Reasons Why Your Bathroom Needs an Exhaust Fan

August 8th, 2017
Creating a comfortable indoor climate for your home requires the right HVAC system. A lot of people just rely on an air conditioning unit, but if you wish for a truly well-ventilated home, you will need an exhaust fan in each of your bathrooms.

An exhaust fan helps in the proper circulation of indoor air, but it also provides a bunch of other benefits. A trusted bathroom and kitchen renovation expert that Applegate and Fox Valley residents turn to cites four other benefits of having an exhaust fan at home:

  • It can get rid of odors. Installing an exhaust fan in your bathroom and kitchen will allow these rooms to get aired out faster so funky odors don’t attach to everything from your curtains to your rugs.
  • It can reduce indoor moisture which can encourage the growth of molds. Humid conditions present the perfect environment for mold growth, which nobody wants. Molds present serious health risks and they also alter the appearance of building structures.
  • When strategically placed, exhaust fans can expand the reach of an air conditioning unit. Small homes that do not use central air conditioning can spread cool air from a small unit in one room with the help of a strategically installed exhaust fan.
  • An exhaust fan can also “flush” pollutants out of your home. If you have a member in the family who’s a smoker, or who tends to use aerosol products frequently (like hairspray), the pollutants from those can be dispelled from your home when you turn on the exhaust fan.

Overall, an exhaust fan can make your home a more comfortable and healthier place to live. It’s a cinch to install, actually; there are quick-to-follow guides (in picture and video formats) available online if you wish to take the DIY route. However, if you want to secure all the benefits it can provide, the smarter thing to do is to turn to professionals for installation.

With their professional experience and extensive knowledge of how these ventilation aids function, they can ensure you’ll feel the positive impact of exhaust fan installation in your home. They can pair you off with the most suitable systems (there are three kinds), as well as determine the most ideal places for installation so the exhaust fans function optimally. And lastly, if you entrust installation to the pros, they’ll make sure that the job meets the code requirements of your city. Schedule your appointment with us today!

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

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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Causes of Leaking Garbage Disposal

July 25th, 2017

Fixing the 2 Most Common Causes of Leaking Garbage Disposal

A leaking garbage disposal system does not necessarily translate to a massive hole in your pocket. Leaks can occur from time to time and in some instances, you do not have to spend a small fortune to remedy these problems.

Here’s a brief rundown of two of the most common causes of leaks and what you can do about these.

Gasket

Check your garbage disposal system and determine where exactly the leak is coming from. If the leak is coming from the top rim where the rubber seal and the flange meet, it is highly likely that the cause of the leak is the gasket which can be found on top of the system.

Over time, the rubber gasket breaks down. In some cases, if the garbage disposal system is not used for an extended period of time, the gasket can dry up, causing leaks. Sometimes, the gasket causes leaks if it is replaced unevenly. Finally, if you dismantle the system for whatever reason, it is a good idea to replace the gasket.

Fortunately, if the gasket is the cause of the leak, it can be easily replaced. Just make sure that you purchase the right gasket for your garbage disposal system.

After you have bought the correct gasket, the first thing that you need to do to replace the old one is to disconnect the drain. After that, you can unplug the cord. Make sure that you remove the dishwasher drain hose from the system.

Next, hold the sides of the mounting nuts and turn these counter clockwise. This will unlock the garbage disposal system.

The next step that you need to do is to remove the old gasket and put the new one that you bought. Check whether the new gasket fits properly.  After that, you can replace the garbage disposal system and reconnect the drains and plug.

Disposal flange

If the leak comes from the upper area of the garbage disposal system, the possible source of the leak is the disposal flange.

The flange can leak if the seal is not tight enough or has become loose. In either case, you will need to dismantle the system so that you can reseal the flange.

After dropping the garbage disposal unit, you will need to loosen the bolts that hold the flange in place. Next, find the clip that holds the flange in place by using a flat screwdriver to pop it out of place. Then, remove the top flange from the sink. You should then clean the sink before reinstalling the system and applying putty.

In applying plumber’s putty, make sure that you apply an even amount. You should also make sure that the putty wraps around the rim of the flange. After that, you can put the flange into its original position and replace the bottom flange. Replace the screws tightly and then you can clean the area where you worked. And schedule your appointment with us today!

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How to Deal with Tree Root Problems

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?

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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5 Things That Cause Drain Clogs

July 20th, 2017

It is normal for debris to accumulate over time, but there are certain items that can make your drains clog faster. The following are five of the likeliest causes of drain clogs and what homeowners can do to reduce the chances of a blocked drain.

