Tips To Make Plumbing Last Into The New Year

 The holidays are a time full of family, food, and making memories, but they can be very tough on your plumbing. Everyone is home from work and school, you’re cooking more and eating more at home, and your bathrooms get much more use than normal when you have friends and family over to celebrate. In order to avoid disruptive and expensive plumbing problems over the Christmas period, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips for you to keep your plumbing systems as efficient as possible well into 2021. 

1. Check all of your sinks and toilets for any drips, any running water, or any slow drainage. Some plumbing problems are hard to notice at first, like a sink drain that gradually drains more and more slowly, and by the time you notice it, it requires a professional to fix it. Take stock of any issues now and speak with a plumber if you have any concerns. 
2. Use drain screens in all your sinks and showers. Even if you diligently scrape your plates into the garbage can before rinsing them off, you’ll be surprised how many food scraps a drain screen can catch, saving you from a clogged kitchen sink. Shower drain screens catch hair that would otherwise make your shower drain more slowly. It’s a quick, easy fix that keeps your drains healthy.
3. Check your hot water heater before the Christmas break. You use your hot water heater everyday, but when is the last time you actually took a look at it? As we deal with cold winter temperatures across New Jersey, the last thing you want is for your hot water heater to malfunction, so check the pressure relief valve and prevent sediment build-up by draining it at least once a year. 

Don’t abuse your garbage disposal 

We know it can be tempting to empty your holiday plates down the drain and let your garbage disposal do all the work, but putting too much strain on your disposal can lead to a serious clog. Plumbing professionals will all agree it’s best to scrape your plates clean as much as possible before rinsing any excess food down the drain, especially during the holiday season when your drains are working harder than usual. You don’t want your Christmas celebration to be interrupted by a broken down sink, or a clog that you can’t fix, so use your garbage disposal sparingly. 

If you have any questions, please contact Crosstown Plumbing today. Discover why so many industry professionals in New Jersey choose us as their trusted plumbing supply company. We look forward to hearing from you.

 Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/tips-to-make-plumbing-last-into-the-new-year/

How To Escape A Plumbing Nightmare When Christmas Is Over

 With Christmas just around the corner, you’re undoubtedly busy making plans to celebrate. The last thing you want to think about is a plumbing emergency, but did you know that one of the most common emergencies we see year after year are clogged drains right after the holidays? We’ve put together a handy guide to help you keep your pipes clean and avoid expensive emergency calls to your local plumber. 

• Be vigilant about what everyone puts down the kitchen drain. Your drains aren’t meant to be used as a garbage can for food scraps, oils, grease, and other leftovers from your holiday meals. Be sure your family and any Christmas guests you have don’t empty their plates down the kitchen sink. We recommend getting a drain screen to keep your pipes as clear as possible. You also may want to use a liquid drain cleaner before and after the holidays.
• Keep your pipes insulated. Here in New Jersey, it can get pretty chilly. When your pipes are exposed to cold temperatures they can freeze, crack, expand, and burst, leaving you with a huge mess. To prevent frozen pipes we recommend wrapping them with insulation sleeves for protection.
• Check all the toilets in your house before the holiday season. With people home from work and school, and a house full of friends and family, your bathrooms will be used much more than normal and should be in perfect working condition. Check for any drips, any running water, or any flushing issues and call a plumber if you think something is wrong.
• Space out showers as much as possible. We know it can be difficult with a house full of people, but your shower drain needs time to drain properly after each person uses it. We recommend waiting twenty minutes between showers to avoid clogged shower drains, especially when you have more people than usual using the shower.

What causes clogged drains? 

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but it can put a big strain on your home plumbing. We often see clogs caused by the same several things around the holidays, including food scraps, excess cooking oil and grease being poured down the kitchen sink. Always scrape your plates into the garbage can first, and never pour oil or grease down the drain!

To ensure you’re fully prepared for any potential holiday plumbing emergencies, or if you have any questions, please contact Crosstown Plumbing today. Find out why so many industry professionals in New Jersey choose us as their trusted plumbing wholesaler. 

