Your July Home Checklist

July 19th, 2019

July home checklistSummer is in full gear, and the month of July can come and go in a blink of an eye. With all the holidays and fun family parties, there’s a lot of things that probably need to be done in and around your home. If you aren’t careful and use a checklist to prioritize what you need to attend every month. Use this handy checklist compiled by the experts at Tureks Plumbing Services so that you cover all your bases in this month of July.

Clean Your Porch Lights

You can either clean the porch lights in situ or remove them and use a dishpan to clean them, depending on the type of lights you have. If the fixtures are removable, then take them down carefully since this makes it easier to do a thorough job of cleaning them. If they aren’t removable, then turn their power off and use a moist cloth to clean them. Finish off the job by drying the fixtures using a soft cloth. This is also the time to replace any light bulbs that aren’t working, so don’t forget to get replacements before you start cleaning!

Check Your Home’s Safety Devices

It is a good practice to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month, so no exceptions should be made for the month of July. Check the batteries and replace them if they are due for replacement and consider replacing any detector which is older than ten years. If you are replacing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, consider getting those who are interconnected since this type can alert all home occupants once a hazard is detected. Also, check the expiry date of your fire extinguishers and replace those which are passed their expiry date.

Attend to Your Pets

Summer can be particularly hard on your furry friends if you don’t make ample arrangements for them. For example, avoid leaving your pets at a kennel when you travel since this is very stressful for them. Instead, plan to have a pet sitter so that your pets remain in a familiar setting. Also, remember to have someone watch your pet if you ever decide to leave it inside your car while you run some errands. Provide ample water and access to shade each time you leave your pet at home during the day.

Give Your Windows a Thorough Cleaning

You don’t want dusty windows to limit the amount of sunlight streaming into your home this summer, do you? Get your vinegar solution or commercial glass cleaner and give your windows a thorough cleaning both outside and inside. Complete the task by using a squeegee to dry them. If the windows are very high, don’t risk using ladders to access them. Instead, get a telescoping window washer or hire professionals to undertake this task.

Check All Insect Screens

Summer is almost synonymous with mosquitoes, so you need to make sure your defenses against these pests are intact. Check the window and door screens to confirm that there are no tears or holes to let mosquitoes in. Buy a screen repair kit and fix any damage you observe or get help from home remodel professional in Appleton, WI. With the screens repaired or replaced, no insects will invite themselves into your home.

Improve Your Water Usage Habits

Use the month of July to run a check on your water conservation plans. For example, change the time you water your lawn to the cooler hours of the day so that you limit water loss to evaporation. This could also be the best time for you to install a smart sensor in your sprinkler system so that you can conserve more water. Check for and repair any water leaks inside and outside your home. Our expert plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services are at your service to check for and fix any plumbing issues that you may have on your property.

Protect Your Landscaping from Fire Hazards

The heat of summer also poses fire risks if your area is particularly dry during this time of the year. Protect the landscaping from outdoor fires by removing any dry weeds, fallen leaves, and any other materials that can ignite if a fire broke out outside your property.

Get Ready for Your Summer Guests

This is the time to clear out any items you had stored in the guest wing of your home. Bring fresh towels in, lay the bed, and place a basket containing bottles of water in a visible place. It is also necessary to get all the needed toiletries into the room before your guests arrive. A bunk or trundle bed is a good idea if your overnight guests may have kids.

Repair or Replace Fence or Garage Door Components

Inspect your fence and identify any components that are old or in disrepair. This is a more taxing home remodel project in Appleton, WI so doesn’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if you aren’t up to the task. If you are handy with tools and have ample time, then, by all means, do it with one or more of your family members.

When was the last time you checked your garage door? Wear and tear naturally happens over time. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, recommend annual garage door maintenance to avoid garage door replacement.

Assess the Safety Measures of Your Pool

If you have a pool, now is the time to check and upgrade the safety measures that are in place to safeguard your kids, family members, and guests from avoidable risks. Do you have a safety cover on the pool? Is the gate up to code? Is the pool fence free from damage? Ask a professional to help you upgrade any safety mechanisms that are required by law or those you wish to include as extra layers of protection. The additional features you can consider include an alarm that lets you know when someone opens the pool gate.

This to-do list is by no means complete, but you can use it as a handy guide to jogging your memory about the other things that you need to get done in and around your home. For all your plumbing-related remodel projects, contact Tureks Plumbing Services, and we will be glad to help make your dream home a reality.

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Top 10 Tips for Increasing Your Home’s Value

June 28th, 2019

top tips for increasing your homes valueIf you aren’t planning on staying in your home for the rest of your life, you may want to consider remodeling or making improvements to the property. Here are 10 of the most powerful ways to increase the value of your home as revealed by the plumbers from Tureks Plumbing Services. This list was created after compiling the views expressed by the homeowners who talked to these plumbers as plumbing work was being done on the property.

