Common Issues Causing Water Heater Repair

June 1st, 2016

water heater repairman

Without a doubt, a water heater repair is one of the most inconvenient home repairs. 

We don’t realize how absolutely miserable life can be until there is no hot water in the house.

Aren’t we fortunate to live in a time when we don’t need to heat up water at the stove in order to have a comfortable bath? How far we have come with technology is pretty amazing. In 2016 we tend to take for-granted  daily frequent water use, like washing our hands, or giving our kids a warm bath. You can attribute a water heater leak or breakdown to normal wear and tear most of the time, so it’s not anything unusual. As your local fox valley plumbers, one of our most common calls is for repair water heaters. Nonetheless, you still need to get it fixed right away in order to keep your everyday routine in tact. 

What are the common issues associated with water heater repair?

As plumbers, we are often called to address problems like leaks, strange sounds, and water temperature changes. For instance, if you notice a puddle forming around the bottom of the water heater, chances are the tank has sprung a leak. Water minerals corrode steel over time, so a leak usually means that there’s a crack somewhere along the interior of the heating tank and it’s time for a new one. Other times it’s a simple repair that may even be covered under the warranty of your water heater. It all just depends on the age of the system and volume of use over time. For this, you need to call your local plumber to install the replacement part or to help you choose a new water heater. Of course, a leak may originate elsewhere. At any rate, your plumber will tell you what the source of the problem is and what his recommended remedy is. 

When your water heater starts producing strange noises like whining, bangs, creaks, or squeals, you need to have it checked out by a plumber. Most of the time, those noises are due to sediment that settles at the bottom of the tank. When it comes into contact with the heating component, sounds produced by the debris heating up will be easily audible. To find out what’s really causing the noise and to conduct the necessary mending, call your plumber for a diagnosis.

Other signs of a troubled water heater

  • When your water heater is not reaching the heat temperature as it used to, this is a signal that your heater needs to be checked out. Look at your thermostat and see if it’s working properly. Whether the problem is with the heating tank or with the thermostat, your system requires inspection and possible repair.
  • If your water heater is not giving you hot water at all, then something’s obviously wrong. With gas heaters, the trouble usually involves a faulty pilot light; with electric tanks, it could be a tripped breaker. Your plumber will find out what’s causing the problem and let you know about appropriate fixes.
  • The most obvious need for water heater repair will come when you have flooding from your water heater. Although this is more of an extreme example, it does happen typically due to old age and overall system failure.  In this case, it is time to replace your water heater.

Anytime you need water heater repair, Fox Valley customers can count on Turek’s Plumbing to make an accurate diagnosis and deliver the appropriate fix.

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Tips to Make Your Bathroom Renovation a Success

May 23rd, 2016

bathroom renovation fox valley

Long winters and hot summers easily turn the bathroom into a complete nook of comfort for Appleton, Wisconsin homeowners. Your bathroom does not have to be just a functional space. With the latest trends in bathroom renovation we can help you create a place of serenity,  perfect for relaxation and comfort. A soak in a hot tub filled with aromatic and healing oils and Epsom salt, for example, can bring relief from headaches, muscle pains, and general exhaustion which we all feel from time to time. Heated floors will feel like a warm blanket on your feet in the winter, and properly laid out bathroom design can transform a place of function to a place of fashion.

These are just a couple of the reasons that a bathroom renovation is such a popular project among homeowners. They no longer want the room to be just a place where they do “stuff” — they want it to be the center of wellness at home. If you’re planning on renovating your bathroom, here are some professional plumbers’ and remodelers’ tips for getting the project done in a stress-free, cost-effective manner.

Bathroom renovation timeline

Remember that you use the bathroom — you need it every day. Determine where you’ll take a shower and do your other hygiene practices while the bathroom is under renovation. Create a schedule for the family if you have just one extra bathroom. Perhaps, you can also create a makeshift shower somewhere (like in the garden) so bathing won’t be an issue, especially during busy days. A bathroom renovation without plumbing work involved can take two to three weeks. If your bathroom renovation contractor is relocating or re-designing plumbing structure, four to five weeks is a reasonable timeline.

