumbing system is ready to handle the added wear and tear. Make sure that your home is ready to handle the added capacity by taking a look at this holiday plumbing checklist.
When more people using your bathtubs and shower, this means that you are going to have more hair going down the drains as well. Make sure that you prevent your drains from getting clogged by covering your drains with strainers. This will block hair and debris from blocking your plumbing system.
Even though trash cans are not a part of your plumbing system, they can still protect it from harm. By adding trash cans in the toilets and guest rooms, this will prevent your guests from flushing unnecessary trash and debris down the toilets. This would otherwise lead to some incredibly inconvenient plumbing issues.
Always take the time to check around the bottoms of your toilets and under your sinks for wet spots. If these toilets and sinks are not used on a regular basis, it is easy to overlook a leak. If you do spot a leak, then you need to reach out to trained professionals to take a look at the leak and fix it before your guests arrive.
Having a lot of extra guests can cause your hot water heater to dry up relatively quickly. A 50-gallon tank is going to provide about 20 minutes of continuous hot water at the hottest setting. Considering the extra people you are going to have in your home, this is likely not enough. Reach out to your plumbing professionals to learn more about upgrading your hot water heater.
Finally, make sure that your plumbing system is ready to go with a comprehensive inspection. If you would like to make sure that your plumbing system can handle your guests, contact the team at A to Z Statewide Plumbing today at 954-981-2133!
This post first appeared on http://www.atozstatewideplumbing.com
Natural gas is a convenient source of energy that over 50 percent of homes in the United States rely on to dry clothing, cook food, heat water, and heat their homes.
It is usually safe, but under certain circumstances, such as improperly installed or poorly maintained gas lines, gas leaks can turn into major problems for your health and your home.
Renovating a bathroom is an adventure, because even the simplest changes can completely transform the look and feel of the space. You can go from having a plain and boring bathroom to something that feels luxurious with just a few smart changes. The best part? You won’t have to try too hard to make the bathroom renovations. They can all be done by beginners and require very little to no plumbing.
If you don’t have the budget to completely redo the shower, don’t fret. A fantastic way to upgrade your bathroom is to get yourself a brand new shower head. You can free up some space if you switch to a shower head that integrates both a hand shower and a regular sprayer. Or, if you prefer, you can get a combination unit with a rain shower head and hand sprayer. Either way, having the open to detach a shower head to rinse off is convenient.
Upgrading to a combination unit is easy, too. All you have to do is connect a diverter to the shower’s water line.
Depending on your budget, you can seek out high-end options, including Moen’s magnetic handheld shower head that docks quickly and easily. But there are thousands of options out there, so look around at what is within your price range and go from there.
One of the simplest changes you can make is getting yourself a new bathroom countertop. Granite is always going to be welcome, because it looks incredible but is also durable beyond belief. It won’t stain, and if the granite has a seal, you won’t have to worry about scratches either.
Don’t want to put out the money for granite? No worries. There are plenty of materials available these days that allow you to get a lookalike without spending too much. For example, you can purchase laminate or quartz countertops instead of granite or marble.
Consider adding a tiled backdrop that matches the colors of your natural stone (or manufactured stone) countertop. A tiled backdrop looks clean and can be made unique to your style. Plus, it will add some value to your bathroom if you are considering selling in the future.
LED-lit mirrors look amazing. They add a soft back-lit glow around the mirror that brightens your face, so you can see yourself more clearly. This is great for people who prefer to do their makeup or skincare routine in the bathroom, because back-lit mirrors will not cause shadows on your face.
Furthermore, the aura around the mirror has a futuristic look that adds a pleasant ambiance to the bathroom. You will feel like you are walking into an expensive hotel bathroom every single time you enter. Speaking of futuristic, an illuminated mirror that uses LED lights will cost far less to operate than mirrors with incandescent bulbs. LEDs last much, much longer than conventional light bulbs and do not burn hot.
While we are talking about mirrors, it would be wise to mention anti-fogging mirrors. Some illuminated mirrors come with this technology, but others come with just anti-fog properties. In other words, you won’t have to worry about that steamy shower rendering the mirror useless. That will make getting ready for work so much easier.
There is something to be said about a bathroom with plenty of lighting. It feels cleaner and larger. Not only that, but lighting is one of the best ways to give the bathroom more value. If your bathroom does not get enough natural light, you might want to consider adding a skylight (if your budget allows). If that sounds too crazy, you can partner a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint with well-placed wall sconces, a crystal chandelier, or spot lights above the shower and/or bathtub.
