Cleaning Your Drain: The Benefits

 When’s the last time you cleaned the drains in your home? Many of us wait until there’s a clog, an odor, or some other serious issue to clean the drains in our kitchen and bathroom, but experts recommend cleaning your drains on a regular basis to keep them in top working condition. Here are some of the benefits of cleaning your drains regularly. 

It Prevents Clogging

A clogged drain can be a major inconvenience, so it’s best to prevent debris from building up inside your pipes. Whether it’s hair in your shower drain or food scraps in your kitchen sink, small clogs can easily turn into larger clogs that sometimes cause serious damage to your pipes. Cleaning your kitchen and bathroom drains regularly can help eliminate the build-up. 

It Is Healthier For You And Your Family

Clean drains result in a healthier home for you and your loved ones. Bacteria and mold can accumulate in dirty drains, and if you haven’t been cleaning your drains regularly, there may be debris built-up in your pipes that gives off unpleasant smells. You and your family will be healthier overall, by being free from exposure to mold, bacteria, and foul smells when you clean your drains regularly. 

It Stops Bad Smells From Forming

Waste build-up in your plumbing system can result in unpleasant odors filling your home. Most of us have experienced the bad smells that come up from a drain in the kitchen sink, or from a shower drain. Cleaning your drains regularly eliminates the build-up and bacteria that cause bad smells, so your home will be fresher and cleaner. 

You Save Money In The Long-Run

Poorly maintained drains can result in corrosion, leaks, and other serious issues that cause serious damage to your plumbing system. Avoid these issues and expensive repair bills by cleaning your drains on a regular basis. It saves you money and it keeps your plumbing system in top working condition. 

For more information about how to clean the drains in your home, or if you have any other plumbing questions, please contact our team at Crosstown Plumbing today. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/the-benefits-of-cleaning-your-drain/

Do You Have A Hidden Leak? Look Out For These Signs

 A hidden leak in your home can cause a lot of damage and leave you with an expensive water bill. While some leaks are immediately obvious, others are hidden deep within the walls of your home. And what’s even scarier, is you may not be able to see them at all. You can, however, watch out for these tell-tale signs that you have a hidden leak in your home to save you some frustration, damage and money.

Increase In Water Bill Costs

Has your water bill increased seemingly out of nowhere? If you haven’t changed your showering, cooking, cleaning, or laundry schedule, then a hidden leak might be to blame. When you have a leak, even if it’s small, water is continuously flowing out of your pipes and through a hole. This results in higher water usage and increased water bills. 

Moldy Smells

If you’ve been smelling something moldy but can’t identify the source, you might have a hidden leak somewhere in your walls or in your flooring. Stale water emits a bad smell. On top of this, when water drips onto wood or other surfaces it can cause it to rot, which results in unpleasant, moldy odors throughout your home. 

Damage For No Apparent Reason 

Are you noticing water damage on your walls, ceiling, or floors? Perhaps the paint has been chipping off your walls, or you notice dark spots appearing on your ceiling. If so, one of your pipes might have sprung a leak, and the leaking water is causing seemingly random damage to your home. 

The Water Pressure Is Lower Than Usual 

A change in water pressure is an indicator that you might have a hidden leak. If you take a shower and notice that your water pressure is lower than usual, or if you run the kitchen faucet and the water isn’t coming out at the same pressure it normally does, one of your pipes might have a hole in it. 

For more information about finding a hidden leak in your home, please contact our team at Crosstown Plumbing today or visit our website. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/signs-you-might-have-a-hidden-leak/

Accidentally Flushing Something Down The Toilet

 We’ve all had it happen to us before. Maybe the clasp on your bracelet broke or it slipped off your wrist? Perhaps your toddler decided it was a great idea to submerge one of their toys? Or maybe you knocked something off the bathroom counter and straight  into the toilet? Whatever the case might be, if something has been accidentally flushed down the toilet in your house, here are the steps you should take next: 

Try Reaching For It With A Bent Hanger

Take a wire hanger and fashion it into a nearly-straight line, and mold one end into a small hook shape. Insert the hooked end into the toilet to try and retrieve the lost object, but be very careful that you don’t further push it down into your pipes. If the item in your toilet is metal, affix a small magnet to the end of the hangar to remove it easier. 