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/how-to-escape-a-plumbing-nightmare-when-christmas-is-over/

Blocked Toilet: When to Call a Professional

 A blocked toilet can be a quick fix or it can turn into a plumbing emergency. We’ve all experienced the annoyance of a blocked toilet, and if you’re at home with a house full of people you want to fix the issue as quickly as possible. While fixing a clogged toilet might seem like a simple task, there are circumstances in which we recommend putting down the plunger and calling a professional, who can identify and fix the issue before it causes any more damage.

Call a plumber if:

• The plunger isn’t unclogging your toilet. This may seem obvious, but sometimes people start taking apart their toilets when plunging a blocked toilet doesn’t work. We never recommend DIY plumbing work unless you’re a professional, so for stubborn clogs, call a plumber you trust.
• Items that don’t belong in a toilet accidentally get flushed. People with kids have probably encountered this situation one too many times, and whether it’s a toy, a piece of clothing, or something else, foreign objects can easily cause major clogs and they can also damage your sewer septic lines if they actually get flushed. 
• You smell unpleasant odors coming from in or around your toilet. When there are small cracks or leaks within your plumbing, you’ll often smell the problem before you’re ever able to see it. Cracks and leaks cause staining, mold growth, higher water bills, and other damage to your plumbing system. So if you smell something you think is unusual, call a pro.
• Your toilet won’t stop running. While perhaps not a sign of a clog, a running toilet is a common problem, and whether it’s just a little trickle or a heavier stream of water, this wastes water and costs you money. Call a plumber who can identify and fix the problem. 

Advice from an expert plumbing wholesaler 

Keeping your toilets working properly is a vital component of an overall healthy plumbing system. Your plumbing system, just like everything else, requires regular cleaning and maintenance in order to keep it in top condition. For those of us who are industry professionals, we’ve seen the damage done by DIY plumbing projects gone wrong, which is why we recommend calling a professional when your toilet is blocked and you can’t fix the stubborn clog. 

For more information about wholesale plumbing supplies or if you have any questions, please contact Crosstown Plumbing today. We’re proud to be the preferred plumbing supply company for so many industry professionals in New Jersey, and our team is standing by and ready to help. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/blocked-toilet-when-to-call-a-professional/

The importance of cleaning your drains

 Do you only clean your drains when they get clogged? While this is a common practice for millions of people across the country, any plumbing industry professional will tell you how important it is to clean your drains on a regular basis. It’s a small bit of preventative maintenance that keeps your plumbing system healthy and functioning properly, making it less likely that larger, more disruptive problems will arise.

Here’s why it’s so important to regularly clean your drains:

• Dirty drains can make your plumbing system deteriorate faster. When your pipes become coated with layers of grime they sometimes crack, and because you can’t see your pipes you’re unlikely to notice any cracks until they become big leaks. By then, extensive damage has already been done.
• Clogs cause slow drainage and standing water. We’ve all experienced slow-draining sinks and shower drains before – this means there’s build-up clogging your pipes and if you don’t flush it out, the drain may stop working entirely. 
• Cleaning your drains regularly mitigates unpleasant smells. Think about all the things that go down your kitchen drains and bathroom drains on a regular basis. These are not odors you want to smell in your home or in your office!
• Clean drains are essential for good hygiene. Slow-drainage, standing water, unpleasant smells: all of these issues can accumulate to create unsanitary conditions, and can sometimes pose health risks.

One of the easiest ways to help keep your drains clean is to use drain screens. They catch hair, bits of food, soap scum, and other debris that can cause clogs. Drain screens are affordable, come in a variety of sizes to fit most drains, and they’re easy to clean whenever needed.

When to call a plumbing company

It’s easy to keep the drains in your home clean with over-the-counter products. You can also pour boiling water down your drains once a week to free up any debris stuck to the sides of your pipes. Commercial drains in restaurants may require professional cleaning on a regular basis due to high amounts of food waste, grease, and oil in the environment. If you notice a strange smell coming from any of your drains, if your pipes are leaking, or if you’ve noticed standing water, we recommend calling a professional who can identify and treat the problem. 