Choosing Grout

If you’re tiling your bathroom, remember the principles of choosing grout. Dark grout outlines the tile, makes it appear small, and also hides dirt. Grout in the same color as the tile blends in and makes tiles look larger. Also, for seems that are larger than 1/8 inch, it’s best to use sanded grout.

Another important task that involves grout is re-grouting the shower. It’s best to use admix as it’s stain-resistant (if you hate water marks around your shower) and waterproof. If you have a contractor doing the work, they will be able to go over your options with you and recommend the best plan of action.

Floor Tile Decisions

No matter what type of tile you decide to use in your bathroom, always over-order tiles because tiles come in lot numbers. So if you run short, the next box you pick may look slightly different. You never know when you might need to replace a tile down the line.

Water conservation tips for bathroom remodel projects

If you want to enjoy your bathroom more but you also want to reduce water consumption, ask your Fox Valley Plumber about the latest products on the market that offer “water controls” such as low flow shower, toilets and faucets. Inquire as well about energy-efficient strategies you can use for water heating. Plumbers are a great source of knowledge regarding bathroom remodeling products. In our case, Turek’s has plenty of experience in both. Our licensed plumbers and expert bathroom remodel designers work together to create the perfect functional and luxurious space.

Our last tip for you is, if there’s no window in the bathroom but you want bright lighting without installing a lot of fixed lighting, introduce more mirrors to the bathroom instead and find strategic locations for them. Mirrors will double the amount of light in the bathroom. We can certainly help you design and implement all of the ideas you have to create a bathroom you love.

 

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Why Flushable Wipes Are Causing Plumbing Problems

May 20th, 2016

Why Flushable Wipes Are Causing Plumbing Problems

It’s true, flushable wipes are causing plumbing problems across Fox Valley 

Moist towelettes, wipes — it doesn’t really matter what you call them, but they’re great for staying sanitized. They’re so much better than regular tissues since they’re already wet; plus, they don’t scratch the skin. A lot of times, as well, they come with skin boosters like antibacterial components or vitamins; some are even come with a refreshing scent.

Where we see the most common plumbing problem is in homes where parents are using flushable wipes for potty training Toddlers.

We know, parents swear by flushable wipes for keeping their children clean and comfortable during this process. Typically we end up buy packs of them and while they are meant for toilet training they quickly become useful for cleaning everything from toys, counter tops, faucets, and many other elements in the space we are spending time working with our little ones. From there they get flushed. Why, because the package says FLUSHABLE. It makes complete sense. 

These wipes are not just turning up in pipes where little ones are present. We find that these plumbing hazards are bringing additional delight to germophobes across Fox Valley as well. However, as great as these disposable wipes are in keeping people clean, they are a significant cause of plumbing problems for a lot of places, including Fox Valley homeowners and Appleton, Wi residents.

Why flushable wipes are causing plumbing problems

  • According to our plumbing engineers who are tasked to deal with the problems caused by these flushable wipes, the material for this great cleaning tool is still not as biodegradable as your typical tissue paper, which actually still gets caught in plumbing pipes.
  • These wipes are woven so well that they don’t disintegrate easily, so they just collect in drains and build up into a huge bulk. They are not designed to tear quickly because they’ll be less effective as cleaning tools. Even deliberately tearing them is not easy – a child can get frustrated trying to rip them to shreds.
  • To make the problem worse, there are so many wipes on the market nowadays that claim to be “flushable” when they’re not. Of course, when they’re labeled flushable, people automatically ditch looking around for a trash bin nearby, and turn to the toilet for quick disposal.
  • Our master plumbers also point out that the term “flushable” is so casually plastered on packaging without any proof. Most manufacturers don’t hold great accountability for properly educating users on responsible wipes disposal. They don’t make important instructions as prominent as they could.
  • Another issue here is that there are no reliable groups that are constantly testing everything, from the said product to their packaging.
  • Lastly, a lot of people really don’t want to throw their soiled wipes in the trash. With this behavior, it certainly is no wonder these wipes are clogging up and damaging plumbing systems.