Try A Plunger

Never underestimate the power of a good old fashioned plunger. The gentle pressure from a plunger is often enough to dislodge objects stuck in your toilet, especially larger objects that don’t move too far down your pipes.

Remove The Toilet

Turn off your toilet’s water supply and remove the lid from the tank. Next, use a scoop or a wet vacuum to remove all remaining water from the tank and the bowl. Remove the screws or bolts from the bottom of the toilet, detach the water supply line from the tank, and then gently lay the toilet on its side. You can then look up into the toilet and retrieve your flushed item. 

Last Resort: Call A Plumber

It’s usually best to call a professional plumber, especially when you’ve tried several of the above steps and nothing is working. An expert plumber will retrieve the item without causing any unnecessary damage to your toilet or your pipes, and they have experience with even the most serious clogs. 

If you have any bathroom plumbing questions, or would like more information, please contact our team at Cross Town Plumbing today or visit us at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/accidentally-flushing-something-down/

Tips For Choosing The Right Bath

 

Are you in the market for a new bath? Nowadays there are so many choices you might feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. Especially since there are so many factors to consider like the shape, material and cost to install a new bathtub. Our team at Cross Town Plumbing has compiled tips to help you make the best choice for your new bathroom. 

The Shape Of The Bathtub

Single-ended baths: A single-ended bath has the taps and the drain at the same end, so it’s designed for one person to sit in, with their feet pointed towards the taps. 

Double-ended baths: A double-ended bath features the taps and the drain in the center, and it’s ideal for bathing two kids at once, or for people who prefer to share. It’s also a popular choice for taller people.

Consider The Material 

Acrylic is a popular and budget-friendly choice. It’s light, easy to care for and keep clean. Acrylic tubs are also versatile, and can retain heat very well – ideal for those who enjoy hot showers. However, you can’t use abrasive cleaners on an acrylic tub, or else they’ll get scratched. 

Steel is another option. Steel tubs are durable, affordable, and considered lightweight compared to alternatives like porcelain. The downsides of a steel tub are that the water cools quickly because steel conducts heat, and it has a tendency to chip easily. 

Cast iron is a classic choice for freestanding baths. It’s durable, easy to clean, and retains heat very well. Cast iron is very heavy, so ensure your floor can handle the weight of a cast iron tub. 

The Types Of Baths

You have a range of options to choose from, including:

• Freestanding baths
• Shower baths
• Corner baths
• Inset, built-in, or straight baths for smaller spaces

Bath Construction Costs

There’s no one-size-fits-all cost for installing a new bath. The cost will be determined by several factors, such as size, the material you use, the style of your bath, and the extent to which your existing space needs to be modified to be made suitable for a new tub. Call your local plumbing company to get an estimate. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/the-right-bath-for-your-home/

4 Benefits of Granite Countertops

 If you’re remodeling your kitchen, there are many design details to keep track of. Are you repainting the old kitchen cabinets or are you replacing them all? Will you be updating all of the appliances? What kind of backsplash design did you have in mind? These are all very important aspects of a kitchen remodel, but we’re going to focus on arguably the most important detail: the countertops. Think about it, you use your countertops everyday to prepare food, to store small kitchen appliances and to enjoy and serve meals on. With that said, have you decided what material you’ll use for them? Granite is an excellent choice for many reasons, our team explains some of the major benefits below. 

#1. Resistant Against Scratching and Chipping

Your countertops go through a lot of wear and tear over the years, especially kitchen countertops. Did you know that granite is the second most durable material in the world, second only to diamonds? While it’s always recommended to use chopping boards to cut up vegetables and other foods, your granite countertops won’t scratch or chip and should last you for years to come.

#2. It is Moisture, Heat and Stain Resistant 

Anyone who enjoys cooking knows how important it is to work on surfaces that can withstand high temperatures, moisture, and the occasional staining. You can place a hot pan straight onto a granite countertop (although we recommend using a pot holder!), and food and drinks that frequently leave stains like beets, turmeric, red wine and tomato sauces won’t damage granite. Also, the kitchen is one of the major places in your home where moisture is ever-present, so you don’t want countertops that can’t withstand moisture. 

