Plumbing & Remodeling Blog | Turek's Plumbing

Remodeling a Bathroom in an Old House

December 8th, 2016

Tips for Remodeling a Bathroom in an Old House

Aside from the kitchen, the bathroom is the one room in the house that easily succumbs to wear and tear. Entire households make use of this specific room to take care of their hygiene needs every day. Also, the presence of moisture, humidity and all kinds of chemicals and substances from the different bath and cleaning products used here can do significant damage to furnishings and fixtures that are not designed to withstand such an environment.

If remodeling a bathroom in an old house is a project that you mean to take up in the near future, then you need to keep a few simple design options and tips in mind so that your new bathroom can successfully function and stand up to constant use — and look pretty, too. Here are some ideas you should consider:

Select a high-performing toilet

One of the biggest bathroom remodel tips is to pick a toilet that is right for you. There is a wide range of high-efficiency toilets available today that not only get the job done after your business is completed, but also let you conserve resources and the environment.

Choose your tiles well

You may have specific preferences for the way your floor tiles function in the bathroom. If you have small children or elderly relatives living with you, for instance, you may lean more toward having a non-slip floor installed in your new bathroom. Tiles with matte finishes, plenty of grout lines, textured surfaces or glazes with sand would be ideal for this purpose.

If you want a low-maintenance tile floor, on the other hand, stick to glazed or porcelain tiles. Stay away from natural stone since these are porous — they absorb water and develop stains if they are improperly sealed, which means more cleaning time for you.

Pick an acrylic caulk

This kind of formula can be easily removed even without using strong chemicals. The formula can make it easy to remove the next time replacement is in order. It’s also worthwhile to pick caulk that comes with a long-lasting mildewcide.

Install a sink that fits your family’s requirements

If you need more storage and countertops, a vanity with sink would be an excellent choice. For less utility but more style, a vessel sink would be a nice touch. A standard pedestal sink would also be a good compromise between aesthetics and function.

Update your wiring

Years (perhaps decades) of plugging in hairdryers, hair straightening irons, electric toothbrushes and electric razors have surely taken a toll on your bathroom’s outlets and wiring, so give them an overhaul. Replace 15-amp wirings with 20-amp ones and provide enough outlets for everyone’s appliances.

Your local plumber has the best tips on remodeling a bathroom in your home. Contact a Fox Cities plumber at Turek’s Plumbing today.

The Importance of a Water Heater Maintenance

December 6th, 2016

Water Heater Maintenance | Reasons to Flush Your Water Heater

Thanks to modern water systems, the water you drink is reliably clean, safe and healthy for your household’s use. That’s because the sediments and minerals you don’t want in your drink have already been filtered by the system.

But these substances do not completely disappear. Some of the materials simply settle at the bottom of the water heater tank. This residue — or more accurately, sludge — is not only extremely unappealing to look at. The worst thing about excessive sediment build-up is that it can cause several problems in the performance of your water heater which can lead you to experience extreme inconvenience and unnecessary expenses.

These problems are the main reasons you should invest in a water heater maintenance. If you want to avoid these problems, you need to make it a habit to flush your water heater on a yearly basis. Doing so will deliver the following benefits:

You can expect more reliable service from your water heater

Sediment build-up can make it difficult for your tank to heat water up. When you get rid of sludge, you enable your water heater tank to run more smoothly and reliably.

You enjoy lower energy bills

If your heater is in good condition, it won’t need to work as hard and consumer energy that’s more than necessary. You’ll see a reduction in your power bills once your water heater regains its efficient operations.

You reduce water heater damage

An overworked water heater due to excessive sediment at the bottom can easily leak, get rusty or even burst.

You avoid costly water damage

A leaking or faulty water heater tank can cause water to seep into your property. As you know, moisture and excessive water can cause water damage, weaken the structure, and ruin your walls, ceilings, electrical systems and more. You significantly lower the possibility of all these when you vigilantly flush your water heater annually.