What can be done?

We are not saying flushable wipes are terrible and you should not buy them. We understand how convenient and useful they are. The easiest and smartest solution is simply to throw them in the trash. Other than that, there really is nothing more that can be done to prevent wipes from clogging up drains. However if you continue to flush them regularly, there will come a time where your toilets and tubs will get backed up. Trust us, we see it all too often. The plumbing professionals at Turek’s Plumbing are here to help you get rid of clogs and clear the problem through your main clean out. It’s not a complicated repair but it does take the tools and expertise of a professional plumber to repair. Save yourself the hassle and throw those things in the trash. 

 

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Five Fun Facts About Plumbing

May 17th, 2016

fun plumbing facts

Five Fun Facts About Plumbing You Probably Never Knew

Let’s plumb the depths of plumbing and learn some fascinating facts about this all-important modern civilization perk. We are going back in history today to share five fun facts about plumbing that you have probably never heard of before. 

  1.   Plumbing Pioneers

As with many things, the Egyptians were first in the field of plumbing. Archeologists have discovered a portion of a water plumbing system at the Pyramid of Cheops. They have also found proof of indoor plumbing in some Egyptian palaces dating back to 2500 BC. Woah! Besides these, the Egyptians also get credit for being the first to use copper piping, which is the primary material we use today in modern plumbing. Give yourself a pat on the back if you knew that fun plumbing fact!

  1.   Plumbing in the USA

Speaking of copper pipes, another of the facts about plumbing you may find interesting is that the US has had more than 28 billion feet (more or less 5.3 miles) of them installed since 1963. The country has enough copper piping to go around the planet 200 times. That’s a lot of plumbing. You can certainly say that we’ve come a long way from 1829 when Boston’s Tremont Hotel became the country’s first hotel to have indoor plumbing.

  1.   The Blessing of a Flushing Toilet

The recorded first flushing water closet can be traced back to the island of Crete. King Minos enjoyed this convenience as early as 2800 years ago. This dispels the urban legend that the inventor of the toilet was one Sir Thomas Crapper. You know who else got to experience a flushing toilet way before the first patent for it was issued by Alexander Cummings in 1775? Queen Elizabeth I. She was built one by her godson, Sir John Harrington. His name is believed to be the origin of the American nickname for toilet, “the john”.

  1.   A Toilet by Any Other Name…

“John” is just one of many monikers that the bathroom has earned. Going back to the Egyptians, you can probably guess why they referred to it as the “house of horror”. Meanwhile, those Romans were entirely too practical in calling it the “necessarium”. Tudor England, on the other hand, held a stiff upper lip and called it the “privy”, short for “house of privacy”. The French certainly didn’t mince their words and rightly called it “la chambre sent” (smelly room).

  1.  

    Einstein’s True Calling

Albert Einstein was reported to have said that he would have become a plumber if he could do it all over again. This remark pushed the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union in Washington DC to make him an honorary member and a New York plumbers’ local to gift him with a set of gold-plated plumbers’ tools. Can you imagine where those tools live today? 

Why all this toilet talk? Well, people supposedly spend a total of three years of their life on the toilet, so it makes sense to learn what we can about it. These fun facts about plumbing are a good place to start-up random conversation with your Fox Valley plumber when they come to your home. 

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Why Homeowners Need Professional Services For Drain Cleaning

May 12th, 2016

drain clearing service fox valley

Professional Drain Cleaning Services in Fox Valley | Turek’s Plumbing

One of the most important things every homeowner should do to ensure the working order of their plumbing system is drain cleaning. Fox Valley plumbers, at Turek’s Plumbing say that carrying this out regularly will prevent buildups that usually lead to flooding in bathrooms or stagnated water and other horrible buildups in sinks.

Draining out water buildup is not as complicated as it may sound, but who really wants to deal with the nastiness, right? Not only that, dealing with your home’s plumbing if you don’t know your way around can cause more harm than good.