There are modern options for vanity lighting, pendant lighting, recessed lighting, and so on. You can get floor lamps or even string lights to add some flair.
Since purchasing and installing a new vanity or cabinets can be challenging and time-consuming, you should look to Option B: replacing old hardware with new fixtures. You can repaint the cabinets and get new fixtures, such as knobs and cabinet handles, to add some sparkle to your bathroom.
Another fixture to replace is the sink faucet. This is one trick many designers use, since you can alter the entire aesthetic of the vanity or sink without needing to replace the entire unit.
Whether you plan on selling your home in the future or want to remain where you are forever, adding more storage is a smart move. Most will agree that the more storage you have in the bathroom, the better. Purchase some open storage, such as wooden shelving or organization boxes, baskets, and so one. Make sure of the corners of the bathroom, or get an over-the-toilet unit.
If you consider yourself crafty, you can be a bit more adventurous with these renovations. For example, you could make your own wall organizer by attaching tin cans or mason jars to a wooden plank then hang it from the wall.
There are plenty of ways you can incorporate storage into the design of your bathroom, so let your creativity free!
Bathrooms are no longer just functional places for bathing and brushing your teeth. These days, the bathroom is an oasis, an at-home spa where you can retreat for a few minutes (or hours). Why not make the bathroom look amazing? Fortunately, you don’t have to spend hundreds or thousands to make some quick upgrades for luxury.
The post Easy DIY Bathroom Renovations Anyone Can Do appeared first on The Irish Plumber.
Aside from stocking up on plumbing supplies and crossing your fingers, what more can you do to prepare for the holidays? Every year, people just like you run into unfortunate events with their plumbing, because they forgot some key things about plumbing. No one wants to feel like they have landed themselves in a pot of coal during the festivities, so make sure you—and everyone visiting—knows the plumbing do’s and don’ts of the holiday season.
Even though 2020 has brought about new regulations for celebrating the jolliest time of the year, you may still have some people gathering at your home throughout the holidays. If you plan on keeping your plumbing functional, be sure to let your guests in on a little secret: no flushing of anything but toilet paper.
Provide an additional receptacle for feminine products or wipes and other sanitary items, if it makes things easier.
Prior to having family and friends over to the holidays, you should also get your toilet’s plumbing inspected. Any build up along the pipes leading to the septic system should be taken care of before the increased strain on the system.
Now the temperature has dropped, it is time to make sure that any outdoor hoses and spigots have been winterized. This includes discharge lines from the sump pump. Double check to make sure any water lines that connect with outside are functioning properly and are not backing up. This includes any lines from the sinks and showers or bathtubs.
No surprise, but your garbage disposal—or garburator—is connected to the plumbing. And that puts it at risk of clogging everything up. Since guests may not know, it is best to remind them to run water when the disposal is in use. Also, be mindful of the kinds of stuff going down the drain. Avoid things like coffee grounds, eggshells, bones, pasta, potato skins, and fibrous items.
The holidays are the worst time to have something terrible happen with your plumbing. Not only is the weather frigid and the ground frozen, but you have to deal with potential damages to your home. Plumbing emergencies require immediate action, too. Whether the pipes have frozen and burst or you have a rapidly worsening leak or clog, don’t panic.
The first step to resolving any plumbing emergency is to shut off the main water valve. That will prevent water from flowing into the affected pipes. Try to mop up as much water as you can to keep it from stagnating or damaging your home.
Don’t be afraid of calling the local plumbing company when a plumbing emergency strikes. Even if it is the holidays, you cannot let a plumbing problem go unresolved. Describe what is happening with as much detail as possible and be sure to tell the professional what steps you have taken. This will help with repairs and replacements that may be needed.
Ready for the holiday season? Why not schedule a maintenance service as an early holiday present to yourself? Peace of mind is a wonderful gift, after all.
The post Plumbing Do’s and Don’ts for the Holiday Season appeared first on The Irish Plumber.
Although most of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only about 1% of it is freshwater that is suitable for drinking and domestic consumption. Most of the remaining water is either saltwater or it is frozen into the polar ice caps and glaciers. That means that conserving freshwater is essential, and with most households in the United States using an average of 300 gallons per day according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, there is much room for improvement. Even minor changes like replacing dripping faucets, taking shorter showers, or shutting off the faucet while brushing your teeth can make a huge difference in your water usage, and with water bills increasing at a dramatic rate, especially around Baltimore and the DC area, conserving water can also help you save money.
Do you have pipe leaks or plumbing problems that are increasing your water bill? Contact Len The Plumber today at (800) 950-4619 or visit us online to schedule plumbing services in MD, VA, or the DC area today!
