Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Tureks Plumbing Services’

Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Work?

Wednesday, August 14th, 2019

does trenchless sewer repair work - Tureks Plumbing ServicesDoes Trenchless Sewer Repair Work?

In the past, sewer line repair or replacement automatically meant that your yard had to be torn up to replace the pipes. The resultant damage to the landscaping and yard was often regarded as unavoidable collateral damage. However, that isn’t necessarily the case today because Tureks Plumbing Services and other modern plumbing services providers offer trenchless sewer pipe repair. Read on and learn how this method works to repair damaged sewer pipes without causing major damage to the landscaping.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Trenchless Sewer Repair

As the name suggests, trenchless pipe repair makes it possible for a Fox Valley plumber to fix a damaged sewer pipe without extensively digging in your yard. The following steps are followed during this repair process.

Camera Inspection

Before the plumber in Appleton, WI can begin the repair project, he or she first conducts a close inspection of the sewer pipe using a camera designed for such tasks. The camera is inserted into the sewer pipe through a drain. As it snakes its way through the pipe, the plumber can see what sort and magnitude of damage he or she is dealing with.

Clearing the Pipe

After the inspection, the Fox Valley plumber will proceed to identify the shallowest point of the pipe (in the basement, for example) and then use a hydro-jet to clear any debris that is in the pipeline. This cleaning process paves the way for the actual repair.

Digging Pilot Holes

Once the sewer pipe is clean, the experts from Tureks Plumbing Services will dig one pilot hole at the beginning of the pipe to be repaired and another at the end. These access points will enable the equipment that will be used during the repair to access the inside of the damaged or old sewer pipe. The digging needed to create these access holes is minimal. So, not much damage will be done to your yard and landscaping when compared to what happens when the entire pipe has to be dug out for the repair to be completed.

Repair Material Insertion

Next, the Appleton plumber will insert a unique pipe repair material called cured in place pipe (CIPP). This material is manufactured from a special resin that hardens quickly once it is deployed inside a pipe. Compressed air pumped into the repair material makes it bulge up and coat the inner surface of the existing sewer pipe.

The resin takes a few hours to harden, and once it does, your old sewer pipe will have a strong lining material that can last for years to come.

Pipe Inspection

The next step after the pipe has cured is a sewer camera inspection of the work done. The plumber from Tureks Plumbing Services looks closely at the images of the repaired section of sewer piping to confirm that the repair went as desired. Once everything is fine, you will be given the green light to resume using the plumbing system as before.

The trenchless sewer repair process is as simple as the steps explained in the procedure above. As a homeowner, you would be well advised to talk to a Fox Valley plumber about trenchless sewer repair.

Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Repair

  • Affordable sewer repair. This is because less labor is required, and the cost of fixing a torn-up yard is avoided once this method is used.
  • Less time is required. You will not have to forego the use of your home’s sewer system for days just because it is undergoing repair. Trenchless sewer repair can be completed in a single day, and you will get to use the plumbing system that same day.
  • Durability. The lining material used to repair the damaged or aging sewer pipes is very strong and resistant to damage by tree roots or the fluids flowing through the pipe. Consequently, the life of your sewer pipes will be prolonged significantly when this repair method is used.

Unfortunately, not all damaged sewer pipes can be fixed using trenchless sewer repair. For example, pipes that are extensively damaged or those that have formed a pipe belly in which water pools may require other repair techniques. The only way for you to find out whether your pipes qualify for trenchless sewer repair is by contacting Tureks Plumbing Services. Our experienced plumbers will inspect the sewer pipes on your property and use trenchless sewer repair or any other appropriate repair method to restore functionality and integrity to the sewer system.

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6 Common Septic Tank Problems

Wednesday, August 7th, 2019

common septic tank problems- Tureks Plumbing ServicesMost people don’t pay attention to their septic system until they suddenly have a problem. If you have a septic tank problem, you will be unable to use the toilet, take a shower, or even run the dishwasher. The inconveniences that you go through while you wait for professional help to arrive can be enough to motivate you to read up on what could have happened. In this article, you’ll discover common septic tank problems and how you can prevent slow drain septic problems from occurring. Tureks Plumbing Services suggests that you pay special attention to the following common septic tank problems.

Septic Tank Problems: Excess Water in the Septic Tank

One of the septic tank problems that plumbers from Tureks Plumbing Services are called out to fix is excess water in the septic tank. Before you rush to condemn the weather in your area for this problem, examine the water use habits of your household.

For example, do you run several cycles in the washing machine each day? Do you indulge in lengthy showers? How often do you fill and empty the bathtub each week? These things may be causing lots of water to flow down the drains and into the septic tank.

If the tank isn’t sized appropriately for your household or water usage habits, then that tank could overflow and mess up your yard.