If you’d like more information or advice on how to properly clean your drains, or if you have any questions, please contact Crosstown Plumbing today. We’re proud to be the preferred plumbing supply company for so many industry professionals, and our team is standing by and ready to help. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/the-importance-of-cleaning-your-drains/

What is the Difference Between Septic Vs Sewer?

 Septic tanks and sewer tanks both perform the same function: they carry away wastewater from sinks, showers, toilets, washing machines and other drainage systems. Whenever you do laundry, flush a toilet, wash dishes, or take a shower, do you ever wonder where the water goes? It’s transported to either a septic tank or a sewer tank. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two systems:

Septic tanks

• Wastewater is carried into a holding tank located on the property
• Once wastewater is in the holding tank, bacteria breaks down solid waste while liquid waste is released into what’s called the drain field, which is responsible for removing contaminants from liquid wastewater
• Septic tanks require some maintenance, and most need to be pumped out once a year or every few years. 
• Whoever owns the property is responsible for the costs associated with the septic tank, including maintenance and repairs 

Sewer tanks

• Wastewater is carried to a municipal treatment facility, along with wastewater from around the city
• The treatment facility removes all contaminants from the water, then directs it back into the local water supply 
• Because sewer tanks are hooked up to the city’s sewer lines, no maintenance is needed.
• If you experience issues with your sewer tank, it’s the responsibility of your city’s public works department to inspect and resolve the problem. 

Each system also has certain benefits. If septic tanks are maintained properly, they can last for a very long time and incur few ongoing costs over the years. Some people view septic tanks as a more environmentally-friendly option because, unlike sewer systems, they don’t use chemicals or energy to pump and treat the water. On the other hand, sewer tanks are convenient because the property owner has no responsibility for maintenance or repairs. Additionally, sewer tanks don’t ever need to be pumped, so they’re sometimes viewed as the more convenient option.

Deciding between septic and sewer tanks

If you’re trying to decide between a septic tank and a sewer tank, we recommend speaking with several of your local plumbing companies and getting some professional advice. Not all properties are eligible for septic tanks, and the type of business you have will also determine which system will work best for your property. Maintenance, repairs, convenience and cost are all factors to consider when making a decision. 

For more information about septic tanks and sewer tanks, or if you have any questions, please contact Cross Town Plumbing today. Discover why so many industry professionals in New Jersey trust us as their plumbing supply company. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/what-is-the-difference-between-septic-vs-sewer/

The benefits of installing a water filtration system

 Water filtration systems remove chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants from water that comes out of the tap. Having around-the-clock access to clean, safe water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking is something that many of us expect without consideration, but tap water quality varies throughout the US. You can check the drinking water quality in your area on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website. 

Why install a water filtration system?

• They provide chemical-free, chlorine-free water for preparing food and beverages. This is essential for restaurants, coffee shops, delis, bars, and university cafeterias, to name a few. Water filters remove chemicals and chlorine, which can potentially alter the taste of the water, and other contaminants like pesticides and bacteria. 
• Water filters prevent appliances from being damaged by limescale or sediments that are in your water supply. We’ve all dealt with stubborn limescale build up – it’s difficult to remove, it can get in your food and drink, and it can damage expensive appliances. Avoid potential damage by investing in a water filter, and say goodbye to pesky limescale build up forever.
• For places like hospitals, dentist offices, and other healthcare facilities, sterile water is a necessity. Water filtration systems that are certified for medical use are essential for these industries. 
• Save money and be more environmentally friendly. We all try to do our part by making eco-friendly choices, and with a water filtration system you won’t need to purchase single-use plastic bottles anymore. You can rest assured that the tap water is fresh, clean, and safe to drink. Water filters also save you money by eliminating the need to buy bottled water.
• Filtered water, also known as “soft” water, is gentler on your skin. Unfiltered water is often referred to as “hard” water, and it can make your skin feel dry and irritated. For those who wash their hands frequently at work, soft water makes a big difference.