This is mainly the reason why, for most residents of Fox Valley, drain service strategies provided by professionals are the only solution. With busy schedules and limited knowledge of plumbing issues, why should you risk complicating the problem further by trying to solve the problem yourself? It’s simply more convenient to have the pros come over and take care of the job; they can get around to the job in a time-efficient manner and have everything back in working order in no time.

Plumbers who handle this “dirty job” also add that in many cases, clogs can only be removed by using strong corrosives or chemicals. Anything that will require the use of these products really should be entrusted to people who already know how to use them properly and also have the right tools for the safe application of these chemical agents. In addition to these, the pros dispose of the harsh agents they have used in full compliance with the industry’s safety regulations and environmental laws so as not to cause any type of contamination.

Likewise, in cases wherein the clog is too big or too hard (like if a child’s toy had been forcefully flushed down the toilet or utensils have accidentally fallen down into the drain), specific techniques and tools are required to effectively get rid of the clog without causing further damage the plumbing system. Professional drain services are the only ones who can meticulously solve this problem.

And lastly, professional drain services usually do not just focus on the single problem they were called for; they go the extra distance in checking other components of the plumbing system to see if there are other issues that need to be addressed and that can be fixed while they’re at a client’s home.

With such high-quality service available, why bother with a DIY approach? If your drains are clogged or if you simply want to make sure that your home is free from drain issues, turn to the pros and worry no more.

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7 Trendy Kitchen Counter Top Ideas

May 7th, 2016

kitchen remodel fox valley

7 Kitchen Counter Top Ideas for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project

Are you considering a fresh look for your kitchen? Changing your counter tops is one thing you can do that will surely create a huge impact on the overall style of the room. If you need some ideas on what materials would be best to use for your kitchen remodel, rounded up below are seven popular kitchen counter top ideas that are functional and look great.

Granite Counter Tops

This is the safest choice since it’s incredibly durable. The aesthetic advantage to this material is it has a classic, elegant appearance; likewise, it can easily be worked into any interior style. Whether your home is chic and modern or a Colonial-inspired cottage, a granite counter top will always make sense. Granite counter tops are by far the most popular when it comes to replacing old ceramic kitchen tile.

Quartz Counter Tops

This material is the epitome of class. It has such a luxurious appearance because of the quartz crystal in the mix. It also boasts of being very easy to clean. In fact, most quartz counters sold these days even have antibacterial agents, making them really ideal for the kitchen feature where food is actually prepared. There’s no need to worry about water stains and germs, according our experienced kitchen designers.

Solid Surface

This is an acrylic polymer-based counter top material. It’s a fantastic choice because it’s durable, cost-effective and nice-looking. Maintaining its polished appearance is a breeze as well; light scratches can be buffed out with fine sandpaper. The only downside to this option is it’s prone to scorching so you certainly can’t place anything fresh off the burner on it.

Laminate Counter Tops

This is basically particle board base topped with laminate sheets that come in a large variety of designs. It’s the most economical option; therefore, when it morphs in appearance due to years of use or frequent exposure to water, you surely won’t feel too bad replacing it.

Ceramic Tiles

These will provide you a multitude of options when it comes to design. Love mosaic patterns? Ceramic tiles are the counter top material for you. Also, if you need to work pipes through ceramic tiles, you or your plumber can easily drill a hole through them. They’re not that expensive and you can use them as a backsplash as well. The only issues with them are they tend to break easily, and their grout is prone to stains and accumulates dirt easily.

Stainless Steel Counter Tops

This is perhaps the most expensive option as it’s normally just used in professional kitchens. However, if money is no issue, this is a fantastic choice because it’s germ-resistant, easy to clean, and durable. Not to mention it looks sharp against white cabinets. Add in a farmhouse sink and you have a beautiful shabby chic kitchen.

Recycled Glass Slab Counters

This is perfect if you’re looking for an eco-friendly kitchen counter top. Style-wise, it’s lovely — it can give granite or quartz serious competition. It’s hard and non-absorbent too, making cleanup a breeze. The only problem with this is that it’s not readily available and expert installers are required to put it in place.

