Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘bathroom remodel in Fox Valley’

7 Things to Consider Before You Remodel Your Bathroom

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

things to consider for bathroom remodel

Things to Consider Before a Bathroom Remodel

A bathroom may be one of the smaller spaces in your home, but a lot of thought needs to go into the process of remodeling this room if you are to benefit from the time and effort invested. Here are some of the top considerations which you need to have in mind if you are to turn this space into your dream bathroom.

Plumbing is Key

Plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services caution that you may never get to enjoy your remodeled bathroom if the plumbing isn’t working properly. In this regard, Fox Valley plumbers suggest that you think about the hair and gunk which finds its way into the bathroom drain on a daily basis. These substances are the primary reason why bathroom drains clog, so you should use the remodel as an opportunity to find a lasting solution to this problem.

One step that you can take is to install a larger drain pipe, such as a 2-inch pipe instead of the commonly used 1.5-inch pipes. This single change alone will significantly reduce the likelihood of clogs developing since the pipe will be large enough to allow hair and other small solids to flow through.

Floor Tiles

If you are considering using tiles on the floor of the shower area, pay attention to their size. Larger tiles are difficult to slope appropriately. Secondly, larger tiles pose a safety risk because they tend to be more slippery since the grout lines are widely spaced. Tureks Plumbing Services, therefore, recommends that you opt for smaller tiles so that you don’t have a hard time getting them to slope at the angle you want for proper drainage.

Drawer Storage

Opt for a vanity with drawers instead of one with doors. You will find it easier to organize the storage if it has drawers when compared to keeping the vanity storage organized if it has doors. Additionally, drawers can be cut to create room for plumbing pipes and fixtures. You can also have larger drawers made for the storage of larger items.

Wall-Hung Toilet

Another idea you can incorporate during your bathroom remodel is the inclusion of a wall-hung toilet. In the past, these toilets were very expensive and therefore a preserve of those with deep pockets. Today, wall-hung toilets are affordable and within reach for any homeowner. Why would you even add a wall-hung toilet to your bathroom? This type of toilet is ideal for smaller bathrooms because their footprint is smaller since the toilet tank is hidden away in the bathroom wall. However, you should be mindful of the fact that you will need to adjust the plumbing should you ever decide to switch to another type of toilet in the future.

The Medicine Cabinet

Consider installing a recessed medicine cabinet if you can. Such a cabinet will leave more room free above the vanity. If you cannot have a recessed medicine cabinet, then elevate it as much as you can so that the countertop on the vanity can be used conveniently.

Lighting is Vital

Fox Valley plumbers emphasize that careful planning should be invested in the lighting of a bathroom during a remodel so that all the other work done isn’t downplayed by improper lighting. First, ask yourself what you plan to do in the bathroom. Will you be applying your makeup from there? Place bright light in strategic locations so that you can see clearly when using the mirror. Install a dimmer switch which you can use to control the brightness of the light when you wish to adjust the atmosphere in the bathroom. Recessed lights would also be a good addition to keep the bathroom well lit.

You can be sure that the bathroom remodel will stand the test of time if you include many of the considerations above as you plan that remodel. For all your plumbing needs during the bathroom remodel, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. Our experienced professionals are at your service.

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Where to Start With a Bathroom Remodel

Thursday, August 10th, 2017

After a stressful day at the office or doing household chores, nothing else can make you feel better quicker than taking a long, soothing bath. The look and feel of your bathroom can give you an experience that is similar to visiting a spa or a resort.

Currently, though, the design and layout of your bathroom may not be ideal for the type of experience that you want. You can change it with a remodel.

One important question to ask is where to start with a bathroom remodel. Here are a few tips to help you out:

Determine its purpose

A bathroom is where people take a shower, brush their teeth and take care of other hygiene issues before going out. These are some of the most common activities done inside a bathroom, but it is also a personal space. What you need to consider is what you want your experience to be like when you are inside. Do you use the bathroom for a quick bath or do you also want to use the space to relax and unwind for a while?

How you answer this question will influence the design, materials and colors that will be used in remodeling the space.

Consider the existing layout

The current design and layout of your bathroom can affect what you can do with the space. For instance, the placement of your toilet bowl, urinal, faucet and showerhead is fixed. You can change the fixtures but not where they are installed. Changing the placement of the fixtures involves moving or extending the pipes. This involves a lot of work and will cost you more.

Consult an expert plumber in your area to find out what the limitations are when it comes to remodeling your bathroom. This may affect the final design of your remodeled bathroom but it can help you save money and give you fewer problems to worry about during the remodeling process.