Ask a Fox Valley Plumber to inspect the tank and pump it in case solids had accumulated in the space that should be holding water. Otherwise, adjust your water use habits so that less water ends up in the septic tank each day. For example, instead of keeping all your laundry and running several cycles in one day of the week, you could run one cycle each day. This approach will allow the septic tank to deal with the smaller amounts of water that flow in instead of being inundated with huge volumes of water on a single day.

Septic Tank Problems: Tree Root Infiltration

Tree roots can sense the proximity of water and other nutrients, and they will grow towards that location. If the tiniest of leaks develop in your septic system, nearby tree roots will grow towards the leak and eventually penetrate the pipe through the leaky section.

Over time, these roots will grow bigger and cause significant clog or damage to the septic system. This is a tough problem to fix on your own, so you need to enlist the help of an Appleton plumber to cut out those roots and repair the damage to the septic pipe.

You can avoid this problem by planting trees far from the septic system so that you reduce the likelihood that the tree roots will damage your septic pipes years later.

Septic Tank Problems: Non-Biodegradables in the System

The plumbing professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services remind homeowners that everything that goes down a plumbing drain will eventually find its way into the septic tank.

It is therefore vital to avoid disposing of non-biodegradables in the drainage system. Since these items can cause clogs or fill the septic tank with solids that necessitate more frequent septic tank pumping. The items to avoid include sanitary towels and tampons, cat litter, coffee grounds, dental floss, paper towels, and cotton swabs.

Experienced plumbers in Appleton, WI urge you not to flush sanitary wipes even if they are labelled as “flushable” because most take long to break down and will, therefore, cause clogs. If these non-biodegradables have already found their way into the septic system, then the tank may need to be pumped, and the pipes unclogged.

Septic Tank Problems: Use of Harsh Chemicals

Slow drain septic problems can also result from your use of harsh chemicals, such as chemical drain cleaners. These chemicals can gradually damage the drainage and spring leaks in drainage pipes.

If the leak occurs in an underground septic pipe, soil from the vicinity can enter the pipe and cause slow drainage in your plumbing fixtures.

Additionally, many of those chemicals kill the bacteria responsible for breaking down the solids that are flushed down the drains in your home. Without this bacteria, the septic tank will quickly fill up, and the drain field will be overwhelmed by the solids leaking out of the septic tank.

Avoid these potentially severe and costly problems by keeping your use of harsh chemicals minimal. Ask a Fox Valley plumber for advice on which particular cleaners are septic-tank friendly.

Septic Tank Problems: Strong Odors

The entire septic system should not give off strong odors that are noticeable by your family members. If you sense these odors coming from any of the drains in your home or the vicinity of the septic tank, then something is wrong.

For example, the beneficial bacteria in the septic tank may have been killed by the chemicals you use in your household. As a result, wastes may accumulate in the septic tank without being decomposed. This creates noticeable odors coming from the tank.

The drain field (the area where liquids from the septic tank seep into) may no longer be capable of doing its work due to soil compaction and other factors.

Septic Tank Ground Movements

The ground around your septic tank may have moved, and that is why you are experiencing slow drain septic problems. For example, the soil could have moved upwards and forced the tank to be at a higher level than the septic system requires it to be. When that happens, you will notice that the drainage is slow throughout your home due to the changed position of the septic tank.

In some cases, sewage will even start backing up into the toilet, shower drain and other ground or floor-level drains in your home. The only way to fix such a problem is by getting expert help from Tureks Plumbing Services.

As you can see, the causes of slow drain septic problems are many and seem to be unrelated. The best way to protect your septic system from those problems is by asking Tureks Plumbing Services to take charge of the routine maintenance of the entire system. During the scheduled maintenance visits, our plumbers will share any concerns they have. In this way, problems will be caught early and rectified before they worsen and become more costly to fix. Give us a call today!

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What Kitchen Countertop Should I Choose?

Wednesday, July 24th, 2019

kitchen countertops - tureks plumbing servicesWhen it comes to the overall look of your kitchen, color is almost the single determinant of what you will end up with after a remodel project. For that reason, the home remodel contractors in Appleton, WI put together the following general guide so that you can choose the right countertops for your kitchen.

Softly Veined or Flecked White Kitchen Countertops

White or off-white is a very popular color among people who opt for natural or manufactured stone kitchen countertops. The multi-tonal grain or flecks give the countertop a subtle natural richness.

If you plan on having a traditional kitchen, softly veined or flecked white is the ideal color rather than stark white. Stark white competes for dominance with other features, but the flecked or softly veined white countertop tones down the other dominant features without directly drawing attention to itself.

This color is also ideal for people who want to strike a balance between having a white countertop without having to see each speck of dust or crumb clearly visible. The flecks and soft veins tone down the white color and hide some of the particles which inevitably land on the countertop.

