Plumbing 101: Tips Everyone Needs to Know

Plumbing 101: Tips Everyone Needs to Know

Because of the many people occupying commercial buildings, the systems need to function as well correctly. You have different building systems such as electrical wires, plumbing pipes, breaker boxes, etc. You need to have these taken care of most of the time to ensure it won’t cause problems for the people inside the building. 

One part of the building you should keep an eye out for most of the time is the plumbing system. This system supplies water to different parts of the building and assists in draining out the used liquid. You might find it challenging to maintain them because of how complex the entire system is. However, you don’t have to fret because you can follow a few tips and prevent any mishaps from happening. 

Don’t Leave Any Plumbing Issue Unturned

Even if the plumbing issue isn’t too grave, you still have to fix it to ensure it won’t become a severe problem. The best way to resolve all kinds of plumbing issues is to fix them as early as possible. An example is when a minor water leak from water pipes can cause damage its nearest surface, such as ceilings or walls. Another advantage of repairing plumbing issues as early as possible is you won’t have to suffer costly water bills. 

Watch Out for Blocked Drains

People use your building’s restrooms daily, so there’s a possibility that it may clog up at some point. You should have your cleaners inspect the toilet every day. A clogged drain can make dirty water go back up, causing the bathroom and sink drain to get messy. You wouldn’t want this happening, especially when you have a commercial building that’s filled with tons of people every day. To prevent any drains from getting clogged, you need to impose strict rules such as avoid throwing hygiene products in toilet bowls or avoid throwing leftover food in the sink. Once you implement these rules around your building, you can expect less clogged drains from happening in the long run. 

Be Wary When Drilling On Surfaces

You can usually find plumbing pipes behind walls, ceiling, and floor surfaces. In some cases, you need to install wall-mounted shelves in the office, so you hire a contractor to get it done. As they are drilling, they might accidentally hit plumbing pipes. Most of the time, professional contractors need to inspect what’s behind the surface before starting the drilling process. Damaging the pipes isn’t a situation you would not want to happen because it can disturb employees working, causing an abrupt halt to the company’s business. 

Know Where the Shut-Off Valves are Located

In the event of a plumbing problem, you might need to turn off the shut-off valve to prevent water from further spilling. You have to know where your building’s shut-off valves are because your maintenance personnel might not be able to react to the plumbing problem right away. You can even give your employees a heads-up where to locate the shut-off valves so that they know what to do when the time comes. 

Gaining access to several parts of the plumbing system is difficult, especially if they’re behind hard surfaces. To ensure maintenance personnel can access the plumbing system with ease, you need to install an aluminum insulated access door. It will help protect plumbing systems whenever accidents occur inside your building, like fires. 

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

How to Check for Plumbing Problems Before Buying a House

To make sure everything is in order before deciding to buy the house you like, check for plumbing problems. Here is how.

How to check for plumbing problems before buying a house

Imagine moving into the home of your dreams. It wasn't easy to find it, especially considering the financial impact of a decision as big as this one. You designed the interior just the way you want, and just when you thought you could relax, you notice water leaking. The seller had managed to hide a critical thing. The property comes with some significant plumbing issues, more severe than the clogged sink drains. Since it's hard to discover these issues during a casual house inspection, you need to pay extra attention to notice them. Here's how to check for plumbing problems before you buy a house.

Address potential difficulties immediately.

Check for plumbing problems and prevent troubles down the road

So, you have gone through the process of buying a house, and you have done everything in your power to make sure everything goes smoothly during moving in. However, you might not have noticed a small plumbing issue that could potentially become a lot more serious in the future. Therefore, checking for pipe problems and dealing with them right away can save you from the inconvenience and a considerable expense. What follows are the things you should check before you make the final decision.

Water and drain lines

It makes sense that water and drain lines are one of the first things to check. Try to find the signs of corrosion on drain lines. This issue might not be the most common, but it can cause a problem. Also, you should check the water lines that you can see for leaks and discoloration. Look under the sink in the kitchen and try to see what these pipes look like. Turn on the faucets and see if the drainage speed is alright. You can even check the water lines that aren't visible. Examine if there are any water stains on the walls or the ceiling. Moldy spots might also be a sign of the same problem. While it's not too expensive to fix leaky pipes, per se, the expenses of repairing the damage can add up.