Commercial water filtration systems

While some industries like pharmaceuticals and healthcare require medical grade filtered water, other industries like food service can benefit from water filters by providing better tasting, higher-quality water to their customers. We recommend speaking to a trusted plumbing supply company to determine which water filter is right for your needs. Your preferred type of filter will depend on things like your daily water usage, the industry you work in, and the specific uses for your water. 

For more information about Cross Town Plumbing, or if you have any questions about water filtration, please contact us today. Discover why so many industry professionals trust us to be their plumbing wholesaler. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/the-benefits-of-installing-a-water-filtration-system/

Plumbing Tools Every Homeowner Should Have on Hand

 Plumbing supplies aren’t only for professional plumbers. For homeowners, it’s definitely worth investing in a set of plumbing tools because over the years there will inevitably be some minor, easy-to-fix issues with the plumbing systems that can easily be fixed.

Did you know that the average homeowner spends around $2,000 a year on home maintenance? Homeowners may be able to tackle the problem themselves with the help of these tools:

• A drain snake. This is a long metal rod with a hand crank at one end, and it’s used to dislodge any debris that has gathered in your pipes. After removing the drain stopper, lower the drain snake into the pipe and crank it around several times so it scrapes all sides of the pipe. When you pull it up you’ll see what’s causing the clog, and you may need to do it several times. 
• A wrench set. Plumbing often involves getting into hard-to-reach places, so you’ll need an adjustable wrench, a basin wrench, and a pipe wrench, to name a few. These wrenches
• A good plunger. This may seem obvious, but plungers aren’t only for unclogging your toilet – you can use a plunger to unclog stubborn shower drains, also.
• A caulk gun and caulk. Caulk is the waterproof sealant used around showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and other locations where you need a waterproof material to prevent damage. When you notice the caulk starting to wear a little thin, or if it begins to lift, simply use your caulk gun to apply a new layer. 
• High-quality duct tape. Any DIY homeowner will have rolls of duct tape lying around, and it’s especially useful with plumbing because it’s water resistant. If you notice a tiny leak you can wrap some duct tape around it to keep it from getting worse until you’re able to fix it properly. 

Plumbing supplies from your local wholesaler

As a plumber you appreciate the convenience of finding all the supplies you need in a single location, especially tools for jobs that can be a bit difficult. Your local plumbing supply company is a one-stop-shop for all the best brands, the widest selection of tools and other supplies, and expert advice from industry professionals. Instead of driving around to several locations to get everything you need, visit your local plumbing supply wholesaler for everything you need to get the job done.

For more information about plumbing supplies, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us today. Discover why so many people choose us as their preferred plumbing supply company. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/plumbing-tools-every-homeowner-should-have-on-hand/

How to unclog a sink in 5 easy steps

 Homeowners can unclog sinks themselves with the right plumbing supplies. There are many things that cause clogged sinks – they’re a disruption, they’re unsightly, they can stain the sink, and they often come with unpleasant smells. 

While there are serious clogs that will need a professional, most clogs can be fixed in five easy steps:

1. Disconnect the sink stopper. The stopper is the small piece of metal you put into the drain to block it, and it’s very common for build-up to accumulate on the stopper. To disconnect the sink stopper, look under your sink and check for a metal strip with holes in it. Unscrew the nut that connects the metal strip to the drain pipe and pull out the rod, then you can disconnect the stopper.
2. Clean the sink stopper. After you’ve disconnected the stopper, pull it out of the drain – you’ll probably want to wear gloves for this part because you’ll notice a lot of gunk has built up on the stopper. Clean the gunk off with a wet paper towel.
3. Use a snake to remove any deeper clogs. A snake is a long metal rod with a hand crank at one end, and you can find one at any plumbing supply store. Lower the snake into the drain and use the hand crank to twist it around, allowing it to grab any clog-causing debris. Once you’ve twisted the snake around several times, slowly pull it out of the drain. Warning – what comes out may be very gross! Repeat this as many times as necessary to clear the pipe.
4. Reconnect the sink stopper. But before you do this, run the water to check your sink is draining properly. You can reconnect the stopper the same way you disconnected it.
5. Check the P-trap. This is the elbow-shaped piece of piping under the sink and the snake may not reach this far. Put a bucket underneath it, unscrew the connectors with a wrench, dump the water from the P-trap into the bucket, then reconnect the P-trap.