Pay Special Attention to the Kitchen

Regardless of how enthusiastic or lukewarm you are about cooking, a home’s kitchen is sure to be a popular room in your home. The greatest return on investment can therefore be obtained by making improvements to the kitchen in your home. Those improvements can be as small as replacing a broken faucet, or as comprehensive as installing new appliances or new cabinets. If you remodel your kitchen, potential buyers will be impressed with what you have done and your home will stand out from all the others on the market in your area.

Don’t Neglect the Bathroom

The bathroom is an essential part of one’s home. So, you can bet that your bathroom will play a role in determining whether a potential buyer will love or hate your home. This relatively small space can be upgraded by simply giving it a new coat of paint or installing a new vanity and other fixtures. The plumbing experts at Tureks Plumbing Services can take a look and advise on what needs urgent attention for an incredible bathroom remodel.

Curb Appeal and First Impressions…

What a potential homebuyer sees first once they approach or step onto a property forms a lasting impression that is hard to shake off. Make that first impression count in your favor by improving the curb appeal of your property. Fix any damage to the walkways, give the exterior walls a fresh coat of paint and keep the lawn well-tended. If you want to buy new plants for the yard, be careful and select only those which won’t be difficult to maintain since the cost of maintaining those plants may discourage some potential buyers.

Go for Energy-Efficiency

You can’t go wrong today if you choose to implement upgrades that make your home more energy-efficient. These upgrades can vary from switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs to installing a solar system on the roof. We asked our friends at Gilmore Heating & Air, a Placerville heating & air company, about energy-efficiency HVAC systems. The HVAC professionals agree that energy-efficiency is the way to go, especially if you’re looking to sell your house. A new HVAC system is what people often look for when buying a home. The improvements that you make will attract those who are conscious about the environmental footprint of their homes.

Repaint the Entire Home

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve the appeal of your home is by repainting the entire property. However, you should be mindful that your personal color preferences may not mirror those of other people, so select colors which are less likely to put off a lot of people. Neutral colors, such as cream and off-white tend to have a bigger appeal than shouting colors, such as red or purple. Go for lighter colors and you will increase the pool of the people who will fall in love with your home when they view it.

Get as Much Storage as Possible

No one will ever say that a home has too much storage space for their needs. Just think about it, wouldn’t you do with a little more storage space in your home right now? As you remodel your home, think of all the creative ways through which you can increase the storage capacity of that home. For example, plumbers in Appleton, WI have seen homeowners singing the praises of how helpful the pullout storage underneath the stairs is. If you can create more storage space, homebuyers will love your home.

Custom Closets for the Master and Mistress of the Home

No homebuyer will not have a big smile on their face when they see a large walk-in closet in the master bedroom. If you don’t already have one, make this your number one upgrade for the master bedroom. The beauty of getting this luxury is that you can see what is available on the market and select what is within your budget. The next person to live in that home will be glad you invested in those custom closets.

Make the Home Look Larger

Perception plays a big role as homebuyers are making a decision on whether to acquire the home or not. For that reason, it is wise for you to think of ways to make each room look larger than it may be in reality. One way to achieve this perception of spaciousness is by selecting furniture whose dimensions are ideal for the space available. Furniture that is too large for a room can make that room appear to be smaller than it is.

Maintain the Character of the Home 

Not everyone is looking for a home that is decked out in the latest fashion. As you may know, tastes and preferences differ, so your home built in accordance with an older tradition may be a gem if you get vintage furniture for it during the remodeling project. That may just be the home someone has been looking for, and you will smile all the way to the bank if you ever decide to sell it.

Have the Home Organized Professionally

You may be amazed by what a professional organizer can do when you ask them to organize your home just before potential buyers come to view it. Professionals can put everything in its place and leave the home looking clutter-free. The way the home is organized will give buyers an idea of how to organize their belongings once they move in, and that unconscious impression may tip the scales in your favor.

As you can see, there is no shortage of design tips if you want to remodel your home with the intention of catching the eye of future homebuyers when you finally decide to put the home on the market. Needless to say, our experts at Tureks Plumbing Services will be available to help with any plumbing issues during your home improvement project. Get in touch and leave the rest to us! We hope you’ve enjoyed these tips for increasing your home’s value.

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Top 5 Home Remodels: Do’s and Don’ts

June 19th, 2019

Top 5 Home Remodels: Do’s and Don’tsEvery homeowner at one time considers remodeling their home for a variety of reason. You may want to add more living space or restructure your home to match your tastes and preferences. One question many don’t consider is whether that remodel is a worthy investment which will pay for itself by increasing the resale value of the property. Don’t be one of those homeowners. Read the following discussion and learn which five home remodels will make sense from an investment point of view and those which will hardly give you a return on your investment once you decide to sell the home.

