How to Prevent Mold in Your Home

May 30th, 2018

Molds are the last thing you want to have in your home. They are health hazards and do nothing good to the look of a house. Worse, they are hard to remove, especially if your home is already teeming with them.

In such instances, you will have to hire professionals to get rid of your mold problem.

You can avoid all the health concerns and other issues that come with having molds in your home by preventing their growth in the first place. Here are some tips on how to prevent molds in your home:

Identify possible problem areas

It can be hard to have a mold-proof home. But you can start doing this by inspecting all areas of your house and finding out which ones are often damp and wet.

The most common rooms and parts of your home where molds will likely grow are the:

  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Basement
  • Ceiling

If there are leaks, or if these areas are often damp or wet, have the issues fixed immediately to prevent future mold problems.

Make cleaning a priority

To keep molds at bay, always vacuum and keep your home clean, especially the areas that generate a lot of moisture such as the bathroom and kitchen. Use disinfecting cleaning products on non-porous surfaces such as tiles and stones to discourage mold growth.

De-clutter

When you have a tidy room, your cooling system will have an easier time circulating air. The opposite happens when you have a messy room. This is because clutter obstructs airflow and prevents your HVAC system from circulating air. This, in turn, allows the room to accumulate moisture which encourages mold growth.

As such, get rid of things you don’t need or want anymore. Consider rearranging your furniture as well if they are positioned near vents and grilles, or covering them, to keep air circulating.

Keep your home well-ventilated

Poor ventilation in damp spaces like bathrooms and kitchens can leave moisture behind that can encourage mold growth. As such, wipe the kitchen sink after using it and keep the bathroom door open after bathing to speed up the drying of surfaces.

You can also use fans to ensure proper ventilation in these rooms. However, make sure the fans take moisture outside and not into attics. Our friends at Gilmore Solar, Heating, & Air, recommend searching for an HVAC company near me for professional help.

Handle water leaks and flooding issues immediately

Lastly, have water leaks in your roof, windows or any other part of the home repaired by experts as soon as possible. Keep in mind that constant leaks cause moisture to build up and enable molds to grow.

If you encounter any flooding problem in your home, make sure you have this issue fixed immediately. Thoroughly wash, disinfect and dry soaked carpets, padding, and wet upholstery before using them again. Contact Tureks Plumbing Services if you need assistance.

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3 Ways to Deal With Popcorn Ceiling

May 28th, 2018

There are things that can date your home, and one example is “popcorn ceiling.” This pertains to bumpy ceiling surfaces with a sprayed-on texture that may include glittery sparkles. They are also hard to clean, difficult to repair, and can easily catch dust.

Despite these cons, popcorn ceilings became popular in the late 1950s since they made easy work of hiding imperfections in the finishing.

When it is time for you to move on to a different look, there are three ways to deal with popcorn ceiling. But before taking on the challenge, learning whether they contain asbestos or not should be done first; this way, you’ll know how to deal with it.

Asbestos fiber, when inhaled in large quantities, may cause lung disease, scarring of the lungs, and lung cancer. Once your ceiling has been confirmed to contain asbestos, appropriate precautionary steps must be taken, and only the experts must deal with your popcorn ceiling.

Here’s an overview from Tureks Plumbing Services of the three ways of dealing with popcorn ceilings.

  1. Scrape off Popcorn Ceiling

Scraping the popcorn ceiling off is probably the easiest way to remove it. The process is similar to getting samples for testing, but this only works on unpainted ceilings.

All you have to do is wet the ceiling and scrape the dampened texture off with a large knife until you are left with a clean, smooth surface. But instead of doing the entire ceiling at once, you have to complete small areas at a time.

Once everything has been removed, and the ceiling is dry, use joint compound to fill in the holes. After that, sand it to achieve a popcorn-free ceiling.

  1. Cover Popcorn Ceiling with drywall

If your ceiling is not at risk for asbestos but is painted, it might be impossible to scrape off. The porous popcorn material had soaked it up, so covering it with drywall is a better option. This is also recommended if your ceilings contain asbestos since the harmful substance will be trapped instead of being sent into the air and atmosphere while scraping.