So, whether you are just looking to replace your counter tops or do a full kitchen remodel, at Turek’s Plumbing, we would love to provide you a quote to upgrade your kitchen to a more functional and beautiful living space.

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I Have a Clogged Drain; Do I Need a Plumber?

May 2nd, 2016

I have a clogged drain, do I need a plumber?

I Have a Clogged Drain, IS DIY a good idea?

As your trusted Fox Valley Plumber, we are here to give you the honest answers on whether you truly need to call a plumber for a clogged drain or if it something you can fix easily on your own. You’ll find plenty of material on the internet telling you that you don’t need to call a plumber when your drain gets clogged. Sometimes that may be true, however there are times when DIY plumbing is just not going to get the job done. There are lots of step-by-step tutorials for each of the possible DIY techniques you can apply to take care of your clogged drain. As plumbing experts online will tell you, your first unclogging attempt should involve a plunger. If the problem is superficial, a plunger would suffice. Although, if you are reading this, you have likely already tried un-clogging your drain with a plunger and that has not worked. 

If the plunger doesn’t quite cut it, you can then move on to the next attempt. If you don’t want to deal with drain clearing chemicals just yet, you may be able to loosen the debris with some hot water. This should loosen anything that can be melted.

If the cause of the blockage can’t be dealt with using heat, it’s time to bring in the chemicals. You need to take every precaution dealing with these acids or you may just find your fingerprints getting wiped out for a period of time. For safety purposes, make sure you wear gloves anytime you are handling harsh drain clearing chemicals. You need to watch out for your lungs as well, so wearing a surgical mask is a good idea, too if you have respiratory issues. To play it safe, just don as much protective gear as possible. 

Call a fox valley plumber

Your drain could remain clogged even after it had chemicals steeping in it; do you call the plumber now?

According to the Internet, you can still hold it off for this one last try. You can get yourself a plumber snake and work it into the drain, feeding it down until it encounters the cause of the obstruction. If you’re successful with this, pour down some hot water down the drain again to loosen any remaining debris. Here is where we ask you to proceed with extreme caution or stop and call in your local Fox Valley Plumber. If you have more than just a clogged drain or there is some corrosion in your drain lines using a snake without experience can cause more damage to your drain lines. An experienced plumber can first camera the line to see what the true cause of the issue is and what the best plan of action is going to be to solve the problem. Of course, if you get disgusted easily or if you tend to be clumsy, or just don’t have the time or tools for DIY,  get hold of a plumber right away for an estimate on repairing your drain problem. 

Obviously, if none of the above methods work, you’re probably dealing with something beyond most DIY capabilities. Drain clogging can stem from something much deeper like underground tree roots getting into your sewer line. We’re talking about something that’s deep in the ground. Unfortunately, this is the case in a lit of older homes with big beautiful trees that have been growing on the property for decades. At this point, it’s clearly time to call in the pros.

 

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Essential Plumbing Spring Cleaning Tips

April 19th, 2016

Plumbing spring cleaning tips

Essential Plumbing Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring is the season of rebirth and renewal, so it makes sense that Appleton, Wisconsin locals make use of its arrival to give their homes a thorough inspection and cleaning to get rid of all the damage and debris left behind by the harsh winter. Making a fresh new start in a house that is orderly and free from functional issues is the best way to welcome spring.

On that note, here are some important spring cleaning plumbing tips that will help protect your property against all kinds of plumbing problems:

For general plumbing maintenance:

  • If you suspect slow leaks, take a water meter reading before you go to bed and refrain from using water overnight. In the morning, take another reading. If you have no idea what a water meter reading is or your reading is fluctuating, call a plumber!
  • Inspect all exposed pipes under your sinks and in the basement for signs of leaks.
  • If sewers frequently back up into homes in your Fox Valley neighborhood, talk to your local Plumber who can install a backflow valve in the floor drain helps prevent this from happening in the future.
  • If there are infrequently used drains around the house, pour a gallon of water into them to fill the trap. This also prevents odors from finding their way into the house.
  • Got any slow drains? Use a snake to make sure that they will effectively carry water away from the house in case of a flood. Also, installing flood alarms is a good idea for folks who have larger homes. Slow drains can also be a sign of a larger problem, learn more HERE. 