5 Remodels That Bump Up the Resale Value of Your Home

Kitchen Remodels

There is nearly universal agreement that you can never go wrong if you decide to remodel your kitchen in order to increase the resale value of your home. However, you need to ask yourself whether your top priority is what you as an individual want or your priority is to make improvements which will have the greatest effect upon the resale value of the home. Your best bet is to go for carefully planned improvements which don’t require you to tear up walls or move plumbing lines. Such costly remodels rarely give a decent return on investment and yet simple improvements like adding cabinets made from affordable materials give a better return on the investment.

Adding More Living Space

Another remodel which can increase the resale value of your home is adding some living space to that home. For example, a bedroom addition can increase the total square footage of the home and thereby increase its resale value. The expert plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services warn that the addition should be sizeable enough to justify some of the fixed costs, such as the cost of building a new foundation after tearing up an exterior wall. An addition of a few square feet makes the remodel to lose economic sense from an investment perspective.

Improving the Curb Appeal

As you may know, the way a product is packaged plays a big role in how potential buyers regard that product. In the same way, the external appearance of your property can increase or lower the resale value of your home. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc. say that any remodel that improves curb appeal, therefore, has a positive effect on the resale value of your home. Giving the exterior walls a new coat of paint is one simple project to boost the curb appeal of the property and increase its resale value. If resources allow, replacing old windows and exterior doors can also give you a decent payback when you sell the home. Remember, first impressions count, so ensure that your home gives a favorable first impression.

The Master Bedroom

The decision on whether to buy one home and not another rests squarely with adults. It, therefore, makes sense to remodel the master suite so that it is more appealing to the adults who will live in that home. Once again, opt for upgrades which aren’t very expensive and yet they improve the beauty and functionality of the master suite. For example, an inbuilt walk-in closet is an affordable improvement which will appeal to the adults who will live in the master bedroom.

Bathrooms

The bathroom is another section which can make or break the home in terms of its resale value. Fox Valley plumbers recommend that you pay the most attention to the bathroom in the master suite as well as the one in the guest room rather than on the one for the kids. Make simple adjustments to the cosmetic appeal of the bathroom, such as installing new faucets and repainting the walls rather than major changes to the layout.

5 Remodels That Hardly Improve the Resale Value of Your Home

Pools

A pool should be down your list of priorities if you would like to make improvements which can increase the resale value of your home. Plumbers in Appleton WI explain that while many homeowners would like to have a pool on their property, few of them are willing to incur the cost of maintaining those pools so they leave pools on the list of nice-to-haves rather than priorities. Consequently, it doesn’t make sense to add a pool to your home if you are primarily interested in increasing the resale value of that home.

Kids’ Spaces

Similar to pools, kids’ spaces, such as climbing walls, aren’t the ideal remodel to think about when you want to improve the resale value of your home. The kids will be thrilled to have such a space, but the adults who make the buying decision may wish that the space was used for something else, such as a man cave.

Wine Rooms

Wine rooms only appeal to wine enthusiasts, so don’t expect the addition of a wine room to increase the resale value of your home. You are better off investing in a home improvement which will appeal to most homebuyers rather than investing in improvements which appeal to a small niche of property owners.

Small Additions

Tearing out an exterior wall in order to enlarge your kitchen or bedroom by a few square feet will not give you a good return on investment because the fixed costs (roof, foundation, etc.) of the project will make such an addition uneconomical. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors add that making small improvements can increase your home’s value. Those who upgrade their home’s garage door can see about a 4% increase. 

Removing Features

It is equally unwise from an investment point of view to remove an existing feature in the home, such as a fireplace, in order to repurpose that part of the home. Potential homebuyers may not appreciate the removal and they will opt for other homes which still have that feature.

At the end of the day, the property is currently yours and you are entirely free to implement whatever remodels you see fit. Just bear in mind the discussion above and don’t expect too much from a remodel that is a non-starter in terms of improving the resale value of the home. However, you can never go wrong when you focus on making the plumbing system the best that it can be. In that aspect, Tureks Plumbing Services is standing by to receive your call so that our professionals can get to work and fix anything that may not be performing at its best.

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Kitchen Storage Must-Haves

June 12th, 2019

kitchen storage must havesIf you don’t plan the kitchen storage correctly, you will be irritated daily as you use this important part of your home. The process of organizing this storage starts with assessing what you own. The next step in the process entails preparing storage space for those kitchen belongings following the three sections or workspaces within the kitchen. This article discusses the different items which you can store within the three work zones in your kitchen.

Work Area #1: The Refrigerator

This work zone marks the area where two primary activities take place. First, any groceries or food items you buy reach this area before they are stored or prepared. Secondly, the first preparatory steps as you cook often take place within this work zone.

The first thing you should do, therefore involves positioning the fridge close to the entrance into the kitchen. This will save you from having to walk across the entire kitchen with heavy groceries to access the refrigerator at the end of the room.

One of the features of the refrigerator work area is a countertop. This provides space where you can place groceries before you sort the items by the type of storage that they need. For example, you can pick the items which require refrigeration and place them in the fridge while the dry goods can go into a storage cabinet.