Fixing the damage is not cheap.

Sewer line

There can be several problems that are related to sewer lines. That's why it's good to have a professional look at it, all the way to the street. It wouldn't be wrong to run a video camera through the line to identify any potential trouble. Clogs, corrosion, or tree roots can lead to problematic smelly issues. However, similar problems might happen due to stinky plumbing, so make sure to check everything if you want to enjoy the pleasant smell of your new home.

Water hardness

When searching for an ideal location for your new home, you'll consider multiple factors. After all, you want to find an area you will enjoy living in, so you need to consider every little thing. And one of the things you will probably neglect to check is the water hardness in their area of your interest. This can have a significant impact on your kidneys but also your pipework. A scale buildup in the pipework can lead to low water pressure and clogs. Look for the sign of scale on the edges of the taps, as they're the result of hard water. You can notice the signs of scale buildup on the exterior of the fixtures. These consequences might become more severe down the road as they might require costly plumbing repairs. On a more positive note, this will allow you some negotiating room. You can try to reduce the price.

Water supply

What you do not want when moving into a dream house is to pay for new supply pipes, in addition to all of the other expenses. So inquire about them. Ask about their age and material to understand how long you can go until replacing them. If the pipes are made from polybutylene or galvanized steel, there's a good chance the replacement is necessary.

Ask about the age of the heater

You should know the age of the water heater in the house. As they usually last about ten years, this information will reveal if the heater will need replacing soon. Also, make sure to assess how much damage potential leaks could cause, keeping in mind the water heater position.

Water pressure

The low water pressure might not seem like the biggest problem, but it's an inconvenience you definitely don't want to deal with. Water pressure that's too high could damage the appliances, starting with the water heater. The best way to test this is to use a pressure gauge to give you a pressure reading. It will tell you if some pipes need unclogging.

One way to check the water pressure.

Check for the signs of water damage

Signs of water damage indicate that there are problems you need to address. These signs can either be obvious or hidden, so you might need to look at every corner of the house to find them. It can be warping, mold, brown stains on the ceiling or walls. Check the toilet and visible pipes. Then check the places where pipes are hidden in walls, in every room you can. Also, pay attention to how the toilet smells. Strong artificial smells might be an attempt to hide a problem. Noticing any sign of similar problems might uncover an issue that can go from a minor inconvenience to a serious problem. Either way, it's good to be aware of it before you buy the property.

Winterized pipes

If you're thinking about buying a house in an area with cold winters, winter maintenance is going to become a part of your annual routine. However, right now, it's necessary to check if the plumbing system was built to handle harsher conditions. Pipes need to be wrapped and insulated. If your house uses well water, the well should also be protected from extreme weather conditions. 

Thorough check

A thorough check is necessary to get a clear indication of the state of the plumbing. Also, this will give you information about the potential costs involved in resolving the possible issues. It might be a good idea to have an experienced plumber check for plumbing problems before you make the purchase, just to be safe.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

A Look At Plumber’s Advice On Buying Water Heaters With a Good Life Span

A look at plumber’s advice on buying water heaters with a good life span

For places with extreme weather conditions characterized by changing temperature, it is advisable to use good water heaters. Most people like winter, but it comes with a lot of other difficulties. Nonetheless, the chilly winter season necessitates investing in water heaters to enable your shivering body to get some warmth. In this case, the decision to buy a water heater relies on some basic questions which you must discuss with your plumber.

An electric water heater has an electric heating unit connected to a 220 Volt circuit. The current in the wire is allowed to pass through the electrical resistance heating component fixed in the tank for heating the water. Moreover, the power gets delivered through a thermostat that controls the temperature of the water. 