Pure White Kitchen Countertops

It is hard to find a countertop which is pure white if you want natural materials, such as stone. Pure white is more easily available in manufactured materials. Don’t worry about maintaining a pure white countertop as these manufactured materials resist stains and need minimal care. Go for a pure white kitchen countertop if you love crisp, modern kitchens.

People with small kitchens would also be well advised to select a kitchen countertop that is pure white. This is because such a countertop will create an illusion of expansiveness in that small space.

Tureks Plumbing Services also recommends a pure white countertop if your kitchen has other bold materials and finishes, such as cabinets made from dark wood. The pure white countertop will break the dominance of those bold features and create some type of contrast. They’ll also bringing some brightness to the darker tones in the kitchen.

The nautical blue and white color combination are still popular, and a pure white countertop matches well with this color scheme. The countertop will pop beautifully since the blue features will make it stand out a little more.

Woody Colors Kitchen Countertops

Wood comes in many variations of color, and you can select one of these wood colors for your countertop. For example, wood in lighter colors is good for a countertop in a kitchen whose owner wants a casual or rustic atmosphere.

Home remodel professionals in Appleton, WI also suggests that you go for a countertop made of wood if your kitchen already has other elements made from wood. 

If you have pure white cabinets, Fox Valley plumbers report seeing wooden countertops creating a warm effect on the stark white cabinets. Wood is also a good material for a countertop if you would like your kitchen to have a warm and approachable feel to it.

Finally, some people just love wood and cannot get enough of it. If you are one of those people, by all means, get a wood countertop and satisfy your love for this versatile and timeless material!

Black or Dark Colors Kitchen Countertops

For those of you who love dark colors, you aren’t left out if it is time to remodel your kitchen and get a new countertop. You can opt for a dark or black countertop if other features of the kitchen are dark and you would like everything to blend in.

If you have brightly colored cabinets, a dark countertop can bring a dark hue to this atmosphere and the countertop will really shine. Also, for those who want a unified black and white kitchen color theme, a dark or black countertop will fit in perfectly.

There is no shortage of countertop colors, so you should not limit yourself while imagining what your perfect kitchen should look like. Our home remodel professionals at Tureks Plumbing Services will be on hand to bring your dream to reality, so don’t hesitate to reach out for our help!

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How to Remodel Your Kitchen

Monday, July 22nd, 2019

tureks plumbing services how to remodel your kitchenIt can be hard for an inexperienced person to know what steps to take once they have decided to remodel their kitchen. Consequently, the risk of overlooking something important is high, and this can throw the entire project in disarray. Tureks Plumbing Services offers the following tried and true steps that you can follow to make sure that the entire kitchen remodel project goes like a charm.

Decide How You Want to Use the Kitchen After the Remodel

Think about the lifestyle of your household for a moment and note down how exactly you want to use your kitchen once it is remodeled. For example, what kind of layout do wish to have? How many people do you expect to work or gather in your kitchen? Is your current kitchen large enough or you may need to build an addition to it? What kitchen features and appliances would you like to have? Plumbers in Appleton, WI recommend that homeowners gather pictures from different sources. This could be an interior design magazine and compile them in a scrapbook so that these pictures can be used when fine-tuning the final features and look of the kitchen.

Work Out the Scope and Budget of the Remodel

The next step that you should take after getting a rough idea about what you want is to write down the different tasks that have to be done during the project. This is technically called a scope of work. For example, the scope of work can include installing new floor tiles, replacing the existing faucets, and repainting the walls. Along with this scope of work comes a budget. So, you also need to think about how much you are willing to spend on the entire project.

Home remodel contractors in Appleton, WI experts reveal that the scope of work and budget you generate at this point is unlikely to be the final since many changes will be made as you verify the costs of different items and adjust the scope of work within the budget available.

Identify the Professionals You Will Need

Depending on the nature of the work you’re wanting in your kitchen remodel project, you are likely to need the service of different professionals ranging from an interior designer, architect, plumber, and a general contractor or builder.

Tureks Plumbing Services recommends that you involve these chosen professionals as early as possible during the remodeling project so that they can help you with getting the needed permits and advise you on the selection of different materials.

Agree on a Schematic Plan

The next big task that you have to pay attention to is the schematic plan of the project. Home remodel contractors in Appleton, WI caution that homeowners should resist from obsessing with what their kitchens will look like during this process. Only because you can detract from the necessary details of deciding the floor plan and other decisions regarding the sizes and locations of different appliances or features. The schematic is important because it organizes what will go where so that there is room for everything, and it all fits together.

Talk to the Fox Valley plumber you are working with about ordering different materials since the lead times may vary. You also don’t want to work to stall while the professionals wait for the ordered items to be delivered.