Plan to store your staples within the refrigerator work area. The items or tools you use for this initial preparation, such as mixers, graters, salad molds, and measuring cups should be stored in the cabinets within the fridge work zone.

The appliances used to prepare dry goods, such as the coffee maker, also go in the refrigerator work zone. Similarly, cookbooks are best stored in this zone because the initial preparation of dry goods happens here.

The exact amount of storage space that you need for this zone will depend on your needs as an individual. For example, an empty nester will need a lot more storage space than a single person who is just starting to acquire kitchenware. The important thing to remember when planning the storage space for this zone is that the area should be divided into about four categories (dry food storage/pantry, original food preparation equipment and tools, the refrigeration space and space for storing small appliances or utensils you occasionally use, such as bowls and trays).

Work Area #2: The Sink

The sink work zone sees the most traffic because it is needed by the refrigerator zone and the cooking area. It is therefore wise to place the sink zone in the middle of the refrigerator and cooking spaces so that this vital area can be accessed conveniently.

A sizeable countertop is paramount in this area, and it should be as clutter-free as possible so that it can be used easily. 

Fox Valley plumbers explain that food prep and cleaning up happens in this area, so don’t skimp on space for these important activities.

Recycling and trash containers should be thoughtfully positioned in this work zone so that it is effortless to get rid of the trash generated during the food preparation process or the cleaning that happens afterward. A plumber in Appleton, WI can help you to select the best recycling and disposal equipment for this work zone.

Glassware, dishes, cleaning supplies, and the other items which you use daily during food prep and clean up should be stored within the sink work area for easy access. Cutting boards and knives should be stored within this zone, but close enough to the refrigerator zone so that any activity in the fridge zone that requires these items can be executed without the unnecessary inconvenience of walking a significant distance to get the needed item.

Drinking glasses can also be stored in this zone close to the point at which they are cleaned. Drawers or wall cabinets can work for this purpose, depending on your preference.

Keep items which are related closely to each other in this zone. For example, put coffee mugs in the drawers closest to the coffee maker.

Once again, the size of the space for the sink work area will depend on your belongings, but it should also be divided into four areas, namely, trash and recycling; dishwasher, sink and cleaning supplies; glasses, flatware and dishes; and finally cutlery, small appliances, and cutting boards.

Work Area #3: Cooktop/Range Area

As the name suggests, this zone is the area where cooking takes place. The ovens, range, or cooktop are the main features of this work area. This zone should be located closest to the dining room so that what is prepared doesn’t have to be moved over a long distance to the dining room/area.

A countertop is paramount in this area for the placement of hot items which have been removed from the oven or cooktop.

The storage space around this area should contain the different items, such as bowls and platters, which you use to transfer food to the dining room. You also need to set aside a cabinet for the cookware used frequently. Warming appliances should also be stored within this zone.

Spices, pans, and pots, as well as other cooking utensils, should be stored as close to the oven and range as possible for easy access during the process of cooking. You can store these items in drawers or upper cabinets, whichever suits you better.

Divide the storage space by the categories of items most used in this work zone. For example, one section can be for the cooking surfaces (stove, for example). Another section should be for microwaves or ovens. Next, reserve space for storing bakeware, cookware, and some small appliances. Finally, the items used when serving food also deserve their own space.

Use the number of people in your household as a guide when deciding how big each storage space should be. Once you organize the kitchen storage appropriately, it will be a joy to enter this space and prepare a meal for you and your loved ones each day. This cannot be possible when the plumbing isn’t just right, so partner with our experts at Tureks Plumbing Services for high-quality plumbing installation and maintenance for your dream kitchen remodel.

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7 Things to Consider Before You Remodel Your Bathroom

June 5th, 2019

things to consider for bathroom remodel

Things to Consider Before a Bathroom Remodel

A bathroom may be one of the smaller spaces in your home, but a lot of thought needs to go into the process of remodeling this room if you are to benefit from the time and effort invested. Here are some of the top considerations which you need to have in mind if you are to turn this space into your dream bathroom.

Plumbing is Key

Plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services caution that you may never get to enjoy your remodeled bathroom if the plumbing isn’t working properly. In this regard, Fox Valley plumbers suggest that you think about the hair and gunk which finds its way into the bathroom drain on a daily basis. These substances are the primary reason why bathroom drains clog, so you should use the remodel as an opportunity to find a lasting solution to this problem.

One step that you can take is to install a larger drain pipe, such as a 2-inch pipe instead of the commonly used 1.5-inch pipes. This single change alone will significantly reduce the likelihood of clogs developing since the pipe will be large enough to allow hair and other small solids to flow through.

Floor Tiles

If you are considering using tiles on the floor of the shower area, pay attention to their size. Larger tiles are difficult to slope appropriately. Secondly, larger tiles pose a safety risk because they tend to be more slippery since the grout lines are widely spaced. Tureks Plumbing Services, therefore, recommends that you opt for smaller tiles so that you don’t have a hard time getting them to slope at the angle you want for proper drainage.

