Tag Archives: faucets

Getting Ready To Winterize The Home

Other, , , , , ,

When cold weather approaches, it becomes necessary to winterize the home. Winter weather can cause tremendous damage to a home, which is why it is important to complete a few tasks. Some jobs can be done without assistance, while others may require professional assistance. Here is a look at the best ways to get the house ready for winter.Plumbing - Winterize Your House

Windows

Windows with poor insulation will be a nightmare in the winter. Heat will escape and make electric bills extremely high. The first thing that a homeowner should consider is caulking areas around windows to block out a path for cold air to enter or warm air to escape. Other people should consider buying new storm windows. Storm windows can be expensive, so it may be better to research other ways to prepare windows.

One of the cheapest ways to insulate the areas around windows is to use a plastic film kit. These kits are readily available at a low price at any home improvement store. The plastic tapes over window panels in hopes of keeping warm air in the room.

Plants

It is essential to care for outdoor plants before winter sets in. Most plants will enter a dormant stage during cold months.  Before snow approaches, it is wise to apply a slow release fertilizer to any outdoor shrub or plant. It is also helpful to add a new layer of mulch. Potted plants should be taken inside or left in a protected area like a garage or covered porch. The pots should be wrapped with foam to protect the plant’s roots.

Roofs And Gutters

It is important to get on the home’s roof before winter strikes. The flashings must be in good condition and all loose or missing shingles must be replaced. The gutters must be cleaned to make sure all downspouts are free of debris. It may be smart to install leaf guards on downspouts which will keep water from causing damage to the home.

Plumbing

One of the most important ways to winterize a home is to properly prepare the plumbing. The first step is to examine all pipes and look for possible leaks or other problems. Even a tiny leak can become a tremendous headache as freezing temperatures approach. If a home contains insulated pipes, it is best to feel for any signs of moisture. If leaks are too severe, it may be time to consult a professional plumber.  This expert will be able to solve any problems and also recommend the best way to keep pipes from freezing.

One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is to add insulation to pipes that are exposed to the elements. The best place to apply this insulation is over pipes in attics, garages, or crawl spaces. Most home improvement stores carry preformed foam that fits easily on top of open pipes.

A hot water heater must be insulated as well. A hot water heater is a common place where heat can become lost, especially when it is located in a cold basement. An insulation blanket can be purchased at any hardware store and placed over the unit. It is a very cost effective way to maximize energy usage.

When a home has an evaporator cooler, it is essential to have it drained proper to the winter chill. The water must be turned off in the house and the unit must be powered off as well. The water must be drained from the cooler and the supply line. This is a good opportunity to perform some cleaning inside the unit. The last step is to cover the equipment to keep it dry all winter.

Outside of the home, certain plumbing issues must be addressed before winter as well. All garden hoses must be disconnected and drained. This will keep hose bibs free from causing damage to exterior pipes.

If a home is located in an extremely cold climate, it may be best to install a shutoff valve inside of the faucet. All pipes must be completely drained by opening the bibs and letting all water escape. Without a shutoff valve, the hose bib can be covered or insulated during winter months. This is a cheap way to keep pipes from freezing.

If a home has a sprinkler system, this must be winterized as well. Similar to the hose bib, this irrigation system must be turned off and flushed of water. This process will help to avoid headaches when spring and summer arrives.

The air conditioner pipes must be drained and the water shutoff valve must be turned off. Some people go away for the winter season to a warmer climate. It is best to keep the heat turned on, but at a low 55 degrees. This will keep the temperature from dipping too low and causing problems.

Finally, it is essential for a homeowner to locate the main water valve into the house. When an emergency arises, it will be essential to know where the water can be shut down quickly.  The water main controls all of the water that enters the home.

There are many tasks involved with winterizing a home. It is essential to seal all air leaks and to take care of the plumbing inside and outside of the home. When a home is properly winterized, it will be energy efficient and free from damage. Despite the small costs involved, it is always better to take preventative measures instead of making emergency repairs.

Tips for Choosing Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures

Fixtures, , , , , , , , , , ,

Creating The Right Bathroom

If you are remodeling or designing a bathroom, there are many things to decide, and some of them need must be finalized before you even start the project. It is an exciting time picking and choosing through the different bathroom plumbing fixtures, but because there are so many choices out there, it can also be a daunting task. How do you know where to start and how much can you do on your own? You came to the right place. We’ll give you all the know-how you need to get started on your project.

There are many options to look through before choosing the ones that will be right for your needs. Look through design, price, and how long it will last. As you are browsing think of your plumbing and sewer needs: how long will the material last, how many holes for valves will be needed, and how easy it will be to install if you are installing yourself. Finally, when you know what you are looking for, make sure you visit a storeroom to see firsthand how the final installed product appears.

When you are initially thinking everything through, start by making a check list of things you need before finishing the project. The main categories are:

∙ Bathroom plumbing fixtures

∙ Plumbing and sewer requirements

∙ Plumbing and drain needs

When you are shopping for bathroom plumbing fixtures, you need to figure out how much your budget will allow for the whole project. Decide how much you can spend on each category. The next thing, once you know how much you can afford, is deciding what theme you are going to use: country, modern, or just traditional. Even limited budgets can create a beautiful bathroom. Once you know which style you are looking for, go to a showroom and see how the different models look once they are installed.