Why get experts?

Some homeowners who are confident with doing DIY work can do it themselves. The process entails opening the drain located at the bottom of the tank and then removing the sediment by running clean water on it.

However, many prefer the more practical and efficient way: hiring professional plumbers to complete a water heater maintenance. When you get reliable experts to do it for you, you ensure thorough results. Moreover, reliable Fox Valley plumber at Turek’s Plumbing will not only focus on solving the excessive sediment issue, but they will also look into the overall condition of your water heater, ensuring good performance for the years to come.

Common Commercial Plumbing Problems (and How to Avoid Them)

November 24th, 2016

Common Commercial Plumbing Problems

A plumbing issue in your commercial property can be one of the costliest and most inconvenient situations you can face. If left unattended, even a minor issue can become a serious and complicated problem within just a short span of time. The flow of your operations, the health and safety of your clients and employees, and your everyday productivity and efficiency can all be affected by commercial plumbing problems.

While addressing plumbing problems promptly is important, the best course of action is still to be proactive in preventing issues before they happen. As an owner, manager or caretaker of a commercial property, it’s your duty to be familiar with common commercial plumbing problems so you can undertake measures to reduce their possibility of occurring.

Common Plumbing Problems

Water leaking from pipes, taps and fixtures is a frequent problem for both commercial and residential plumbing systems. Leaks can be caused by a variety of reasons, from simple, everyday wear-and-tear to worn-out connectors to pipe damage.

Leaking can cause property damage, flooding and a significant waste of water and energy. Thus, it’s a must to conduct routine check-ups and maintenance. Plumbing maintenance should be performed by a professional. A good plumbing check up will include checking the condition of each component in your plumbing system.

Another common plumbing issue is blocked drains and clogged toilets and sinks. When drainage is slow or not working well, the accumulated water may eventually overflow. When the water overflows it can be extremely difficult to control and clean up.

Clogged Toilet

Meanwhile, a clogged toilet is the last thing you would want to worry about when managing a commercial property. Aside from the possible overflow, it may also cause unpleasant odors and health risks if it’s not addressed immediately.

Commercial property owners must then be very strict about keeping bathrooms, restrooms and other wet areas clean and well-maintained. All the time to prevent debris and foreign objects from blocking drainage systems.

How to Prevent Commercial Plumbing Problems

Don’t call a plumber only when an emergency happens. It’s best to look for a reputable local plumber to perform maintenance work, systems upgrades and replacements. The more familiar a plumber is with your system, the better they will be able to solve problems should those arise.

Your Fox Cities plumbing team at Turek’s Plumbing will not just assess the system and hunt for damage. They will also conduct improvements and other related jobs to ensure pipework and drainage systems are working in tip-top condition.

Affordable Kitchen Upgrade Trends | Touch Free Faucets

November 22nd, 2016

Touch-Free Faucets – Must-Have Kitchen Upgrade Trends

Planning a kitchen remodel? Consider adding these low cost but high impact upgrades to your shopping list: touch-free faucets.

Kitchen upgrade trends come and go. Some move into the pantheon of essentials that property owners put on top of their priority lists while others are consigned to a forgotten fate. What makes these kitchen upgrades appealing for homeowners planning to revamp their kitchens? Three key reasons: convenient food preparation, quick clean-up and sanitary reasons. These are the trends that tend to last.

Foot activated Faucets

Many manufacturers are launching different versions of touch-free faucets which use foot control technology. Through this foot control technology, you can easily and conveniently turn the faucet on and off by tapping the activation plate with your feet. This activation plate can be installed in the toe space of a cabinet. It’s pretty convenient, but does take some getting used to.

