Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Archive for the ‘Meet Your TPI Team’ Category

Water Conservation Tips to Save You Money and Do the Environment Well

Thursday, July 27th, 2017

Water is essential to human life and its shortage can result in problems of a major scale. This is why everybody is encouraged to conserve water. With smart practices, water shortage can be prevented and quality of human life protected.

A reputable plumbing company trusted by Applegate and Fox Valley residents has a collection of water conservation tips that can help. So, if you wish to do your bit in doing the environment well and helping sustain its ability to provide water to us all, and at the same time, slash your household’s water bill, you can implement these tips from the pros.

Eco-Friendly Products

Don’t go overboard with detergents, bleach, and other chemicals to get your clothes and house clean. Not only do they contribute to water pollution but they also cause routine cleaning to consume more energy and water.

Switch to eco-friendly soaps and detergents. They are much easier to rinse and don’t contribute to water pollution.

Lawn Care & Water Conservation

Improve your lawn care. Watering frequently is actually counterproductive; water deeply just twice a day (ideally before the sun goes up and when it’s setting) instead. You’ll use less water by watering wisely.

Contact your local water authority to make sure that the water pressure on your street is less than 60 pounds per square inch. Pressure that is any higher than that is too much for plumbing systems and will always result in excessive water usage.

Plumbing Leaks

Make sure that there’s no leaky plumbing in your home. Leaky toilets consist of more than 40 percent of your total water usage. Meanwhile, leaky faucets that drip once per second waste as much as eight gallons of water a day. To make sure that you’re not dealing with a leaky plumbing system, check your water meter when no water is being used. If the meter continues to move even when no one’s using water, that’s a clear indication that you have a water leak somewhere. Call professional plumbers to find where the leak is and repair the problem.

Collect Water

Wisconsin gets a lot of rain and you can fill rain barrels with rainwater that you can use as a resource for the future. It can be used for gardening and cleaning your home.

Plumbing Fixtures

Replacing some plumbing fixtures, such as an old showerhead with a more water-efficient design, can actually save you up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without compromising spray pressure. You can also look into low-flow toilets and faucets. Call us to schedule your appointment today!

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How to Deal with Tree Root Problems

Monday, July 24th, 2017

How to Deal with Tree Root Problems

Majestic trees never fail to boost curb appeal. They look grand and beautiful, and they also provide shade and protection from the wind. In some cultures, they symbolize longevity and abundance. They are also sources of sustenance for animals and humans.

However, trees can be the source of problems too, especially when their roots grow into underground structures, or they spread wide and compromise the stability of above ground fixtures. There are many tree root problems, but perhaps one of the most inconvenient is the way they damage underground plumbing systems. Households suffer from clogging and backflow due to roots growing into pipes and septic tanks. They can also cause flooding when pipes crack due to the pressure of invasive tree roots.

Getting rid of tree root infestation in sewer lines or underground plumbing structures is imperative. According to a plumbing company that services Applegate and Fox Valley, Wisconsin residents, there are some effective methods that can be tried, but they all need to be executed by experienced professionals.

  1. Using a mechanical auger

A powered sewer auger is sent down the sewer line with a rotating spiral head with teeth that cut the roots easily. This is effective in cutting down some roots and clearing the sewer line some. However, this doesn’t guarantee that the roots won’t grow back in, so this method of root removal would have to be done frequently, which is rather inconvenient.

  1. Poisoning roots with copper sulfate crystals

This is a highly recommended method for making sure roots don’t grow back. Copper sulfate crystals create a poison zone within the soil outside the pipe and this prevents roots from growing into the sewer because they die in the process.

* Other chemicals have a similar effect; foaming root killers work similarly to copper sulfate crystals and not only kill roots but also prevent regrowth.

  1. Blasting roots away with a hydro jetter

A hydro jetter can blast away roots so chemicals can be applied properly to kill off any roots still present in the plumbing system. Using this is effective but expensive.

Repairing damaged plumbing systems is costly, so in the future, take preventive steps against tree root infestation. If you’re thinking of growing trees in your garden or lawn, find out first where your utility lines are and make sure to plant away from those structures. Likewise, choose tree species that don’t have invasive root systems such as Amur maple, American hornbeam, Adam’s crabapple tree, and Cornelian cherry dogwood.

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Farmhouse Sink: Trendy or Timeless?

Friday, July 21st, 2017
Is the farmhouse sink trendy or timeless? Although still largely seen as traditional, the farmhouse has quickly become a popular fixture in modern homes as well.

This short guide will show you how this rustic sink has evolved through time. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen anytime soon, the list of pros and cons may help you decide whether it is worth buying or not.

Form and Function

The farmhouse sink is characterized by the deep design of its basin. Sometimes known as apron-front sinks, these kitchen fixtures were designed to hold copious amounts of water and wash large cooking tools. The basin is so deep that you can bathe a baby in it.