Identify the users

Knowing the people who use the bathroom is also an important factor when having it remodeled. If you live on your own, then your personal taste and preferences will be used as the sole basis for the design. However, if you live with your parents or kids, or there are several other people living in the same space, then it could affect the final design of your bathroom.

For instance, if you live with your elderly parents or somebody with medical issues, you will need to have grab bars installed and use non-slip materials that are easy to clean. If you live with toddlers or young kids and you want a tub, you can consider tubs that include a step. This will make it easier and safer for them to get in and out of the tub. And make sure to schedule your appointment with us today!

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Causes of Leaking Garbage Disposal

Tuesday, July 25th, 2017

Fixing the 2 Most Common Causes of Leaking Garbage Disposal

A leaking garbage disposal system does not necessarily translate to a massive hole in your pocket. Leaks can occur from time to time and in some instances, you do not have to spend a small fortune to remedy these problems.

Here’s a brief rundown of two of the most common causes of leaks and what you can do about these.

Gasket

Check your garbage disposal system and determine where exactly the leak is coming from. If the leak is coming from the top rim where the rubber seal and the flange meet, it is highly likely that the cause of the leak is the gasket which can be found on top of the system.

Over time, the rubber gasket breaks down. In some cases, if the garbage disposal system is not used for an extended period of time, the gasket can dry up, causing leaks. Sometimes, the gasket causes leaks if it is replaced unevenly. Finally, if you dismantle the system for whatever reason, it is a good idea to replace the gasket.

Fortunately, if the gasket is the cause of the leak, it can be easily replaced. Just make sure that you purchase the right gasket for your garbage disposal system.

After you have bought the correct gasket, the first thing that you need to do to replace the old one is to disconnect the drain. After that, you can unplug the cord. Make sure that you remove the dishwasher drain hose from the system.

Next, hold the sides of the mounting nuts and turn these counter clockwise. This will unlock the garbage disposal system.

The next step that you need to do is to remove the old gasket and put the new one that you bought. Check whether the new gasket fits properly.  After that, you can replace the garbage disposal system and reconnect the drains and plug.

Disposal flange

If the leak comes from the upper area of the garbage disposal system, the possible source of the leak is the disposal flange.

The flange can leak if the seal is not tight enough or has become loose. In either case, you will need to dismantle the system so that you can reseal the flange.

After dropping the garbage disposal unit, you will need to loosen the bolts that hold the flange in place. Next, find the clip that holds the flange in place by using a flat screwdriver to pop it out of place. Then, remove the top flange from the sink. You should then clean the sink before reinstalling the system and applying putty.

In applying plumber’s putty, make sure that you apply an even amount. You should also make sure that the putty wraps around the rim of the flange. After that, you can put the flange into its original position and replace the bottom flange. Replace the screws tightly and then you can clean the area where you worked. And schedule your appointment with us today!

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7 Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems

Wednesday, June 28th, 2017

7 Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems

Most homeowners will have some essential tools on hand to cope with simple plumbing emergencies. Often, a slow drain or a clogged toilet might need a bit of elbow grease or a plunger for it to work properly again. Small repair jobs can easily be taken care of if you are handy around the house; however, bigger bathroom plumbing problems will need professional assistance.

A regular maintenance schedule is a great way of preventing expensive repairs. An in-depth inspection is indeed the key to catching petty problems before they can cause serious structural damages.

Common Bathroom Plumbing Glitches

1. Low Water Pressure

Your plumbing system is suffering from low water pressure if the water that should gush just trickles from the tap. This problem may be related to the municipal water supply. But often, this can be caused by a build-up of sediment or deposits on faucet aerators. Cleaning the shower heads and aerators can solve this issue; if not, you may have a more complex problem. If you cannot identify the cause of the reduction in water pressure, call a reputable plumber right away.

2. Leaky Pipes

Leaks can be a very expensive nuisance. Although replacing a leaky pipe is not a complex job, it can be a very messy one. So you might want to let a professional deal with these tasks to save on cleaning time. But until the expert plumber gets to your home, consider using a leak tape and a compression clamp to temporarily deal with the leaky pipe/s.

3. Running Toilet

Replace the inner workings of your toilet if it does not behave after flushing. Typically, toilets run if the flapper valve will let the water pass from the tank to the bowl. For most models, toilet repair kits work well.

4. Clogged Drains

If the water going into the tub, sink or toilet will not go out, you may have a complete or partial clog. Often, a plunger can fix the problem but it cannot remove a clog completely. So if you frequently deal with clogs, it is best for you to get professional help.

