How to Deal with Basement Flooding

March 3rd, 2017

basement flooding

Basement and Bathroom Flooding

Any type of flooding in your home is a problem, but two of the worst types that your household could experience are bathroom flooding and basement flooding.

Bathroom flooding can be a disgusting process for all because of the human waste factor and how it can impact your entire household’s daily hygiene routine. Despite this, basement flooding remains a much bigger concern. Aside from the fact that it can be caused by everything from overland flooding, to infiltration flooding, to sewer backup, to a combination of two or all three of these types of flooding (different levels of nastiness for flood water), it can also lead to serious structural damages that can make your home unsafe to live in.

Since the basement is part of the house’s foundation, compromised elements in this room can alter the integrity of the entire structure. It’s important to mention as well that because of the room’s location, it’s quite prone to mold growth, which can pose health risks for you and your family. Molds are not easy to treat, and getting rid of them will not only set your finances back, but it will also be a great inconvenience to your family since you will be asked to evacuate your home until the situation is properly resolved.

Suffice it to say, basement flooding is a situation that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. You can’t let dirty water just sit in the room and breed all sorts of potentially harmful elements; the quicker you get rid of the water, the better. For this job, you will need plumbing specialists to help drain the flood and also correctly identify the cause of flooding.

Urgently addressing the situation is required if the flooding is caused by sewer backup. Applegate and Fox Valley plumbers say that while contaminated water is the main issue, other factors worsen the problem. Flooding can place extra pressure on the pipes underneath the home and this can result in the heaving of basement floors, especially when improper backwater valves are used.

Also, weeping tiles are connected to the municipal system through sanitary sewer laterals or storm sewer laterals, and sewage can be pressured back into the weeping tiles; this may result in great damage to the home, which will not only require repairs but replacement of materials as well.

If you need to have your basement serviced due to flooding, your insurance company may be able to help shoulder the cost due to sewer back-up, so do get in touch with them to see if your insurance policy can actually cover the cost of sewer backup damage. If it does, you won’t have to worry much about getting your home properly restored.

Contact us today for more information.

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Spring Home Shows in Appleton WI

February 27th, 2017

Tureks is hitting the home show circuit this spring!

We love this time of year! It gives us a chance to get out into the community and visit with past, current and potential clients. There is nothing more refreshing than meeting with clients when there is not a plumbing problem or urgent need for service. We are grateful for the emergency plumbing calls but it is defiantly nice to meet with clients in a casual setting like at a home show.

WBAY Home & Garden Show March 9th-12th 2017

Event Begins: Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Event Ends: Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 4:00 pm

Shopko Hall

Packerland Homeshow March 17th 2017

Fox Valley Home & Landscape Expo March 24th-26th 2017

Location:
Tri County Ice Arena
700 East Shady Lane – Neenah, WI 54695

Hours:
Friday 2-8pm
Saturday 10-6pm
Sunday 10-4pm

Tickets:

$8 – Door Price
$12 – Weekend Pass
Ages 17 and Under Are Free
Free Parking

 

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How to Prevent Roots from Damaging Your Sewer Line

February 21st, 2017

Prevent Roots from Damaging Your Sewer LineHow Can You Prevent Roots from Damaging Your Sewer Line?

Tree roots and other types of vegetation can be bad news for sewer lines. These do not only create blockages that affect plumbing, but they can also damage the sewer’s structure.

Any damage to sewer lines is expensive to repair and can set back property owners by thousands of dollars. Damaged sewer lines can also be the source of other inconveniences such as foul odor, pest infestation, and health issues.

It is important to prevent tree roots and vegetation from wrecking your sewer line and costing you thousands of dollars in repair and replacements. Here are some tips that can help.

Sewer Line Inspections

Regularly have professional plumbers inspect your sewer line to see if there are natural elements growing into it. Early inspection can outwork the potential big problem that can develop. This may cost you some but it’s always better (cheaper) to spend on preventive measures than repairs and replacements.

Sewer Line Locations

Do you know where the sewer lines are located? If not, call your local public works department or the national “811” hotline. They have information on all underground utilities. It’s best to get this information when you’re thinking of upgrading the landscape of your property.