This method involves affixing ceiling-grade gypsum board over the existing popcorn ceiling. You have to screw it into the framing. For a seamless job, you must be proficient at taping and mudding.

Hiring a team of professionals will ensure that the job is completed in no time.

  1. Skim Coat over Popcorn Ceiling

Another way to deal with popcorn ceiling is to skim coat over the ceilings using a different texture. This method will involve cleaning and preparing the current substrate with quick-set drywall mud. After that, a bonding agent like joint compound will be applied.

A finish compound may also be applied to create a new texture. But often, this method leaves the ceiling still bumpy, which might not be beneficial to your home decorating endeavor.

Determining which of these three methods to use to get rid of popcorn ceiling will depend on the condition and age of your ceiling. But remember that all these routes are quite messy, so make sure to cover all your exposed body parts and wear a respirator during the project. Also, remove furnishing, relocate your pets to another room, and cover the flooring. If you have any questions or concerns, please give Tureks Plumbing Services a call!

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How To Install An Outdoor Faucet

May 22nd, 2018

If you love spending time outside your home, you will find having one or more outdoor faucets really handy. With an outdoor faucet, you will have an easier and quicker time watering your garden. It will also be highly useful whenever you cook outside and clean your outdoor space.

Placing an outside tap is something you can do as a DIY project. If you want to know how to install an outdoor faucet,  Tureks Plumbing Services provides the steps and tips you need to follow (take note that if any part of the process becomes too challenging, or if you don’t have the time or skills to do it, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals — they’ll be happy to get the job done for you).

 

  • Choose the location of your tap. Start by looking in your basement or crawl space for an area near a pipe where you can install your faucet. If there is no cold water line near the location where you’d like to install the faucet, you’ll have to run the pipe to a water supply line elsewhere.
  • Select your pipe. For an underground pipeline, plumbers recommend using PEX tubing. This is because PEX tubing is easier to install and cheaper than copper pipe. You can also make a continuous run from your house and make turns without installing a single fitting when you choose this type of pipe. However, if you choose this material, be prepared to buy a PEX crimping tool as well.
  • Prepare to dig a trench. In case you will have to run a pipe underground, call 811 several days before you dig so that a utility company can locate buried pipes and cables in your yard. Once you’re given the go-signal, dig your trench. A plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin says that you only need to bury the water line about six inches deep.
  • Protect the water line. Once you’re done placing the pipe underground, cover the tubing with at least two inches of soil and pour in about two inches of dry concrete mix before backfilling the trench. This will protect the water line from shovel attacks or any external force.
  • Install the post and faucet. You can use a hollow PVC fence post or any material you have or want to use as the post for your faucet. Run the PEX run inside the post to protect it from sunlight since UV rays can reduce its life. Set the post at least 18 inches deep. Screw the sillcock flange to the post; make sure it is tight and secure.  Afterward, install a screw-on backflow preventer.

 

If you will be installing the faucet on a wall, follow the steps below:

 

  • After choosing the location for your outdoor faucet, drill a hole through the wall. Once you’ve chosen the right water supply pipe for your outdoor faucet, clean the pipe and turn off the water.
  • Cut through the current pipe and solder the old pipe together with the new line. Run the pipes all the way up to the spot where you will install the faucet in the wall.
  • Install the faucet using plumber’s putty around the back of the faucet piece. Next, insert the faucet into the hole from the outside of the house. Push the faucet against the wall of the house so that the plumber’s putty squeezes out and spreads through the sides of the faucet. Wipe off any excess putty that squeezes around the edges of the faucet
  •  Lastly, connect the faucet piece to the pipe inside the house. Solder these two parts so that they are completely connected and secure as well.

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The 5 Dirtiest Things In Your Kitchen

May 16th, 2018

Even if you regularly clean your kitchen, there may be certain items in this area that you’re not cleaning or sanitizing enough. Once you know how dirty these items are, you will start thinking twice about how often you use them and your cleaning methods. You may even be encouraged to simply replace these items and double up on your sanitizing efforts.