The life span of the right water heater usually is eight to twelve years. However, how you use it also determines its life. In recent times, plumbers advised budget-friendly solar water heaters. These water heaters work on the principle of forced circulation and the thermosyphon process. The ETC solar water heater element is solar collectors in the form of tubes and storage tanks. You can seek advice from a plumber to help you buy the right water heater for your home or office. 

The different types of water heaters available in the market that have a good life span: 

Typically water heaters last for a long time, but if you notice any burning smell or unpleasant noise, then you should consult a plumber and change your unit.

Storage water heaters: These water heaters have a capacity of six liters and above and are the classic and most basic form of water heater used for domestic purposes. They are known by the name because there is a storage tank installed inside the appliance. Moreover, it can store hot water for a significant amount of time, even in the absence of electricity, thereby allowing for usage whenever required. Furthermore, the category gets further divided into specific products, which encompass steamer series, steamer plus MS, crystal plus, etc. They have an adequate storage capacity and last for a long time.  

Instant water heaters: These water heaters are high powered appliances which heat water immediately. They are suitable for small bathrooms and kitchens and are very compact in their appearance. Moreover, there are multiple variables; thus, you may do some research before investment. It gets quickly repaired by plumbers. 

Solar water heaters: as mentioned earlier solar water heaters are environment-friendly and an economical option. They usually convert renewable solar energy by using solar thermal collectors into heat. There are different variations in the market; you can choose one depending on your budget and requirement. It is quite a favorite among plumbers because it is a handy heater. 

Immersion rods: the most widely used form of water heaters are immersion rods, which are available cheaper than other alternatives. Moreover, they are handy and a useful method for heating water. They come in compactible size. You can easily accommodate them in your bathroom and kitchen. These immersion rods are a durable option for many. It is quite useful in providing quick heating, and they also come with an indicator light that shows the ideal level of water. It is essential to fill the container with a prescribed water level to avoid accidents. Plumbers do not suggest buying this as it can cause many accidents if not given proper attention though they have a good life. 

Plumbers believe that water heaters are essential equipment for places with a severe cold. While buying a water heater, some specific factors need consideration, which encompasses the size of the family, after-sales services, energy efficiency, type of water, water heater style, pressure pump compatibility, average water heater lifespan, and many more. Discuss these critical factors with your plumber who can help you make a smart purchase; however, you may invest after finding out each variant's key features and life span to avoid going wrong. 

Guest Contributor: Sujain Thomas

5 Things You Could Do to Refresh Your Bathroom in 2020

It is that time of the year again – spring, and it also means the new beginning! It feels like we are getting an opportunity to start something new every year. Most of the people (and we are sure you are one of them too) get the desire to make some changes in their home. 

After all, is there a better place to make some refreshing improvements than your own home? Of course not! Sometimes we pay so much attention to our living room or bedroom that we totally forget to refresh our bathroom. As a matter of fact, the bathroom is the only place where you can feel completely relaxed and relieved. That is why we are bringing you five simple tips to refresh your gloomy bathroom

Ready, set, go!

1. CHANGE OLD SHOWER CURTAIN - Let us start with an easy, five-minute tip. It is so obvious, but admit it, you don't do this very often, right? This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to change the spirit of your bathroom completely. You can choose any pattern you want because today's market is full of different designs: tropical, abstract, or simple, classy designs. Your decision depends on what effect you are trying to get because curtains should fit with the main idea of your bathrooms look. You could also get unique shower curtain hooks, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the whole picture at the end of the day.
   

2. BUY A PLANT – we have a habit of having plants all over the house – which is great – but why leaving bathroom out of that? Houseplants make bathrooms more pleasant places, and they definitely improve the décor. On the other side, bathrooms can also be a great environment for plants because of their warmth and humidity, but just if you make the right choice. Some plants do not enjoy humidity or low levels of sunlight. That is the reason why some plants are more recommended for bathrooms, for example, Aloe Vera, Asparagus Fern, Cast-Iron Plant, or even Orchid. Also, artificial plants could be the right choice if you do not want to put effort into taking care of them or if you can't provide enough light.
   

