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If you’re looking for ways to make your home’s plumbing more functional, we have a few recommendations for you. If you’ve been looking for plumbing contractors in Neenah, you’re in the right place. Our team can help with all of your plumbing needs, big and small.
Keep reading to learn more about some ways to upgrade your plumbing to enjoy better functionality and a more modern appearance. Then give us a call to schedule your in-home assessment for making these upgrades.
Did you know that your home’s plumbing system has to be overhauled after a period of years? If you have a relatively newer home that was built in the last several decades, this probably isn’t something you need to think about yet. But if you have an older home, it may be time to consider repiping.
If you’ve been looking for a repiping contractor in Appleton, you are in the right place. Our team is here to help with all of your plumbing needs, no matter how big or small they are. You can keep reading to learn more about some of the signs that can indicate your home needs a completely new plumbing system.
The average lifespan for a water heater can vary based on whether it is gas or electric and how well you keep up with maintenance. We are highlighting some of the signs that can indicate it’s time for a water heater replacement in your home.
You can keep reading to learn more about the expected lifespan of a water heater and how to know when it’s time to invest in a new one. Then, you can give our team a call to schedule your water heater replacement in Neenah. Our team can go over all of your different water heater options with you so that you can make a smart choice that saves you money and elevates your home comfort.
Bathroom remodels are one of the projects that can give you the best bang for your buck. This not only improves your home’s equity, but you also get to enjoy the perks of having a new bathroom! However, you have to make the right choices. To get started on planning your dream bathroom, you’ll need to know exactly what you want and how you’ll achieve it. It is also important to obtain insights that will help you with decision-making throughout the entire process. To further prepare yourself for the project, check out the answers to the following bathroom remodel FAQs:
First, figure out what you want and need to do to improve your bathroom. You may do your research by auditing the existing features and characteristics of your bathroom, and listing down what you want to add or improve. For ideas, you can browse through home design sites or magazines. Make sure to consider everything, from lighting to storage to countertops to showers and toilets to the floors. Once you have your ideas sorted out and organized, talk to a bathroom remodel professional in the Fox Cities area to know more about your options and start finalizing the plans.
It depends on the details. Is your design simple or complicated to undertake? Are the materials you need easily available or do you need to place a special order for them and wait for stocks to be available? Needless to say, a simple remodel using easily available materials can be finished as quickly as possible. At the same time, more extensive projects can still be fast and efficient to do if you work with an experienced and highly competent team.
Again, the answer depends on your choice of materials and how extensive the project will be. If you want to keep costs low, your bathroom remodeling contractor can present you with a range of choices that fit your vision and will still be within your set budget. If money is no issue, a good contractor will still take the time to make recommendations that will offer you more value for your investment. The important thing is to discuss the costs early on, and in a clear, transparent, and documented manner to avoid any surprise expenses. Our friends at Headwaters Construction, a Sacramento general contractor, say that many bathroom remodeling projects these days start around 7K. Of course, this does depend on what you’re looking for.
You can revamp the look and feel of your bathroom through the right design strategies. A small bathroom can feel more spacious without the need for a major renovation through some of the following techniques:
A product designed and quality-tested to be 20 percent more water-efficient than federal standards has a WaterSense label from the Environmental Protection Agency. These products include low-flow showerheads and toilets that reduce water consumption without necessarily reducing your everyday convenience. It pays to invest in WaterSense products as it will provide you with significant savings in the long run. Moreover, reducing water use is a great way to contribute to your community’s water conservation efforts.
Contact Tureks Plumbing, your local plumbing professionals in Fox Valley, to to talk about more bathroom remodel FAQs.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in January 2017 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Plumbing problems can be the worst, especially when it’s affecting several parts of your home. A kitchen sink backing up when washing laundry is definitely out of the normal. This problem can be caused by either a clogged drain or a venting issue. So, where do you start? Well, if you’re looking for a quick fix, we always recommend contacting your local plumbing company. If you’d like to try to fix this on your own, continue to read the article below!