Between old fixtures, inefficient appliances, faulty plumbing, and old habits, it is easy to waste a considerable amount of water each day in a typical household. A toilet that has a faulty flapper valve, for example, can waste gallons of water per hour as it constantly runs and refills the tank. Here are 10 ways that you may be wasting water without being aware of it:
1) Using your toilet as a trash can. Representing almost a third of a household’s total indoor consumption, toilets are the biggest source of water use in your home. Every time you flush a facial tissue or feminine product, you waste five to seven gallons of water. Not to mention flushing something other than human waste and toilet paper is bad for your pipes and drains!
2) Taking baths and long showers. Think of it this way: The average American shower uses 17.2 gallons of water and lasts up to 8 minutes – that’s a lot of water.
3) Conventional showerheads. You should consider switching to a low-flow showerhead, which uses about 2 gallons of water per minute.
4) Leaky pipes. The US News reports that an average household can leak more than 10,000 gallons of water per year. It’s important to keep an eye out for leaks around your toilet, faucets, hose bibbs, and any other plumbing fixture that you use often. Repair or replace leaking water lines as soon as possible, and keep an eye on your water bill month to month to spot hidden leaks.
5) Laundry loads that are only half full. Ensure that each load of laundry you do is pretty full. This will be more cost-effective in the long run.
6) Running a dishwasher that’s not completely full. Make sure your dishwasher is completely full before you run it. In fact, you should consider running it on a “light” cycle if a “normal cycle” isn’t necessary.
7) Washing dishes with running water. Instead, fill up your sink with soap and water and let the dishes soak. After a few minutes, go ahead and wash them off!
8) Conventional toilets. If you have an older toilet, it could be using up to 2 gallons more water than a newer low-flush or high-efficiency toilet.
9) Overwatering your lawn. During the summertime, it’s best to water your lawn in the morning (5-10am) because the air is cooler and water evaporates more slowly. Additionally, it’s really only necessary to water twice a week … MAX!
10) Running the water while brushing your teeth. If you have the habit of running the water when you’re brushing your teeth, simply remind yourself to turn it off. If you think about it, there is no reason the water needs to be running.
Start saving water today—contact our plumbing professionals at Len The Plumber to help with plumbing repairs, fixture replacements, water conservation, and more! We serve homes throughout the Baltimore area, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Our company offers respectful service, quality workmanship, and experienced, professional plumbers who are here to help with all your plumbing problems, seven days a week.
Call (800) 950-4619 or contact us online to learn how we can help you save water in Baltimore or the DC area! Be sure to check out our coupons page for valuable special offers!
This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com
Your kitchen is where your home’s heart is. Image the holidays, celebrations, or even your daily life without the influence of your kitchen. Although the kitchen is definitely the backbone of the home, your kitchen plumbing is possibly just as vital. You need to keep each part of your kitchen plumbing in great shape—everything from the garbage disposal to your faucet. We have some great tips to keep your home in amazing shape.
We’re going to help you with your plumbing in Orlando, FL today. There are many simple things you can do. Plumbing is more about daily upkeep than anything. As long as you’re putting in the effort on a regular basis, you’re sure to see a great outcome and avoid disasters in the end.
Here are five things you can do to help your kitchen plumbing:
F.O.G. is fat, oil, and grease. F.O.G. is a problem because these substances quickly settle into soft solids from their oil state. This means that it’s going to trickle down into your drain and settle there. As other substances travel down your drain, they’re going to get caught and develop clogs. The more time goes on, the more the clog will develop and become a major issue.
Even if the leak you’re experiencing is a small, tiny leak, you should schedule an appointment for plumbing work. Leaks are something that can build up in intensity faster than you’d realize. If you let it go unchecked, you’re risking extreme water damage. A leak doesn’t just impact your home’s plumbing. It can potentially lead to you replacing flooring, appliances, or other parts of your kitchen and the surrounding area.
You’ve got a clog in your home but it’s something that you think you can handle on your own. Although we understand that clogs don’t seem like the worst problem in the world, a clog is a real problem. It has the potential to bubble over into a bigger plumbing issue if you’re consistently trying to just lessen the problem rather than solve it at its source.
We just talked about clogs above and the common solution to a mild clog is a chemical drain cleaner. We want you to give it a second thought before you go for this though. Chemical drain cleaners are way too harsh for your home’s plumbing. It’s going to lead to your pipes wearing down over time and it could potentially lead to leaks.
