Bathroom Plumbing: Need to Know Tips

Your bathroom is one of the most frequently-used rooms in your home, so it’s no surprise that it requires some extra attention from time to time. Bacteria can build up quickly so regular deep cleanings, and quick wipe downs are recommended. In addition to keeping your bathroom space clean its best to stay ahead of maintenance. Waiting until something breaks usually results in very expensive repairs, if you keep up with regular maintenance the cost is much more manageable. 

We have a few bathroom tips for you to help keep your space clean and well maintained 

Essential Bathroom Plumbing Tips

• Ventilation is a must-have. With so much water and steam, conditions in your bathroom are perfect for mold and mildew to thrive. And once you get a mold problem, no matter how small, it spreads quickly and can become difficult to manage. We recommend always keeping the windows cracked in your bathroom when possible, and if you don’t have windows, invest in a good fan.
• Use drain covers to protect your drains. Loose hair, soap residue, and other debris can cause major clogs in your shower drain. Mesh drain covers prevent things from going down your drain, keeping your plumbing in good condition.
• Replace any outdated pipes. Do you know when your bathroom plumbing was installed? If it was before 1970, chances are high that your pipes are outdated. We recommend calling a trusted plumber who can inspect them in more detail. Replacing pipes before they break will prevent further damage.
• Schedule routine plumbing maintenance and drain cleaning. Don’t wait until there’s a big problem to call a plumber – not only is it inconvenient for you, but it can result in expensive emergency repair bills. Prevention and maintenance are key, and worth investing in. 

Is a Bathroom Deep Clean Worth it?

Believe the hype about deep cleaning! There are tons of different bacteria lurking in the corners of your bathroom, and on the surfaces as well. Here a few tips that might help to keep the germs away. It is easy to forget to clean your exhaust fan, but keeping it clean allows it to work efficiently to help fight against mold and mildew growth. To help limit the spread of germs, close your toilet seat before you flush. Wipe down the toilet and surfaces in your bathroom every couple if days rather than waiting to do a deep clean. This will make cleaning the bathroom easier and faster, because honestly, who wants to spend all their time cleaning the bathroom! And don’t forget to clean your shower curtain regularly, too. 

For more information about bathroom plumbing and keeping your bathroom in top condition, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Crosstown Plumbing today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/bathroom-plumbing-need-to-know-tips/

Water Purifiers, Softeners and Filters: Pros and Cons

Are you trying to decide between water purifiers, water softeners, and water filters for your home? Tap water quality varies greatly depending on where you live, and having a clean water supply for showering, cooking, and cleaning is very important. For people who aren’t satisfied with the quality of their tap water, and for those who want to prevent scale build-up, remove bacteria and other contaminants, and avoid corrosion, there are several water treatment options. Each water treatment system comes with its own pros and cons, which we explore in more detail below.

The Right Water System For You

Water Purifiers: These systems remove potentially harmful organisms and toxic metals from your water. They may not, however, remove all traces of pesticides and water purifiers require regular maintenance. They can also be costly to set up, making them a less attractive option for homeowners. 

Water Softeners: These systems remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water supply, resulting in better quality water for bathing, laundry, and cleaning. Soft water doesn’t require as much soap or detergent, and it also results in less scale build-up. However, you shouldn’t drink or cook with water from a water softener because they don’t remove lead and other metals, or the chlorine taste that can sometimes be present in water supplies.

Water Filters: These systems remove contaminants like arsenic and bacteria from your water supply, meaning you can cook with and drink filtered water. Water filters also remove the taste and odor of chlorine, and they’re very cost-efficient. Conversely, water filters reduce the flow rate of your water and the filtration systems require regular maintenance. 

How Do Water Purifiers and Softeners Work?

Water purifiers take in raw water, remove any contaminants, viruses and bacteria, then dispense the clean water to your home. They’re a good choice if you live in an area with an untreated water supply, or if you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water. Water softeners draw water into a tank, then use a process called ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium from the water before dispensing it. 

For more information about water purifiers, water softeners, and water filters, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Crosstown Plumbing today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/water-purifiers-softeners-and-filters/

DIY faucet change

Over the last two years, with many of us shifting to working remotely full-time and spending way more time at home than usual, lots of people have been undertaking DIY home improvement projects, including changing leaky or loose faucets. DIY faucet change is a relatively straightforward project to take on, and in this article we’ll walk you through the steps so you can do it yourself. 

How to Fix your Faucet at Home

Gather all the necessary parts and tools: You’ll need a basin wrench, an adjustable wrench, pliers, measuring tape, plumber’s putty, and of course your new faucet. 

Shut off the hot and cold water valves: These are typically found under your sink. Turn off your water supply before starting, and turn on your old faucet to let out any excess water. 

Disconnect the hot and cold water lines from your old faucet. Once the water lines are disconnected, remove the nut holding the base of your old faucet in place and pull your old faucet out. Clean your sink thoroughly before proceeding.

Install the new faucet. You can use plumber’s putty or a gasket to set your new faucet in place, then affix the faucet from underneath and then re-attach the hot and cold water lines. 

Do it yourself Faucet Repair 

DIY faucet repair is one of the easier DIY projects for you to take on, so if you’ve never done any home improvement projects before and you’re eager to replace your leaky faucet, this is a great way to introduce yourself to the world of DIY. Visit your local plumbing retailer for all the tools and equipment you need to get the job done. 

Learn to Replace Bathroom Faucet

If you have any questions or concerns, or feel you need an in-person demonstration before you start with your faucet change, we recommend visiting a trusted plumbing wholesaler like Crosstown Plumbing where the staff will walk you through the process step by step. They can also make recommendations about the best faucets on the market, and ensure you have everything you need for a successful DIY faucet change. 

For more information about DIY faucet change, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Crosstown Plumbing today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/diy-faucet-change/