All plumbing fixture drains in a residence, including the washing machine drain, must connect to a 3- or 4-inch main drain pipe that connects to a sewer or septic tank outside the home. To drain a washing machine into a kitchen sink, the kitchen sink drain must connect to the washing machine drain pipe. Our Appleton plumber says that the clog lies somewhere after the connection to the kitchen sink drain but before the connection to the other drains. Note that the water would just back up from the washing machine drain if the clog was before the kitchen sink. If the blockage occurred after the connection with other fixture drains, it would back up into the lowest fixture, which was usually a shower or toilet.
Washing machines may pump up to 15 gallons of water per minute into the drain. This is significantly quicker than any other fixtures or appliances. A drain pipe of 1 1/2 inches was thought to be adequate for earlier washing machines. However, code now requires a washing machine drain pipe size of at least 2 inches in many regions for appropriate drainage. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, who offers Twin Cities plumbing services, say that due to the grease and food that is frequently poured into them, kitchen-sink drain pipes clog more frequently than other plumbing fixtures. Due to the volume of water pumped from the washing machine, even a partial obstruction in the shared drain pipe from the kitchen sink can cause the washing machine to back up into the sink.
If there is a gurgling sound coming from the sink drain when the washing machine drains, the backup could be caused by a venting problem. Drainage problems will occur if the washing machine or kitchen vent is run incorrectly or is too small. Similarly, if the vent is clogged, consider a straw with liquid in it. The liquid will not drain if one end of the straw is blocked. The same is true for a plumbing system. If you hear gurgling coming from the kitchen sink, it’s because the sink is being used as a vent.
If the sink is gurgling, visually inspect the vent for blockages. A clog in a drain pipe is most likely too far away to be unplugged by plunging. At this point, if your kitchen sink is backing up when washing laundry, you should contact Tureks Plumbing. Our team of experienced plumbers will resolve the problem in no time. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout the Fox Valley cities areas.
Floor drains are frequently overlooked when it comes to residential plumbing. Floor drains seem similar to drains found in bathtubs and showers because they are flush with the surface, but they are more typically found in basement floors, garages, laundry rooms, older bathroom floors, and even on patios and roads. Floor drains are installed everywhere. There is a need for quick, effective water drainage. Most Appleton homeowners do not consider floor drain maintenance until a problem arises. Follow these recommended floor drain maintenance tips from your Appleton plumber.
Indoor floor drains collect overflow from sinks, toilets, tubs, water heaters, and washing machines, among other things. Floor drains, whether indoors or outdoors, are designed to efficiently and safely transport water. It’s transferred to a sewer or municipal storm drain, keeping the floor dry and rooms from flooding. The overall objective of traps is to keep sewage odors and gasses from entering your home through the drain. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, who offers Twin Cities plumbing services, recommend filing these drain traps on a regular basis to see that they’re working efficiently. Simply pour a gallon of water down each floor drain in your home. Water will fill the trap, creating a barrier between your home and the sewer system.
Many various forms of material build on your floor, from pet hair to dust bunnies. Therefore, it has the potential to end up in and block. The first indicator of a clogged drain is if it drains slowly. If you find a blockage early on, you’ll avoid flooding. You can easily eliminate that tiny clog with a plunger and a few pumps. Another trick is to try pouring a baking soda and vinegar solution in the drain. When all else fails, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. Our team offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout the Appleton, WI areas.
Check your plumbing drains for debris. It’s recommended that you clear them at least once a quarter. You can always hire a professional plumber for drain cleaning services. Getting your drains cleared will help you avoid plumbing disasters. It’s also a good idea to arrange professional drain cleanings once a year to avoid obstructions and keep your drains working smoothly.
Most homeowners don’t realize how heavily they rely on their water heater. As you probably know, your water heater is responsible for all of your hot water. Without it, it would be difficult to shower, wash dishes, and do laundry. To keep your water heater working at its best ability, it is recommended that you have it serviced by your Appleton plumber. There are other ways to increase its longevity. In this article, Tureks Plumbing shares how to extend the life of your water heater tank and preserve its efficiency and safety.
This will only take a few minutes. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, contact Tureks Plumbing. Here’s what you’ll need:
Note: pressure release valve is required for the following tasks.