Because these faucets do not require the use of hands to be turned on and off, the chance of spreading bacteria like salmonella and other germs from handling food can be minimized. If not totally eliminated. This concept has been present in hospitals for decades. It is now becoming a popular trend among homeowners. The foot activation plate can be positioned anywhere along the lower portion of the kitchen cabinet. This means that persons with disabilities who use wheelchairs do not need to put themselves in an uncomfortable position just to turn the water on and off. All they have to do is to tap the activation plate.

Touch Control Faucets

A hands-free faucet was first developed in the 1950’s but was not sold to the public until the 80’s. They have since become extremely trendy. Even being used as a selling point in real estate listings. One of our favorite touch free faucets features a sensor which controls the faucet’s output as well as the water temperature. It has five infrared sensors strategically located on the faucet. The water temperature has three settings that can be defined by the user depending on preference. In order to prevent accidental scalding, the faucet also has a maximum temperature setting. The faucet comes in brushed nickel and polished nickel, giving it a stylish and modern look. The faucet comes with a backup battery, is ADA-compliant, and is certified by WaterSense.

Whether you choose to install your own faucet or you need a plumber to do it, we hope you find this post helpful. There are dozens of brands of touch free faucets. Most reputable brands will work well and last a long time. Prices can range from just under $100 to $400 for a luxury brand. Also keep in mind you will have labor charges when hiring a licensed plumber to do the work. Should you need help and live in the Appleton or Fox Valley area, contact Turek’s Plumbing for all of your bathroom remodel needs.

When it is Time to Replace Your Home’s Galvanized Pipes

November 20th, 2016

Is It Time for a Whole Home Repipe?

If you’re not sure what a re-pipe is, you are not alone. Most homeowners dont know either until the problem arises. Galvanized pipes were commonly used in homes built around 1981. Galvanized pipes are deceptive because they corrode on the inside. Because of that it is difficult to detect a corrosion problem without a plumbers camera. Over time, the buildup of rust and sediment inside galvanized pipes can cause low water pressure, clogs, and leaks. When this happens you may need to replace one small section of the damaged pipe, or a larger piece in extreme cases.

It’s not rare to find out that your 30 plus year old home is beginning to have compound plumbing issues. When the plumbing at home begins to exhibiting signs of damage or degradation it might be an indicator of something bigger. The typical response to these types of issues is to call your local plumber. Depending on how soon your plumber can arrive to provide a solution, you may need to use your plumbing fixtures in moderation. If it is a more severe sewer problem where your plumbing is completely out of order be sure to call for an emergency plumber.

Repiping your entire house

A whole home repipe won’t likely be something that you would need done on your property more than once. It’s a last-resort option that plumbers will recommend to their clients — but it is necessary in certain situations. Whole house repiping is an effective measure that can protect your home from future leaks and further water damage.

Is it time for a whole home repipe? Here are questions that can help you determine if it’s the best move to make now:

Have you had to call in plumbers several times over the years, because of problems with leaks? How often do you find leaks? If it’s becoming frequent, then that might mean that your plumbing system is failing.

Does your house have hard water?

You’re sure to have heard the term hard water before. It pertains to water that contains a high concentration of the minerals magnesium and calcium. You can tell that you have hard water at home when you observe a yellow-green or white buildup around plumbing fixtures such as showerheads and faucets. The minerals can build up and reduce the water pressure in a house. The best solution would be to have a pipe inspection done. Having a camera inspection performed will tell you

How old is your home?

Today’s houses are typically fitted with plastic or copper pipes; older homes, on the other hand, may have galvanized pipes made of steel. Steel can develop corrosion and rust over time, and they can pick up contaminants from water and the ground, such as lead. If your house still has its original steel pipes, it’s best to get your plumbers to check their condition and determine whether they need to be replaced with a safer and more modern material.

Common Garbage Disposal Issues

November 18th, 2016

Common Garbage Disposal Issues (And What You Can Do About These)

Most people pay little attention to their garbage disposal systems despite the convenience these provide us. Until the garbage disposal unit acts up and needs repair that is. Just imagine how your cooking and cleanup routines are put in disarray with just one day without the garbage disposal unit.