Buying supplies from a plumbing wholesaler

Plumbers and similar tradesmen can find everything they need at a reputable plumbing supply company. Plumbing wholesalers stock all the top brands, carry hard-to-find tools and other pieces of equipment for even the most difficult jobs, and have everything you need in one place, saving you from having to drive around town making multiple stops.

For more information about the best plumbing supplies to have on hand, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us today. Discover why so many people in New Jersey have chosen us as their trusted plumbing wholesaler. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/how-to-unclog-a-sink-in-5-easy-steps/

Should you have a plumbing inspection before purchasing your home?

 Before buying a home in New Jersey, it’s essential to invest in a professional plumbing inspection. Unfortunately, unless you’re in the industry, when you view potential homes it’s impossible to know the state of the drains, the pipes, and the entire plumbing system in general. Having an inspection conducted by a professional will help you avoid risks, big expenses, and the inspection will give you an accurate understanding of how good a property’s plumbing system is.

Plumbing inspections will differ depending on the type and condition of the property, but general plumbing inspections cover the following:

• Inspection of the water filtration systems
• Shut-off valve inspection
• Examination of fixtures, supply lines, and drains
• Inspection of tankless water heaters or water storage tanks
• Inspection of all sinks, showers, baths, and toilets
• Inspection of kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room drainage and ventilation systems
• Thorough inspection of all above-ground plumbing, including the features under the kitchen sink, the bathroom sinks, and any laundry room sinks
• Water pressure inspection
• A video camera inspection of drains and sewer pipes underground. This is especially important because it can identify any cracks or other damage that can lead to major problems in the future.

It’s standard to have a general home inspection done when buying a house, but a general home inspection is not extensive enough to identify potential hazards and risks. In order to avoid disappointment and costly repairs, we strongly recommend investing in a plumbing inspection conducted by professionals you trust. They’ll be able to give you a comprehensive assessment of the plumbing around the entire property and alert you to any red flags.

Buying a home is a huge commitment and a huge responsibility, so you deserve to have as much information as possible to inform your decision. We’ve all heard horror stories about someone who purchased a home, only to have an expensive wiring or plumbing disaster several months later. Don’t leave anything to chance – let an expert help you.

Reliable plumbing wholesalers in New Jersey

Our team at Cross Town Plumbing is standing by and ready to speak with you. Whether you think you’ve found the home you want to buy, or you’ve just started looking, we’re happy to speak with you about all your home plumbing needs, including why it’s worth investing in a professional plumbing inspection. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/should-you-have-a-plumbing-inspection-done-before-buying-a-home/

How to Prevent Condensation on Air Conditioning Ducts

 Have you noticed condensation forming on your HVAC system? It’s summer and hot outside, so your air conditioner is likely working overtime to keep your space cool and comfortable, and you may have noticed that small drops of water have formed on your air ducts. This isn’t a sure-fire sign that something is wrong, but we do encourage you to investigate the problem and ensure it isn’t something more serious.

When humidity levels outside are high, the cold air flowing through the air duct often forms condensation, like a cold soda taken out of the refrigerator and left on the counter on a hot day. Condensation is natural and isn’t an automatic cause for alarm, and it can also be made worse by dirty air filters, poor insulation, and blocked ducts. Here’s how you can prevent condensation from forming on your air conditioning ducts:

• Change your air filters every three months. It’s a common thing to forget but set a reminder for yourself and change your filters out to avoid them getting too dirty.
• Clean your air ducts regularly to prevent blockage. When air can’t circulate freely through the vents it becomes colder, resulting in more condensation. We recommend having your air ducts cleaned properly every three to five years, and this is a job best left to professionals. 
• Reduce humidity levels in the area around your air ducts. For ducts located in a crawlspace underneath your home, you can reduce moisture by covering the soil. If your ducts are located in your attic, check for any cracks or holes and seal them. In consistently humid climates, keeping a dehumidifier next to the air duct is often a good solution.
• Check for leaks in your air duct by placing your hand on it and feel for any air escaping. You can also detect leaks using a pressure gauge. The bigger the leak, the more condensation you’ll see forming on your air ducts.