Another need-to-know ahead of time is what your local codes are for the required plumbing and sewer requirements. Different locals have strict requirements for whether you can use PVC pipes, or if you can also use CPVC. You will be using ABS pipes for the drainage system, and you will need drain pipes with traps to keep sewage gases from escaping back into the system. Access panels are needed to provide an entrance to the rough in. The rough-in is really where it all happens. The rough-in is where all the supply lines and drain, waste and vent lines happen.

The plumbing and drain needs depend on the house or building that you are restoring or finishing your project in. Make sure you have the necessary drain pipes and traps. It is essential and helpful to have a stop valve attached to each fixture; in case of needed repair it is much easier to only shut off the water supply to that particular item, rather than the whole house. We will help you in any way you need it. Thank you for trusting your plumbing needs to us!

Marietta Plumber
Acworth Plumber
Plumber in Woodstock
Plumber in Kennesaw
Sandy Springs Plumber
Smyrna Plumber

7 Tips for Choosing Your Plumbing Fixtures

Home Remodeling, , , , , , , , , ,

Plumbing fixtures used to come in only a few styles and colors. Hence, bathroom and kitchen designs would often look plain and dull. But because of today’s innovative modern interior designs, your faucets and sinks are now available in many styles and colors. You can now renovate and change your bathroom and kitchen’s look to the style you’ve always wanted.

Remodeling a home can be very exciting. But there are many things that you need to consider first before choosing and buying plumbing fixtures. It is very important that you buy the perfect one that matches your lifestyle and the type of look you want for your bathroom or kitchen.

So what are the things that you need to consider? Check out the list below:

  1. Style. Faucets, sinks and toilets are available in many styles. They may come in modern, classic, minimalistic, elegant styles, and there are a lot more to choose from. Choose a style that suits your taste, or something that matches the overall theme of your bathroom or kitchen.  Mixing metals is one option to consider.
  2. Function. Plumbing fixtures are available in many types and are classified by their function. Each type has a different function, thus, it is very important that you know how each type works. Well, you don’t want to see a laundry sink in your kitchen, do you?
  3. Installation method. Faucets can be either single or double handled or so can sinks; with different types comes different installation methods. Make sure you choose fixtures that are easy to install and easy to remove. So that it will be easy to repair or replace when it needs fixing.
  4. Features. Faucets, sinks and toilets have different features. Choose a faucet or a sink that matches your needs. If you want a perfect water temperature for your bath, then choose a shower faucet that has temperature control features.
  5. Quality. Anything that you buy for your home should pass your personal quality check. You should only buy fixtures that are durable and made of high quality materials to ensure long-lasting use.
  6. Cost. Of course, you need to consider your budget. Choose your fixtures meticulously and compare prices. It doesn’t always mean that expensive choices have better quality. You can actually find many good choices at a bargain price. And then plan the things that you are going to buy. Prioritize the important and necessary things first. Remember, you don’t need a bath tub if your bathroom is small.
  7. And lastly, always choose a reputable faucet or sink manufacturer because you would want it to last a decade or two. Reputable manufacturers can give you better quality fixtures and better after sales service.

Your bathroom and kitchen make up just a small portion of your home, but these small parts can actually say a lot about your house. So if you want to have a beautiful bathroom and a nice-looking kitchen, make sure that you choose the right plumbing fixtures and decors and a reliable plumber to install them.

Marietta Plumbing Contractor
Woodstock Plumber
Acworth Plumber
Kennesaw Plumbing
Sandy Springs Plumber

Water Plumbing in the Home Made Easy

Pipes, , , , , , , ,

People are always told of the importance of water. Moreover, the conservation of water is an issue that many people take seriously. The need for water in order for people to survive daily life is undeniable. Water is a necessity that proves its worth in all sorts of daily activities. Thus home water plumbing is also a need to be understood and appreciated by people if they wish to truly maintain a good household.

Whenever water plumbing comes to mind, thinking about water supply is most probably what follows. Plumbing, after all, is all about managing the supply of water. It is important that houses get enough supply of water through a pipe that can efficiently spread water all throughout the household. Moreover, it is important that the water a house receives is clean enough to be used for cleaning other items as well.

It’s good for people to monitor their monthly water consumption. This would not only help them check if they are charged correctly for the water they use but they would also be aware of how much water they consume. Too much water consumption may help people realize the importance of conserving water and of using water appropriately.

If there is water supply, naturally there is a drainage system. More specifically, it is important that homeowners make sure that they have a stable and secure waste drainage system in order to keep things in order in their homes. As the name implies, waste is a very serious matter. A good waste drainage system is very important so as to avoid unwanted accidents.

Next to be considered are the fixtures through which the water shall flow. Most common fixtures found in a home would be faucets, sinks and drains. Bath tubs and such are a few of those fixtures that are not commonly found in most homes. It is also very important to consider the type, style and size of the fixtures to be used that should be in accordance with the water supply’s strength and the capacity of the bathroom to hold such fixtures.

Water plumbing also involves people knowing how to operate basic water controls within their homes. An example would be their main water supply valve. Being able to know how to turn off the water supply can help them whenever checking for water supply or home water plumbing problems.

Basic plumbing can be learned by almost anyone. Finding an experienced plumber who can teach you the basics of plumbing especially at home could be a challenge but worth a shot. Knowing how to go around your home’s plumbing system could take some time, but it can be very important in the long run. Dealing with water can be a headache especially when problems start to arise. The bathroom is a part of the house that is taken for granted many times. People use the bathroom every day, any time of the day. Naturally, having a bathroom that’s ready for use without having to worry about problems is definitely a better way to live.

Marietta Plumbing Contractor
Woodstock Plumber
Acworth Plumber
Kennesaw Plumbing