5. Slow Draining Tub

If the tub drain is full of hair, it slows the water down when it drains out of the tub. Clearing out the debris can solve this problem. But even when the tub is not draining slowly, it is very crucial for you to regularly clear out any debris in the tub drain. Because when this is left for too long, it can completely clog the drain.

6. Dripping Faucets

An unresolved dripping faucet can be very annoying if you don’t know how to stop it. This will also drive your water bill higher. Not all sinks are equipped with washers to efficiently hold back the flow of water. Some use durable ceramic plates for a tight seal. Calling pros to deal with this plumbing issue is a smart idea.

7. Sewer Smells

If you can smell sewer gas in your bathroom, this can be caused by a dry shower trap, damaged drain pipes, a clogged drain or an old toilet ring. Although there are some DIY remedies for eliminating the smell, it is still best for you to contact a reputable plumber to identify its cause and properly deal with it.

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Remodeling an Old Bathroom – Your Blueprint for Success

Thursday, June 8th, 2017

Remodeling an Old Bathroom – Your Blueprint for Success

Perhaps your old bathroom is too small and you wish to have a bigger one built. Or maybe you live in an old home and you want to refresh its look by giving it a do-over, starting with the bathroom. Or perhaps, your old bathroom no longer fits your current needs.

Whatever your reason may be, remodeling an old bathroom is a serious undertaking that should be approached carefully.

Fortunately, you can eliminate some of the guesswork and hassles involved by following these tips; they have worked for other homeowners who have successfully upgraded their old bathrooms.

Use the right type of tiles

If you want bathroom tiles that are easy to clean and maintain, avoid those made with porous materials, like stone. Instead, opt for glazed or porcelain tiles.

On the other hand, if you want to boost safety, opt for tiles with matte finishes, textured surfaces, or those that contain sand in their glazes.

Keep mildew at bay with the right type of caulk

Opt for an acrylic or hybrid formula caulk which can provide protection against mildew for up to five years. Additionally, both are easy to remove.

Need a half bath?

If you want a half bath, you will need a space that measures roughly three feet by six feet. Do check your local building codes for further clarification.

Upgrade the electrical system

Take advantage of the work that will be done in your old bathroom and have its electrical system upgraded. This is particularly important if you live in a very old home. The new electrical system should be able to accommodate your gadgets and appliances.

Placement of bathroom accessories

How high should you place towel bars, robe hooks and other accessories? Broadly speaking, the towel bar should be about four feet high, the medicine cabinet about five and half feet high, and the toilet paper holder should be around six inches away from the toilet.

Leave room for accessories

If space is limited, consider adding niches where you can place toiletries. This will allow you to make efficient use of available space while leaving enough room for bathroom essentials.

Splurge on the best toilet that you can afford

If you must splurge on one thing, make it the toilet. At the very least, opt for one that has a Maximum Performance testing score of 500.

Know the pros and cons of each type of sink

If you haven’t set sights on a particular type of sink yet, study the pros and cons of each available option and weigh these against the available space as well as your needs.

When you want a warm bathroom floor

Consider investing in an electric mat which can complement your home’s heating system. You can program its thermostat to warm up the floor a few minutes before you wake up.

 If you are interested in remodeling your bathroom, call us to set up an appointment!

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What you need to know about tankless water heaters

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017

8 Things You Need to Know About Tankless Water Heaters

Hot water is one of the most appreciated conveniences in the western world. It is essential to upholding day-to-day hygiene requirements and to wellness, especially during the chilly months.

Back in the days of old, it took a long time and much physical energy to heat enough hot water for bathing, but today, all you really have to do is turn on your faucet or shower for a steady stream. This is if you already have a water heater installed at home.

And speaking of water heaters, there are different kinds. A lot of homeowners in the Applegate and Fox Valley communities prefer tankless water heaters because these only provide hot water when needed and, therefore, are more energy-efficient. Water heaters are among the biggest energy consumers installed in most houses, but tankless water heaters don’t create the budget setback that conventional heaters do.

If you’re building a home and you’re not sure what type of water heater to use, here are eight things you need to know about tankless water heaters that will surely help you decide.

