7 Of The Best Kitchen Remodeling Tips

1. Take practical steps: Everyone uses a kitchen differently, so think about how you use it before you sign off on your design. Good ideas include locating your plates and cups closer to the dishwasher to make unloading easy, or ensuring that you can reach your fridge easily from your cooktop and oven.
2. Space out: Planning your kitchen is about maximizing space for the best function. When designing your space, keep paths through the kitchen at 36 inches wide or more, and paths within the cooking zone at 42 inches for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches for a two-cook kitchen.
3. Manage traffic: If you have children, you want to keep them away from the cooking and preparation surfaces as much as possible, so avoid having your main route through the kitchen (from room to room, or to the fridge or table, for example) go past the cooktop. If you have space, a kitchen island can be a useful barrier as well as a great gathering place for your kids.
4. Landing space: Cooktops are busy spaces, and they need the right amount of room for you to be able to use them properly. Rather than placing your cooktop in a corner, place it where there is at least 15 inches of countertop between it and the fridge or wall.
5. Pot-filler: If you love entertaining but hate lugging a pot of water from the sink to the stove, a pot-filler is a great option. This is a swing-out tap that fills the pot right by the stove. It’s also useful for filling kettles and prepping veggies.
6. Bin space: Install a bin in a cupboard directly below where you prep your food for easy access. Other good spots for bins include by the dishwasher or sink. If you recycle, it’s a good idea to create designated spaces for different bins so that they are tucked out of the way.
7. Outlets: There is no kitchen that is more difficult to use than one with too few outlets! In addition to outlets for each of your appliances – don’t forget countertop appliances! – you’ll need additional outlets for appliance that aren’t always in use, as well as for food preparation areas and for additional use, like charging your phone or plugging in a TV.

Remodel your kitchen on any budget with Crosstown Plumbing Supply 

In addition to our affordable kitchen products in NJ, our sales staff are fully trained to assist you with your remodel itself and, when you purchase any kitchen cabinetry line from us, we will come through to your home to measure and design your kitchen for free.

As kitchen wholesalers, we also offer special promotions on certain items throughout the year. These limited time offers are a great way to save even more on the costs of your renovation, as they often feature great discounts on solid wood cabinets, modern features and top international brands. Customers can also benefit from our 3.5% NJ sales tax, making your home improvement project event more affordable.

For more information on our wholesale kitchen cabinets, granite kitchen countertops, plumbing supplies and faucets in New Jersey, please visit our website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ or contact us today.

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/7-of-the-best-kitchen-remodeling-tips

What Is Greywater Recycling And How Can You Benefit?

Greywater is fresh water that has been used in your home and usually goes straight down the drain after it has been through your shower, sinks and home appliances. Although this water is “dirty”, with the right recycling system it can be put to use around your home, with a lot of benefits!

Benefits of greywater for homeowners

Even if you live in an area that receives a high level of rainfall, you can still benefit from this recycling system. This includes:

• Reduced water bills by as much as 30%
• Supplements a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle
• Ensures water supply in the event of droughts, shortages or even cut-offs through the storage system
• Reduced pressure on your area’s waste water systems, translating to less wear-and tear, fewer repairs and expansions paid for by your taxes
• Healthy for gardens, including fruit and vegetable gardens
• High in nutrients for lawns and plants
• Consistent irrigation is possible even when water restrictions are in place.

Go green with greywater recycling 

If you’re looking for ways that you can live a greener, more sustainable lifestyle without breaking the budget, a greywater recycling system is a great way to go. They are affordable, easy to install (many people choose to go the DIY route) and offer homeowners meaningful results while creating greater water security for your community and the natural environment.

Advice, parts and plumbing supplies from New Jersey’s wholesale plumbing specialists 

For over the last 25 years, Crosstown Plumbing Supply has been offering expert advice, tools and products to homeowners and industry professionals alike. With a reputation for customer service excellence and a team willing to go the extra mile, we’re the ideal partners for all your plumbing needs in 2017. What’s more, our customers benefit from our location in a 3.5% sales tax zone – making us the most affordable choice by far!

To find out more about our products and services, please visit our website at https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/ or contact us today.