This is why it is important to learn how to properly use and care for your garbage disposal. Experts recommend cutting or breaking up large chunks of food into smaller pieces. Avoid throwing non-food items, hard foods and oil. Fats and grease are also a main source of clogged garbage disposals.

It is important for homeowners to look for common garbage disposal issues which can lead to bigger problems when left unchecked. What are these common issues?

Bad smells coming from my sink

As you continue to use your garbage disposal on a daily basis, food and liquids can leave residues. This happens especially in the drain and the main unit itself. In turn, these residues may give off a bad odor. The simplest solution to this problem is to pour a solution made of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. However, if the bad smell persists, it is best to call in your local plumber to solve this problem for you.

Build-up of oils, fats, and grease

One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is to pour oils, grease and fatty food into the garbage disposal system. Over time, these liquids can solidify and build up in the pipes of the actual garbage disposal system. As much as possible, avoid throwing these into the garbage disposal unit. Instead, use a separate receptacle for these. If the garbage disposal seems to work sluggishly due to the build-up of these materials, you can pour hot water to break these up.

Motor failure

Your garbage disposal has a definite lifespan. However, bad practices can significantly shorten this. In particular, its motor can be vulnerable to a host of garbage disposal issues, including overheating, which often arises due to throwing items that the garbage disposal system was not designed to handle.

If the motor seems to be not working, you can look for the reset button and press it. Sometimes, this will solve your woes. In case the motor does not work despite resetting, call in a Fox Cities Plumber. A simple repair could get the job done. In other cases, your garbage disposal system may need a replacement.

Leaks

Leaks can arise from different areas in the system. If the leak seems to come from the drain pipe, a simple replacement of the rubber gasket will solve the problem. If the system has been newly installed, you need to check the ring found near the sink flange. It is important to ensure that the ring is tight. However, if the leak seems to be coming from the body of the unit itself, it may be time to get a new one.

Noises

Most noises occur when a hard foreign object finds its way into the disposal system. If the foreign object does not get jammed, it will eventually go down the drain.

Sometimes, the disposal unit can become noisy when its parts become loose. You simply have to tighten these up. There are also instances wherein the unit’s lugs and blades have become worn down due to overuse. Some models allow you to replace these; however, in most instances, this is a sign that you need to invest in a new one.

If your garbage disposal issues match some of the above listed problems give us a call. We are located in Appleton and have service trucks available to surrounding Fox City and Oshkosh residents.

5 Bathroom Remodel Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

November 16th, 2016

5 Bathroom Remodel Ideas

The bathroom is no longer just a place for taking care of one’s hygiene. Over the years, it has become that one space in the house where people can have time to relax and completely rejuvenate themselves. So, if you’re one of the many people who like to do more in the bathroom, one of the great projects to undertake in the coming new year is to remodel the bathroom. This way, you’ll get more enjoyment out of the time you spend in this room.

Here are five bathroom remodel ideas that don’t cost much to carry out but will significantly change the look and even the function of the room.

Bathroom Mirrors

The first of many bathroom remodel ideas is to place more mirrors or replace the small mirror you used to have with a much bigger one. Mirrors do not only provide the benefit of letting you see yourself; they can also make a room look bigger. Also, with mirrors, you can improve the lighting in the room even if you don’t add new lighting fixtures.

Replace your Bathroom Vanity

A bathroom vanity can seem like an expensive bathroom upgrade but the truth is you can replace it for less than $1,000 in some cases. Check with your local bathroom remodel company to see if they can find something in your price range with the style you are looking for. Often times they will have wholesale catalogs with vanity’s you can’t find with the mass retailers.

Pop of Color

Create a color contrast. Incorporate accessories and bath essentials that come in really bright colors such as canary yellow, red, cobalt blue, or fuchsia. These will instantly give the bathroom a completely different appeal.