For bathrooms and kitchens:

  • Make sure that there are strainers in all drains so that soap scum, hair and other debris won’t clog drain lines. You can find them for about $2 in any hardware store. 
  • Check all faucets, toilets, tanks and bowls for drips, cracks or leaks. For toilets, add six drops of food coloring to the water in the tank — if color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes, you may have a leak.
  • Turn the water supply valves under toilets and sinks to make sure they aren’t sticking. But be sure to turn them back. 

For home appliances:

  • Clean out the lint trap in your washing machine and attach some pantyhose or a wire trap to the end of the hose that drains out the washer.
  • Your washing machine, dishwasher and ice maker all have supply hoses, so check them all for leaks or bulges (or if they are already 10 years old or older). If they must be replaced, stainless steel hoses are recommended.
  • Drain several gallons of water from your water heater tank to flush out sediment buildup. Make sure that the temperature setting does not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider getting a water heater that is more than 15 years old replaced to prevent major issues down the line. 

For outdoor spaces:

  • See if your outdoor faucets and hoses allow water to flow freely. If water leaks inside your house the first time you use a faucet or hose outside, there may have been a frozen pipe that is now cracked, and it must be replaced.
  • Clean out all gutters, downspouts and yard drains.
  • Inspect plumbing vent pipes for any birds that may have built nests there.

We hope you find these tips useful and you learned something new! Give us a call if you have any concerns when it comes to the plumbing in your home.

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Bathroom Renovation Tips From Your Trusted Plumber

April 15th, 2016

Fox Valley Bathroom Remodel Company

Bathroom renovation tips for Appleton, WI property owners

As a homeowner in the fox valley area you ought to know bathroom renovation projects, can be complex. Without proper preparation, you can end up with a long list of woes from mold to budget problems stemming from additional work needed once the job has begun etc. If you want to avoid these issues during the remodel, here are some tips from a reputable plumber.

Choose the right bathroom tiles

If you lead a busy life and you have little time to spare for cleanup and maintenance, opt for easy-care tiles like porcelain and glazed tiles. Avoid natural stone tiles which can get stained easily. On the other hand, if you have children and elderly folks living with you, a non-slip floor is a must. Use tiles which have textured surfaces, sand containing glazes, or matte finishes. Sometimes the bathroom tiles you may like to look at are not the most functional. Practical is always best. 

Opt for an acrylic or hybrid formula caulk

These types of caulks can be easily removed without requiring the use of harsh chemicals. Plus, these contain mildewcide which can last up to five years or more. There is nothing worse than investing in a beautiful new bathroom sink or tum and discovering mildew stains less than a year later. Using a professional plumber to install your fixtures will ensure that you are getting professional grade caulk. 

Replace the wiring in your bathroom

If you live in an older home, its wiring may have gone through years of abuse. Consider upgrading the outlets and wiring to handle the appliance upgrades in your bathroom. Even if you are just upgrading the lighting, consider the quality of the wiring that you currently have in place. 

Make room for your toiletries

One great space-saving and organizing tip that you can use for the remodel of your bathroom is to have niches built-in strategic areas. These niches can be used to store toiletries while maximizing available space. A professional bathroom renovation company can make sure that you have a great mix of practical use of the space and style. 

Invest in a quality toilet

Trust us on this one. We are in the plumbing business and see old or poorly made toilets causing issues all over town. If you must splurge on at least one item, choose to invest in a toilet with a Maximum Performance testing (MaP) score of 500 or above. This type of toilet is highly efficient and can help you save on your water bills.

Consider your needs in selecting a sink

Each type of sink has its own set of pros and cons. For example, a pedestal sink can help you maximize available space but leaves little room for storage. Factor in your needs when shopping for a bathroom sink.

Use the right lighting for your vanity

Ceiling lights are often inadequate for lighting a vanity. For this purpose, it is a good idea to put a fixture, at about eye level, on either side of the vanity. Alternatively, you can use a long fixture placed above the mirror.