Properly Prepare for Landscaping Projects

For landscaping projects, professional plumbers hired by Fox Valley and Applegate residents advise creating a barrier between trees and sewer lines. Slow release chemicals like copper sulfate and potassium hydroxide can be used to discourage root development into sewer lines. Apply these chemicals near the sewers to prevent roots from growing into sewers. Another solution to try is burying wood or metal barriers a foot deeper than the pipe. You can also run them vertically next to the sewer; this will prevent roots from getting to the pipes.

Think Long Term

Plan your landscaping by opting for trees and shrubs that only have a small root ball. These won’t grow too much and make their way into sewers but they’ll do just as fine in elevating the look of your outdoor space.

Call the Professionals

If drain clogs happen quite frequently, and the usual solutions are useless or only work temporarily, don’t delay in calling Turek’s Plumbing, your local Fox Cities plumbers, for an inspection of the sewer line. Other tell-tale signs to keep an eye out for are:

  • Slow-flowing drains; these basically indicate that the system is having a difficult time pushing everything down.
  • Gurgling noises from the toilet whenever it’s flushed.
  • Overflow even after potent drain cleaners have been used.

 

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Vital Components in Determining a Kitchen Remodel Timeline

February 14th, 2017

Kitchen Remodel TimelineHow to Determine a Kitchen Remodel Timeline

For many property owners, speed is a vital consideration for any remodeling job. Homeowners simply want the remodel to be completed fast as possible. And with how home makeover shows on TV get things done, many tend to believe that any home improvement project can be accomplished in just a matter of days. A fast kitchen remodel is the dream. This is possible if homeowners are willing to dole out a huge amount of money for manual labor. It truly will not be difficult to complete a remodeling project in just a matter of days.

But the reality is most homeowners do not have the same resources as popular reality home makeover shows. Thus, they need to plan the project carefully in order to control costs and establish an effective timeline. This is most especially applicable when planning a kitchen remodel. Timeline development is very important because having property work done can alter the efficiency of the household. This can also impact the quality of life at home.

Now, if you need to determine a kitchen remodel timeline, trusted remodelers in Applegate and Fox Valley, Wisconsin say it’s necessary to clearly identify the important factors that can really affect the speed of work. What are these factors?

Hiring the right remodeler

The first factor that can determine project timeline is the remodelers you hire for the job. Will you be hiring a lot of them or will you be sticking to just a few? If you hire more people for labor then you can expect the project to be completely finished within a month or even just three weeks.

It’s worth mentioning too that there are remodelers that utilize more advanced equipment that allow them to finish tasks much faster. Have a thorough consultation with remodelers and you can have a fair estimate of how long the project will last as well as how tasks are grouped into stages.

Consider your design carefully

The next factor is the design of the kitchen. If you’re thinking of a complete overhaul, this surely will require more time even with advanced equipment and more workers. Taking into account the design and the new installations the design requires will provide you a fair estimate of how long certain tasks will take to complete.

Materials

And the last component is the materials – you need to know when materials will be delivered. The delay in the arrival of certain materials can really mess up the schedule. Establish the schedule of when materials will be delivered. Know when you’re going to follow up on your orders to ensure that all the supplies necessary for the project will arrive even before they’re needed.

Determining the right kitchen remodel timeline is a vital part of your upcoming project. For additional tips on how to tackle a kitchen remodel in Fox Cities, contact the professionals at Turek’s Plumbing.

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Tips on Creating a Kitchen Floor Plan

February 9th, 2017

Tips on Creating a Kitchen Floor Plan That Effectively Combines Style and Function

Kitchen – the heart of the home. Homeowners usually have a many ideas on how to make it the center of productivity and quality time for the family. But often, with all of the ideas they have on beautifying it and making sure it can do more for the family, the kitchen just turns into a mess of good intentions and “stuff.”

To restore order to this very important room, a kitchen floor plan is needed, says kitchen remodelers in Applegate and Fox Valley. In creating a kitchen floor plan, it automatically gets so much easier to combine style and function, or in the words of design gurus, “beautility.” To help you with this, here are tips on how to plan a smart layout for your kitchen.

Tip #1

Write down the different activities you commonly use the kitchen for. Do you love to cook and bake there? Does your family often hang out in it? Do you wish to have a bar there that will be the perfect spot for the parties you like to throw? It’s important to identify all these activities so you can also identify the best appliances and furniture to use for the space.