Sometimes people don’t directly consider their home’s dishwasher when it comes to their home plumbing. This is a big factor in your kitchen though. Make sure you’re taking an extra second to scrape off grease and scraps from your dishes, so they aren’t causing problems in your dishwasher. This is something that’s going to help you in the long run.
Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc for the plumbing services you’d like today.
This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com
Okay, so you’ve made the call for a professional ever since your heater broke down. Great job! That’s the most important thing you can do, and we’re proud of you that you’ve managed to get that far. Many homeowners take their toolbox and end up doing more harm than good when these things come up.
Now you’re cold, upset, and scouring the internet for things to do while you wait for a professional HVAC technician. Heating repair in Livingston, NJ isn’t instant, and every minute probably feels like a lifetime while you’re waiting for service. So, what do you do?
Never fear, MarGo is here! We’ve got your back if you’re looking for ways to stay sane, warm, and happy while you wait for our professional service. Keep reading as we show you what most of our customers do while waiting.
If the weather isn’t terrible, why not go for a little walk? Or perhaps do some stretches and dance around to your favorite holiday tunes! The more you move around, the more heat your body will produce. It’s healthy and also a great way to produce heat and keep yourself occupied. You get bonus points if your family is around to dance with you, since more bodies produce more heat that can keep you warm and comfortable while you wait!
While you’re shivering under the blankets, wouldn’t a warm slice of carrot cake, or some hot apple pie taste wonderful? How about baking a family recipe that’s sure to keep you full and warm?
Baking in the oven can be a great way to create residual heat that will help keep your home warm while you wait for help. Don’t take this the wrong way, ovens—especially gas ovens—aren’t a good way to heat your home. But they can raise the temperatures a few degrees while providing you with something yummy in the meantime!
Sometimes dust can settle in places that are less traveled in our day to day schedules. Now that you’re waiting for heating help, this could be a great time to get rid of that dust and anything else that needs to be cleaned up. Your ducts, your HVAC system, and the rest of your home will thank you in the long run. Plus—that moving around will create heat and keep you warm while you wait!
What could be better than some blankets, hot cocoa, and the warmth of your pets and your family while you watch a movie together? This can be a great way to pass the time while you wait for a technician to come and give your heating system repairs. We get that it might feel a little chilly, but that body heat and the heat from the cocoa should be enough to keep you warm and happy for that small amount of time before a pro arrives.
This might be a great time to remind everyone out there that you should always work with a team that doesn’t keep you waiting for very long. If things are looking bleak, call our team today!
Call MarGo Plmbing Heating Cooling Inc. today for fast and effective heating service.
This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com
Your bathroom should feel like an oasis in your home. You should be able to come back after a long day of work and have a place to get away and relax. While a hot bath and fragrant candles may help, you may need to take it a step further to get your oasis.
To really transform your bathroom into a personal oasis, you might need a bathroom to remodel. Especially if your space is outdated or losing its function.
But most people tremble at the thought of a renovation. From gutting the space to hiring plumbing services to pick out materials, this is a huge undertaking. But you shouldn’t feel daunted by a bathroom remodel.
You deserve a bathroom that reflects your design sense and aids in your relaxation. With these tips, you can plan your renovation, so it doesn’t feel like an overwhelming task to take on.
Before you start pulling fixtures out or removing tile, it’s a good idea to see look around at your bathroom now and see what areas it is lacking. Taking a moment to reflect before you start doing work will help you save money in the long run.
Reflecting will also save you some time on useless renovations. Instead of focusing on how your bathroom currently functions, experts suggest thinking about how you want your bathroom to function after the renovation.
This can help you decide everything from the fixtures, color schemes, and scope of the renovation.
Now that you have an idea about what you want out of your bathroom, you can decide the scope of your renovation. This is a big picture decision that will trickle down to the smallest details. Here are some basic levels of bathroom remodels to consider.
This is the least involved of the renovation types. A surface alteration will be great if you already like the layout but want to give the fixtures and details a refresh.
A surface alteration would include painting, swapping out some small details, and updating decor like towel racks or storage.
The next level of remodels would be a gut and replace. This is where you would keep the same layout but replace or upgrade your fixtures.
Here is where you’d install a new vanity, overhaul the shower, or replace the flooring. You may also update the systems inside the walls like plumbing and wiring.
If you’re going for a complete overhaul of your bathroom, your renovation will probably have some layout changes. This can help your bathroom run more efficiently.
These types of renovations include moving some combination of the tub, shower, toilet, or sink. A layout change will require more extensive plumbing and writing work and typically include replacing all the fixtures.
The most complete bathroom remodels is a total room renovation. These types of renovations would include pieces of all the other renovations like layout changes and replacing fixtures.
