Tag: low maintenance

New Year, New Bathroom Remodel

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

The New Year means new resolutions. How about adding a bathroom remodel to your list? It may be 2018, but is your home stuck in years past? Eastern Plumbing can upgrade your home quick, easy and on budget. Here a few remodel ideas that will modernize your bathroom and make you more comfortable in the New Year.

Hide the Toilet

If you want a stylish and functional master bathroom for 2018, consider moving your toilet to a more discreet area. Hide this fixture in a “room-within-a-room” or behind a half wall. This will allow you to have more privacy and will also upgrade the look of your bathroom. If you aren’t sure of the best layout for your bathroom to incorporate this upgrade or if you need the toilet moved to a different location in the bathroom, contact Eastern Plumbing. We are experienced in bathroom design and our trusted contractors have all the tools needed to relocate any fixture in your bathroom.

Step Up Your Shower

Is your shower outdated? This year is the perfect time to upgrade it. Consider widening your shower, adding a modern tile design and replacing the shower head. Rain shower heads are quite popular. They are installed in the ceiling and create the feeling of standing out in warm tropical rain. Another popular type of shower head going into 2018 are body sprays. If one shower head just isn’t enough for you, these are the perfect solution. These swivel heads are mounted at multiple heights in your shower. You can add as many or as few as your heart desires for the perfect water massage.

Upgrade for Water Efficiency

Toilets, faucets and showers have all become much more water efficient in recent years. So, if one of your resolutions was to save money consider upgrading your bathroom fixtures. Upgrading your bathroom to be more water efficient can help you save money on your monthly utility bill. When planning your bathroom remodel, remember that these item maximize energy efficiency:

  • Tankless water heaters
  • Low flow toilets and faucets
  • LED lighting
  • Radiant floor heating
  • Insulated windows.

Make the Most of Your Space

Get rid of counter clutter in your bathrooms by adding more storage space. Consider replacing a pedestal sink with a custom vanity-mounted sink perfectly fitted to your space. Use the cabinets in the vanity to store towels, soaps and extra toilet paper. Consider replacing shower curtains with glass doors. This will add the illusion of more space and make your bathroom feel more open. Not to mention, glass shower doors are trending in 2018.

Go Low Maintenance

Do you want to be less stressed in 2018? Make your bathroom low maintenance by selecting finishes that are easy to keep looking clean and new. For example, opt for quartz counters instead of marble and get glass shower doors that are treated with water anti-spotting agents.

No matter your 2018 bathroom goals, Eastern Plumbing is here to help. We specialize in everything from shower and bathtub repair and installation, to redesign and remodel. With our experience and expertise, we can help you get your project done the right way, on time and on budget. Contact Eastern Plumbing today for remodel ideas and help.

FAQ

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

The temperature of my hot water seems to be higher than what I think it needs to be, what temperature should it be set on?

The standard temperature manufacturers’ use when pre-setting hot water heaters at the factory is typically 120°F. This is a sufficient temperature for most households; however you can adjust the temperature to meet your needs. Both thermostats should be set to the same temperature. Keep in mind that hot water also helps in minimizing the growth of bacteria. Consult Eastern Plumbing for the recommended temperatures for your particular needs.

NOTE: You should turn off the electricity to the water heater before performing any maintenance. There may be exposed wires behind the panels which could result in shock.

What could the rumbling sound I hear coming from the water heater be?

Rumbling sounds can be an indication that sediment has built up on the bottom of the water heater. Water may become trapped in the sediment and begin to boil. If this is happening, the water heater is not operating efficiently and the sediment isn’t allowing the heat to transfer to the water in the tank. You can try draining a few gallons of water off the bottom of the tank. Water heaters should be drained on an annual basis to remove sediment. Contact Eastern Plumbing if you require maintenance or have questions about your hot water heater.

WARNING: Hot water is dangerous. Discharge the water into a floor drain, laundry tub or bathtub. Hot water will kill your grass if allowed to run on your lawn. Turn off power to water heater prior to draining.

What happens when roots get inside drain lines?