Drawer Storage

Opt for a vanity with drawers instead of one with doors. You will find it easier to organize the storage if it has drawers when compared to keeping the vanity storage organized if it has doors. Additionally, drawers can be cut to create room for plumbing pipes and fixtures. You can also have larger drawers made for the storage of larger items.

Wall-Hung Toilet

Another idea you can incorporate during your bathroom remodel is the inclusion of a wall-hung toilet. In the past, these toilets were very expensive and therefore a preserve of those with deep pockets. Today, wall-hung toilets are affordable and within reach for any homeowner. Why would you even add a wall-hung toilet to your bathroom? This type of toilet is ideal for smaller bathrooms because their footprint is smaller since the toilet tank is hidden away in the bathroom wall. However, you should be mindful of the fact that you will need to adjust the plumbing should you ever decide to switch to another type of toilet in the future.

The Medicine Cabinet

Consider installing a recessed medicine cabinet if you can. Such a cabinet will leave more room free above the vanity. If you cannot have a recessed medicine cabinet, then elevate it as much as you can so that the countertop on the vanity can be used conveniently.

Lighting is Vital

Fox Valley plumbers emphasize that careful planning should be invested in the lighting of a bathroom during a remodel so that all the other work done isn’t downplayed by improper lighting. First, ask yourself what you plan to do in the bathroom. Will you be applying your makeup from there? Place bright light in strategic locations so that you can see clearly when using the mirror. Install a dimmer switch which you can use to control the brightness of the light when you wish to adjust the atmosphere in the bathroom. Recessed lights would also be a good addition to keep the bathroom well lit.

You can be sure that the bathroom remodel will stand the test of time if you include many of the considerations above as you plan that remodel. For all your plumbing needs during the bathroom remodel, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. Our experienced professionals are at your service.

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6 Stylish Bathroom Vanities with Great Storage

May 29th, 2019

bathroom vanities with great storage

6 Stylish Bathroom Vanities with Great Storage

You don’t have to choose between style and storage space if you are shopping for a vanity for a powder room or bathroom with limited space. Designers have come up with stylish vanities that provide ample storage for all the necessities that you need to have in your powder room. In this article, you’ll discover some of the most popular vanity designs that Fox Valley plumbers have seen in bathroom remodels.

Downscale to a Child-Sized Vanity

You don’t have to place a full-sized vanity in a bathroom used by kids. Match their stature by scaling the vanity down to a miniature version fit for a small kids’ bathroom. For example, the width of the vanity can be no bigger than the size of the sink at the top of that vanity. Two drawers can be located just below the sink and bigger shelves can house larger items, such as towels. The child-sized vanity can store enough supplies for two kids!

Barrel Vanity

A barrel-shaped vanity can also take sleekness to a whole new level when it is installed as a space-saving option. The barrel shape provides more vertical storage space while limiting the horizontal footprint of the vanity. The beauty of such vanity is that its doors open to an angle that exceeds 90 degrees, so it is possible for you to make maximum use of the space inside without fearing that the door will limit your access to the stored items.

Modern Minimalism

If space is at a premium in your bathroom, then opting for a minimalist approach when selecting a vanity will do wonders for you according to the small bathrooms seen by plumbers from Tureks Plumbing Services.

A vanity made in this style features plenty of space on the countertop where you can keep your toiletries and a soap dispenser. An open shelf above the cabinet can do a good job of creating an impression of spaciousness instead of closed cabinetry that may highlight how small the bathroom is.

Go Furniture-Style

Do you own a vintage home that you would like to get a vanity that matches the style of that home? A furniture-style vanity can provide incredible storage for the small bathroom and add provide visual appeal to that space. For example, a compact 30-inch-wide furniture-style vanity with several cabinets and drawers will store sufficient supplies for the couple using the master bedroom for whom the powder room is being outfitted.

Classic Chrome Console

Another way to make the most of a small bathroom is by getting a console vanity which is no more than 30 inches wide and approximately 32 inches tall. A bottom shelf can provide more storage space underneath the console. The console bases leave plenty of room underneath the console, so your bathroom will look roomier. The bonus? This style of vanity gives the home a traditional look.

Customized Cottage Vanity

Some bathrooms are so small that it is not possible to get a store-bought vanity into them. For such situations, a site-built vanity is a feasible option with a small but versatile vanity being made to fit within the available space. A Fox Valley plumber describes one such cottage vanity as being quartz-topped. The countertop holds soap and toiletries. Just below the countertop is a toilet tissue holder, and the storage space is completed by an open shelf below the toilet tissue holder. The shelf has ample space for keeping towels. This cottage style is easier to pull off when the vanity is made at a time when the entire house is being remodeled to that style.

Whether you are buying ready-made or have the resources for a custom-made vanity, there is always something to provide great storage in your powder room while also meeting your stylistic requirements. If you need sections of the storage to be fitted around plumbing fixtures or pipes, Tureks Plumbing Services is happy to drop by and give their professional opinion on how the vanity can fit without endangering the plumbing.