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/what-is-greywater-recycling-and-how-can-you-benefit

Common Plumbing Myths Busted By Our Plumbing Supply Company

1. Off the shelf solutions always work: While some miracle-in-a-bottle plumbing solutions do work, it really depends on the problem. Most of the time, these products treat the symptoms, not the underlying issue, which will only get worse over time.
2. Leaky taps are normal: In fact, a dripping tap can waste over 2,000 gallons of water a year! That’s a lot of water to waste, and a lot extra to pay on your utilities bill. Usually these issues are fairly simple to fix, so ask your local plumbing supply company for a lasting fix.
3. Everything can be flushed down a toilet: Clogs in your toilet system are one of the worst things for homeowners to deal with, so it’s best to avoid them. The best way to do that? Don’t flush anything down the toilet other than your human waste and toilet paper. Even items labelled as flushable, like wipes, are often too durable to dissolve properly and move down the sewer line. This is an especially important rule if you have a septic tank.
4. Putting ice blocks in your garbage disposal sharpens the blades: In reality, garbage disposals don’t have blades. Instead, they have an impeller that has fairly dull edges but effectively grinds away waste when it rotated against the grinder ring. Ice blocks can’t have any effect on this process but, due to their hardness, may actually damage your disposal.
5. All plumbers can do all plumbing work: When looking for a plumber, it is important to find a reputable  plumbing services provider who can deal with your specific issue. Some plumbers specialize in remodeling services, others in household emergency services, and others in severe drain issues or commercial plumbing. If you are unsure of who to call in your area, speak to the team at Crosstown Plumbing Supply and we will recommend a trusted service provider.

Plumbing Supplies, Advice And More From New Jersey's Wholesale Plumbing Specialists

For over the last 25 years, Crosstown Plumbing Supply has been offering expert advice, tools and products to homeowners and industry professionals alike. With a reputation for customer service excellence and a team willing to go the extra mile, we’re the ideal partners for all your plumbing needs in 2017. What’s more, our customers benefit from our location in a 3.5% sales tax zone – making us the most affordable choice by far!

To find out more about our plumbing products and services in New Jersey, please visit our website at https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/ or contact us today.

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/common-plumbing-myths-busted-by-our-plumbing-supply-company

Why Your Air Conditioner Is Constantly Running And What To Do

The hottest, most humid months of summer are here and that means one thing and one thing only – air conditioning. Life would be far more uncomfortable without this technology, but it’s important to keep this hard-working equipment in great shape in order to ensure they run properly. One common issue that can come up this time of year is that they run constantly. Here’s why it’s a problem – and what to do about it.

Firstly, it isn’t normal that your air conditioning system is running non-stop – it’s the result of a problem within the system. And it isn’t just noisy either, it can cost you a lot of money when your energy bill arrives! Common causes of this issue include:

• Improper air conditioner installation: Badly installed air conditioners often mean equipment has been linked up to the wrong duct size. If the ducts are too big for the unit, your air conditioner will not be able to achieve the right airflow through your home.
• Air conditioner is too small: In order to keep up with your home’s cooling demands, your air conditioner has to be the right size for the space – not too big, and not too small. Small units will have to work overtime and likely stay running to try keep the home cool. This not only uses a lot of energy, it also means heavy wear-and-tear on the unit, so the likelihood of breakdowns is much higher too.
• Clogged air filters: Air filters need to be cleaned or replaced according to manufacturer guidelines, which may be up to once a month. Dirty filters restrict air flow, making the equipment work hard and run more often to try cool the air. It also prevents the machine from removing moisture from the air, so it keeps running. This can also make your system overheat and break down.
• Dirty air conditioner coils: As with the filters, these need to be regularly cleaned and replaced according to manufacturer guidelines, usually on an annual basis. Dust and dirt on these coils reduces the efficiency of the heat transfer process, resulting in poor cooling performance and increased running time. Professional plumbing companies can do this during their annual servicing of the machine.

SPEAK TO THE AIR CONDITIONING AND HVAC SPECIALISTS IN NEW JERSEY

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we have a wide range of high-efficiency central air systems, condensers, dehumidifiers and ductless air conditioners that offer exceptional temperature control and air quality while using minimal energy.

For more information on our air conditioning and HVAC solutions, as well as to have any of your cooling system air questions answered, please visit our website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ or contact us today.

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/why-your-air-conditioner-is-constantly-running-and-what-to-do

Is Your Basement Making Your Home Warmer In The Summer?

The summer is in full swing, and for most homeowners this means one thing – cranking up the air conditioning system. However, this can mean a significant increase on your monthly energy bill. There are lots of ways to help combat this, but it means finding the source of the issue – which could be your basement, according to New Jersey HVAC system experts. Here’s why.

The reverse stack effect 

Heat always rises because it is lighter than cold air, which is why homeowners need to insulate their ceilings and attics if they want their properties to stay warm through the winter. This is called the Stack Effect.

In summer, however, we want to cool the air with air conditioners, and this denser air drops and can leak out of home through the basement, causing our air conditioners to run at their maximum output to try and maintain a cooler temperature. This is called the Reverse Stack Effect.

This not only means you spend more to run your air conditioner, it also puts a strain on the machine itself that results in higher wear, more repairs and more potential breakdowns.