As mentioned, a small amount of condensation on your air ducts is normal, especially for humid climates and during the hot summer months. But we do recommend having your air ducts checked by a professional to ensure there isn’t a hidden issue that has the potential to turn into an expensive problem. Regular inspections and maintenance will keep your air systems clean and functioning properly.  

Contact our HVAC system experts today

Whether it’s a leaky air conditioning duct or another issue with your HVAC system, contact our team of experts at Cross Town Plumbing today and we’ll be happy to help. We’re proud to be New Jersey’s trusted plumbing wholesalers and we look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/how-to-prevent-condensation-on-air-conditioning-ducts/

The Basics About Tankless Water Heaters: How they work

 With so many water heaters on the market, choosing the best one for your home isn’t as easy as it seems. You may have heard about tankless water heaters but don’t know how they work, what the benefits are, or how they compare to traditional water heaters. Here are just a few of the advantages and disadvantages:

• Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than traditional water heaters. When you don’t have a large storage tank to heat, your system only heats the water it uses at one time, rather than the entire tank.
• Using a tankless water heater will generally save you money in the long run. The initial set-up costs can be expensive, but tankless heaters last longer and are generally cheaper to run.
• If you’re interested in the most environmentally friendly option, tankless water heaters use less fuel than traditional heaters do to heat up the same amount of water. The average efficiency of a tankless water heater is between 80 – 99%, making them the most environmentally friendly choice.
• Tankless water heaters often require a significant upfront investment to set them up. You may need to upgrade your home’s water pipes and electrical wiring to make it compatible with a tankless heater.
• If you plan on running the shower, the washing machine, and the dishwasher all at the same time, or other appliances that require hot water, a single tankless water heater will not be able to supply hot water to all of these appliances at the same time. 

There are certain criteria that determine which type of water heaters will work best in your home. For example: how many people live in your home? Are you often running the dishwasher, the washing machine, and the shower at the same time? How many people on average take a shower in a single morning? Once our team has a good understanding of your home water needs, we’ll be happy to make a professional recommendation. 

Contact us to learn more about water heaters

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply we carry an extensive range of hot water heaters and our experts are always happy to help you find the best option for your home. Whether you’re moving into a new home and want top-of-the-line water heaters, or you feel your existing plumbing system needs an upgrade, we have solutions that will work for every home and every budget. 

We’re happy to discuss your water heater options, and other important components including your plumbing system. If you want to learn more about water heaters, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/the-basics-about-tankless-water-heaters-how-they-work/

5 Coolest Home Heating Controls for 2020

 Home heating controls have advanced so much over the past decade, heating your home has never been easier. Smart thermostats can save you money, give you more control over the temperature in specific areas of your home, and you can activate them before you get home so the temperature will be just right upon your arrival. Here are five of the coolest home heating controls for 2020:

1. Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat – this system comes with a built-in Alexa so you can turn on your heating and check the traffic at the same time. You can control the Ecobee4 from anywhere in the world which means you’ll never have to wonder if you forgot to switch off the thermostat before running out of the door. 
2. Honeywell Lyric T5 – this thermostat is a great value for money, and if you don’t require certain features like a humidifier or a ventilator, this may be the best option for you.
3. Nest Thermostat – have you ever heard of a heating system that learns your routine and adapts to it? That’s exactly what this smart thermostat does, and there’s a reason it’s one of the most popular on the market. 
4. Mysa Smart Thermostat – this system syncs with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, making it extremely convenient and user-friendly. 
5. Sensi Smart Thermostat – the Sensi, like many smart thermostats, can be entirely controlled from your phone for a seamless experience. Set the rooms in your house to your desired temperature before you get home for the ultimate comfort.