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Rules to Keep in Mind When Designing Your Kitchen

May 22nd, 2019

rules to designing your kitchen

7 Rules to Keep in Mind When Designing Your Kitchen

Are you designing your kitchen from scratch or are you planning to remodel the existing kitchen? Before you do, read these rules and keep them in mind as you come up with a design that will make your new kitchen not just beautiful but functional and safe. Remember, these rules aren’t set in stone, so you can adjust them here and there to suit your specific circumstances and needs.

Rule #1: Door Entry and Interference

It is advisable to have a 34-inch opening into your kitchen. This entry will be wide enough to permit the unfettered carrying of various items, such as appliances, into and out of the kitchen when the need arises.

Additionally, experts at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that the door should not interfere with the operation of any appliance inside the kitchen. If your kitchen is small, then install the kitchen door in such a way that it opens outwards. This will ensure that the area close to the doorway can have an appliance, such as the fridge.

Rule #2: The Work Triangle

The work triangle refers to the three major work centers in your kitchen. These are the main cooking appliance, the sink, and the refrigerator. These work centers should form a triangle. The distance from one leg of the triangle to another should not be less than 4-feet or more than 9-feet.

Fox Valley plumbers explain that a distance which is shorter than 4-feet makes it hard to work freely if another person is using one of the work centers. Conversely, longer distances between the work centers aren’t efficient because one will cover long distances when moving between those different legs of the work triangle.

Most importantly, traffic should not travel across the work triangle. For instance, a family member who wants to pick something from the refrigerator should not move across the path of someone who is using the kitchen sink and the oven.

Rule #3: Separating Work Centers

Another guideline which you need to keep in mind when designing your new kitchen is that no full-depth or full-height obstacle should exist between two work centers in the kitchen. For example, the need for more storage space in your kitchen should not motivate you to place a tall oven cabinet between the kitchen sink and the refrigerator. A respected plumber in Appleton, WI says that such separation makes it very hard for someone using the kitchen to access the different legs of the work triangle.

Rule #4: Traffic Clearance in Seating Areas

Imagine someone trying to squeeze behind your seat in the kitchen in order to go to the refrigerator and pick a drink. This inconvenience can spoil your mood if you were enjoying a delicious meal. It is therefore advisable for you to allow ample clearance in seating areas if there will be traffic there. For example, Fox Valley plumbers have observed that a clearance 44 inches are sufficient if people will be walking behind someone who is seated in the kitchen. 36 inches are sufficient if all you can manage is space for someone to edge past the seated person.

Rule #5: Prep/Cleanup Sink

If you intend to have only one sink in your kitchen, it is better for that sink to be located across from or adjacent to the cooking area. This placement prevents you from covering long distances as you move the prepared food to the stove or oven.

Tureks Plumbing Services also recommends that the sink should have a landing area that has at least 24-inches of clearance on either side so that you have a wide enough surface onto which to place cooking pots after removing them from the stove. The space also allows you to work comfortably as you prepare the different food items which you are going to cook.

Rule #6: Cooking Surface Safety

In the kitchen, you will have electricity, water, and open flames in the same room. This increases the potential for fire hazards in your kitchen. To minimize this risk, avoid locating the cooking surface, such as a stove top, under an operable window. Additionally, the windows above the cooking surface should not have treatments, such as window film, which are flammable. Plan the layout of different kitchen features with these guidelines in mind and place a fire extinguisher close to the kitchen entrance and far from the cooking surface just in case you have to deal with a minor fire in this room.

Rule #7: Cabinet Height

You should also pay attention to the height of the upper cabinets in your kitchen during the remodel. A Fox Valley plumber advises that you consider two key aspects in this regard.

First, the distance between a countertop and the cabinet above it should be at least 18 inches. This distance allows the countertop to be used without any interference from the cabinet above.

Secondly, think about your maximum reach when designing the upper cabinets. As a general rule, keep upper cabinets at no more than 7 feet so that you can access stored items easily. Anything higher than that may require you to use step ladders or climb onto a stool.

Many more kitchen design guidelines exist. The seven guidelines above are just intended to draw your attention to some of the considerations that you should keep in mind as you plan a kitchen remodel or new construction. Of course, we at Tureks Plumbing Services will be more than happy to share more planning rules as well as help you to get the plumbing aspects of your kitchen in order. So, give us a call today!

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The Most Popular Laundry Rooms in 2019

May 15th, 2019

most popular laundry rooms 2019

The Six Most Popular Laundry Rooms in 2019

The second quarter of 2019 is well underway and some clear trends are coming to light regarding the laundry room designs. Here are some of the designs seen by Fox Valley plumbers. Use these ideas for inspiration if you are thinking of remodeling your laundry room this year.