Seal your basement to keep your home cool and comfortable in summer 

Whether you have a finished basement or not, it’s difficult to detect and plug all your air leaks – and even small leaks can result in a big difference in your energy bill. If you are unsure if your basement is properly sealed from air leaks, there are companies that can do a full technical analysis for your property known as an energy audit. The next step is to properly seal all leaks using high quality caulk, closed cell spray foam insulation or traditional insulation, as recommended by professionals.

High-efficiency air conditioning and HVAC system installation in New Jersey 

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we can assist you with any of your HVAC or air conditioning problems. We stock a wide range of energy efficient air conditioners, including central air systems, dehumidifiers and ductless mini-splits, and our sales team has the experience and skills to ensure that you get a practical, high-quality product at an affordable price.

For more information on our air conditioning and HVAC solutions, as well as to have any of your cooling system air questions answered, please visit our website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ or contact us today.

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/is-your-basement-making-your-home-warmer-in-summer

How To Measure Your Home's Indoor Air Quality

Good air quality indoors is essential to your family’s health and comfort. Here’s some insight from New Jersey air conditioning specialists on how to measure and maintain good quality air within your home.

What is meant by ‘indoor air quality’? 

Air pollution can occur anywhere, whether in an industrial environment or inside your apartment or home. These pollutants can irritate the lungs, create unpleasant odors, cause allergic and asthmatic reactions and even cause illness, and if they are originating within your property, they need to be urgently discovered and corrected. Common contaminants in indoor air include mold spores, carbon monoxide, radon, and asbestos.

Over the last few decades, we’ve started building and renovating our homes to seal air in more efficiently to reduce our energy bills and keep our homes properly temperature-controlled though the year. This has decreased ventilation (the flow of air from outdoors through the home) and made it more difficult for indoor pollutants to move out of the home, making indoor air quality checks essential.

Use a VOC sensor to measure indoor air quality 

A VOC sensor measures volatile organic compounds in the air, and will pick up even small traces of mold, ketones, unhealthy gasses and other pollutants. This can be done by a professional company that will then run air samples from various areas in your home through advanced laboratory equipment and diagnose any issues.

Air conditioning installation from HVAC specialists in NJ 

If you suspect that your air conditioning system is not providing you with high quality air, it’s important that you have it professionally addressed. At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we have a wide range of high-efficiency central air systems, condensers, dehumidifiers and ductless air conditioners that offer exceptional temperature control and air quality while using minimal energy.

For more information on our air conditioning and HVAC solutions, as well as to have any of your cooling system air questions answered, please visit our website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ or contact us today.

Originally posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/how-to-measure-your-homes-indoor-air-quality

How To Prevent Mold Growth In Your HVAC System

When humidity is high, your HVAC or air conditioning system can be affected by mold growth. Here’s what to do, from HVAC specialists at our plumbing supply company in New Jersey.

Mold growth is common in HVAC and AC units because moisture can build up inside the system, creating an ideal environment for molds. The circulation of air throughout the home also makes it easier for mold spores to travel into the system as well as spread to other warm, moist rooms in the home, including laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms and kitchens. These molds create a musty, unhealthy environment in the home that can result in breathing problems, allergy issues and an unpleasant, musty smell. Some molds are even highly toxic. This makes it essential that your HVAC system is kept clear and clean throughout the year.

Four steps to take that will keep your HVAC system mold-free 

• Replace the filters: Filters should be replaced regularly to keep your system operating effectively, and wet, dirty filters are often a great environment for mold. While once a year is fine, you should check the filter and clean it monthly, especially in high humidity months.
• Use a mold inhibitor: There are products made specifically for HVAC units that will help prevent mold growth. Make sure that the inhibitor you are applying is labeled for use by the EPA in HVAC systems, and apply as directed.
• Use a disinfectant: This will work to kill off any mold inside the HVAC system to prepare it for the mold inhibitor, which will stop future mold growth from occurring. It will also thoroughly clean the system and ensure that it is hygienic. As with the mold inhibitor, you need to choose one labeled for use by the EPA in HVAC systems, and apply as directed.
• Prevent moisture build-up: Moisture is key to mold growth, so ensuring that it is minimized will help prevent growth. When cleaning your HVAC unit, use an industrial wet vacuum to remove any standing water and dry out the system.

Need to replace your air conditioner and HVAC parts? 

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we can either assist you with choosing a high-efficiency, low maintenance replacement air conditioner or HVAC system (including central heating and air and ductless air conditioning systems) or provide you with an extensive range of plumbing supplies to replace necessary parts in your current systems. As we are a plumbing wholesaler located in a 3.5% NJ sales tax zone, we can make your repairs and services the most affordable in town. Our sales consultants are highly experienced and happy to assist you with finding the right part for your needs and we work closely with reliable, affordable air conditioning and HVAC professionals you prefer not to go the DIY route.

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

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/how-to-prevent-mold-growth-in-your-hvac-system