Tip #2

Triangle or Workstation? The triangle layout is highly efficient for movement in the kitchen, especially if it’s a small one. But if you’re adding more appliances to your kitchen space, the workstation may be more ideal.

Tip #3

If you’re going to install an island, determine how you can make it a more functional feature of your kitchen, particularly if it’s a big one. You want to make sure that for the amount of space it eats, more uses can be derived from it so activities carried out in the kitchen will have a comfortable and smooth flow. Some of the features you can add to an island are a wine rack, shelves for cookbooks, mini-fridge and dishwasher.

Tip #4

Don’t forget about strategic lighting. Strategic lighting  should always be included in floor planning. Proper illumination is necessary for the right ambiance, comfort, convenience and function.

Tip #5

Do check building guidelines in your area so your kitchen can be remodeled to code. TheNational Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) provides guiding principles in order to make kitchen and bathroom optimally functional. Refer to the guide to see if your layout ideas are compliant with the functional standards established by the experts.

With these tips, you can better organize your ideas for “arranging” your kitchen. The goal is to create a visually pleasing and productive section of your home. Before starting a kitchen remodel in the Fox Valley area contact Turek’s Plumbing for more kitchen floorplan ideas.

 

 

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Modern Kitchen Remodel Design Ideas for Tight Budgets

February 7th, 2017

Modern Kitchen Remodel Design Ideas

There are two main reasons why homeowners want to upgrade the look of their kitchens.

First, if you are planning on selling your home, you definitely would want your kitchen to be appealing to the broadest possible number of potential buyers. And according to many property professionals, a kitchen remodel, when done right, can yield good ROI.

Another reason why property owners want to revamp their kitchens is because these have become outdated and are either no longer functional or look drab and unappealing.

However, a kitchen remodel is a massive undertaking that often requires a big budget. Does that mean that you cannot upgrade the look of your kitchen if money is tight?

Listed here are a few quick and easy modern kitchen remodel design ideas that do not require a big budget. With a little hard work, creativity and ingenuity, you can transform the look of your kitchen for cheap.

Apply a fresh coat of paint

Applying a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to transform the look of your kitchen.

Apart from the wall, you might want to consider repainting all of your kitchen cabinets. Alternatively, you can paint a just a few of the kitchen cabinets. Against other wood and metal elements in the kitchen, painting a few kitchen cabinets creates contrast which generates interest in the kitchen.

Painting the floorboards is an economical alternative to replacing these. If you are adventurous enough, you can paint the floorboards white or use stencils for a dash of creativity.

Add/Replace/Remove

Another simple yet effective way to update the look of your kitchen is to replace a few key elements like knobs and pulls.

Adding new lighting fixtures like sconces can make the kitchen look refreshing. Plus, lights add functionality to the kitchen.

Another welcome addition that can add style and functionality to your kitchen are wood shelves on metal brackets placed just above the counter.

Finally, you might want to consider removing the upper cabinet doors which can add an element of open space to your kitchen.

Some TLC for the fridge

If you cannot afford to replace your old fridge at the moment, there are a few things that you can do to upgrade its appearance.

One, you can paint it with chalkboard paint. This trick allows you to use the refrigerator for note taking and for drawing.

If you have ample time, you can make a wainscot fridge cover. A wainscot fridge cover will surely catch the attention of house guests.

If you are thinking about starting a kitchen remodel in Fox Cities, contact Turek’s Plumbing for more modern kitchen remodel design ideas.

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How to Choose an Efficient Toilet

January 31st, 2017

How to Choose an Efficient Toilet

Face it – the toilet is not exactly the most glamorous item inside your house. But for certain, it is one of the most important.

Whether you are rebuilding a bathroom or considering adding one more in your home, one of the most important things that you need to do is to pick an efficient toilet. Beyond style and color, it is crucial to find a toilet that conserves water and allows you to save money over the long term.

The friendly professionals at Turek’s Plumbing help give some insight on how to choose the toilet that is right for you.

A brief word about toilets

Low flow toilets have undergone different design changes, starting in 1994 with their introduction. The first generation of these toilets used 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) or less. However, you had to flush these twice.