Addition of a Dog-Washing Station to Your Laundry Room

You can increase the utility of your laundry room by including a dog-washing station if you want to avoid washing your furry friend in your own bathroom. You can use stone pavers as a durable flooring material for the laundry. Sub-way tiles on the walls will go well with the pavers on the floor. White tiles can be installed in the dog-washing station, and the laundry room can be finished off with open shelving and white cabinetry to keep the space clean and bright.

High Contrast Laundry Room

Plumbers in Appleton, WI have also observed that many homeowners are opting for laundry room designs that utilize high contrast. For example, the cabinets and walls can be painted pure white while the floor can have a wooden look. There is no shortage of color combinations if you want a laundry room with high contrast.

Go Gray in Your Laundry Room

If gray is your thing, then you are not alone. This laundry room design is increasing in popularity among homeowners. You can buy and install pale gray cabinetry and match them with countertops that are deeper gray. Needless to say, you will be better off with washing machines that load from the front so that you push them underneath the countertops. As you are aware, gray can make the laundry room look a bit dark. So, Tureks Plumbing Services advises you to include wall-mounted sconces so that anyone using the laundry room can easily distinguish the different colors of the fabrics being cleaned or sorted/folded.

Bring the Woods in Your Laundry Room

You can also opt for a wood-themed laundry room. Plumbers in Appleton, WI say that they have seen many homeowners having laundry room designs that have faux wood finishes. This starts from the flat-front cabinets which are made from melamine that resembles wood to a tan backsplash that is shimmery. The flat fronts of the cabinetry minimize the accumulation of grime and dust, says a leading Fox Valley plumber.

Get Upbeat with a Sunny Look in Your Laundry Room

Does the prospect of spending time in a gray laundry room turn you off? Many homeowners hold the same view, and they are expressing themselves by going with a sunny look for their laundry room. You can start by picking cabinetry that is painted classical yellow and combine this with patterned floor tiles. The ceiling and walls can have a bright color, such as white. This combination will deliver a sunny cheery look to your laundry room. For additional usability, why not throw in a bar stool or two? Folding a huge stack of clothes will be a whole lot easier if you sit while at it.

Gold is King

Another variation of the sunny look seen by the plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services this year is the gold look in laundry rooms. This design is particularly stunning when it is used in a laundry room that serves as the main entrance into a home. Who says laundry rooms can’t be glamorous! This look can be attained by simply painting all the lower cabinets a rich gold. Other features can be in other bright colors so that the gold stands out prominently.

There you have it; six of the most popular laundry room designs that have so far made a mark on 2019. Did a light pop in your mind regarding one of those designs? Were you inspired to come up with a variation of any one of the designs discussed? Talk to our plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services and we will help you to make the laundry room as functional as possible. We are also ready to fix any other plumbing issues that may exist in the rest of your home.

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How to Upgrade Your Shower for a Spa-Like Experience

May 9th, 2019

how to upgrade your shower for a spa-like experience

How to Upgrade Your Shower for a Spa-Like Experience

Even within the same household, it isn’t uncommon to find differences in people’s shower preferences. For example, you may want a drenching pour of warm water on your tired body or you may want your aching back to be soothed by a jet of cold water. How can all these interests be catered when upgrading your shower? The experts at Tureks Plumbing Services offer the following ideas to help you to design the shower experience of your dreams.

Think Carefully About the Showerhead You Install

The nearly endless variety of showerheads on the market can be grouped into four major categories (handheld showerheads, body spray panels, rain showers, and standard wall-mounted showerheads).

If you want to control the direction and height of the water as you shower, Fox Valley plumbers suggest that you buy a handheld showerhead. Conversely, if you prefer water to rain down on you from above, then buy a rain showerhead. In short, let your preferences guide you as you select one of the shower types on the market.

Actually, there are products which combine different ways of getting water onto your body as you shower. For example, one model may have both a handheld showerhead and a rain showerhead.

Think Technology

It is also possible to make your shower experience more luxurious and convenient by selecting products that have the appropriate technology. For example, Fox Valley plumbers have installed showerheads that allow users to switch from one spray pattern to another by just tapping the showerhead.

You can also get a showerhead that comes with a small remote so that you or your family members can avoid the necessity of reaching up to tap the showerhead. This feature is especially useful if you have young kids or an elderly family member who has mobility challenges. It can also be a good way to age-proof your shower.

Pay Attention to the Shower Stall

The design of the shower stall has a big effect in determining what kind of shower experience you will have, according to a plumber in Appleton, WI.  For example, a shower stall with a half-glass wall wouldn’t allow a person who likes splashing water around to enjoy taking a shower. A shower stall with a full-glass surround is a better option for such an individual since there will be no restriction on how splashy they get when taking a shower.

The experienced plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services also recommend that you think about usability and safety when you are having a shower stall designed for your home. For instance, curved surfaces remove the risk of being injured by sharp edges. Curved surfaces also reduce the likelihood that mold will grow in the nooks created by sharp edges.