Farmhouse Sink Installation

A typical farmhouse sink is installed with the apron protruding beyond the cabinets below it. This design feature is meant to protect the cabinets. If the water starts to overflow, the liquid will fall straight to the floor instead of damaging the cabinets beneath the sink.
The width and depth of a farmhouse sink offers homeowners ample space for washing dishes and kitchen tools. On the other hand, farmhouse sinks are also bulky. Standard sinks weigh around 20 to 30 pounds while an apron-front type may weigh up to 100 pounds. If you intend to replace your standard sink with a farmhouse one, you will need to find a way to reinforce the supports around the sink.
Farmhouse sinks don’t come with holes for faucets. As a result, the faucet needs to be installed on the wall or counter. On the upside, if the sink ever gets damaged, you can take it out without the need to turn off the water mains. However, you will also need to pick the right type of faucet to go with your country style sink.

Materials

Farmhouse sinks were traditionally made out of porcelain or fireclay. During the 1920s, sinks forged out of cast iron, copper and nickel alloy became popular. Nowadays, you can find farmhouse sinks made out of stainless steel, concrete and stone as well. Farmhouse sinks also come in a wide range of available styles and textures to suit varying design needs.

Price

Finally, going for a specific style can be expensive. With farmhouse sinks, expect to pay hundreds of dollars more than your standard type. Plus, you will need to consider the installation cost and other fees. Make sure to explore these expenses carefully before making your decision.

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Attracting home buyers with a beautiful kitchen

Tuesday, June 20th, 2017

How to Prep Your Kitchen for Resale

To have an easier and faster time selling your home at the price you’re looking for, you need to invest some additional money and time to make it attractive for potential buyers. However, you can’t just focus on improving certain areas or features of your home; to catch the attention and interest of buyers, you need to make sure all the rooms are appealing and devoid of any issues or problems.

A key area of your house you have to pay attention to is the kitchen. This is one of the areas in a home that matters a lot to many interested buyers since it is highly likely they will spend a lot of time in this room.

If you will be putting your home in the market, here are some useful tips to successfully prep your kitchen for resale without shelling out a huge amount of cash:

Clean your kitchen.

Give your kitchen a good scrubbing and wipe-down. Vacuum the areas which you never used to clean before such as the spots behind the stove and refrigerator. Get rid of any clutter in the kitchen as well such as old cookbooks and food containers you never use. Make sure your kitchen is free from unpleasant smells such as the ones emanating from the garbage. Remove all garbage, recycling, and smelly pet-related items before showing your home. Keep in mind that nothing turns off a potential buyer faster than a bad smell.

If you don’t have the time to properly clean your kitchen, hire cleaning professionals to do the job for you. They will make sure your kitchen is sparkling clean and nice-smelling, too.

Make sure your kitchen faucets and plumbing system are working properly.

While cleaning the kitchen sink, check the faucet and pipes for leaks and clean these features as well. In case the water pressure is low or water leaks from the handle of your faucet, take the time to clean your faucet’s aerator. You can also remove lime or calcium buildup in the faucet by removing the aerator and using vinegar as a cleaning agent. In case there are leaks or you simply want to have the faucets and pipes replaced, it is best to call a professional plumber to avoid any further damage to your kitchen’s plumbing system.

Organize your kitchen cupboards and cabinets.

Interested buyers will take the time to look inside your cabinets and cupboards. If these storage features are overstuffed, it usually gives the impression that there isn’t enough storage space in your kitchen. As such, remove all excess and mismatched items and anything that simply doesn’t look good – even if you think you’ve hidden them well.

Make sure the kitchen windows are clean and clear.

Clean the kitchen windows inside and out. You will be surprised at the effect that clean windows can have on your kitchen (and in any room), especially during a sunny day. In case there are curtains or other types of treatments covering your windows, make sure they are clean as well or open them when you are showing your kitchen.

Consider having your kitchen painted.

Finally, aside from cleaning, giving your kitchen a new coat of paint will give it a new, crisp look. Consider having your kitchen painted in a hue that works with the color of your counters and cabinets. You can always stick with white if you don’t want to experiment with colors. In case your kitchen was recently painted, examine the walls and ceiling and touch up any flaws, even the smallest ones. Call Tureks plumbing today to help rebuild your kitchen!

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Turek’s Plumbing Employee KYLE TESSEN

Tuesday, January 19th, 2016
  • IMG_2238What is your role at Turek’s Plumbing?

Plumbing Service Technician

  • How many years have you been with the company? 

6 years

  • What do you like most about Turek’s Plumbing?

The professional people I work with.

  • What do you find the most challenging?

Keeping the office happy 😉

  • What are 3 words to describe Turek’s Plumbing?

Professional, courteous, clean, organized

  • How has Turek’s Plumbing changed since you started working here?

It has grown significantly.

  • What is on your wish list for the next year with Turek’s Plumbing?

To rise with the company.

  • What is your proudest moment at work?

Someone telling me it can’t be done and doing it.

  • Do you recall any embarrassing moment?

Backing into the overhead door with the trailer.