Learn more about the latest home heating controls

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply we are experts in home heating options and we’ve been proudly serving the northern New Jersey area for many years. Whether you know the type of heating system you want or you need some professional advice, we’re happy to help you choose what will work best for you. In addition to our industry expertise, we also stock an extensive selection of home heating systems and can give you our recommendation based on your needs and your budget. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home and you want to install the latest home heating controls on the market, or you simply feel it’s time for your existing system to receive an upgrade, we’re happy to help.

With today’s technology, you have more choices than ever before when it comes to keeping your home warm and comfortable. We’re happy to discuss your options, so contact us today and speak to our team about the latest home heating controls. 

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/5-coolest-home-heating-controls-for-2020/

Emergency plumbing solutions and safety tips for workers

As millions of people are practicing social distancing by staying at home, countless workers still work daily to keep our communities running. One of these essential workers is our plumbers, and most of the time, they are required to entire your premises. An individual’s home is their sanctuary from the outside world, and amid a pandemic, that refuge must be biologically secure. For that reason, we need to do whatever we can to preserve the home’s safety. That starts by limiting both the number of people going in and out and the number of times they do it. However, some essential services must go on, such as emergency plumbing.

So what precautions can you take to protect both you and the technicians? Here are a few tips to stay safe amid the spread of COVID-19:

Before the visit

Check with plumbers through the plumbing company if they have a policy of screening staff for COVID-19 symptoms or exposure each day before attending an emergency. Whenever the plumber arrives, make sure they wash their hands thoroughly for 30 seconds with soap and water before starting any services. 

During the visit

The plumber should wear gloves around the house, and both the plumber and occupant should cover any cough or sneeze (followed by hand rewashing). Plumbing services do not require close proximity, so maintain a 6-foot distance from each other as far as you can.

The plumber should also be careful to touch as few surfaces as possible. The client, as well as the service provider, should wear a mask at all times. To be extra cautious, if the plumber has supplies in packaging, they should discard the packaging outside the home and wash his or her hands immediately after handling it.

After the visit

Clients may want to clean and disinfect surfaces that the visitor touched, which are also frequently touched by the home occupants. This includes things like doorknobs, cabinets, toilets, and sinks. Antimicrobial wipes is a good option if they are available, a household disinfectant will also do the trick (make sure to follow the instructions on the label). You can also use household bleach by making a solution of one-third cup per gallon of water. The solution should remain on a surface for at least one minute before wiping also ensure that the room is well ventilated and you wear gloves.

Your safety is our priority

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we take the safety of our customers and technicians very seriously. Our team has been briefed and trained on our companies safety precautions. So during this time, we can safely assist you with replacing your home’s HVAC system, furnace or water heater with state-of-the-art, high-efficiency heating systems. With over 25 years of experience as a plumbing wholesaler in New Jersey, we’re the right partner for affordable home furnaces and boiler replacement. 

For more information about our specials on boiler replacement or to find out more about the boilers we can offer you, please visit our plumbing supply company website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ today.

Plumbing is an Essential Service

 As the COVID-19 Coronavirus has spread across the country, people are practicing social distancing by self-isolating at their homes. However, while staying at home is a great effort, most are still unsure if it is okay to let other individuals into your home. Our professional plumbers at Cross Town know that when it comes to plumbing emergencies, the DIY method just isn’t the right method. Fortunately, plumbing is considered an essential service, even during times of a pandemic. The White House has deemed individual workers as “essential,” so you can still get the home services you need. Keep reading to learn why plumbing is considered an essential service 

Plumbers Deemed Critical Workers

According to a decision from the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency (a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,) plumbers are considered part of America’s “essential critical infrastructure workforce.” Under the CISA’s ruling, medical professionals, law enforcement, and other workers whose job is to preserve public health and safety will be allowed to continue operating during the Coronavirus pandemic. A memo released by the government administration states that this includes “workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.”