Specify Finishes and Fixtures

The next step in the process of the remodel entails specifying what fixtures and finishes you want for your kitchen. This is the point at which all those photos you have been collecting become valuable. From those photos, you need to select one overall style for the kitchen, such as the traditional, classic, cottage, or modern kitchen style.

Once that is done, move on to selecting the different fixtures and their finishes. For example, you may want a granite countertop, matte black faucets, colored floor tiles, and a glass backsplash. Maybe you want to include home automation in your kitchen? Our friends at Specialized AV, a company that offers smart home automation services in NorCal, say it’s an upgrade every homeowner should consider. Be detailed in specifying exactly what you want because the decisions that you make at this point will determine the final appearance of your kitchen once the remodel is completed.

Finalize Designs and Construction Documents

Now is the time to finalize the designs (floor plans, mechanical and electrical drawings, etc.). Headwaters Construction Inc., a Sacramento construction company, says that these final drawings will determine what the contractors will include in their bid for the project in the next step of the kitchen remodel process. Tureks Plumbing Services also adds that the final drawings made at this stage will be submitted to the authorities for any needed permits or approvals before the work begins.

Receive Bids and Select a Contractor

If you hadn’t hired a contractor, now is the time to receive bids from about three contractors and then select one whose bid is the most competitive. At this point, you can still change some of the materials and finishes if the costs quoted by the contractors exceed what you had expected. For example, you can change from a granite countertop to faux granite without changing the overall desired look of your kitchen, according to experienced Fox Valley plumbers.

Get Ready for Demolition Work

If your kitchen remodel includes extensive work, such as demolishing sections of the existing walls, you need to plan for this disruptive activity. For example, plumbers in Appleton, WI, recommend that you prepare alternative space where you will be preparing your meals since the kitchen is likely to be unusable during this phase of the project. Some people even temporarily move while the remodel is undertaken. Talk to your contractor and get ideas on how to prepare for the demolition, and indeed the entire remodel.

Prepare Your Punch List

When the kitchen remodel is nearly complete, you need to observe everything carefully and identify all the little details that haven’t been attended to as required. For instance, there could be a spot that needs touching up with paint, or a cabinet handle that doesn’t work, or even a scratch on an appliance. The list of these items is called a punch list. Give the contractor this list and let them come back to address those little details. Don’t think that the contractor is negligent for not seeing and correcting those issues.

Once the punch list has been addressed, you are ready to start using your newly remodeled kitchen! Tureks Plumbing Services is always available to provide routine maintenance so that plumbing issues don’t detract from your enjoyment of the visual and functional aspects of the remodeled kitchen, so get in touch today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Your July Home Checklist

Friday, July 19th, 2019

July home checklistSummer is in full gear, and the month of July can come and go in a blink of an eye. With all the holidays and fun family parties, there’s a lot of things that probably need to be done in and around your home. If you aren’t careful and use a checklist to prioritize what you need to attend every month. Use this handy checklist compiled by the experts at Tureks Plumbing Services so that you cover all your bases in this month of July.

Clean Your Porch Lights

You can either clean the porch lights in situ or remove them and use a dishpan to clean them, depending on the type of lights you have. If the fixtures are removable, then take them down carefully since this makes it easier to do a thorough job of cleaning them. If they aren’t removable, then turn their power off and use a moist cloth to clean them. Finish off the job by drying the fixtures using a soft cloth. This is also the time to replace any light bulbs that aren’t working, so don’t forget to get replacements before you start cleaning!

Check Your Home’s Safety Devices

It is a good practice to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month, so no exceptions should be made for the month of July. Check the batteries and replace them if they are due for replacement and consider replacing any detector which is older than ten years. If you are replacing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, consider getting those who are interconnected since this type can alert all home occupants once a hazard is detected. Also, check the expiry date of your fire extinguishers and replace those which are passed their expiry date.

Attend to Your Pets

Summer can be particularly hard on your furry friends if you don’t make ample arrangements for them. For example, avoid leaving your pets at a kennel when you travel since this is very stressful for them. Instead, plan to have a pet sitter so that your pets remain in a familiar setting. Also, remember to have someone watch your pet if you ever decide to leave it inside your car while you run some errands. Provide ample water and access to shade each time you leave your pet at home during the day.

Give Your Windows a Thorough Cleaning

You don’t want dusty windows to limit the amount of sunlight streaming into your home this summer, do you? Get your vinegar solution or commercial glass cleaner and give your windows a thorough cleaning both outside and inside. Complete the task by using a squeegee to dry them. If the windows are very high, don’t risk using ladders to access them. Instead, get a telescoping window washer or hire professionals to undertake this task.

Check All Insect Screens

Summer is almost synonymous with mosquitoes, so you need to make sure your defenses against these pests are intact. Check the window and door screens to confirm that there are no tears or holes to let mosquitoes in. Buy a screen repair kit and fix any damage you observe or get help from home remodel professional in Appleton, WI. With the screens repaired or replaced, no insects will invite themselves into your home.