Tureks Plumbing Services shares the five dirtiest things in your kitchen and tips on how to clean and keep them hygienic and safe for daily use:

  • Coffeemaker

The first on this list is something that you may not clean often: your coffee maker. Although coffee makers look clean even if you just wipe them now and then, don’t be fooled. Bacteria love dark, confined spaces and your coffee maker is the perfect place for them to grow and multiply.

To keep your coffee maker hygienic and safe for brewing your cup of joe every day, clean it every week. Fill the reservoir with a mixture of half white vinegar and water and turn it on until the post is half full. Stop brewing for 30 minutes then turn it on again to finish the brewing process. When done, empty the pots and fill the reservoir with clean water and brew again.

  • Dish towels

Dish towels are some of the dirtiest things not just in the kitchen, but in your whole house. Whether you use them for wiping your hands or cleaning your kitchen counters, you are constantly getting and spreading germs.

To avoid spreading germs whenever you use your dish towels, change them every day. Launder used dish towels once a week with hot water and with a small amount of bleach.

  • Sponges

Sponges are reservoirs for different types of bacteria as well. According to health experts, using old sponges can lead to food-borne diseases.

It is therefore important that you clean your sponges properly after use. Put the sponges in a dishwasher with a drying cycle. You can also disinfect them by soaking them in a solution of one-quarter to one-half of a teaspoon of concentrated bleach per quart of warm water for one minute. If your sponge starts to smell, throw and replace it immediately.

  • Cutting boards

If you’re using only one cutting board at home, you’re already doing something really unhygienic in the kitchen. Every kitchen should have at least two cutting boards — one for meats and the other for fruits and vegetables. If you’re just using just one for these food items, you’re causing cross-contamination which can make you sick.

To keep your cutting boards safe for use, always wash them properly with good dishwashing solution and water after. Also, spray the cutting board you use for cutting raw meat with a bleach solution after using it.

  • Garbage Disposals

Lastly, there can be no doubt that your garbage disposal contains various types of bacteria. As such, make sure you clean it regularly.

Use a long-handled brush and chlorine-based disinfectant when cleaning it. Scrub the walls of the disposal and don’t forget the area beneath the rubber guard. When done, allow it to sit for at least an hour so that the disinfectant can kill any surrounding bacteria. After each use, a seasoned Appleton plumber recommends placing a few ice cubes in it to clear the blades of any leftover muck that may be stuck to them. 

Check out our blog to see more info-articles!

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Why Is My Toilet Leaking At The Base?

April 25th, 2018

If there is water around the base of your toilet, this means that there is a leak around the base of the fixture. Once you notice a leak, deal with it immediately. Do not wait for your bathroom to become a swimming pool – have it fixed!

Why is My Toilet Leaking at the Base? 

For people asking, “Why is my toilet leaking at the base?” an Appleton plumber shares three possible reasons, along with some things homeowners can do before calling in the experts:

  1. Loose T-Bolts

T-bolts are the plastic caps you see around the base of your toilet. They help hold the toilet firmly in place. If these bolts become broken or loose, the seal of the toilet can break, thus causing leaks.

All you have to do is to reposition the toilet so it becomes leveled and centered. After that, tighten the bolts and replace the cap. But if the bolts continue to spin freely, this means they are broken. In this case, replacing the T-bolts is your only option.

Flush the toilet once the bolts are secure. If water still leaks at the base, check the wax seal underneath the toilet.

  1. Damaged Wax Ring

If your toilet is still leaking at the base even after you have tightened or replaced the bolt, the wax ring may be the culprit.

The wax ring seals the toilet to the floor to prevent the seepage of dirty water. Over time, this seal can disintegrate or become useless when the T-bolts become loose. Replacing a wax seal is a more tedious task so you might need an extra set of hands. But for best results, it is recommended that you contact a reputable plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin.

When replacing the seal, turn off the water that comes into the toilet. Also, flush the toilet drain and make use of rags to absorb any water that remains. The water line from the tank must be unscrewed. Before lifting the toilet, do not forget to undo the T-bolts. Remove the old wax ring from the toilet and the floor with a scraper. Also, clean the area with disinfectant. Once the toilet and floor are dry, install the new wax ring. Put the toilet back in place and tighten the T-bolts.

