Bathroom Remodel Questions | Important Questions to Ask

September 1st, 2016

bathroom remodel questions

Important Bathroom Remodel Questions to Ask

A quality bathroom project that offers long-term benefits will require a substantial investment of your time, money and energy. It’s therefore important to plan the entire project well to ensure you’ll be making informed decisions along the way. Make the most out of your renovation by considering these important bathroom remodel questions to ask before starting your project.

Why remodel?

Be clear from the very start about what you want to achieve by embarking on this project. You may want a remodel to make the space the bathroom of your dreams. You may want to fix all the leaks, bathroom inefficiencies and issues once and for all. Or you may simply be tired of its outdated look. Whatever the main reason/s may be, identify it early on so you can focus on achieving the objectives you want the remodel to obtain.

How much can I afford to spend?

Another crucial thing you need to set from the beginning is your budget. Request for a quote, do some research, use an online renovation calculator, or better yet, talk to a contractor to get an approximation of how much you need, considering what you want to undertake. A set budget will help you narrow down your choices and guide your contractor in making recommendations that will be suitable for you.

Who will use the space?

An ideal bathroom for busy, working adults will definitely be different from a bathroom for a children’s bedroom or a bathroom to be used by a senior individual. Likewise, a guest powder room may require a design that’s different from the aesthetics of a shared family bathroom. In the same way, remodeling a bathroom in a family home will be unlike the remodel of a bathroom inside a property for rent. The purpose of the bathroom will dictate everything, from the style to the layout to the colors you choose.

Is going green an important consideration?

Take advantage of a bathroom remodel if you’re interested in building a greener home. Switch to low-flow showerheads, faucets and flush to reduce your water consumption every day. Use lighting fixtures that are rated highly efficient. Or install strategically placed windows and other features that make smart use of available light.

When can I set an appointment with my contractor?

Whether you’re a seasoned home projects aficionado or a first-time renovator, the truth is that you can’t completely answer most of the questions above without the help of an expert. No two bathroom remodels are alike, so make sure to work with professional plumbers, bathroom renovation specialists and trustworthy tradespeople to ensure the solutions you will carry out will specifically cater to your needs and preferences.

If you have questions about a bathroom remodel in Appleton, contact the remodel professionals at Turek’s Plumbing.

Continue Reading

DIY Plumbing or Hire a Professional?

August 25th, 2016

DIY Plumbing

DIY Plumbing or Should I Hire a Professional?

The DIY route’s main charm is the promise to save you money; by not hiring the pricey services of the professionals, you truly can prevent a heavy cash outflow. But, here’s something everybody should know about DIY projects: They do not always go as planned, especially if it’s your first time undertaking such work. It doesn’t matter if the task is a simple or a complex one; if it’s your first time, you can bet that things will not go as smoothly as the YouTube tutorial you might be following.

Now, if you already have some experience with repairs or you simply have the special gift of “tinkering” with things successfully, then by all means, go and DIY! However, before taking on any project, be sure to evaluate the task thoroughly; know your limits and recognize when to hire the pros.

For example, with plumbing, you should be able to differentiate the difficulty of certain repairs and installations to be carried out. Say, you need to replace a faucet or an old washing machine hose, or fix toilet hardware; ask yourself, “Are they the DIY plumbing or hire-a-professional type of tasks?” Actually, those are plumbing jobs that you can do yourself because there aren’t too many risks surrounding these issues.

Hire a Professional Tasks

Hire-a-professional tasks, according to the plumbers that Applegate and Fox Valley residents turn to, are for big ticket projects such as remodeling and renovations because experience and highly technical skills are required for these. Other tasks only pros should take care of are sump pump repair, backed up toilets, and other gnarly issues that can compromise safety and living conditions.

Plumbing tasks that truly should never be done through DIY are anything involving gas appliances or lines. A Fox Valley plumber says that you should never take risks with anything that involves gas. A misstep with a gas appliance or pipe can be very dangerous. Experienced plumbers have a tried-and-tested safe procedure for installation and repair; you can have the assurance that the job will be completed properly.

So, here are the rules of thumb in determining if a DIY plumbing job is something you can do or if it needs a professional:

  •         If the job is something that you don’t want to pay for twice, hire the pros.
  •         If it’s a big-ticket item, call the pros.
  •         For replacements of small plumbing hardware that you’re familiar with, take the DIY route.
  •         If a repair doesn’t require special skills, tools or require strict safety standards, you can DIY.
  •         For anything that involves gas, call the pro.
  •         If you want to restore the proper working order of your plumbing system as soon as possible, call the pros.

If you have a plumbing problem in Fox Valley, contact the plumbing experts at Turek’s Plumbing today!

 

Continue Reading

What Are the Signs of a Main Sewer Line Clog?