  1. Most tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of two to five gallons of water per minute.
  2. Gas-fired tankless water heaters produce higher flow rates than their electric-powered counterparts.
  3. These are easy to install, therefore, you can place multiple units in your home.
  4. For households that typically consume 41 gallons of hot water, tankless water heaters are more suitable to use. They are 24 to 34 percent more energy-efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. Meanwhile, for homes that consume more hot water than that, tankless water heaters are still more energy efficient by 8 to 14 percent.
  5. Although these are more expensive than conventional water heaters, you can recoup the cost due to its energy efficiency. You’ll see the big difference in your monthly energy bill.
  6. Tankless water heaters also outlast storage water heaters. They can last over 20 years while storage water heaters’ functional lifespan usually only ranges between 10 to 15 years.
  7. Your household can avoid the standby heat losses often created by some storage water heaters.
  8. Proper installation is a must in ensuring energy efficiency, so make sure that you hire the best Fox Valley plumbers for the job.

All in all, if you want to enjoy hot water without consuming too much energy, tankless water heaters are the smart option. Implement energy-efficient practices and your home can really lower its energy expenses. Call us today to set up your appointment!

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How to get jewelry out of a drain

Wednesday, May 31st, 2017
You are doing the dishes after a family meal and before you even finish, your prized piece of jewelry (a ring, bracelet, earring) slips off from you. Before you even have the time to catch it, it goes down the kitchen sink.

What should you do?

If you want to know how to get jewelry out of a drain, here are the steps that you need to follow.

Keep the area off limits

Tell the members of the household to avoid using the sink until the item has been retrieved. Otherwise, it will become increasingly difficult to get the jewelry back.

Turn off the garbage disposal and water

If water keeps on flowing down the drain, the jewelry might be pushed down further until it reaches the sewer line. When that happens, the chance of getting the item back becomes slim.

Stopping the flow of water increases the likelihood that the item goes to a more accessible area of the kitchen plumbing system, like the P-trap.

Find a magnet

Find a strong magnet and attach it to a string. After that, lower the magnet down the drain. There’s a good chance that you can get your jewelry back with this nifty trick.

Check the P-trap

If you can’t retrieve your jewelry with a magnet tied to a string, the next best thing to do is to check if the item is sitting inside the P-trap.

Before removing the different components of the P-trap, you should place a bucket underneath it to catch the water, the grime, and hopefully, the jewelry that went down the drain.

Start by removing the slip nuts and the J-shaped part of the P-trap using either a pair of pliers or a wrench. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to retrieve the lost item and you can replace the parts that you remove. But before replacing these parts, it is a good idea to clean the gunk off the pipes.

Call your Appleton Plumber 

If you are unable to successfully retrieve the item or if you do not want to gamble and test your luck with your home’s plumbing system, consider calling in the experts for help.

Preventing this plumbing emergency

If you wish to avoid the loss of a piece of prized jewelry, there are a few things that you can do.

As much as possible, remove any jewelry before doing the dishes, especially if the sink is open and unstopped.

Place the jewelry that you removed from yourself in a safe area and not over the sink. Alternatively, you can put a jewelry tray nearby.

Put drain stoppers in the kitchen and bathroom sinks. These can help prevent jewelry and other valuable items from going down the drain.

If you have a piece of jewelry trapped in your drain, please call us today for help!

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A Guide to Locating Leaky Pipes

Thursday, May 18th, 2017

Appleton Plumber Provides Advice in Locating Leaky Pipes

Isn’t it just annoying when you find a puddle in your house and you’re not sure what or who created it? Before you conduct your sleuthing, tough, you better wipe it up first lest somebody slips on it.If water no longer reappears after wiping up the area, it’s quite likely that somebody just spilled something on the floor. However, if a new puddle forms, one of the possible causes is a leaky pipe.

If you suspect that you indeed have leaky pipes, the plumbers trusted by Fox Valley and Applegate residents have an easy guide, provided below, that you can follow to locate where the leaks are.

How to take care of the problem

  1. Wipe up the puddle again and then place paper towels or bags around the area where you found the puddle. The leak may be coming from under the floor or from the pipes located on the walls or overhead. If a drip falls, it will surely leave a spot and it’s going to be easy finding where the drip came from.
  2. Do check supply lines or water-using appliances around the area as well. They may have rips or splits, or hoses that have come loose. Turn on the water to see if there are leaks anywhere and then turn the supply off once you see a puddle forming somewhere. It helps to perform this task to establish whether your damaged plumbing system or something else causes the puddle.
  3. Once you identify where the leak is coming from, see if you can perform a remedial job that can control the leak until you can get a plumber to carry out a proper repair.
  4. Now, if you no longer see a puddle after wiping it up, this doesn’t mean that there’s no leak. Observe the area for the next few days because it may just be a slow leak and it only creates a puddle when certain activities at home increase water pressure. You also need to take care of slow leaks because over time, they may get worse. Have your plumber have a look at them so preventive work can be carried out.