Roots from shrubs and trees can completely fill a pipe with multiple hair-like root masses at each point of entry. These root masses quickly become clogged with toilet tissue, grease and other debris flowing from your home to the main sewer, resulting in reduced flow, slow running drains and in most cases a complete blockage. Once roots have entered the pipe, they continue to grow and expand, exerting considerable pressure at the crack or joint. This increased pressure often breaks the pipe and may result in total collapse, which requires repair or replacement. Some pipe materials are more susceptible to root intrusion than others. Clay tile pipe is easily penetrated and damaged by tree roots. PVC pipe has fewer joints and when properly installed is almost 100% effective against root penetrations. Allow Eastern Plumbing to use state-of-the-art inline drain cameras to view and record your drain problems.

What is the white substance around my shower head and faucet?

The unsightly buildup is mineral deposits. To remove these deposits from the shower head, take a plastic bag and pour a cup of vinegar in it. Place the bag over the shower head and use a twist tie to hold it in place overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub off the deposits. You might be able to remove the aerators from the faucets and allow them to soak in the vinegar overnight. A professional at Eastern Plumbing can explain water softening and conditioning options available to you.

How can I eliminate the odor coming from my garbage disposal?

This is a common plumbing troubleshooting question. Foul odors occur from a buildup of food debris within the disposal. To eliminate odors, place ice cubes and lemon peels or orange peels in the disposal, and run for 30 seconds. Next, squirt a little liquid dish detergent into the disposal while it is still running. Finally, run cold water for about 30 seconds to rinse all the debris away.

What is the recommendation for replacing a toilet in my home?

When considering any new fixture for your home, we recommend that you choose a fixture made by one of the major manufacturers. Poor mounting and deteriorating rings and seals may cause leaks which can cause costly damage to your home. Keep in mind that many of the new toilets conform to new government standards that require they use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush which can save you money on your water and sewer bills. If you need help with replacing a toilet in your home, contact Eastern Plumbing.

What could be the cause of my recent high water bills?

You may want to check to see if a toilet is leaking. Check the water level in the tank to see if water is overflowing into the overflow pipe. This is the pipe in the middle of the tank which has a small tube connected to it. In the event water is running into the overflow pipe, adjust the fill valve to stop the flow approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube or to the water level mark stamped on the side of the tank. Periodic maintenance by an Eastern Plumbing professional will ensure proper operation.

I have a problem with the plumbing in my house making groaning and honking noises.

Hammering pipes can be cause by various things within your piping system. Loose fittings, toilet fill valves and the absence of an expansion tank on your water heater a just a few things which can cause pipes to hammer. If are hearing noises from your water pipes, contact Eastern Plumbing to get a professional diagnosis.

I think my kitchen drains are partially clogged because the sink drains slowly. What do you recommend?

First, you can try using a plunger. Second, you can remove the trap and remove any debris. Third, if the clog is beyond the trap, there are drain augers that extend from about 15 feet to about 50 feet. There are also special enzyme-based drain openers, which may help dissolve buildup in pipes in older homes. You can also call the professionals at Eastern Plumbing and we’d be happy to help.

My Toilet ‘Burps’! What’s Going On?

The common issue of drains that gurgle or burp is caused by inability of air to get into or out of the drainage system. All plumbing fixtures require a p-trap, to keep sewer gas from entering the home. The drainage system requires vents to allow air to move freely through the drainage system. If the vent line becomes obstructed, the air will compress within the system and then push through the p-trap which causes the gurgling or burping sounds. If you are having this problem, please call Eastern Pluming to determine proper solutions.

Strengthen Your Water Heater

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

 

Prolong Your Water Heaters Life with an Inspection

Your water heater is one of the main devices in your homes comfort system. It supplies hot water for use in the dishwasher, washing machine, sinks and showers. Other than your HVAC system, it also uses the most energy. Given its importance, the stakes are high when it comes to keeping your hot water heater running in peak condition. With proper maintenance, you can extend its life and delay the moment when you need to purchase a new model. Read on to learn more.

