Archive for March, 2010
WASHERLESS FAUCETS
WASHERLESS FAUCETS
Washerless faucets are considered to be a type of faucet that usually lasts longer than compression faucets. However, washerless faucets are also more prone to leaks than compression ones. Consequently, when a washerless faucet is in need of repair, you will have to replace some or possibly all of the flow parts and the fixture. The type of washerless faucet you have will be the determining factor as to what parts must be replaced to alleviate a leak.
There are two styles of washerless faucets available (single lever or two-handled) and three types of washerless faucets (ball, disc, and cartridge).
BALL FAUCETS
Having a free-moving handle that attaches to a rotating ball inside the faucet body, a ball faucet works when the rotation of a ball stops at a position where the ball aligns with the water flow of your hot water or cold water inlets to dispense water. When the handle of one of these type faucets leaks, a tightening of the ring or replacement of the cam washer usually solves the problem.
DISC FAUCETS
Disc faucets have a ceramic disc assembly at their core. These handles rarely wear out but leaks do develop when any of the faucet’s rubber seals become corroded. With three rubber seals for hot, cold, and mixed water flow, you’ll need to remove and replace all three seals when leaks occur.
CARTRIDGE FAUCETS
Most cartridge faucets are of the single-handed variety and are easily identifiable by their narrow metal or plastic cartridge sitting inside its faucet body. Cartridge faucets develop leaks when their O-rings or cartridge assembly becomes worn. To alleviate these leaks, you’ll need to replace either or both of these parts. The main thing to remember with a cartridge faucet is to make sure you replace the O-ring or cartridge assembly with an exact duplicate part; otherwise, you’ll still have a leak when you finish your repair job.
If you have a more extensive leaky faucet problem that isn’t solved by the above suggestions, contact qualified plumber contractor to take care of that leak for you.
Blog Post provided by: Marietta Licensed Plumbers
WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BATHROOM ON A BUDGET
WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BATHROOM ON A BUDGET
Many homeowners dream of a bathroom make-over. You need more space, more lighting, a larger bathtub or shower, or a new look. Bathroom improvements don’t have to be costly to be worthwhile.
Some ideas that may prove useful in transforming your old bathroom into a stylish new one that won’t break the bank include:
· Freshen up your bathroom with a new coat of paint on walls and ceiling. This is by far the least expensive bathroom make-over strategy.
· Remove old cracked, aged, and dirty caulking around your shower and/or tub with new caulk.
· Purchase and install a new toilet. With lots of toilet colors available, you’ll be able to coordinate your new toilet with other bathroom décor to create a new look. Get a dual flush toilet and you’ll also be contributing to the preservation of the environment. A licensed plumber can help with the purchase and installation.
· Replace your old vanity with a new one. Or, if that is too expensive, consider replacing the top of your vanity or sink.
· Add stylish new taps and a matching showerhead for a quick modernization of your old bathroom.
· Upgrade your light fixtures with some new, energy efficient and more stylish models. You may have a hard time deciding on this one if you haven’t looked at light fixtures lately as the variety is almost overwhelming.
· Replace your worn and probably dulled shower door with a new clean door. If you coordinate it with your new fixtures, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the result.
· Replace towel bars, your toilet paper holder, and shower rod. These are available in multiple styles and materials so you’re sure to find one that will improve your bathroom’s appearance.
· Finish any upgrade or improvement with new towels, bathmats, and accessories to pull your room together.
Try some or all of these suggestions. You’ll enjoy the process and the new bathroom. Should you need the services of a qualified, licensed plumber during your bathroom make-over project, contact one of our plumbers at www.find-plumbers for an estimate.
Blog Post provided by: Atlanta Bathroom Plumbing Specialist
CERAMIC OR PORCELAIN FLOOR TILES
CERAMIC OR PORCELAIN FLOOR TILES
If you are remodeling your kitchen or bathroom and are considering flooring tiles, you’re options will probably be narrowed down to ceramic or porcelain. Which to choose depends on your personal preferences and the function of your floor covering. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are manufactured by using the same process. The difference in the final produce has to do with the fact that the material used in porcelain tiles is more refined than that of ceramic tiles. Consequently, being subjected to higher temperatures than ceramic, porcelain tiles are denser, creating a tougher tile.
CERAMIC FLOOR TILES
Ceramic tiles are less expensive that porcelain ones. Ceramic tile comes in a variety of colors, styles and designs. Also ceramic tiles give you some versatility options for bordering your floor. Ceramic tile lends itself to being combined with wood and carpet to create a unique look, and may be installed in outdoor and indoor areas.
On the negative side, ceramic tiles are subject to wear and tear because they absorb water, are subject to breakages in high traffic areas, require regular maintenance, and are quite slippery when wet.
PORCELAIN FLOOR TILES
With its high resistance to moisture, porcelain tile is a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens. Because of this moisture resistance, porcelain is less susceptible to stains than are ceramic tiles. Porcelain tile is durable and resistant to allergens and bacteria. Porcelain requires a minimum amount of maintenance and is durable when subjected to heavy foot traffic.
Cons of porcelain floor tiles are that porcelain tiles cost more than ceramic, are cold and hard on bare feet, and heavy.
While both ceramic floor tile and porcelain floor tile are both attractive, considerations of which to choose for your bathroom or kitchen remodeling project should take into consideration how hard you and your family are on flooring. While less expensive, ceramic floor may not be your ideal option as the cost of future repairs and maintenance expenses may prove to be a more costly in the long run.
Whichever route you go, contact a licensed Atlanta plumbing contractor for an installation estimate of your ceramic or porcelain tile floor project.
Blog Post provided by: Atlanta Bathroom Plumbers
CLEANING YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL
CLEANING YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL
Considering that you throw some pretty disgusting food articles into your garbage disposal, you probably aren’t surprised that it sometimes becomes smelly and clogged. Unless you have abused your garbage disposal by continuously disposing of items that it cannot handle, solving a garbage disposal problem is relatively simple.
THE BASICS
When you flip the switch on your garbage disposal, blades start to spin to pulverize the food and debris you have thrown into it. Once pulverized enough, these articles flow downstream through your plumbing system as liquidized waste. Since the blades of your garbage disposal are very fast and strong, an odor problem may arise when you try to grind up some item that gets stuck against the walls of the disposal. If allowed to remain in the disposal long enough (a few days), you’ll have quite an unpleasant odor on your hands.
CLEANING A STINKY GARBAGE DISPOSAL
Once odor has invaded, the simplest way to rid your garbage disposal of that odor is to fill the disposal with soap and water and flush it out. To accomplish this task, stop up the sink where your disposal is located, fill your sink with enough soapy water to fill up the disposal, and then release the stopper while turning on your garbage disposal to have the disposal’s submerged blades spin the mixture around and hopefully dislodge the odor-producing gunk in your disposal. If this is a successful procedure, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in the odor.
IF SOAP AND WATER DON’T WORK
If soap and water don’t clear the odor, try the same flushing procedure and use baking soda and vinegar (½ cup of baking soda plus ½ cup of vinegar added to water) to partially fill your sink. Immediately following the last gurgle of the water going down the disposal, follow the mixture with boiling water.
If the above measures are unsuccessful, contact experienced licensed plumber for a guaranteed solution to that garbage disposal clog or odor problem.
Blog Post provided by: Marietta Garbage Disposal Plumbing service