You may be wondering how long water heater tanks last. Some water heaters can last a decade without maintenance. Some are not so lucky. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a plumber in Sacramento, point out that the unit’s life expectancy depends on the type of water heater you have. However, a few minutes of water heater maintenance once a year is worth the effort. If there are any issues, here are some water heater repair suggestions to assist keep it running.
Check the pressure-relief valve, which is usually placed on the top or side of the water heater. If the pressure inside the tank becomes too high, this valve will automatically open. Place a bucket beneath the valve for draining.
Replace the valve if it does not release water when you lift the lever. The replacement is straightforward: Turn off the water, drain the tank, and then detach the discharge pipe and the old valve. Wrap sealant tape around the threads of the new valve and screw it in. If your valve has been sitting for a while and has never been tested, it may leak after you test it.
Close the cold water supply line shutoff valve that feeds the water heater. Then, using any faucet, turn on the hot water to relieve the pressure inside the water heater’s tank. Keep the water running until you’ve finished your work. Turn off the electricity to your electric heater at the main panel. Turn the gas control dial to “off” on a gas heater.
Drain the tank to flush out sediments that have accumulated at the bottom. Sediment buildup reduces the efficiency of your water heater, shortening its life and increasing your energy expenditure. Two or three liters of water should be plenty to wash away sediments, but always let the water flow until no particles are visible in the bucket. Slowly open the drain valve and let the water run until it is clear and sediment-free.
Don’t be alarmed if you hear gurgling or groaning from the heater. That sound is simply air entering the system as the water drains. Drain the tank entirely, detach the old valve, and screw in a new one if the drain valve won’t close tightly when you’re finished. To restart the water heater, open the shutdown valve and run hot water from any faucet to purge the system of air. Then, relight the pilot or switch on the electricity.
Set the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If the dial lacks digits, use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the water temperature. Higher temperatures promote sediment buildup and increase the danger of scorching injuries.
Now that you know how to extend the life of your water heater, you can easily incorporate this in your annual to-do’s. If you come across any problems, don’t hesitate to contact Tureks Plumbing. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency plumbing services.
Most people don’t look for qualities in their toilet unless they’re replacing their old one. When choosing a toilet, you should look for what fits your needs best. Be careful though, many new toilets have fancy features you don’t necessarily need. Below, our Fox Valley plumbers share a few things you should consider when choosing a new toilet.
This is such an important factor because the height and shape of the toilet will contribute to the household’s comfort when using it. If you have little kids sharing/using the toilet most of the time, perhaps it’s best to go for something that’s not too high and is a bit narrow. There’s always the danger of them falling in with larger bathroom toilets. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, who provide Sacramento plumbing services, says it’s a common mistake for homeowners to choose a toilet that is too low to the ground. Try to find a toilet that is average-sized.
You need a strong flush, especially if the bathroom is located on the higher level of the house. Flush power is indicated on the product packaging (which is why it’s often displayed as well in stores) and the scale of power is from 1-10.
The size of the bathroom has to be considered as well. According to the interior design experts that Fox Valley and Applegate, Wisconsin residents trust, while elongated toilet bowls feel more comfortable, a round bowl may be the better choice for a small bathroom. Elongated toilet bowls measure up to 31″ from the wall; on the other hand, round fixtures max out at 28″. That means they save more space, and not only that, round bowls cost less, too.
There are four styles to choose from:
Toilets can come with built-in bidets and seat warmers. There are those with lids that close on their own. See which of these you need or want in a bathroom toilet bowl.
The right toilet is always the one that can meet your requirements. Establishing what you and your family really need will help you when choosing the right bathroom toilet. Don’t hesitate to contact Turek’s Plumbing today to choose a bathroom toilet that is right for you.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Kitchen remodels can offer significant ROI, when done right. If you’re not in love with your kitchen or are looking to sell in the near future, consider making some small upgrades. When you repair or switch old fixtures with modern models, you can increase the value of your property. Likewise, a few well-appointed innovations can increase the energy efficiency of your home, allowing you to reduce energy use and enjoy lower power and water bills in the long run. To ensure that you get the most bang for your buck, avoid making these common kitchen remodel mistakes.