A total room renovation would also include large-scale structural changes like removing walls, add an extension to the room, or altering the ceiling. The goal of this type of renovation typically is to increase the size, not just the functionality or aesthetics.
With the scale of your renovation decided, it’s also a good idea to consider who’s using the space. This is a major factor for your bathroom remodel because it will help inform your other remodeling decisions.
A bathroom for a family of five will function much differently than a master bathroom for a couple. You should keep the bathroom users in mind throughout the planning and designing process as well.
Setting your budget is one of the most important steps when planning your bathroom renovation. No matter what the scale is or whether you’re planning a DIY bathroom remodel or hiring professionals, you need to set much money you have to spend.
It’s also a good idea to allocate how much of your budget will go to certain projects. You may want to spend more on a shower and save on the flooring. The good news is that it doesn’t always take a huge budget to create a spa-like feel.
If your remodel includes layout changes, this is where you make those decisions. If you’re trying to save money, you want to do as few layout changes as possible. Moving fixtures usually means moving the plumbing, which can add up over time.
But moving around fixtures to create a new layout can help increase the functionality of your room by making the flow better and increasing storage.
With the logistical aspect out of the way, you can start thinking of the aesthetics of the space. You can read design magazines and look at home improvement websites to get inspiration for your own bathroom.
You can also draw creative ideas from professional spas, nature, and your own personal style.
It’s always a good idea to get a professional’s opinion before you start a major renovation. Smaller projects, like surface alterations, can be done on your own. But major renovations that include layout changes should have a pro on board.
Consult a general contractor, plumbing services, and electrician to start your renovation. They can often help you stay under your budget and provide advice to best complete your renovation.
Ventilation is often overlooked when planning a renovation. It’s easy to focus on the aesthetics like tiles and flooring and big fixtures like the vanity and shower. But with all the focus on these large-scale changes, small details like ventilations are forgotten.
But ventilation is an extremely important part of your bathroom. It prevents moisture buildup that can create mold and ruin all the work you put into the design. Be sure to plan for proper ventilation either through a vent fan or a window vent.
A renovation should always add an upgrade to your space, leaving your bathroom better than it was before. One way to make your bathroom better is to add in storage. This is another feature that often gets overlooked in the renovation process.
It’s a good rule of thumb to add more storage than you had before, so you gain rather than lose. Be sure to consider different styles of storage, from furniture pieces to built-in units.
When it comes to storage, it’s often better to have excess rather than be lacking.
A stylish bathroom should have stylish lighting, as well. But you should also consider the lighting in practical terms as well. Experts recommend having different levels of lighting to give your bathroom a true spa experience.
Think of lighting in layers with ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. These can manifest as overhead ceiling lights, under-vanity lighting, and lights around the mirror, respectively.
Lighting the room in layers will create a customized, spa-like look.
One easy way of adding style and trend to your bathroom is with tiles. Tiles can elevate your bathroom to an oasis no matter what the scale of your renovation is. With a large variety in style, shape, color, and texture, you’re bound to find tiles that you love.
You can achieve a design with maximum impact, visual interest, and warmth by using inexpensive tiles bought at your local hardware store. A floor-to-ceiling shower design and colorful accent wall can both be achieved with decorative tile.
In this digital age, technology is everywhere, and that includes the bathroom. This tech can help turn your bathroom into a modern spa. From fixtures that help boost efficiency to add-ons that boost the experience, there’s a device for that.
If you really want to make your bathroom feel like a spa, consider adding a towel warming drawer, a Bluetooth ceiling speaker, and digital shower controls. You don’t have to pack tech into the bathroom to get that oasis-like feeling.
There’s so much noise happening in daily life. Work stress, news updates, and keeping up with friends and family are all fighting for your attention each and every day. With all this going on, you deserve a place to take time for yourself and decompress.
That’s easier said than done in most cases. Taking on a bathroom remodeling project may seem counterproductive to lowering your stress levels. You’ll have to deal with the mess, with plumbing services, with choosing materials, but it’s really only temporary.
Transforming your bathroom into an oasis will be worth it in the long run. Not only will you add value to your home, but you’ll have a place where you can escape daily life.
When you’re soaking in your tub or taking a luxury shower after a long day, you’ll be happy you started that renovation months ago.
Ready to start your bathroom remodel? Allow the best Toronto plumber to take a look at your space to get started.
The post How to Plan My Bathroom Remodeling Project? first appeared on Anta Plumbing Blog.
This post first appeared on https://blog.antaplumbing.com