Wallpaper

As bathroom remodelers in Fox Valley we know that a new trend for bathrooms is creating some texture on the walls. This can be achieved by laying regular or paintable wallpaper. Not only does wallpaper come in a variety of really nice designs to give your bathroom a new look, but it can also conceal the imperfections (such as holes, cracks and even discoloration) present on your walls. The cost is anywhere from $10 to $30 per roll. In a bathroom you may only need a couple of rolls to get the job dome.

Decor

Add a rug and new towels or countertop accessories. Give your bathroom an even plusher appearance by choosing an interestingly shaped rug for the “dry” area of your bathroom. Bathroom accessories come in so many designs that will really give the room loads of character. They’re quite affordable, too, so purchasing new bathroom decor is truly a fantastic way to upgrade the room without spending too much money.

If you have more money to spare for the project, you can do even more to upgrade the room. But if you don’t have the financially flexibility for something bigger, these remodel ideas are perfect to try. Any questions, contact the experts in home remodel at Turek’s Plumbing!

Increase Your Home’s Value With a Kitchen and Bath Remodel

November 14th, 2016

How to Increase Your Home’s Value With a Kitchen and Bath Remodel

If you want to increase your home’s value, you need to start out by making a plan. Your upgrades should best be intentional and not impulsive, so list the changes and updates you want to achieve. Factor in your choices the duration in which you plan to live in the house. If you plan to sell soon, it’s a good idea to be guided by a realtor regarding improvements you should implement.

In making your list, be sure to categorize according to cost, both in time and money. It’s important that you be realistic and keep your financial limits in mind. Once you have your list categorized, figure out what’s doable.

With your plan in place, do your research on the potential returns of your intended improvements. Understandably, some will add more value to your home than others.

Now, if your budget only allows you to focus on a couple of areas in your home, the expert recommendation is that you do a kitchen and bath remodel. Any real estate professional will tell you that a kitchen upgrade brings in the greatest return. The bathroom, on the other hand, is a workhorse, so you need to remedy all the wear and tear it has suffered to ensure that everything’s in tip-top shape and looking great.

What can you do to upgrade your kitchen?

Change the paint. It’s simple, but the difference it makes is huge. You could also change the look of your cabinets using a faux-wood finish.
Install a new backsplash. New tile looks attractive and adds color to your kitchen.
Switch to stainless steel. This gives your kitchen a new, shiny, and modern appeal.
Put in a rolling island. This gives you adjustable storage and counter space.
Hang a pot rack and a wine bottle holder. This will allow you to display new pots and pans as well as an interesting assortment of wines, which will emphasize the functionality of your kitchen.

What can you do to beautify your bathroom?

Put in attractive faucets and switch to under-mount sinks. Drop sinks look dated.
Invest in a granite countertop. This should be cheaper than a kitchen countertop since it would be smaller.
Use wall mounts instead of overhead lighting. They are warmer and make the bathroom look more chic.
Install heated floors. These should win many buyers over if you’re looking to sell.
Improve the bath area. Consider installing a stone surround tile shower with body sprays. This will give your bathroom a Zen feel.
Freshen up your grout. Old grout usually causes the dingy look of a bathroom.

These kitchen and bath remodel ideas are sure to make your home look better while gaining value. If you are interested in a few remodel ideas, call your local Fox Cities Plumber at Turek’s Plumbing today!

Converting your bathroom from tub to shower only

November 10th, 2016

Video: Converting Your Bathroom Tub Into Shower Only – How Will It Affect Resale Value?

Are you considering converting your bathroom by getting rid of your tub and switching to a shower-only bathroom?