August 11th, 2016

Main Sewer Line Clog

What Are the Signs of a Main Sewer Line Clog?

A main sewer line clog rarely occurs out of the blue. More often than not, an attentive homeowner will see warning signs that indicate that there will be an imminent clog. Knowing what these signs are and watching out for these can save you from the hassles and costs associated with fixing clogged main sewer lines.

But before listing the signs of a main sewer line clog, it is a good idea to know a little bit about the anatomy of your home’s sewer line. Think of your home’s sewer line as something similar to a tree. On one hand, you have the main line which is essentially like a tree’s main trunk. The main sewer line runs across your home. The secondary lines are just like branches that run from the main line. When you have a main sewer line clog, this will mean that your whole home will be affected. On the other hand, if the problem is with the secondary line, the clog will be confined to just one area in your home.

What are the signs that there is a problem with your main sewer line?

One of these warning signs that you need to watch out for is water backing up out the drain. Sometimes, you will hear gurgling sounds from the drains. You are likely to notice these signs after using one area in your home. For example, if you notice that your toilet or the floor drain in one part of your home starts percolating after you used the washing machine, it is highly likely that you have a clog in the main sewer line.

If you live in a home with several trees on your property, you have to watch out for pipes that have been crushed by the roots of the trees. Two tell-tale signs of this problem are gurgling sounds and the sluggish flow of drains.

On the other hand, if you live in a relatively new home and you notice these signs, the probable cause of this problem is clogging due to products like toilet paper and feminine hygiene products blocking the sewer line.

What should you do if you notice these signs in your home? It is important to release the pressure that has built up in the sewer line. To do that, you need to shut off the water at the main and then remove the cleanout cap. Avoid using chemical-based drain cleaners as these may cause more harm than good.

If you are hiring a Fox Valley sewer company and their employees cannot find the cause of the problem, they might recommend a sewer line camera inspection to pinpoint the underlying cause of the issue.

Continue Reading

Making the Switch to High Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures

August 2nd, 2016

High Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures

How High Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures Can Benefit You 

There is greater awareness of the need to conserve and protect valuable water resources within communities today. Every activity inside the household that involves the use of water can be done in a more mindful manner, using better-designed equipment and fixtures, in order to prevent wastage and contribute to the collective efforts in specific areas.

One positive practice that families can observe is to install high efficiency plumbing fixtures to replace more traditional provisions. If all households were to do this, according to the US EPA, the entire country would be able to save over 3 trillion gallons of water, plus more than $18 billion each year.

And because energy is used to treat water for better quality, deliver the water to homes, and heat the water for the residents’ use, saving water also means saving considerable amounts of energy. Just one American home out of a hundred that gets retrofitted with more water-efficient fixtures would translate to around 100 million kWh of electricity saved each year. Just imagine: That is equivalent to 80,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions prevented from entering the environment.

With these benefits, what household would fail to see the practicality and positive environmental impact of high-efficiency fixtures? If you’re interested to transform your home into a truly environment-friendly one, then consider making the switch to high-efficiency fixtures with the help of your trusted plumbing professionals.

Here is what you need to know about plumbing fixtures with ultra-low water use:

Fixing Faucets

Conventional faucets use more than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). You can replace these with their high-efficiency counterparts which have flow rates that do not exceed 1.5 gpm.

Alternatively, you can modify your current faucet with a flow restrictor or aerator if you’re in need of a less expensive water-saving option.

Saving On Showers

Taking showers accounts for about 20 percent of water usage in the average household. But if the goal is to save water, it’s best to stay away from fancy showerheads that mimic rainfall, for example, which can waste several gallons of water at once.

Slash your water use when showering by replacing your old showerhead with a more efficient ultra-low-flow. A good showerhead does not use more than 2 gpm (traditional showerheads use 2.5 gpm). You’ll cut your water use down by as much as 70 percent with this move alone.

Flush Smarter

Finally, you can save more water, time and money when you choose your toilets wisely. Flushing is the one activity that consumes the greatest amount of water in the average household.

The typical toilet (generally, one that has been installed before 1994) uses over 1.6 gallons of water per flush (gpf). You have three alternative options for saving water:

  • A high-efficiency toilet does not exceed 1.28 gpf.
  • A dual-flush toilet comes with two buttons: a lower-flush button for liquid waste and a higher-flush button for solid waste.
  • A composting toilet uses little or even no water for flushing waste.

If you would like more information about high efficiency plumbing fixtures contact the Fox Cities plumbing professionals at Turek’s Plumbing.