  1. Cracked Toilet Bowl

Although this is rare, your toilet leaking may be caused by a crack in the toilet bowl. If you can pinpoint the crack, use a sealant to repair it. Make sure to turn off the water supply, drain the bowl, and dry the area before doing so. But if the leak continues, you need to replace the toilet bowl.

Dealing with toilet leaks is not as easy as it seems. If you need any help, Turek’s Plumbing highly recommends hiring their plumbing professionals to do the job for you.

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5 Handy Plumbing Tips For Renters

April 23rd, 2018

If you are renting your home, you can’t always rely on your landlord or property manager to show up with a plumber immediately whenever you have a plumbing problem. Your landlord or property manager will need some time to look for or call a plumber. Also, if you’re not new to leasing a home, you’ll know that property owners or managers always have a lot of things on their hands and as such, won’t always act on your complaint quickly.

Knowing some basic but useful tips will help you have an easier and less stressful time dealing with certain plumbing problems. If you’re living in a rented property or preparing to move to one, below are some handy plumbing tips for renters you need to keep in mind:

Know where the shutoff valves are located.

Nearly all plumbing fixtures have a shutoff valve. These small valves are used to control the flow of water to a plumbing fixture such as the faucet, toilet, shower, or tub. The shutoff valve may appear as a handle on the wall near the floor under the toilet or sink. The valves of bathtubs and showers are often found in a nearby access panel.

Knowing where these shutoff valves are is important if you have a leaking pipe or faucet. If you have this problem, you can avoid wasting water and further damage to your rental property.

In case you can’t find the shutoff valve for a specific fixture, use the main shutoff valve for the home. Ask your landlord or property manager where in case of a plumbing emergency.

Protect and take care of all drains.

To protect your sink, shower and bathtub drains, use strainers. A strainer will catch food, hair, and other debris that can cause buildup and clog the pipes. Never pour or throw moisturizer, lotion, shaving cream, cooking or meat fat, oils, grease, rice or pasta and other fibrous materials down the drain. These items will expand and bloat or tangle up and cause drain blockage.

Use the toilet responsibly.

Don’t use your toilet as another garbage disposal system for soiled diapers, used tampons, and other items. Some toilets and plumbing systems are simply more susceptible to problems. Avoid placing anything except for toilet paper and natural waste in your toilet system.

Always keep your sinks clean.

Keep them clear and prevent backing up by pouring some Drano or a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda every 2-3 months down the drain. These items will help dissolve buildups in the drains and keep them running properly.

Buy a plunger.

A clogged toilet is one of the most stressful plumbing problems you can have. It is an issue you can easily fix without calling your landlord or property manager if you have a plunger. According to a trusted Appleton plumber, the best toilet plunger to get is the kind with an extended cup that sits inside the bottom of the bowl since this is easier to use.

For more difficult and complicated plumbing problems, you will have to wait for your landlord or property manager. Do not attempt to fix them yourself. You may end up aggravating the issue and causing more problems that may be more time-consuming and costly to repair. If you have questions or concerns please contact Tureks Plumbing Services. 

 

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The 5 Most Common Plumbing Problems

April 19th, 2018

As your home gets older, you may find yourself calling the plumber more often. This is because, over time, your pipes and other parts will be affected by the usual wear and tear and will become brittle or blocked. As a result, different kinds of plumbing issues will arise every now and then.

Knowing how to detect and fix simple plumbing problems can save you money, time, and unnecessary stress. Below are some of the most common plumbing problems you may encounter and tips on how to deal with them.

Leaking faucets

As faucets get older, their washers wear out as well. You can extend the life of your faucet’s washers by not turning the faucet on and off with too much force. Dripping faucets can also be repaired temporarily by replacing the joint yourself.