After revamping the design of these toilets and introducing added features like larger trapways, many homeowners are now enjoying the benefits of reduced water consumption and more savings.

It may be tempting to pinch pennies and choose a low cost toilet, but as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. However, the same thing also applies for unique features. You might think that features like custom seats and unique flush mechanisms add value to your bathroom, but the truth is that you can end up spending more over the long term when you need to have these replaced.

How to choose the right toilet 

One of the first things that you need to do is to compare flush ratings of the toilets you are considering to buy. The easiest way to do that is to go online.

If you want to save more money, consider looking for rebates on some high efficiency models. A high efficiency toilet, for example, will use just 1.28 gallons of water and is well worth your attention. But be aware that some models of these toilets are prone to staining and clogging.

Consider a pressure-assist toilet. Many plumbers have the consensus that these toilets save more water compared to gravity toilets. These toilets may be noisier and costlier, but these are but a small price to pay for long term savings.

High-efficiency model toilets

If you want a toilet that is easy to clean, consider buying a wall-hung toilet. There are some high-efficiency model toilets that you can consider.

Consider buying a taller toilet if you are taller than the average person. Taller toilets can make it more convenient for you while also helping to save your knees and back from discomfort.

If you are not making serious modifications to your bathroom, choose a toilet with the same rough-in as your current toilet. Also, be aware that toilets with bigger bowls can take a lot of space and can get in the way of the door and cabinets.

If you put a premium on water conservation and if you are willing to pay a higher price for your toilet, consider a dual-flush toilet. These toilets have two buttons: a 0.8 gpf button and a 1.6 gpf button.

Its important to pick the right contractor for the job when replacing your toilet. If you are looking for a plumber in Fox Valley to install your new efficient toilet, contact the professionals at Turek’s Plumbing.

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Planning a Master Bathroom Remodel? Consider Following These Tips

January 26th, 2017

Planning a Master Bathroom Remodel? Consider Following These Tips

Homeowners remodel their master bathrooms for a diverse number of reasons. Sometimes, the bathroom simply needs an upgrade after years or even decades of remaining the same. Others see the bathroom remodel as an investment for the future. There’s hope that the project will increase the value of their property.

In some cases, the bathroom space is being poorly utilized. A remodel is also often a good way to make efficient choices. The addition of low flow showers and dual flush toilets could be a great idea for your master bathroom.

Whatever your reasons may be for planning a master bathroom remodel, you would want to achieve your goals and make efficient use of the resources you are investing.

How do you achieve that? Here are a few important things to bear in mind.

Go beyond your visual scrapbook

Most likely, you have begun putting together a visual scrapbook comprised of design inspiration collected from magazines, blogs and other websites.

But do not rely solely on these visual inspirations. If you still do not have a clearly defined idea of what you want to achieve, it is worthwhile to visit showrooms. This will allow you to have a tactile feel of the different possibilities available to you.

Don’t be afraid to splurge on materials

If there is one phrase that will best describe the current trend in bathroom remodels, it would be “over the top.” If you can afford it, do not be afraid to splurge.

But that does not necessarily mean that you should go after each of your whims. It can be as simple as going for well-made materials that provide superior value for your money.

Get the help of a professional

One of the best ways to ensure that you will be using your space efficiently is to hire a bathroom designer. Your designer can help you determine whether the elements you wish to include in the remodel actually work or you would fare better by finding an alternative.

One thing that you might want to discuss with your designer is giving your new bathroom a universal design. This trend has become popular in recent years due to the design which is geared toward accommodating the diverse needs of people.

Adding finishing touches

Many homeowners are now splurging and adding luxurious elements to the master bath. These range from chandeliers to elaborate entertainment setups.

But there is something important to consider before you even think about additions. Remember that the master bath should be your private retreat inside your home. Instead of adding the aforementioned elements in the bath, consider subtle yet equally luxurious additions like fabric window treatments and plush towels.

Are you thinking about starting a master bathroom remodel in Fox Valley? Contact the professionals at Turek’s Plumbing for the best advice and a quality remodel experience.