Hair

Clogs caused by hair strands are more common in bathroom sinks, showers and tub drains. Each time you shower, you lose hundreds of strands. These thin strands normally get washed away, but on a rare occasion, strands may get stuck along the walls of your drain pipe. Over time, the buildup can block the flow of water and clog your drain. Installing a hair catcher or sink guard helps, but won’t totally prevent clogs. It is possible to find clogged bathroom drains, especially in older homes.

Soap

Dirt, grime, hair strands, dead skin cells and other types of waste can stick to the soapy residue and cause a blockage. Other than bathroom sinks, showers and tubs, soap scum can also become a problem when washing dishes. One way to reduce this buildup is to pour two buckets filled with hot water and chlorine down the sink at least twice a month.

Grease

Grease buildups more commonly occur in kitchen sinks. Similar to the case of soap scum, small food particles and other sediments can get trapped in this thick, gooey liquid. However, unlike soap, the oily residue is more difficult to remove. You can try using cold water when running your garbage disposal. This can help remove some of the layers of grease and let the fat flow more freely through the drainage pipes.

One better way to prevent grease buildup is to avoid pouring any type of oil down the drain at all. Instead, what you can do is to pour the grease directly into the garbage. This prevents any residue or particles getting stuck along the pipe’s walls.

Toilet paper

Toilet paper sheets are designed to break down easily when exposed to water. This makes the sheets easier to flush. However, paper towels, baby wipes and multi-ply tissue paper are more durable and may not break down as easily as a single ply sheet of toilet paper. To prevent blockage, avoid flushing these types of toiletries down the toilet. Inform your relatives, friends or guests to do the same when staying at your home.

Napkins and diapers

Finally, these types of hygiene products are a major cause of concern. Because they are designed to absorb water, napkins, diapers and other similar products can quickly cause a blockage. Always throw these types of items straight into the trash and not into the toilet bowl. And make sure to call us today!

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7 Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems

June 28th, 2017

7 Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems

Most homeowners will have some essential tools on hand to cope with simple plumbing emergencies. Often, a slow drain or a clogged toilet might need a bit of elbow grease or a plunger for it to work properly again. Small repair jobs can easily be taken care of if you are handy around the house; however, bigger bathroom plumbing problems will need professional assistance.

A regular maintenance schedule is a great way of preventing expensive repairs. An in-depth inspection is indeed the key to catching petty problems before they can cause serious structural damages.

Common Bathroom Plumbing Glitches

1. Low Water Pressure

Your plumbing system is suffering from low water pressure if the water that should gush just trickles from the tap. This problem may be related to the municipal water supply. But often, this can be caused by a build-up of sediment or deposits on faucet aerators. Cleaning the shower heads and aerators can solve this issue; if not, you may have a more complex problem. If you cannot identify the cause of the reduction in water pressure, call a reputable plumber right away.

2. Leaky Pipes

Leaks can be a very expensive nuisance. Although replacing a leaky pipe is not a complex job, it can be a very messy one. So you might want to let a professional deal with these tasks to save on cleaning time. But until the expert plumber gets to your home, consider using a leak tape and a compression clamp to temporarily deal with the leaky pipe/s.

3. Running Toilet

Replace the inner workings of your toilet if it does not behave after flushing. Typically, toilets run if the flapper valve will let the water pass from the tank to the bowl. For most models, toilet repair kits work well.

4. Clogged Drains

If the water going into the tub, sink or toilet will not go out, you may have a complete or partial clog. Often, a plunger can fix the problem but it cannot remove a clog completely. So if you frequently deal with clogs, it is best for you to get professional help.

5. Slow Draining Tub

If the tub drain is full of hair, it slows the water down when it drains out of the tub. Clearing out the debris can solve this problem. But even when the tub is not draining slowly, it is very crucial for you to regularly clear out any debris in the tub drain. Because when this is left for too long, it can completely clog the drain.

6. Dripping Faucets

An unresolved dripping faucet can be very annoying if you don’t know how to stop it. This will also drive your water bill higher. Not all sinks are equipped with washers to efficiently hold back the flow of water. Some use durable ceramic plates for a tight seal. Calling pros to deal with this plumbing issue is a smart idea.

7. Sewer Smells

If you can smell sewer gas in your bathroom, this can be caused by a dry shower trap, damaged drain pipes, a clogged drain or an old toilet ring. Although there are some DIY remedies for eliminating the smell, it is still best for you to contact a reputable plumber to identify its cause and properly deal with it.