Continue Reading

Kitchen Remodel Ideas To Help You Save Money

July 28th, 2016

Kitchen Remodel Ideas

Kitchen Remodel Ideas That Will Help You Stay Within Your Budget

Sometimes, you do not have to spend a sizeable amount of money to breathe life into your kitchen. If you do not want to break the bank, here are some budget kitchen remodel ideas that you can try.

Give your cabinets a second lease on life

A new set of cabinets can eat up your budget for your kitchen renovation. If you are trying to save money and the current cabinets installed in your kitchen are still in a good condition, you can simply apply a fresh coat of paint on these.

Shop online

During the planning stages of your kitchen remodel, you are probably spending a lot of time online. You probably find yourself doing research on possible options that you can try. While you are online, you can try looking for great deals on cabinets, countertops and other materials that you can use for your new kitchen. Some online merchants offer competitive prices for their products.

Consider using surplus items

If you are working with a contractor for your kitchen remodel, it is a good idea to talk to him about how much you can truly afford for the project. Being transparent about your budget and flexible about your options can lead to greater cost savings. For example, if your contractor has a few surplus items lying around from a previous project, you can buy those materials at a substantial discount.

Perform some of the works involved in the project

There are some types of work that are best left to the experts. Additionally, hiring professionals can help you save more money and time over the long term because they know how to get the best results the first time, every time. However, you can substantially reduce the labor costs for your kitchen remodel by taking up some of the simpler works involved — like painting, for example.

Know what to ditch and what to preserve

If you are eyeing something that is too luxurious and pricey for the kitchen remodel, you can save more money by retaining a few existing elements in your kitchen. Focus on a few aspects of your kitchen which still look good and are in great shape. You can now use the savings from these to buy the premium items that you want to have.

With a little creativity, online research and a few compromises, you can update your kitchen without draining your savings. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, contact Turek’s Plumbing in Fox Cities to start your remodel today!

Continue Reading

5 Best Tips for Hiring a Remodel Contractor

July 27th, 2016

remodel contractor

5 Best Tips for Hiring a Remodel Contractor

Remodeling your home to improve style and function? When you are thinking about starting any home improvement projects, it is important to hire a contractor that will ensure that the project be carried out properly and according to the budget you have in mind.

There are many such professionals in the construction industry and if it’s your first time needing to hire one, you may be inclined to hire the first one you meet in your locality in Wisconsin.

Not Necessarily.

It’s imperative to be meticulous when it comes to hiring a remodel contractor because having the same job title doesn’t always mean that all remodel contractors have the same values and can deliver the quality of work your require. To ensure you hire a good one for your remodeling project, here are the five best tips to follow.

Do a Background Check on the Contractor’s Credentials

There’s a very big difference between the experience and expertise of contractors who have been in the industry for 15 years and that of contractors that have held the title for only 5 years, even if they’re from big companies. Likewise, see if a contractor has different kinds of certifications from national trade organizations; certification means that as a professional, your contractor has studied and worked hard to meet stringent standards.

See if the Contractor is Easy to Talk To

Communication is integral to the best accomplishment of the remodeling project, so you need someone who can easily understand what you’re saying and whom you can easily understand as well. Also, ask as many questions as you can; the answers provided will reveal so much about how experienced the contractor is.

Talk to the Contractor About the Price of the Project

From this conversation, you’ll get a fair assessment of how aligned the contractor is with your requirements, as well as how knowledgeable or experienced he is in this aspect of the job. Is he able to properly describe the materials necessary for the job? Does he understand quality requirements despite budget constraints?

Ensure the Contractor Will Provide the Information you Need

Your contractor should be able to provide information on the requirements you need to fulfill in order for the job to be carried out according to industry standards. The best contractors will ensure that all the necessary permits are secured before starting any project. Contractors are in charge of procuring all necessary permits; therefore, your job is to know what these permits are to determine how compliant your contractor is.

Find Out the Cost of the Job for the Contractor

Remember, price often reflects quality, but don’t just go for the remodel contractor that charges the highest. You should always ensure that the contractors rates are completely justified. 

If you are thinking about a remodel for your home, contact your Fox Cities plumber at Turek’s Plumbing today!

 

Continue Reading

Trenchless Sewer Repair – No Need to Dig Up the Yard

July 12th, 2016

Trenchless Sewer Repair

Trenchless Sewer Repair | What You Need To Know 

If your sewer pipe broke, you should consider hiring a company that does trenchless sewer repair. This solution will certainly enable you to avoid the usual disruption and costs associated with the traditional method of sewer repairs. Traditional sewer repair normally involves digging trenches in your yard. This will mess up everything from your landscaping to your driveway and other structures that may stand above the damaged sewer lines.

The cost of traditional trenching usually includes payment for digging up the portion of street in front of your home. Sometimes the repair can even cause traffic to be rerouted to accommodate the work being done. This could mean anything from a few thousand dollars to more than $20,000 in sewer repair work. 