3. UNIQUE LAMPS AND LIGHTS – you would be surprised how many things you can do with different kinds of lights and lamps in your bathroom. The number of options is countless, and it is up to you to find something that you like and that fits in your bathroom. Do not limit yourself to standard lights and use your imagination in the best possible way. If you like the classical style and don't want to attract attention to something too markedly, your choice might be some unique ceiling lamp or chandelier. It will definitely make some difference. On the other side, if you would like to experiment with lights, get ready for a real adventure! There are so many ideas that your choice is not going to be easy at all. First of all, you can place a unique vintage lamp on one of your shelves, and that alone will make a big difference. Also, hanging lamps could create a very relaxed and romantic atmosphere. Besides this, mirror lights are a thing now! They can really breathe a new life into your bathroom and create a modern look. Lights and lamps, in general, can create a brand new atmosphere and make your bathroom an even more relaxing place.
   

4. CHANGE THE TOWELS – yes, it is that easy! We are ready to make some significant changes, invest a lot of money, and lose our nerves many times before we realize that some changes do not require so much effort. Over time we collect many different colors, sizes, and models of towels that it starts to look a little bit trashy, especially if they lost a quality because of overuse. You have an easy decision to make. First of all, you can buy a set of luxurious towels in one color. This will make you feel like you are in an expensive hotel every day! Secondly, if you want to keep your free spirit and you really like colors, towels in bright and funny colors are the right decision. But be careful. Towels have to be new, fresh, and made of similar material. This way, your bathroom will not look disorderly and untidy. Another pro of this tip is that you can find relatively cheap towels that look luxurious and expensive.
   

5. CANDLES – it is hard to imagine any space without these useful and lovely helpers. They change absolutely every room in the best possible way. They are small and practical, so you will easily find the place for them even in the narrowest spaces. Their affordable prices are another reason to love them. One more thing has to be mentioned. Scented candles can create a romantic, relaxing, and warm atmosphere better than anything else. Their stress-relief effect is something you will be thankful for after a long day at work. Choose the right shape and color for your bathroom and enjoy this brand new atmosphere you will get.

Pieces of advice that are mentioned above could be very useful if you apply them to your bathroom. Just a few little changes, and you'll get a feeling that you have a completely new place to rest your mind at the end of the day. 

Another great thing is the possibility of buying personalized shower curtains or candles if you have some specific vision in your account. There are so many options if you just use your imagination and put some time and effort into making some positive changes. As we already said, there is no better time to make some changes than spring. 

Let the refreshment in your bathroom with our practical tricks and do something for yourself. 

Free your mind, open it up for new ideas, and you will be surprised by how much better you feel. 

You can thank us later!

Guest Contributor: Nina K

10 Best Joilet Plumbers

We scored 103 Plumbers in Joliet, IL and Picked the Top 10

Guest Contributor: expertise.com

Things To Do This Holiday Season In Illinois

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or at least should be. With COVID-19 restrictions still put into place, a lot of holiday activities are pushed into virtually or stay-in-your-car type of event. Regardless, it’s still nice to be able to go see holiday lights, no matter the circumstances. Here are a few different ideas of places to go or things to see!

1. Lincoln Park ZooLights

Running from November 21st, 2020 til January 3rd, 2021. The 2.5 million bulbs will be displayed for everyone to come and see from 4pm-10pm daily. This year is a little different, there is a $5 entrance fee and you have to reserve the tickets online before you go, so it’s a good idea to plan this trip ahead. Groups can not exceed 10 people due to COVID regulations. The animal buildings will be closed, but some animals could be outside in their habitats for viewing. They are offering 5 free nights to the ZooLights, November 24th, December 9th, 17th, 21st and 29th. The tickets will be released the Sunday before at 4pm and you must have a ticket to enter.

This year they are also doing an “Adults Night Out” where you must be 18+ to enter.

Location: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

2. Holiday Magic At Brookfield Zoo

This year Holiday Magic will run from November 27th, 2020 til December 31st, 2020. The dates are as followed:

• Friday-Sunday, November 27-29

• Wednesday-Sunday, December 2-6, 9-13, & 16-20

• Saturday-Thursday, December 26-31

You must reserve your time online before going.