There are several reasons why people would want to do this. any of our clients looking to get rid of their tub are Seniors and need to be able to get in the shower without stepping over the side of the tub. It can be difficult to step over 15 inches to get in the tub for a shower especially with a hip or knee problem which is common in seniors. Other reasons for converting from tub to shower only are you simply don’t take baths. It could be that you don’t want the hassle of maintaining a bathtub or simply want more space. Trends are showing that shower-only bathrooms are more contemporary-looking so many homeowners are simply making the change for style purposes. Whatever your reasons are for converting your bathroom, you need to take into account the possible ramifications of such a move, especially on your home’s value. In the below video, Turek’s Plumbing Owner, Ed Turek talks about this very subject.

Converting tub into shower only — how will it affect resale value?

Bathroom remodel projects can do a lot in increasing your home’s value, which usually means a good return on however much you invested. However, if you do decide to replace a bathtub with a shower, you’re changing your bathroom specs from a full bath (toilet, tub, and shower) to a three-quarter bath. This, however, doesn’t automatically mean a decrease in value.

Another factor you might want to consider is how many bathrooms there are in your home. If you’re removing the tub in the only bathroom, this might turn off many potential buyers — ones who love a good soak after a tiring week, mothers who prefer to bathe their children in the tub, etc. As long as your home maintains at least one tub, converting one bathroom to shower-only shouldn’t negatively impact its resale value.

It’s true that bathroom remodels are popular and considered a good investment. If you’re reselling in the near future, you have to appreciate that a mid-range, full bathroom remodel can return more than 50 percent of the investment. Nonetheless, if you expect to continue living in the house for some time, your convenience seriously trumps value.

You have to figure out what best serves your needs, especially where safety is a concern.

If, right now, you could use more space for storage or for your personal comfort, then you should have a bathroom that gives you that. If safety is an issue, there definitely shouldn’t be any question either. You need to do what’s best for safety. You’ll just have to take the slight decrease in value if it does result in that. If you are considering a bathroom remodel in Appleton, Oskosh or the Fox Cities area, be sure to give us a call. We will be happy to schedule an in-home evaluation and estimate.

Water Heater Facts You Need to Know

October 27th, 2016

Water Heater Facts

You use your water heater, like millions of people, on almost a daily basis, especially when the cooler seasons arrive. But despite the ubiquity of these appliances, have you really given much thought to these? You may have a hard time picturing a life without a water heater, but what water heater facts should you be aware of?

Here are Some Fun Water Heater Facts That You Might Want to Know

Energy Factor

Your heater accounts for a fourth or 25 percent of your overall energy consumption. If your energy bills seem to be steadily climbing, one of the first things that you need to check is your heater. Also, if you want to reduce your energy consumption, you may want to switch to a more efficient heater.

A conventional tank water heater has a lifespan between 10 and 13 years. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, has a longer lifespan, lasting somewhere between 18 and 20 years.

The average person will use six to eight gallons of hot water for a shower. A person taking a bath, on the other hand, will consume between 15 and 20 gallons of water. An average load of laundry consumes roughly 20 to 30 gallons of water while washing the dishes uses about two gallons of water per minute. If you opt to use a dishwasher, it will use between six and 10 gallons of water.

Before water heaters were invented, you needed to heat water on a stove. The first water heater was developed in England in 1868 after a painter found a way to place gas burners beneath water pipes to heat cold water. In turn, a Norwegian engineer named Edwin Ruud found inspiration from this idea and developed what is to be the ancestor of the first tank water heater.

Exploding Water Heater?

It is possible for a water heater to explode. However, such cases occur very rarely. If you wish to avoid this situation, you have to check the heater’s temperature and water pressure and look for signs like the smell of leaking gas and rust.

If you want hot water fast, consider investing in a hot water recirculating system. This system shortens the delay in getting hot water by continuously circulating the heated water throughout the building. It is ideal for large homes and commercial applications. However, be aware that the system uses a huge amount of energy if the pipes are not properly insulated.

The right way to choose heater size is to count the number of occupants. When choosing a water heater is it also important to consider the peak hour water demand.

If you are thinking about water heater replacement in Fox Cities, contact the professionals at Turek’s Plumbing.