Trenchless Sewer Repair Options

The option of trenchless sewer repair has been available for about 15 years. Pipe lining and pipe bursting are the most common kind. A pipe liner or cured-in-place pipe is a flexible tube with resin coating. It is blown or pulled into the problem pipe and inflated. When the resin hardens, it results in a pipe within a pipe effect with the new pipe jointless and corrosion resistant. Pipe lining will result in the diameter of the lateral pipe being reduced by about a fourth of an inch, but this won’t impact its capacity to remove waste from the home. The method does require digging one hole for access. It also has some restrictions. For instance, it might not work if the lateral has joints or if it has collapsed.

Pipe bursting, on the other hand, is still possible even in the case of a collapsed lateral as long as there’s room for a cable to be dragged through the old pipe. This method involves pulling a new pipe through the damaged pipe, fracturing the latter outward in the process. This requires digging access holes on each side of the lateral pipe. Both pipe lining and bursting are proven effective and durable solutions for damaged sewer pipes.

Trenchless Sewer Repair Costs

Trenchless sewer repair costs vary depending on factors such as soil type, materials used, and how deep the pipes are buried. The work itself can be more expensive than conventional digging. Sometimes costing about 30 to 50 percent more. No dig sewer repair options are still the more cost effective option long term. There won’t be any need to spend thousands of dollars on restorative work.

There are situations, of course, that still call for trenching. Depending on the location as well as the condition and configuration of the pipes. If you are looking for the best advise for trenchless sewer repair in Fox Cities, call the plumbing professionals at Turek’s Plumbing
. 

 

Continue Reading

Steps for a Bathroom Remodel Plan

July 8th, 2016

Bathroom Remodel Plan

Necessary Steps for a Bathroom Remodel Plan

Are you considering a bathroom remodel plan to add value to your home and to incorporate your style preference? There are steps you need to take in order to ensure that you do achieve these ends and avoid having regrets later on.

 

Evaluate the existing space 

First, you need to study the bathroom and figure out what areas and features you would like to improve on. How’s the lighting? Do you want different mirrors? Would the room do better with a complete overhaul? By evaluating the space, you can get a better idea of how you want the renovation to turn out?

 

Compare with other homes 

You need to look into comparable homes in the neighborhood and see what they offer in terms of bathrooms. For instance, if all the other homes have only one bathroom, you could boost your home’s value by adding a second bathroom.

 

Consider your future plans 

Your plans would dictate what kind of renovation would make the most sense. For instance, if you plan to move in the next five years, a neutral upgrade to suit mainstream tastes is ideal; however, if you see yourself staying put for at least another decade, if not for life, then you can go ahead and remodel based on your personal tastes.

 

Determine your budget

Bathrooms can be really expensive to remodel. You don’t want to skimp on items either, especially the sink, the toilet, and other highly utilized features, so figure out what your budget is in order for you to make a practical plan. It’s also a good idea to pad your budget with 10 to 20 percent more money in case unforeseen problems arise. You never know what may be uncovered by your workers. If they find a leak, rot, unsafe wiring, or anything else that can’t be ignored, you’ll need the funds to address it right away as well.

 

Consult a professional

After you’ve worked out what you want and how much you can invest in the project, you’ll need to choose a contractor to hire. You want to work with one who has had plenty of experience installing bathroom features, from the flooring to the plumbing lines. It’s a good idea to consider contractors who have a showroom so you can have a good idea of the kind of work you can expect from them. Once you’ve picked a contractor, you can present your ideas and discuss what’s feasible, what’s not, and what alternative solutions you might want to consider.

 

Planning a bathroom remodel is much more involved than selecting pieces that suit your taste. It’s a highly technical undertaking, so it’s good to get a pro to weigh in on your ideas. If you are thinking about a bathroom remodel plan for your home, contact Turek’s Plumbing. 

 

Continue Reading

Things to Consider Before Starting a Bathroom Remodel in an Old House

July 6th, 2016

bathroom remodel

Bathroom Remodel | 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 a bathroom remodel 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.

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, making 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.

 

Taking on a bathroom remodel can be a complicated process however, don’t let that deter you. Call the plumbing professionals at Turek’s plumbing and let them help you transform your old bathroom.

 

Continue Reading

The Importance of a Water Heater Flush

July 1st, 2016

water heater flush

The Importance of a Water Heater Flush  | 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 to flush your water heater. If you want to avoid these problems, you need to make it a habit to get a water heater flush  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. A water heater flush will get rid of sludge. At that point 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: contacting plumbers at Turek’s plumbing to handle the job. When you get reliable experts to do it for you, you ensure thorough results. Moreover, reliable professional plumbers 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.

 

Continue Reading