Use grout with a nonporous urethane formula

This type of formulation for grout may have a higher price tag, but the upside is that it does not crack easily, will not stain and requires no sealing. An experienced plumber will have this handy and help you with this. 

Heated floors

If you hate stepping on cold floors early in the morning, you can have radiant heat placed beneath the tiles. Invest in a programmable thermostat which will start heating the floor up even before you wake up. Radiant heat beneath the floor tiles in your home is certainly a luxury but can bring a little bit of joy to even the grumpiest person in your home each morning. Talk to your plumbing contractor about installing radiant heat while doing your floors

Upgrade your water heater

If you are adding a bathtub or multi-head shower to your bathroom, take note that these additions can lead to the inconvenience of hot water running out. Prevent this by investing in a new heater that can keep up with the increased demand for hot water.

Invest in the right vent

For a master bath remodel, installing a quiet vent that won’t wake up your partner when you need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night is ideal. For the powder room, a standard fan will do. As for the family and/or guest bath, choose a vent with a mid-range noise level. The moral of the story is, not all bathroom fans are created equal. 

Prevent frozen pipes

There are three key ways to prevent frozen pipes in the bathroom. First, fixtures and plumbing should not be placed on exterior walls. Second, pipes in the first floor bathroom should be installed through the floor, instead of through the wall. Third, if pipes need to run through the wall, these should be installed on the inner side of the insulation.

As always Turek’s plumbing is here to solve all of your fox valley plumbing problems, we also offer bathroom remodel services so feel free to reach out to us for an estimate or design meeting.

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Tankless Water Heater Facts

April 13th, 2016

tankless water heater benefits

What you need to know about your Tankless Water Heater system

Whether you are looking for a water heating system for your new home or your current system has seen better days and needs a replacement, one of the first things you need to do is to look at all of your available options and weigh their pros and cons. This will allow you to make an informed purchasing decision. When you are shopping for a water heating system, one system that should be on your radar is a tankless water heater system.

Also known as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters, tankless heaters provide hot water when you need it. Unlike other water heaters, this type of water heater does not lose energy while in standby mode, allowing you to save more money over the long-term. If you are eyeing a tankless water heater replacement, here is how the system works.

How tankless heaters work

Tankless heaters eliminate the need for storage tanks. Instead, the water is heated when it passes through the system, which may be fuelled by gas or electricity. This means that you can get a constant stream of hot water when you need it. You do not have to wait for a tank to be filled enough. These heaters are versatile enough to be used for a variety of purposes including bathrooms and hot tubs, for appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, and as a booster for solar water heaters.

Pros and cons of Tankless Water heaters

One of the major selling points of these heaters is the amount of energy and money that you can save. If your household’s hot water consumption is 41 gallons and below, you can save as much as 34 percent in energy usage. You can find this out by looking at your water bill. If your household’s consumption of hot water is greater than 41 gallons, you can expect energy use reduction of as much as 14 percent. If you choose to install one tankless water heater for each water outlet, you can even save as much as 50 percent on energy cost.

Despite these advantages, tankless heaters have a few disadvantages. The cost of a tankless water heater is considerably higher than a standard tank water heater. However, you can recoup your initial investment through energy efficiency and the longevity of this type of system. Typically, this system can last more than 20 years with proper care and maintenance.

Both types of this heater, gas and electric-powered, have lower water flow rates. This means that you may not have ample hot water if you take a shower while another person in your home needs to use hot water for dish or clothes washing. It is possible to overcome this hurdle by having another tankless heater installed. If you are choosing a gas-fired system, you need to be aware that the pilot lights used in these can offset the benefit of energy conservation. You may want to choose models that have pilot lights that can be turned off or those with intermittent ignition devices.

When you are ready for an evaluation of your current water heater and would like a free estimate be sure to call your local plumber. Your Fox Valley Plumber will be able to properly measure and evaluate your current water heating system and provide you with an estimate from professional installation for a new one.

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