Leaky pipes

This typical plumbing problem can cause huge and expensive damage to floors, walls, and belongings. Leaks in pipes usually occur at joints. If this is the issue, you can easily fix this with commercial joint fillers and fitting compounds which you can buy at a hardware store. You can also prevent small leaks from worsening by checking your pipes regularly. Be on the lookout for rust or white lime deposits since they can indicate the beginnings of a leak.

Clogged or slow drains

If the water or anything that goes into your sink, toilet, or tub won’t go out, it is highly likely that you are dealing with either a partial or a complete clog. To get the drain flowing quickly again, remove the waste materials or debris immediately. There are different plumbing tools you can use for this task.

You can also use some chemical products or lubricants which will break up the waste material. This will allow the stuck material and water to flow through with ease.

No hot water coming from faucets or shower

This plumbing problem is caused by an issue with your water heater. If this problem keeps happening, before calling a  Tureks Plumbing Services, make sure you check the following first:

  • If you have an electric water heater, check the thermostat first. Your device may have a malfunctioning heating element which you can also replace since you can buy this part at most hardware stores. Check if the device is leaking water and has an undersized or weak fuse or breaker since they can cause your heater to malfunction as well.
  • If you have a gas water heater, make sure that the gas is on and the gas valve is not in the closed position. Make sure the pilot light is on as well. Adjust the setting to ensure that the temperature is set high enough to give you adequate amounts of hot water.

Low water pressure

Low water pressure is a common plumbing problem in older homes but it can also happen in newer homes, too. Low water pressure can be caused by a leaking or corroded pipe, old shower heads, blocked faucets or pipes, and other plumbing issues. You can keep this problem in check by having pressure regulators installed.

If you’re not sure you can deal with your plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to call the professionals immediately. Plumbers, such as the team of Turek’s Plumbing, will be able to correctly assess your problem and fix it quickly.

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Ways to Save on Your Home Remodel – Top Tips for Homeowners

April 17th, 2018

Whether you are planning a partial remodel (kitchen/bathroom) or a full makeover for your whole home, it should not be a hit-or-miss affair.

Sure, a home makeover entails ample amounts of patience, effort, and money. But at the end of the day, you should achieve your established goal, be it to increase the beauty and functionality of your house or to increase property value while keeping your finances in good order.

Does that sound like a tall order? Here are some ways to save on your home remodel.

Don’t go in blind

The easiest way to get bankrupt with a home remodel is to proceed sans a definite plan.

If you are keen on giving your home a makeover without breaking the bank, the first thing that you need to do is to establish a hierarchy of the work that you want done.

And as you conduct further research and talk to suppliers and contractors like Tureks Plumbing Kitchen and Bath Remodel, you’ll have a fair idea of which works you can proceed with and which ones you can momentarily shelve.

Work with what you currently have

A remodel does not necessarily mean that you should splurge on removing the old in favor of the new.

One of the easiest ways to tame your makeover budget is to identify specific items in the room/your home that you can still use and which ones beg for a replacement.

For example, instead of getting new cabinets, a new splash of paint and replacements of handles and knobs can translate to immense savings as well as a new lease on life for your assets.

Know what your options are

Do you really need a granite countertop for your kitchen? Or would you be content with a lower cost option like laminate?

Our friends at Gilmore Heating and Air, an HVAC company that offers air conditioning services in Placerville, suggests that you evaluate your wants and needs. Sometimes, swapping your material of choice can lead to substantial savings without compromising form and function.

Do your research, consult with the experts, and keep an open mind.

Figure out the things that you can do by yourself

One of the key drivers of remodeling costs is labor. Quite simply, the fewer number of hours your contractor needs to put in for the project, the lower your makeover expenses will be.

Check out the list of the tasks that need to be done. You might find some that you (and your family and friends) can do.

It can be as simple as painting the kitchen walls, or depending on your DIY skills, something more complex.

Choose your partner well

The success (or failure) of your home remodeling project hinges greatly on your choice of contractor.

As such, do not take this choice lightly.

Instead of going for the first contractor that responds to your inquiry, start off with a shortlist of about three contractors who work in your area and get quotes from each.