Improve Your Water Usage Habits

Use the month of July to run a check on your water conservation plans. For example, change the time you water your lawn to the cooler hours of the day so that you limit water loss to evaporation. This could also be the best time for you to install a smart sensor in your sprinkler system so that you can conserve more water. Check for and repair any water leaks inside and outside your home. Our expert plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services are at your service to check for and fix any plumbing issues that you may have on your property.

Protect Your Landscaping from Fire Hazards

The heat of summer also poses fire risks if your area is particularly dry during this time of the year. Protect the landscaping from outdoor fires by removing any dry weeds, fallen leaves, and any other materials that can ignite if a fire broke out outside your property.

Get Ready for Your Summer Guests

This is the time to clear out any items you had stored in the guest wing of your home. Bring fresh towels in, lay the bed, and place a basket containing bottles of water in a visible place. It is also necessary to get all the needed toiletries into the room before your guests arrive. A bunk or trundle bed is a good idea if your overnight guests may have kids.

Repair or Replace Fence or Garage Door Components

Inspect your fence and identify any components that are old or in disrepair. This is a more taxing home remodel project in Appleton, WI so doesn’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if you aren’t up to the task. If you are handy with tools and have ample time, then, by all means, do it with one or more of your family members.

When was the last time you checked your garage door? Wear and tear naturally happens over time. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, recommend annual garage door maintenance to avoid garage door replacement.

Assess the Safety Measures of Your Pool

If you have a pool, now is the time to check and upgrade the safety measures that are in place to safeguard your kids, family members, and guests from avoidable risks. Do you have a safety cover on the pool? Is the gate up to code? Is the pool fence free from damage? Ask a professional to help you upgrade any safety mechanisms that are required by law or those you wish to include as extra layers of protection. The additional features you can consider include an alarm that lets you know when someone opens the pool gate.

This to-do list is by no means complete, but you can use it as a handy guide to jogging your memory about the other things that you need to get done in and around your home. For all your plumbing-related remodel projects, contact Tureks Plumbing Services, and we will be glad to help make your dream home a reality.

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Top 5 Home Remodels: Do’s and Don’ts

Wednesday, June 19th, 2019

Top 5 Home Remodels: Do’s and Don’tsEvery homeowner at one time considers remodeling their home for a variety of reason. You may want to add more living space or restructure your home to match your tastes and preferences. One question many don’t consider is whether that remodel is a worthy investment which will pay for itself by increasing the resale value of the property. Don’t be one of those homeowners. Read the following discussion and learn which five home remodels will make sense from an investment point of view and those which will hardly give you a return on your investment once you decide to sell the home.

5 Remodels That Bump Up the Resale Value of Your Home

Kitchen Remodels

There is nearly universal agreement that you can never go wrong if you decide to remodel your kitchen in order to increase the resale value of your home. However, you need to ask yourself whether your top priority is what you as an individual want or your priority is to make improvements which will have the greatest effect upon the resale value of the home. Your best bet is to go for carefully planned improvements which don’t require you to tear up walls or move plumbing lines. Such costly remodels rarely give a decent return on investment and yet simple improvements like adding cabinets made from affordable materials give a better return on the investment.

Adding More Living Space

Another remodel which can increase the resale value of your home is adding some living space to that home. For example, a bedroom addition can increase the total square footage of the home and thereby increase its resale value. The expert plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services warn that the addition should be sizeable enough to justify some of the fixed costs, such as the cost of building a new foundation after tearing up an exterior wall. An addition of a few square feet makes the remodel to lose economic sense from an investment perspective.

Improving the Curb Appeal

As you may know, the way a product is packaged plays a big role in how potential buyers regard that product. In the same way, the external appearance of your property can increase or lower the resale value of your home. Our friends at Headwaters Construction Inc. say that any remodel that improves curb appeal, therefore, has a positive effect on the resale value of your home. Giving the exterior walls a new coat of paint is one simple project to boost the curb appeal of the property and increase its resale value. If resources allow, replacing old windows and exterior doors can also give you a decent payback when you sell the home. Remember, first impressions count, so ensure that your home gives a favorable first impression.

The Master Bedroom

The decision on whether to buy one home and not another rests squarely with adults. It, therefore, makes sense to remodel the master suite so that it is more appealing to the adults who will live in that home. Once again, opt for upgrades which aren’t very expensive and yet they improve the beauty and functionality of the master suite. For example, an inbuilt walk-in closet is an affordable improvement which will appeal to the adults who will live in the master bedroom.