#3. Each Piece of Granite is Unique 

There are no two pieces of granite on earth that are the same, so you’ll have countertops that are completely unique to you. There are many different types of granite and it comes in a range of colors, so you can select the specific color that matches the color scheme you’re going for. Granite also has a classic look that will never go out of style, so while the decor in your home will likely change over the years, your countertops will stay looking great for decades to come. 

#4. Granite Is Very Affordable

Granite is a popular choice because it’s very affordable, ranging between $50 to $200 per square foot, including installation costs. The total cost will depend on how thick you want your countertops to be, so speak with a professional installer to get an idea of how much granite countertops will cost based on your style preferences.  

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/granite-countertop-benefits/

Tankless Water Heaters Or Not?

 Is it time to replace your water heaters? Are you trying to decide between a hot water tank or a tankless water heater? Your water heater is one of the most frequently-used appliances in your home, so it’s important to invest in one that will last you for years to come, while also being energy efficient and affordable. With that said, we’re here to highlight tankless water heaters and how they just might be the right choice for you. 

Tankless Water Heaters Are Cheaper

Tankless water heaters are the cheaper option in the long run, because unlike hot water tanks, they only heat up the exact amount of water that you need. If you have a hot water tank, it’s constantly re-upping the hot water supply. Not only that, hot water tanks expend more energy to keep the water hot, even when you aren’t using it. 

They Are More Energy Efficient

Because tankless water heaters only heat your water on demand, they are more energy efficient than hot water tanks. As we briefly touch on above, a hot water tank works around the clock, while a tankless water heater only expends energy during the exact times you’re using hot water. You won’t have to worry about 40-50 gallons of unused hot water sitting in a tank.

Tankless Water Heaters Last Longer

Did you know that tankless water heaters have a lifespan of more than 20 years? Compared to hot water tanks which last on average between 10-12 years, it’s easy to see why a tankless water heater is a great investment. For homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for decades to come, a tankless water heater will stand the test of time. 

Types Of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters either run on electricity, natural gas, or propane. Some of the market-leading brands include Rinnai, Rheem, and Stiebel Eltron, and they can be installed inside or outside of the building. However, we recommend installing the heater as close to your appliances as possible. 

Where To Find The Perfect Water Heater For Your Home

At Cross Town Plumbing, we stock many market-leading tankless hot water heaters, and we can advise you on installation, cost, and other important elements to consider when making your choice. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/tankless-water-heaters-or-not/

Avoiding Drain Flies: A Guide

 Have you noticed little flies buzzing around the sinks in your kitchen or bathroom? These are most likely drain flies. As annoying as they are, they’re extremely common and most of us will deal with a drain fly infestation at some point in time. Drain flies take up residence in septic tanks, sewers, and drains, and they often come up through your piping systems. The good news is there are several steps you can take to banish them from your home. 

Clean Your Drains

Think about how much waste and debris you put down your drains on a daily basis. So it’s no surprise that drain flies are attracted to the build-up of gunk in your drains. One way to keep drain flies away is to regularly clean your drains with a snake, which is a long metal tool used to remove clogs and eliminate build-up in your pipes. 

Flush The Drain With Boiling Water

Boiling water kills drain flies and any larvae that are waiting to hatch. Pouring boiling water down your drains can also dislodge any clogs or build-up in your pipes. If you start to notice drain flies in your home, we recommend immediately pouring boiling water down your pipes once or twice a day for a week – and then see if the problem persists. 

Use Enzyme Cleaners From A Plumbing Store

If boiling water isn’t doing the trick, visit your local plumbing store for something stronger. Plumbing stores will have enzyme cleaners that won’t damage or corrode your pipes, but will be effective in removing debris and build-up from your plumbing system. We don’t recommend using store-bought drain de-cloggers unless you know for sure they won’t harm your pipes. 

Don’t Let Water Stay Stagnant

Drain flies are attracted to pooling water. Which means if your sinks are clogged or you leave stagnant water in your sinks often, you’re creating an easy attraction for drain flies. Some easy steps you can take is to rinse your dishes out right away after using them, and don’t let them sit too long in your kitchen sink with pooling water. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/avoiding-drain-flies-a-guide/