Preventing Post Holiday Plumbing Issues
With the home so busy during the holidays, the plumbing often gets overloaded, which can lead to emergency plumbing calls during and after the holidays.
Here are some tips for avoiding a plumbing disaster:
Showers:
- Clean the drain screen to prevent hair from creating a clog
- If you increased the water heater temperature to keep up with more showers being taken, reduce it back to the normal temperature setting after your company leaves.
- Clean the shower head to get rid of deposits and help the water flow and pressure
Toilets:
- Check to make sure it is flushing properly
- Use a plunger to clear any small clogs if the toilet is slow to flush
Sinks
- Soap scum and hair can create clogs in the sink, run very hot water for a few minutes to loosen possible debris
- Keep a smaller plunger handy for plunging the sink if it clogs
Kitchen
- Check the garbage disposal for any miscellaneous items that may have been dropped in the sink.
- Run cold water for 15 seconds before and after putting food waste down the disposal
- Do not pour grease, oil or fat into the drain
- Do not turn on the disposal without running water
Installing a Basement Bathroom
Basements have many different uses. They can be turned into a man cave, theater room, play room, and more. To get the most use out of the basement, homeowners should consider having a bathroom installed.
Before going ahead with the project, there are some things to consider such as placement, full or half bath, drainage, and more. Here are some items to consider when planning to install a basement bathroom:
Placement
In an ideal situation, the bathroom will be placed as close to already existing plumbing and wiring as possible. The best place to install the bathroom would be right underneath a bathroom on the floor above, but that isn’t always possible.
Type
Unless the basement also has a guest bedroom, the basement bathroom is generally just a half bath, or just a toilet and sink. Basements can be cold, which isn’t the best environment for taking a bath or shower. However, if a shower is being added, a corner shower is a great space saving choice.
Drainage
Most plumbing relies on gravity, and there needs to be enough of a drop to drain the toilet. If the drain lines aren’t deep enough, this could mean excavating the ground below the bathroom. All Star Plumbing and Restoration can help homeowners determine the best course of action is regarding drainage.
Toilet Options
Different types of toilets will work with different plumbing. Here are some of the options:
- Pressure assisted: This type of toilet uses air pressure to force waste through the pipes to prevent clogs
- Upflushing: this toilet’s plumbing lines run upward through the wall to the ceiling and connect to the sewer or septic tank. It’s a simple and common option for basement bathrooms.
- Sewage-ejector systems: This system pumps waste upward to the sewer or septic line. It can be above ground or below ground.
- Composting: This toilet option uses very little water. It turns toilet waste into compost that can used for plants, but requires good outside ventilation.
Talk to All Star Plumbing and Restoration about creating a bathroom in the basement. It will make the space more useful, and an extra bathroom always comes in handy. The professional plumbers at All Star can help decide on the best type of toilet, where it should be placed, and all the specifics of the project, as well as helping with the installation.
Questions New Homeowners Should Ask About Plumbing
When people set out to buy their first home it’s exciting, but in that excitement there are a few things they can forget to look at in their dream home. One of those is the plumbing. It’s an easily overlooked factor when house hunting, and one that can turn into an expensive nightmare later on.
Avoid a plumbing disaster when buying a new home by asking these three questions:
1. How Old Are the Pipes?
Ask the owners, realtor, and home inspector about the age of the pipes. The home inspector will probably have more knowledge about them and can tell new homeowners if they need to be replaced.
2. What Type Are They?
This question might get answered with the above question, but it is important to know. There are copper pipes, galvanized steel, PVC, plastic, and more. Each has their own pros and cons, and different lifespans.
3. Where Do They Run?
Knowing where the pipes lead to in the yard will be a big help later on. They might impede plans to build a swimming pool or become damaged by tree roots. Before doing any yard work, have a plumber mark where the lines run on the property so nothing gets damaged.
When buying a new home, be sure to get all of the facts before jumping in. Re-piping an entire home right after buying it could be an expensive nightmare for new homeowners. The team at All Star Plumbing and Restoration can come inspect the pipes in the home, and can help homeowners determine if any changes are necessary.
Predicted 2017 Bathroom Tile Trends
Remodeling the bathroom this next year? It can be hard to choose tiles that will be loved for years to come, so check out some of the predicted tile trends for 2017.
Patterned Tiles
Bathrooms can be full of hard edges and lines. Patterned tiles help to break that up and add a softness. It’s also a great way to bring some personality into the bathroom.
Hex-Shaped Tiles
When people think of bathroom tile they generally think of the plain white, rectangular style. However hexagonal tiles have become increasingly popular and will continue to do so in 2017. They can be used on floors and walls to create a unique look.
Black Tiles
Often considered too dark for a bathroom, but when done on an accent wall or paired with other brighter colors, black tiles can look very sleek.
Wood-like Tile
Tile is more resilient than hardwood flooring, making it a great option for the bathroom, but some people really like the look of wood. Get the best of both worlds with wood-like tile. It comes in many different finishes and is extremely durable.
Aqua Tile
Aqua is a bright color, and not everyone is a fan. However, 2017 might be the year to stand out with aqua-colored tiles in the bathroom. Blue works well in the bathroom, but be careful because it could become dated in a few years.
Herringbone & Chevron Patterns
When laying tile out, it doesn’t have to be a normal pattern. Try laying it out in a herringbone or chevron pattern for something a little more fun but not too crazy. Using longer tiles adds interest and depth.
While the crew at All Star Plumbing and Restoration aren’t big into tile, the can help with other aspects of the bathroom remodel that deal with plumbing, such as sinks, toilets, showers and more. Call All Star when deciding on a bathroom remodel to get all the plumbing help needed.
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