Bathrooms

The bathroom is another section which can make or break the home in terms of its resale value. Fox Valley plumbers recommend that you pay the most attention to the bathroom in the master suite as well as the one in the guest room rather than on the one for the kids. Make simple adjustments to the cosmetic appeal of the bathroom, such as installing new faucets and repainting the walls rather than major changes to the layout.

5 Remodels That Hardly Improve the Resale Value of Your Home

Pools

A pool should be down your list of priorities if you would like to make improvements which can increase the resale value of your home. Plumbers in Appleton WI explain that while many homeowners would like to have a pool on their property, few of them are willing to incur the cost of maintaining those pools so they leave pools on the list of nice-to-haves rather than priorities. Consequently, it doesn’t make sense to add a pool to your home if you are primarily interested in increasing the resale value of that home.

Kids’ Spaces

Similar to pools, kids’ spaces, such as climbing walls, aren’t the ideal remodel to think about when you want to improve the resale value of your home. The kids will be thrilled to have such a space, but the adults who make the buying decision may wish that the space was used for something else, such as a man cave.

Wine Rooms

Wine rooms only appeal to wine enthusiasts, so don’t expect the addition of a wine room to increase the resale value of your home. You are better off investing in a home improvement which will appeal to most homebuyers rather than investing in improvements which appeal to a small niche of property owners.

Small Additions

Tearing out an exterior wall in order to enlarge your kitchen or bedroom by a few square feet will not give you a good return on investment because the fixed costs (roof, foundation, etc.) of the project will make such an addition uneconomical. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors add that making small improvements can increase your home’s value. Those who upgrade their home’s garage door can see about a 4% increase. 

Removing Features

It is equally unwise from an investment point of view to remove an existing feature in the home, such as a fireplace, in order to repurpose that part of the home. Potential homebuyers may not appreciate the removal and they will opt for other homes which still have that feature.

At the end of the day, the property is currently yours and you are entirely free to implement whatever remodels you see fit. Just bear in mind the discussion above and don’t expect too much from a remodel that is a non-starter in terms of improving the resale value of the home. However, you can never go wrong when you focus on making the plumbing system the best that it can be. In that aspect, Tureks Plumbing Services is standing by to receive your call so that our professionals can get to work and fix anything that may not be performing at its best.

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Kitchen Storage Must-Haves

Wednesday, June 12th, 2019

kitchen storage must havesIf you don’t plan the kitchen storage correctly, you will be irritated daily as you use this important part of your home. The process of organizing this storage starts with assessing what you own. The next step in the process entails preparing storage space for those kitchen belongings following the three sections or workspaces within the kitchen. This article discusses the different items which you can store within the three work zones in your kitchen.

Work Area #1: The Refrigerator

This work zone marks the area where two primary activities take place. First, any groceries or food items you buy reach this area before they are stored or prepared. Secondly, the first preparatory steps as you cook often take place within this work zone.

The first thing you should do, therefore involves positioning the fridge close to the entrance into the kitchen. This will save you from having to walk across the entire kitchen with heavy groceries to access the refrigerator at the end of the room.

One of the features of the refrigerator work area is a countertop. This provides space where you can place groceries before you sort the items by the type of storage that they need. For example, you can pick the items which require refrigeration and place them in the fridge while the dry goods can go into a storage cabinet.

Plan to store your staples within the refrigerator work area. The items or tools you use for this initial preparation, such as mixers, graters, salad molds, and measuring cups should be stored in the cabinets within the fridge work zone.

The appliances used to prepare dry goods, such as the coffee maker, also go in the refrigerator work zone. Similarly, cookbooks are best stored in this zone because the initial preparation of dry goods happens here.

The exact amount of storage space that you need for this zone will depend on your needs as an individual. For example, an empty nester will need a lot more storage space than a single person who is just starting to acquire kitchenware. The important thing to remember when planning the storage space for this zone is that the area should be divided into about four categories (dry food storage/pantry, original food preparation equipment and tools, the refrigeration space and space for storing small appliances or utensils you occasionally use, such as bowls and trays).

Work Area #2: The Sink

The sink work zone sees the most traffic because it is needed by the refrigerator zone and the cooking area. It is therefore wise to place the sink zone in the middle of the refrigerator and cooking spaces so that this vital area can be accessed conveniently.

A sizeable countertop is paramount in this area, and it should be as clutter-free as possible so that it can be used easily. 

Fox Valley plumbers explain that food prep and cleaning up happens in this area, so don’t skimp on space for these important activities.

Recycling and trash containers should be thoughtfully positioned in this work zone so that it is effortless to get rid of the trash generated during the food preparation process or the cleaning that happens afterward. A plumber in Appleton, WI can help you to select the best recycling and disposal equipment for this work zone.

Glassware, dishes, cleaning supplies, and the other items which you use daily during food prep and clean up should be stored within the sink work area for easy access. Cutting boards and knives should be stored within this zone, but close enough to the refrigerator zone so that any activity in the fridge zone that requires these items can be executed without the unnecessary inconvenience of walking a significant distance to get the needed item.

