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.