If you simply cannot find where the accumulation of water is coming from, set an appointment with your plumber right away. Leaks are no light issues; they can be the cause of accidents, they can attract moisture-loving pests (cockroaches, moths, spiders, and rodents), they can encourage the proliferation of harmful bacteria and molds, they can cause damage to other structural elements of your house or to your furniture, and they can create a spike in your water bill. Contact one of our Appleton, WI plumbers today!

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Signs My Water Pump Is Failing

Monday, May 15th, 2017

What Are the Signs My Water Pump Is Failing?

If you draw water from a well, most of the hard work of bringing water to your home is done by the water pump. However, if you come home with little to no water coming out of the faucet, one possible cause is a failing or broken water pump.

You’re probably wondering, “What are the signs that my water pump is failing?”

No water comes out of the faucet

If no water is coming out of the faucet when you turn it on, the first thing that you need to check are the pipes. Sometimes, the pipes may simply be clogged or broken.

However, if the pipes look like they are in good working order and are neither clogged nor broken, you can turn your attention to your water pump.

Loud and/or odd noises from the water tank

If you keep hearing loud and/or odd noises coming from your water pump, it is highly likely that it is about to fail anytime soon.

An increase in your electric bill

Take a look at your electric consumption over the past few months. If you think that your consumption has not changed but your bill has risen steadily over the past few weeks or months, the culprit may be your water pump.

Low water pressure

Again, you need to rule out other potential causes of low water pressure. Start by checking the condition of the pipes. Sometimes, repairing or changing broken pipes will restore normal water pressure. However, if the problem still persists, your water pump may be the main reason.

Maintaining your water pump

The price of a new water pump for your well can cost you a small fortune. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to get the most out of your investment.

Like other systems in your home, your water pump requires regular maintenance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations (including the schedule for maintenance) and have professionals inspect it at least once a year.

Consider a submersible well pump

If you have an above-ground water pump, an experienced contractor can fix it for you. However, fixing a submersible water pump will be more of a challenge because it needs to be pulled from the well.

The advantage of submersible well pumps is that these can last up to 25 years. However, this lifespan can be affected by factors like the amount of sediment and other particles in the well. Contact one of our plumbers today!

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Benefits of Walk in Tubs for Seniors

Wednesday, May 10th, 2017

Safer, Easier Bath Time with Walk in Tubs for Seniors

Baths are dangerous places for the elderly and infirm. Slippery water, slick porcelain, thresholds that need to be stepped over — it’s a formula for disaster if you aren’t steady on your feet. Aside from adding grab bars and non-slip shower mats, it’s usually best to also install walk in bathtubs. This is one of the most common solutions in elderly and medical care facilities.

Just Lets You Walk In

Walk in tubs allow senior folk to walk straight into the tub and forgo the perilous exercise of stepping over the tub’s edge one shaky leg at a time. They go through an inwards-opening watertight door. A seat is also installed into the tub, which allows the elderly to sit comfortably while they take a bath and relax.

All these accommodations naturally make walk in bathtubs costlier than the norm. Expect price tags to start at around $2,000, with more luxurious designs going upwards of $10,000. The $8,000 difference between low and high-end walk in tubs include, but are not limited to:

  • High-speed drains
  • Shower wands
  • Complex temperature controls
  • Bubbling jets, and more

Finding the Perfect Tub to Walk Into

Walk in tubs are investments not only because they tend to be expensive; you also need to pay close attention to the design and features of your purchase. Since they’re designed specifically to meet the needs of the infirm and the elderly in the bathroom, you need to closely inspect if they meet the needs of whoever will be using them.

Consider, for instance, that some walk in tubs have narrow entrances, and the senior who will use the tub may not be able to easily navigate the entrance if it’s too narrow. Others have small ridges that you have to step over — much smaller and easier to surmount than an ordinary tub’s full height — but it could still prove to be an inconvenience. Make sure the person who will be using the walk in tub can get an opportunity to see it and try it out before purchase.

A Caveat: Walk In Tubs Require Patience

Since they have installed doors, it’s obvious that the elderly using them won’t be able to “walk into” a tub full of water. Walk in tubs are filled with the user already inside, and likewise, drained completely before the user gets out.
This means you also need to closely consider temperature controls — nobody wants to sit in an empty tub filling with cold water while waiting to bathe. Nobody wants to wait while the tub takes its time to get filled, too, so there’s another factor. In the same vein, since users can’t exit without draining the tub first, drain times should also be factored in.

Walk in tubs for seniors are a valuable and pricey investment; ask your plumber for more details.

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