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Bathroom Remodel Approach – 3 Elements For Success

January 24th, 2017

Bathroom Remodel Approach – 3 Elements For Success

Planning a bathroom remodel? Then you’re on the right track. Improving the bathroom offers the following proven benefits:

A sure ROI

Remodeling magazine estimates a 62 percent return for bathroom makeovers done right. The daily safety, productivity and efficiency you can experience from an improved bathroom also result in direct financial savings.

Improved quality of life

Homeowners who have updated their baths successfully said the changes they made are a constant source of joy for them. That means aside from the monetary returns, you also get priceless satisfaction from a great bathroom project.

Practicality and value for money

The renovation industry has become more sophisticated than ever. You can now find a wide range of materials, solutions and services to suit your budget and preferences, making bathroom remodels easier and more practical to execute.

However, these paybacks can only be possible with the right bathroom remodel approach. Make sure the following elements are present to get the bathroom you want at the budget you have.

A well laid-out plan, developed with advice from the experts

Make sure you have a solid plan – the costliest mistake you can ever make is to start all over again because of vague vision or disorganization.

Work with bathroom remodeling professionals early on as they can help you develop an efficient timeline and a cost-effective budget. A reputable contractor will also have the industry connections and experience to help you realize your vision through solutions that are right for you.

A design that maximizes the existing space

Another practical approach is to implement changes that make the most impact but won’t require complicated work.

Remember that the more complicated a project is, the more expensive it will be and the longer it will take to finish. For instance, update the look by changing fixtures, but try to follow the existing plumbing system to minimize demolition and waste.

A focus on safe and healthy living

A major factor that is commonly neglected during renovations is ventilation. But if you pay attention to improving how air circulates in the bathroom, you will get a huge benefit. One of those benefits including improved indoor air not just for the bathroom but also for the entire home.

Good ventilation also minimizes moisture, thus reducing slippery floors and walls and mold growth. Moreover, it prevents damage caused by mildew and moisture to furniture and finishes, allowing you to avoid premature repairs, replacements and costly mold remediation. Strategic installation of air vents, exhaust fans and humidity detectors all help in improving the air quality in your bathroom.

If you aren’t sure how to handle a bathroom remodel approach, contact your plumbing professionals in Fox Cities at Turek’s Plumbing.

 

 

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Common Plumbing Terms That Can Help You

January 17th, 2017

An Introduction to Common Plumbing Terms

You do not have to be an avid DIY-er to understand the importance of learning common plumbing terms. No matter how diligent you are in keeping your home’s plumbing system well-maintained, there will come a time when you will need to call upon your plumber for help. Awareness of the most used plumbing terms will help you better understand what your plumber is doing and enable you to communicate with him more effectively.

What are these terms that homeowners should add to their vocabularies?

Aeration

Aeration is a process wherein water is mixed with air through the use of a piece of equipment known as an aerator. The goal of aeration is to release dissolved gasses and eliminate foul odors.

Air gap

The term refers to the space between a water outlet that delivers water to a plumbing fixture and the flood rim level of a receptacle like a sink or dishwasher. The primary purpose of an air gap is to prevent the cross-contamination of potable water.

Backflow

When the water flow is reversed in the plumbing system, this can create backflow. Sometimes backflow can lead to the contamination of drinking water.

Branch drain

Refers to the part of the plumbing system which leads to the main drainage line.

Check valve

This is a type of valve that ensures that the water flows toward one direction and prevents it from backflowing.

Cleanout

A cleanout is the space in a drainage line that is placed there in order to facilitate the entry of drain cleaning equipment. The drain cleaning equipment is used for clearing out drains and eliminating line blockages.

Closet auger

A closet auger is a tool which has a flexible rod with a curved end. This is used to remove clogs in toilets and obstructions in the built-in trap.

Hydro-jetting

Hydro-jetting refers to the process of using blasts of high-pressure water to clear blockages accumulated on sewage lines.

Plumber’s putty

Plumber’s putty is used by plumbers on areas which are exposed to unpressurized water. These include joints and fixture bases. It has the consistency of clay.

Shutoff valve

The shutoff valve is used to stop the flow of water toward a sink or toilet. Typically, you will find this underneath the toilet or sink.

If you are not sure what a particular term exactly means, do not hesitate to ask your Fox Cities plumber for an explanation.

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