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Slow Drain Septic System Problems

June 22nd, 2017

Slow Drain Septic System Problems: Signs, Causes, and How to Fix Them

The bathroom is one of the dirtiest places in your home since different types of bacteria can be found here. Once you have a drainage or septic system problem, you will consider your toilet even more unsanitary and a hassle to use.

Signs of a Septic System Issue

Septic system problems are more common in houses and buildings that have already been in use for many years. Some of the signs that indicate you already have this kind of plumbing problem are:

  • Water is draining slowly from the shower, bathtub, sink, and other areas
  • The sound of gurgling from the tub or sink when a toilet is flushed
  • Water backing up in toilets, tubs, and sinks
  • Water puddles on the grounds on your lawn
  • The smell of sewage odors outdoors

Possible Causes

There are several reasons why you have a problematic or slow drain septic system. The most common one is the overuse of the system. This means that too many people are using or too much water is being used in the household or building that the usage has gone beyond the system’s capacity.

Another common cause of this problem is the lack of or delay in inspection, maintenance, and pumping. Once your septic tank becomes full, the filter in the outlet baffle will start to plug. This plugging action will cause the water level inside the tank to rise which will restrict the flow of effluent.

Finally, your septic system may not be working properly if something is clogging the pipes or drains. Grease, food, certain sanitary products, toys, or even pieces of clothes can be stuck somewhere in the pipes and cause the slow drain or the system’s malfunction.

Getting Things Back to Normal

If the reason behind your slow drain problem is a blockage, you can remove the clog by using some tools at home. However, harder clogs and blockages will require the use of a plumbing snake; in such instances, it is best to call in experts to do the job to avoid further damaging your plumbing and septic system.

Calling in professional plumbers at the onset of a problem is always a smart idea since the contractors will know how and where to identify the issue quickly. In case you have slow draining fixtures, plumbers will check the drain-vent system. If the problem is in this area, they have the expertise, tools, and equipment to fix the issue. Also, if you already have a failed septic system, qualified plumbers will be able to detect this easily. Depending on the particular problem and design of your system, the professional plumbers will give you sound advice on whether it is best to have your system repaired or replaced.

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Attracting home buyers with a beautiful kitchen

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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Tips on Adding a New Kitchen Island

June 14th, 2017

Adding a Kitchen Island

Remodeling your kitchen can be a very exciting home improvement project. This is because most of the features you will want to have in this room have to be both functional and aesthetically appealing. As such, you will have to be a bit more thoughtful and creative when you want to improve your kitchen.

Adding a kitchen island is one of the smart kitchen renovation ideas you can consider today. A kitchen island is a very practical, convenient, and handy feature to have in the kitchen. This modern kitchen feature provides several benefits, which include:

  • It provides additional work space in the kitchen
  • It permits people to sit and eat in the kitchen without anyone getting in the way of the person working in the room
  • It removes the need for a table in the kitchen
  • Lastly, it can serve as the focal point or feature in the kitchen, mainly because of its position in the middle of the room. When it is designed properly, guests will definitely be impressed by this feature

Initial Considerations When Choosing a New Kitchen Island

Once you have decided that a kitchen island is the best (and smartest) new feature to have, you need to think about certain important factors to make sure you get the ideal one for your home. These key factors are:

Kitchen Island Size.

Your kitchen island should be the right size for your kitchen space. It has to be big enough to double as your working and dining space but not so large that people will have trouble walking, cooking, and moving around once it is installed. A good rule of thumb to remember when having a kitchen island installed is to ensure that there should be at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides of the fixture.

Shape.

When choosing which shape to go for, consider the size of your kitchen and the primary use of the island. Aim for a shape that works with the current design of your kitchen and one that is convenient for you and everyone who will regularly use it.

The island’s countertop material 

Kitchen islands can be made of different materials; it’s the same with the countertop. Some of the most popular countertop materials today include wood, granite, marble, quartz, and soapstone. When choosing the material, consider the other fixtures in your home so that it doesn’t clash with the current design. Opt for a material that is durable, long-lasting and low maintenance as well. Lastly, consider the size of your doorway because if the countertop is too big, you will have a hard (and even impossible) time to get it inside the kitchen.

Features and amenities.

Lastly, determine how many drawers and cabinets you want the island to have. Keep in mind that the kitchen island is the perfect way for you to add features to your kitchen that is lacking, such as drawers, or other things that will make your life just a little bit easier, such as hooks for hanging towels or even a built-in microwave. To ensure your island is amenable to seating, consider the type of stools or chairs you plan to use and make sure the feature can accommodate the proper height and legroom requirements. Schedule an appointment with us today!

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