Drinking glasses can also be stored in this zone close to the point at which they are cleaned. Drawers or wall cabinets can work for this purpose, depending on your preference.

Keep items which are related closely to each other in this zone. For example, put coffee mugs in the drawers closest to the coffee maker.

Once again, the size of the space for the sink work area will depend on your belongings, but it should also be divided into four areas, namely, trash and recycling; dishwasher, sink and cleaning supplies; glasses, flatware and dishes; and finally cutlery, small appliances, and cutting boards.

Work Area #3: Cooktop/Range Area

As the name suggests, this zone is the area where cooking takes place. The ovens, range, or cooktop are the main features of this work area. This zone should be located closest to the dining room so that what is prepared doesn’t have to be moved over a long distance to the dining room/area.

A countertop is paramount in this area for the placement of hot items which have been removed from the oven or cooktop.

The storage space around this area should contain the different items, such as bowls and platters, which you use to transfer food to the dining room. You also need to set aside a cabinet for the cookware used frequently. Warming appliances should also be stored within this zone.

Spices, pans, and pots, as well as other cooking utensils, should be stored as close to the oven and range as possible for easy access during the process of cooking. You can store these items in drawers or upper cabinets, whichever suits you better.

Divide the storage space by the categories of items most used in this work zone. For example, one section can be for the cooking surfaces (stove, for example). Another section should be for microwaves or ovens. Next, reserve space for storing bakeware, cookware, and some small appliances. Finally, the items used when serving food also deserve their own space.

Use the number of people in your household as a guide when deciding how big each storage space should be. Once you organize the kitchen storage appropriately, it will be a joy to enter this space and prepare a meal for you and your loved ones each day. This cannot be possible when the plumbing isn’t just right, so partner with our experts at Tureks Plumbing Services for high-quality plumbing installation and maintenance for your dream kitchen remodel.

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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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6 Stylish Bathroom Vanities with Great Storage

Wednesday, May 29th, 2019

bathroom vanities with great storage

6 Stylish Bathroom Vanities with Great Storage

You don’t have to choose between style and storage space if you are shopping for a vanity for a powder room or bathroom with limited space. Designers have come up with stylish vanities that provide ample storage for all the necessities that you need to have in your powder room. In this article, you’ll discover some of the most popular vanity designs that Fox Valley plumbers have seen in bathroom remodels.

Downscale to a Child-Sized Vanity

You don’t have to place a full-sized vanity in a bathroom used by kids. Match their stature by scaling the vanity down to a miniature version fit for a small kids’ bathroom. For example, the width of the vanity can be no bigger than the size of the sink at the top of that vanity. Two drawers can be located just below the sink and bigger shelves can house larger items, such as towels. The child-sized vanity can store enough supplies for two kids!

Barrel Vanity

A barrel-shaped vanity can also take sleekness to a whole new level when it is installed as a space-saving option. The barrel shape provides more vertical storage space while limiting the horizontal footprint of the vanity. The beauty of such vanity is that its doors open to an angle that exceeds 90 degrees, so it is possible for you to make maximum use of the space inside without fearing that the door will limit your access to the stored items.

Modern Minimalism

If space is at a premium in your bathroom, then opting for a minimalist approach when selecting a vanity will do wonders for you according to the small bathrooms seen by plumbers from Tureks Plumbing Services.

A vanity made in this style features plenty of space on the countertop where you can keep your toiletries and a soap dispenser. An open shelf above the cabinet can do a good job of creating an impression of spaciousness instead of closed cabinetry that may highlight how small the bathroom is.

Go Furniture-Style

Do you own a vintage home that you would like to get a vanity that matches the style of that home? A furniture-style vanity can provide incredible storage for the small bathroom and add provide visual appeal to that space. For example, a compact 30-inch-wide furniture-style vanity with several cabinets and drawers will store sufficient supplies for the couple using the master bedroom for whom the powder room is being outfitted.

Classic Chrome Console

Another way to make the most of a small bathroom is by getting a console vanity which is no more than 30 inches wide and approximately 32 inches tall. A bottom shelf can provide more storage space underneath the console. The console bases leave plenty of room underneath the console, so your bathroom will look roomier. The bonus? This style of vanity gives the home a traditional look.

Customized Cottage Vanity

Some bathrooms are so small that it is not possible to get a store-bought vanity into them. For such situations, a site-built vanity is a feasible option with a small but versatile vanity being made to fit within the available space. A Fox Valley plumber describes one such cottage vanity as being quartz-topped. The countertop holds soap and toiletries. Just below the countertop is a toilet tissue holder, and the storage space is completed by an open shelf below the toilet tissue holder. The shelf has ample space for keeping towels. This cottage style is easier to pull off when the vanity is made at a time when the entire house is being remodeled to that style.