Explore Different Finishes

The finish that you select for your shower can also add to or detract from the shower experience. For example, a dash of color can stamp your bubbly personality on the bathroom and lift your spirits each time you use this space. Small tiles will assure you of better stability if you are consumed by the fear of slipping as you walk after taking a shower.

As you choose the finish for the bathroom, don’t neglect to consider how easy it will be for you to clean those surfaces. For instance, larger tiles mean fewer grout lines that will need to be scrubbed. Similarly, engineered quartz panels are easier to maintain when compared to natural stone. Luckily, manufactured products have advanced so much that it is hard to tell them apart from the natural ones by just looking, so you will not lose anything when you select natural product look-alikes if these will offer greater cleanability when compared to the natural versions.

As you can see, there is nearly no limit regarding the ways through which you can customize your shower to a spa-like experience. If you need more inspiration regarding how to take your shower experience to a higher level, talk to our professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services and they will point you in the right direction. In fact, your glorious experience will be guaranteed when you hire our team to help with the selection and installation of the different shower products.

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How to Unclog Your Shower Drain

April 25th, 2019

how to unclog your shower drainHow to Unclog Your Shower Drain

Usually, the shower drain will start to gradually clog up. One of the first signs you may notice regarding this problem is when water starts reaching ankle-deep while you take a shower. When this happens, you may be at a loss regarding which method you should use to fix the problem. Follow the tips suggested below by the experts at Tureks Plumbing Services to learn how to unclog your shower drain.

Assemble Your Tools

Before you start, you need to gather and assemble everything that you need to complete this task. The tools you are likely to require may include screwdrivers, a straightened coat hanger or a drain claw. You may also need white vinegar, baking powder, latex gloves, and a plastic garbage bag. This plastic garbage bag will be a receptacle for the debris you retrieve from the drain. Place all these items in a bucket so that they are within easy reach while you work.

An experienced plumber in Appleton, WI also recommends that you get a plumber’s snake, a toilet plunger, a chemical drain cleaner, and pliers. Add these to your collection of tools and you should be well on your way to a clean shower drain.

Snoop Around

Get a screwdriver and use it to remove the drain strainer cover. Next, take the flashlight and shine it into the drain. Peek inside and find out whether you can see the clog blocking the shower drain. If you can see it, put on the latex gloves and use a drain claw to pull the clog out of the drain. If you don’t have a drain claw, then a straightened coat hanger with a hook made using a pair of pliers will suffice for this task.

Once the visible clog is out, run some hot water and observe whether the drain is working properly.

Time for Some Pressure

If the water is still draining slowly, a Fox Valley plumber suggests that it may be time for you to switch to the next strategy in your fight against the clog. This other measure entails using a plunger to apply some pressure within the drain pipe so that the clog can hopefully be dislodged.

Apply some petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger so that it can form a tighter seal on the drain opening. Pump the plunger multiple times for several minutes so that pressure accumulates and pushes the clog down the drain. Run some hot water and see if the water drains swiftly.

Snake It Out

If the plunger doesn’t produce the desired outcome, switch to using a manual plumber’s snake to break up the clog. Experts at Tureks Plumbing Services suggest that you first push the snake gently into the drain until it stops moving. That is your cue that the clog has been reached. At this point, crank the handle so that the head of the plumbing snake can cut through the clog and force the fragments to move down the drain.

Once again, run hot water through the drain. Repeat using the plumber’s snake if the water is still draining slowly.

Plan a Natural Attack

You can also use natural ways to unclog your blocked shower drain. One of the best natural remedies involves the use of hot water, baking soda and vinegar. For this approach, you first pour boiling water down the drain and then pour a cup of baking soda and another of vinegar into the drain.

This mixture will react with the clog and break it up into smaller pieces. Flush more hot water down the drain and chances are the water will drain fast.

Another natural method entails adding water pressure to the power of vinegar and baking soda. For this technique, Fox Valley plumbers advise that you start by pouring a cup of baking soda and another of vinegar down the drain. After that, place a drain cover on the drain opening so that water cannot flow into the drain. Once that is done, run some hot water and leave that water to sit for about 10 minutes.

This water will create a pressure difference between the interior of the drain and the air above. After ten minutes, remove the drain cover and the onrush of water into the drain may have sufficient power to dislodge the clog and push it through the drainage system.

Launch a Chemical Attack

The last trick up your sleeve when all the measures above don’t unclog the shower drain is a chemical drain cleaner purchased from a convenience store near you. Fox Valley plumbers caution that you should follow the usage instructions provided so that you don’t put yourself or the drainage system at risk. Repeat the use of a chemical drain cleaner after a day or so until the drain is working properly.

Contact Tureks Plumbing Services if the suggestions above if you’re still having a drain problem. Our experts will perform a thorough inspection and design the most cost-effective treatment plan to unclog the shower drain so that you can enjoy your showers without fearing that the water will flow out and flood the nearby rooms.

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