Take time to sit down and really think about what you want and need from your new kitchen. The biggest – and easily avoidable – expense you can face during a remodel is when you suddenly change your mind. So hire a home remodeling company to see what your new kitchen will look like in 3D. A rough sketch or some hazy description just won’t do. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., who offers general contracting in Sacramento, say this can actually cause you to go over budget.
The one thing you can do that will help you significantly reduce costs and avoid unnecessary expenses is to work only with the best contractors. Having a team of established professionals to work on your kitchen will allow you to have access to solutions that are customized to your needs and aligned with your budget. So before hiring anyone, do your homework first and contact the most reputable tradespeople you can find in your area. Our friends at Specialized AV, an audio and video company in Sacramento, recommends looking up your contractors license to ensure they are who they say they are.
A snazzy splashback, expensive countertops, chic sinks, or picture-perfect floors may make your kitchen impressive, but it’s not wise to simply consider a material’s looks or popularity alone. With research and expert advice, you can find alternatives that are not as overpriced, and may even be more durable or practical for your purposes. When budgeting, prioritize the basics: good lighting, efficiency, storage, and safety. Allot your funds first for items that will improve your kitchen’s function without hampering your style.
When improving your kitchen, remember to have a plan and stick to it. Remember the basics before splurging on the pretty things, and hire only the Fox Cities plumbing experts. With this game plan, you’ll soon have a kitchen that’s dreamy and purposeful at the same time. Contact Tureks Plumbing services for all of your home remodeling needs.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in September, 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Are you planning a kitchen remodel this year? The pandemic sparked a lot of home projects. Starting kitchen remodel projects are a much bigger project than people anticipate. The first step to sticking to the budget is understanding the cost of an average kitchen remodel. So, how much does a kitchen remodel cost in 2021? Our Fox Valley home remodeling experts share more about kitchen remodel costs.
Before the pandemic, a homeowner could spend $4,000 to $47,000 on a kitchen remodel. On average, a typical home remodels project will hover between $11,424 and $29,178. Now that the prices of wood and materials are high, it’s likely that material could be double or even triple of what it was a year ago. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc., a Sacramento ground-up construction company, point out that the type of material you choose will determine the cost. Furthermore, the more unique, the more expensive. Things to consider are wall painting, cabinet refacing, kitchen sink upgrades, and the installation of a tile backsplash.
Cabinetry and hardware account for the bulk of the expenses, taking as much as 29 percent of the overall budget. This is followed by installation costs (which usually account for 17 percent of the budget), followed by appliances and ventilation (which account for 14 percent of the budget), and countertops (which take 10 percent of the remodel budget). Other costs include design fees, lighting, flooring, doors and windows, faucets and plumbing, walls and ceilings, and other expenses.
If you want to trim your budget, there are a few areas where you can cut corners. For example, instead of hiring professionals, you can do some of the installation by yourself. Or instead of using custom cabinets for your new kitchen, you can opt for stock cabinets. Another strategy that you can try to keep costs low is to break the project into smaller pieces. This allows you to upgrade your kitchen while spreading the work and expenses across a longer timeline.
One crucial factor that you need to consider is how long you are planning to live in your home. Simply put, if you are planning to sell your home in the near future, you should resist the temptation to splurge. Experts recommend spending somewhere between five to 15 percent of a home’s value for a remodel. Within this range, you can expect to recoup your investment for your kitchen’s upgrade.
You should also consider the average cost of kitchen remodels in your area. If you are planning to sell your home, your kitchen should be within the same range as the other kitchens in your neighborhood. If you over- or under-spend on your kitchen, potential buyers will notice that and might affect the performance of your home in the property market.
On the other hand, if you are not planning on moving out of your current home in the foreseeable future, you can indulge and spend as much as you can afford. You can recoup your investment through the regular use of your kitchen.
If you have questions about kitchen remodel costs, contact the professional plumbers in Fox Cities at Turek’s Plumbing today! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with our latest plumbing news!
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in September 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