Whether you are buying ready-made or have the resources for a custom-made vanity, there is always something to provide great storage in your powder room while also meeting your stylistic requirements. If you need sections of the storage to be fitted around plumbing fixtures or pipes, Tureks Plumbing Services is happy to drop by and give their professional opinion on how the vanity can fit without endangering the plumbing.

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Rules to Keep in Mind When Designing Your Kitchen

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019

rules to designing your kitchen

7 Rules to Keep in Mind When Designing Your Kitchen

Are you designing your kitchen from scratch or are you planning to remodel the existing kitchen? Before you do, read these rules and keep them in mind as you come up with a design that will make your new kitchen not just beautiful but functional and safe. Remember, these rules aren’t set in stone, so you can adjust them here and there to suit your specific circumstances and needs.

Rule #1: Door Entry and Interference

It is advisable to have a 34-inch opening into your kitchen. This entry will be wide enough to permit the unfettered carrying of various items, such as appliances, into and out of the kitchen when the need arises.

Additionally, experts at Tureks Plumbing Services recommend that the door should not interfere with the operation of any appliance inside the kitchen. If your kitchen is small, then install the kitchen door in such a way that it opens outwards. This will ensure that the area close to the doorway can have an appliance, such as the fridge.

Rule #2: The Work Triangle

The work triangle refers to the three major work centers in your kitchen. These are the main cooking appliance, the sink, and the refrigerator. These work centers should form a triangle. The distance from one leg of the triangle to another should not be less than 4-feet or more than 9-feet.

Fox Valley plumbers explain that a distance which is shorter than 4-feet makes it hard to work freely if another person is using one of the work centers. Conversely, longer distances between the work centers aren’t efficient because one will cover long distances when moving between those different legs of the work triangle.

Most importantly, traffic should not travel across the work triangle. For instance, a family member who wants to pick something from the refrigerator should not move across the path of someone who is using the kitchen sink and the oven.

Rule #3: Separating Work Centers

Another guideline which you need to keep in mind when designing your new kitchen is that no full-depth or full-height obstacle should exist between two work centers in the kitchen. For example, the need for more storage space in your kitchen should not motivate you to place a tall oven cabinet between the kitchen sink and the refrigerator. A respected plumber in Appleton, WI says that such separation makes it very hard for someone using the kitchen to access the different legs of the work triangle.

Rule #4: Traffic Clearance in Seating Areas

Imagine someone trying to squeeze behind your seat in the kitchen in order to go to the refrigerator and pick a drink. This inconvenience can spoil your mood if you were enjoying a delicious meal. It is therefore advisable for you to allow ample clearance in seating areas if there will be traffic there. For example, Fox Valley plumbers have observed that a clearance 44 inches are sufficient if people will be walking behind someone who is seated in the kitchen. 36 inches are sufficient if all you can manage is space for someone to edge past the seated person.

Rule #5: Prep/Cleanup Sink

If you intend to have only one sink in your kitchen, it is better for that sink to be located across from or adjacent to the cooking area. This placement prevents you from covering long distances as you move the prepared food to the stove or oven.

Tureks Plumbing Services also recommends that the sink should have a landing area that has at least 24-inches of clearance on either side so that you have a wide enough surface onto which to place cooking pots after removing them from the stove. The space also allows you to work comfortably as you prepare the different food items which you are going to cook.

Rule #6: Cooking Surface Safety

In the kitchen, you will have electricity, water, and open flames in the same room. This increases the potential for fire hazards in your kitchen. To minimize this risk, avoid locating the cooking surface, such as a stove top, under an operable window. Additionally, the windows above the cooking surface should not have treatments, such as window film, which are flammable. Plan the layout of different kitchen features with these guidelines in mind and place a fire extinguisher close to the kitchen entrance and far from the cooking surface just in case you have to deal with a minor fire in this room.

Rule #7: Cabinet Height

You should also pay attention to the height of the upper cabinets in your kitchen during the remodel. A Fox Valley plumber advises that you consider two key aspects in this regard.

First, the distance between a countertop and the cabinet above it should be at least 18 inches. This distance allows the countertop to be used without any interference from the cabinet above.

Secondly, think about your maximum reach when designing the upper cabinets. As a general rule, keep upper cabinets at no more than 7 feet so that you can access stored items easily. Anything higher than that may require you to use step ladders or climb onto a stool.

Many more kitchen design guidelines exist. The seven guidelines above are just intended to draw your attention to some of the considerations that you should keep in mind as you plan a kitchen remodel or new construction. Of course, we at Tureks Plumbing Services will be more than happy to share more planning rules as well as help you to get the plumbing aspects of your kitchen in order. So, give us a call today!

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