For one, this will give you a better picture of what to expect in terms of cost. Second, this enables you to get each prospective contractor and allow you to gauge whether you are comfortable working with each one on your shortlist.

Important considerations to factor in when choosing a contractor include reputation, organization, attention to details and punctuality.

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What Pipes Rattling

September 30th, 2017

Pipes Rattling After Shower? Here Are the 2 Possible Reasons

After a tiring day at work, the first thing that you want to do is to take a nice shower before getting into bed.

But after turning off the shower, you hear rattling noises. What’s the reason behind these noises? Rodents? Pests? Ghosts?

There are two possible reasons behind these noises.

Copper pipes

If the sounds you hear come after using the hot water, it is possible that the main reason behind these noises is the copper pipe used in your home’s plumbing system.

Like other types of metals, copper expands and contracts, depending on the temperature. When you hear the pipes rattling after shower with hot water, this simply means that the copper pipes are expanding and rubbing against other components of the plumbing system like the joist, bracket or stud.

Apart from the noises you hear, there is not much you need to worry about. The expansion and contraction of the pipes rarely cause other problems.

Solving this problem can be complicated, especially if the pipes have been installed between the walls. Quite simply, you will need to spend money to have your drywalls removed.  If you have extra money stashed, you can ask your plumber to remove the drywall in the areas where you hear the rattling sounds. Your plumber will then place either foam insulation or foam rubber which will act as a cushion between the pipe and the framing, effectively eliminating the rattling noises you hear.

Alternatively, you can opt for plastic pipes as a replacement for the copper pipes. Plastic pipes do contract and expand, but not enough to cause rattling sounds.

Water hammer

On the other hand, if you hear the noises when you turn the water on and off using either cold or hot water, the main cause of your problem is what is called the water hammer problem.

A water hammer happens when you turn off a faucet or shower quicker than you turned it on. The noise you hear is the result of the sudden movement of water in the pipes. This sudden movement, in turn, causes movements in the pipes, especially if these are not properly secured.

One possible solution to this problem is to install a pressure-reducing valve which lowers the water pressure. Another solution to this problem is to use water hammer arresters. These devices act as a cushion and absorb the energy produced by the movement of the water inside the pipes. Schedule your appointment with us today!

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Where to Start With a Bathroom Remodel

August 10th, 2017

After a stressful day at the office or doing household chores, nothing else can make you feel better quicker than taking a long, soothing bath. The look and feel of your bathroom can give you an experience that is similar to visiting a spa or a resort.

Currently, though, the design and layout of your bathroom may not be ideal for the type of experience that you want. You can change it with a remodel.

One important question to ask is where to start with a bathroom remodel. Here are a few tips to help you out:

Determine its purpose

A bathroom is where people take a shower, brush their teeth and take care of other hygiene issues before going out. These are some of the most common activities done inside a bathroom, but it is also a personal space. What you need to consider is what you want your experience to be like when you are inside. Do you use the bathroom for a quick bath or do you also want to use the space to relax and unwind for a while?

How you answer this question will influence the design, materials and colors that will be used in remodeling the space.

Consider the existing layout

The current design and layout of your bathroom can affect what you can do with the space. For instance, the placement of your toilet bowl, urinal, faucet and showerhead is fixed. You can change the fixtures but not where they are installed. Changing the placement of the fixtures involves moving or extending the pipes. This involves a lot of work and will cost you more.

Consult an expert plumber in your area to find out what the limitations are when it comes to remodeling your bathroom. This may affect the final design of your remodeled bathroom but it can help you save money and give you fewer problems to worry about during the remodeling process.

Identify the users

Knowing the people who use the bathroom is also an important factor when having it remodeled. If you live on your own, then your personal taste and preferences will be used as the sole basis for the design. However, if you live with your parents or kids, or there are several other people living in the same space, then it could affect the final design of your bathroom.

For instance, if you live with your elderly parents or somebody with medical issues, you will need to have grab bars installed and use non-slip materials that are easy to clean. If you live with toddlers or young kids and you want a tub, you can consider tubs that include a step. This will make it easier and safer for them to get in and out of the tub. And make sure to schedule your appointment with us today!

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