  • Motto or personal mantra?

The A-Team

  • What do you like to do on your days off?

Relax, cook out, hang with friends & family.

  • What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To build my own home.

  • You’re happiest when?

When I create something and step back and say “I did that!”

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TRISTAN DRATH

Wednesday, October 14th, 2015

IMG_2230What is your role at Turek’s Plumbing?

Sales, Project Developer, Operations

How many years have you been with the company? 

2 Years

What do you like most about Turek’s Plumbing?

I like how organized we are. We are always looking for ways to perfect what we do.

What do you find the most challenging

Homeshow Season. We are very busy and often work late nights

What are 3 words to describe Turek’s Plumbing?

Making it Happen!

How has Turek’s Plumbing changed since you started working here?

We are always changing. By the time this goes online I would have to add things.

What is on your wish list for the next year with Turek’s Plumbing?

To create enough sales to add another install crew member.

What is your proudest moment at work?

When you work for months on a project, sell it, everything goes smoothly, and the customer is happy.

Do you recall any embarrassing moment?

When Chris Laabs sneaks around the corner and jumps out at me. Happens a lot and gets me every time.

Motto or personal mantra?

To give the customer exactly what they want so they are 100% happy with the end result.

What do you like to do on your days off?

Farm

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To own 80 acres of land or more

You’re happiest when?

 I’m sitting on my tractor on a warm sunny summer day with one kid on each fender. Nothing better.

Any random facts you could share with us?

I lived in TN for 9 years!! I’ve been married 10 years to my beautiful wife Jessy who gave me two wonderful kids Wyatt and Lila. Love you guys!

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KELLY PIASECKI

Monday, August 31st, 2015

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What is your role at Turek’s Plumbing?

Project Coordinator

How many years have you been with the company? 

3 years

What do you like most about Turek’s Plumbing?

It is ran by a great family and amazing people.

What do you find the most challenging?

A lot of responsibility if I forget to order or mess up!

What are 3 words to describe Turek’s Plumbing?

Flexible, innovative and fair

What drew you to the company originally? And how has Turek’s Plumbing changed since?

Tons! Turek’s is always changing to better itself and stay with the times

What is on your wish list for the next year with Turek’s Plumbing?

To become more efficient & knowledgeable on the remodel department

What is your proudest moment at work?

When I am relied on

Do you recall any embarrassing moment?

Which one? We all like to razz each other around here.

Motto or personal mantra?

He will never give me more than I can handle AND Everything happens for a reason.

What do you like to do on your days off?

What are those? J Spend time with my family.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Jump out of an airplane 

You’re happiest when?

When my childen are thriving.

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LISA PARKER

Tuesday, August 4th, 2015

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What is your role at Turek’s Plumbing?

Office Manager

How many years have you been with the company? 

Almost 8 Years

What do you like most about Turek’s Plumbing?

Family atmosphere

What do you find the most challenging?

Working with all males (Sometimes it has it’s advantages)

What are 3 words to describe Turek’s Plumbing?

Honest, Friendly, Efficient

What drew you to the company originally? And how has Turek’s Plumbing changed since?

It has changed in size, technology, and expanded out to different towns

What is on your wish list for the next year with Turek’s Plumbing?

More TV exposure and community involvement

Do you recall any embarrassing moment?

Yes, none to share though

Motto or personal mantra?

I can do it.

What do you like to do on your days off?

Relax with family & read

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Travel Europe

You’re happiest when?

I’m with my friends and family.

 

 

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Ed Turek

Monday, June 15th, 2015

Ed TurekWhat is your role at Turek’s Plumbing?

As owner and president I consider my main role as to how I can be of service to our clients and all of our great staff. All the other business stuff comes second.

How many years have you been with the company? 

Since the inception, 30 years

What do you like most about Turek’s Plumbing?

I enjoy working with people, the daily interaction with clients, vendors and staff makes each day a new adventure.

What do you find the most challenging?

I don’t know if there is any one thing that is challenging, each obstical that comes up is just another to do that needs to be solved again keeping it interesting.

What are 3 words to describe Turek’s Plumbing?

Honest ethical & caring.

What drew you to the company originally? And how has Turek’s Plumbing changed since?

Technology has allowed us to move forward to better serve our clients in just about every aspect of business from piping materials to electronics that we use to repair equipment or dispatching our techs to the clients house.

What is on your wish list for the next year with Turek’s Plumbing?

Continued growth so that we can maintain stability with in our industry.

What is your proudest moment at work?

To see a staff member excel and grow with in the company.

Do you recall any embarrassing moment?

I can embarrass myself on any given day so there is no particular one that stands out.

Motto or personal mantra?

To continue to learn something new everyday.

What do you like to do on your days off?

Let me get on my tractor to get some yard or field work done even though it is work, it is still relaxing.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

I guess i really don’t have a bucket list, just taking each day and enjoying the moment for now is a  good enough list.

You’re happiest when?

When everyone around me is happy and enjoying life.

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