The price per ticket is $25 per adult, $18 for children ages 3-11 and $20 for seniors. Military members get in free. Parking is an additional $15.

This year they made a game called “Game of Gnomes”, made for all ages. You are on a scavenger to find 24 gnomes, measuring from 12-20 inches throughout the park.

Location: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513.

3. Ice Skating Ribbon Maggie Daley Park4.

If you enjoy ice skating this would be the thing for you. Enjoy the beautiful city of Chicago while skating around with friends. Masks must be on at all times, and no more than two people can skate together. They are open all days of the week, but you must have a reservation before going. Here are some of the prices:

• Skate rental: $16

• Skate with your own skates: $5

• Season pass: $25

• Locker rental, small: $5 large: $8

• Skate Aids: $10

Location: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

4. Let It Shine Lightshow

Open from November 15th, 2020 through January 9th, 2021. Stay in your car and watch the light displays that are synchronized to holiday tunes.

Online tickets are required and are priced at:

• Weekday- $29.99 + taxes and fees

• Weekend & Holidays- $39.99 + taxes and fees

• Fast Pass Add On- $15.00 (optional) + taxes and fees

  ONE TICKET PER VEHICLE

To avoid busier times, plan your visit during the weekday or avoid 6-8pm.

Location: 1515 Lake Cook Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062

Although circumstances are different because of COVID-19, try not to let it take away your holiday spirit! Go out and see some Christmas lights and enjoy the festive month of December.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

How to Find a Professional Plumber

Plumbers have been in great demand at all times. Back in the middle of the XI century BC, there were people who ensured clean water supply and removal of dirty sewage through ancient clay pipes. It’s natural that today, such people have many more responsibilities, but we need plumbers to ensure our household comfort as well. Here, in the 5 Star company, we know how to handle all the plumbing-related issues.

The modern labor market needs skilled workers, including people of this reputable specialty. After all, today, a plumber is necessary for almost every area of our life. During the construction of buildings, one provides installation of water supply, drainage, and heating systems. If necessary, a qualified plumber can connect various washing machines’ malfunctions and fix dishwashers or even find and replace some spare parts for washing machines! Work in the housing and utilities sector involves servicing and performing routine repairs of the same engineering systems and monitoring their operation to avoid leakages and damages.

What are the Responsibilities of a Plumber?

Each of us can change the gasket or replace a mixer, using the essential knowledge of physics and mechanics. But when it comes to more complex jobs, we think about the plumber. What else should a person working in this profession be able to do? A plumber is to:

• Understand the design of plumbing equipment, be able to read the drawings offered to their technical passport, and also be able to install it in accordance with certain requirements.

• Be able to accurately diagnose a breakdown of plumbing equipment.

• Determine the possibility of further operation of individual elements of the equipment, and if necessary, replace them with new ones.

• Select pipes correctly and fittings according to their size and name.

• Conduct tests of water supply, drainage and heating systems, and eliminate identified deficiencies in the systems.

In their work, the plumber uses special equipment (a variety of keys, electric drills, electric and pneumatic hammers, etc.). Apart from the theoretical one, the applied skill is also a crucial requirement for working in this profession.

Performing these and many other tasks require a certain physical condition of the person engaged in this profession. The plumber works both indoors and outdoors and often finds himself in uncomfortable positions. In this regard, the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, visual and respiratory organs can be serious contraindications for this work.

How to Fix the Plumbing Yourself?

When something wrong happens with plumbing, it is always easier to call a plumber, but before one arrives, you should learn how to fix minor problems yourself to reduce damage to your household manifold. It is not difficult to do this with the knowledge of the most common causes of breakdowns and the ways to fix them.

The plumbing system can break down quite regularly. Calling a plumber can save the situation, but if there is running water from the tap, it is important to know where the valve is located to block the water supply, and also remember which way to turn it. As soon as you do this, you can take a break and calmly wait for a specialist. If the problem is more significant, we recommend you continue reading this article.