Let us help you stay safe

Exposure to mold can lead to many health problems such as wheezing, sore throat, and asthma. While COVID-19 is still roaming the air you should try and minimize these symptoms as far as possible. In order to do this, you need to keep your humidity around 30%-50% particularly in areas like the kitchen and washrooms. We supply a range of dehumidifier and aircon to help reduce moisture in indoor air. An air conditioner especially reduces indoor pollen count which can benefit occupants suffering from allergies. As always, Crosstown Plumbing is here to help you create a healthy home. 

You Can Now Call Crosstown For Your Plumbing needs

Now that the government has deemed plumbers to be essential workers, you can count on us for your plumbing emergencies. We also offer a range of products like water filters, duct cleaning, air filters, etc. to help keep you safe during this time.

We are aware of the importance of preventing the spread of COVID-19 and take it very seriously. Our team has increased safety measures to protect the health and well-being of our customers and our technicians during a visit. Feel free to call us anytime for fast, safe, and efficient service. 

For more information about the plumbing supplies we have on offer, please visit our website today at http://crosstownplumbing.com/

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/plumbing-is-an-essential-service/

5 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel

 When the time comes to think about remodeling your kitchen, you want to make sure you are not only 100% satisfied but also that the renovation adds value to your home and saves you money. A well-designed kitchen not only saves time and effort while cooking but is also a social space for family and friends. Kitchen remodeling costs can add up so quickly that before you know it your budget seems is spent. To avoid this from happening and keep costs in line, while still getting the kitchen of your dreams, follow these 5 helpful tips.

1. Spend time coming up with a kitchen renovation plan and budget.

Before starting, the first step in kitchen renovation is to design a plan. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, bedroom, or living room, a plan and budget are extremely important. You can either design this plan yourself or hire an expert to create a blueprint for everything you want to make changes to. Without one, you’ll likely end up spending extra money on things and features you don’t really need but simply want.

Apart from a plan, you also need to work out a budget. There are many ways to update a kitchen but they all cost money. You need to know what you are able and willing to spend. Then set a limit so you don’t go over your budget and get into financial trouble.

2. Go with ready-to-assemble cabinets.

It’s no secret, the biggest cost in kitchen remodeling is the cabinets. The most expensive choice of all cabinet options is going custom. The cabinetry is designed, built and installed to specifically fit your space which can add up to costing an arm and a leg.

For almost half the cost you can get ready to assemble or semi-custom cabinets. A company representative will help you measure and select your cabinets so you can rest assure that you are buying the correct size for your kitchen space. If DIY is your thing, you can assemble these yourself; if not you can hire a contractor, you will still save money either way.

If you don’t want to assemble your cabinets but rather want to grab them right off the shelf and get going then stock cabinets are for you. These stock cabinets come in standard sizes, shapes and colors. Keep in mind though since the cabinet sizing is not based on your kitchen measurements, space-wasting fillers may be required to make the cabinets fit. These cabinets are very affordable for remodels on a budget.

3. Mix Countertop Materials.

Solid marble or granite kitchen countertop is a very pricey option, but that doesn’t mean you have to completely forget the idea. If you feel you want to include some granite kitchen countertop materials, use them in sections, and then use less-expensive material for the rest of the surface. A clever way to do this is to use the expensive granite tops on part of the island and cheaper material on the other work surfaces. 

4. Avoid Changing the Layout.

If the layout of your kitchen already works for you, put your focus on upgrading appliances, cabinetry, and finishes rather than replacing everything. Moving appliances around means you’ll need to hire electricians and plumbers for rewiring and plumbing jobs, which will eat at your budget.

5. Keep Plumbing Where It Is.

Another reason to design a plan or get a designer to help you with your kitchen renovation is to make sure you are using the existing piping and plumbing layout. At the end of the day this is where you will either spend or save most of your money. If you feel competent enough to move around your plumbing by yourself then head out to your plumbing supply company in New Jersey or a plumbing wholesaler. This way you can further save money on your renovation.

FINAL THOUGHTS FOR SAVING MONEY ON KITCHEN REMODELS:

Do enough research and plan out your kitchen remodel before you start. This way you will not only make the best selections and get the best value for your money but it will also make the project go smoother and faster.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/5-ways-to-save-on-your-kitchen-remodel/