Getting the Most from Your Household Plumbing

There are several steps you can take yourself to keep the water heater running smoothly:

  • Inspect the Temperature/Pressure Relief Valve. Make sure your pressure valve is working correctly by turning off the power and water to your hot water unit and then tripping the valve. Air, water or vapor should come out – if they don’t, you need to replace the valve. A malfunctioning valve could cause an explosion if the tank becomes over-pressurized.
  • Flush out Your Tank. It’s a good idea to empty the tank once a year or so to remove any sediment that has accumulated inside; and, it’s convenient to take care of this when you’re checking the pressure valve. Turn off the water and power to the water heater, hook a hose up to the drain valve and place the other end somewhere where it’s safe to discharge hot water. Next, with the pressure relief valve already open, flip open the drain valve and let all the water flow out. Close the drain valve and the pressure relief valve. Turn on the water supply for the water heater and turn on your hot water faucets. Wait until water starts coming out before you power up the heater again.
  • Check on Your Anode Rod. The anode rod helps prevent corrosion in your hot water tank and is an essential tool for prolonging its life. You can check on this while the tank is drained by unscrewing the hex head at the top of the tank and pulling out the rod. If there is not much left of the anode rod it is time to replace it. They are typically between three and four feet long. In general, anode rods should last about five years, but it’s a good idea to check on them annually.

Put Your Household Plumbing in Expert Hands

Now is the time to be thinking about your water heater maintenance. With the colder weather your water heater must work harder, so the more vigilant you are about maintenance, the less likely you’ll need an emergency repair or replacement. In addition to your own interventions, a yearly visit from a qualified plumber can catch any problems you missed or weren’t able to resolve and extend the lifespan of your water heater even more.

If you need your hot water heater inspected, or have any other problems with your household plumbing, contact Eastern Plumbing today.

Is It Time to Go Tankless?

Posted on by Eastern Plumbing

Most homes have conventional tank water heaters, which store dozens of gallons of hot water and maintain a steady temperature so the water is ready when you need it. But there is another type of water heater — tankless – which heats water directly and on demand as it flows through your pipes.

Tankless water heaters offer several benefits, but it’s not the perfect fit for every home or situation. Read more to learn whether upgrading to a tankless water heater makes sense for you and your family.

The Pros of a Tankless Water Heater

The primary advantage of tankless over traditional water heaters is that they’re generally more energy efficient. If you compare Energy Guide stickers of the two types when shopping, or if you browse the data for models that have been certified by Energy Star, you’ll see the difference in estimated energy consumption.

Various models of tankless heaters have their own energy-saving features, but all of them save energy by not storing hot water. With a conventional water heater, stored hot water is constantly cooling which requires frequent re-heating. A tankless heater uses virtually no energy when hot water isn’t being used. And those energy savings could make a big difference in your monthly utility bills.

Tankless heaters also offer these benefits:

  • Their compact size. Tankless heaters are about the size of a briefcase, expanding your range of installation locations and freeing up storage space.
  • Longer lifespan. With the proper maintenance, many tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years.
  • Home value. If you sell your home, the savings potential of a tankless water heater can boost your asking price.

When is Tankless a Bad Fit?

Tankless water heaters will save you money over the long haul, but the upfront cost is quite a bit higher than most conventional water heaters. Not only is the heater itself more expensive, the installation process is typically more as well. And, installing a tankless water heater is not a Do-It-Yourself project. If you’re considering upgrading to a tankless water heater, get an accurate quote so you can calculate whether the long-term savings justify the higher upfront costs.

Just like conventional water heaters, tankless heaters should be sized to the water needs of the household. Each tankless installation should be sized based on the number of fixtures in the house (which use hot water) and the number of occupants can sometimes be a factor. Incoming water temperature should also be considered when choosing the type and number of tankless units which may be required. Each tankless has a specific amount of hot water which it can supply. In the winter the incoming water is colder, which means the tankless will have to raise the temperature more than it would in the summer. Therefore the amount of hot water it can provide will be decreased. Make sure that the tankless water heater or heaters have been properly sized.

Another similarity between the two water heaters is that it always takes at least a few seconds for hot water to reach the faucet. However, with tankless heaters, this delay can be a little longer, resulting in more water waste. This will depend on how close the heater is to the hot water faucet — if your kitchen and master bath are located close together, you’ll ideally install the tankless heater in that area. Some tankless models also offer circulating systems which will decrease wait time.

To get a custom quote and consultation for a tankless water heater upgrade, or for any other plumbing service, call Eastern Plumbing today.