• Breakage of a Button of a Toilet Tank

The most common case is the breakage of the button of the toilet tank. You have to push it very hard to make the drain work again. Most often, the reason lies in the failure of the plastic valve inside the siphon. To make everything fall into place, it just needs to be replaced. To do this, you should go to the store and buy this small detail. Although, for a guaranteed result, it is better to buy the entire siphon so that you could definitely not do anything wrong.

Before starting work, be sure to turn off the water and drain it from the tank. Remove the cover, disconnect the drainpipe, and unscrew the siphon. Remove it and install a new one. It's simple, so don't panic.

• Breakage of a Mixer

The second most frequent failure is the mixer’s breakage. This is one of the most frequently used devices, so don't be surprised if the faucet suddenly starts to leak. The failure can be simple and require only the replacement of the gasket. But in some cases, you may need to completely replace the mixer or the core. To understand for sure what the problem is, you will have to unscrew the cranes and carefully study the structure of the crane. Admittedly, this is not an easy task, so you should better consult a professional first.

Even though the procedure for replacing the gasket may seem simple, do not take the risk of performing the repair by yourself. It is best to entrust this to specialists. The maximum that you can do is to block the water while waiting for a specialist.

You should be confident in your plumbing skill, as an unexpected failure can lead to serious complications and money expenses. Contact the professionals on time, because everyone should do their own thing to get the best results.

Why Should You Call a Plumber? 

• Work will be Performed by a Professional

As a rule, any plumbing work will be performed better if the master has sufficient experience in plumbing repairs. Otherwise, your property may suffer, and this is totally unpleasant and wasteful. Due to the experience and certain knowledge in the field of plumbing work, a professional plumber will be able to complete the task assigned to him quickly and efficiently and, most importantly, without additional waste of time and money.

• Cheapest is the Dearest

Quite often, if you want to perform plumbing repairs yourself, you end up having to overpay and not always twice: quite often, even more. Dilettantes can ruin expensive plumbing equipment, break something else, and cause you serious troubles.

• Save your Time

If you decide to call a qualified plumber, you can save valuable time. When placing an order, you must specify a clear time when the plumber should show up: this will allow you to plan your time and not spend the whole day waiting for the master. Check out this plumber In Duluth MN for reliable and timely service. After you weigh up all the pros and cons of performing self-repair of plumbing equipment and calling a plumber at home, you can make a rational choice in favor of the first or the second option. Still, from the above-mentioned information, we can conclude that calling a plumber will be the best solution if you want all the work to be done efficiently and right on time.

Guest Contributor: Debra Johnson

7 Ways To Baby-Proof Your Home

Congratulations on the baby! Having a baby is so much fun and so rewarding, but also very scary. Your house, which is a safe place for the baby, might not be so safe once he/she starts crawling and walking. There are a few things you might want to take a look at and adjust while the baby is learning.

Cover Electrical Outlets. Babies like to explore and use their hands to help explore. Be sure to cover the outlets before your baby ends up getting shocked.

Lock Up Dangerous Chemicals. All it takes is one second for a baby to get into something they shouldn’t be in. Make sure to keep all harmful chemicals locked up or out of reach of the baby.

Cover Sharp Corners. Having a baby doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your furniture with sharp edges. There are baby cover guards that can fit over the edges to help ensure no cuts when the baby starts crawling and walking. This may be something you can wait on, since the baby won’t walk for a while.

Bolt Heavy Furniture Down. When babies are learning to walk, they grab things to help stabilize them and to help guide them while they walk. Heavy furniture is still very risky, you should bolt it down to eliminate the risk of it falling on your baby.

See It From Their Point Of View. It might be a good idea to get on your hands and knees and see what the baby would see. You would probably overlook a couple things, but being down low you can see what your baby would see and eliminate the risks.

Use Baby Gates. If you don’t want your baby going to a specific part of the house, use a baby gate. Most gates can be moved easily and are kid friendly, meaning it won’t hurt them if they grab onto it. A good place to put this is near stairs.

Lock Cabinets. Once your baby discovers cabinets, they’re going to want to keep opening and closing them constantly. With that comes finger smashes and pinches. To eliminate this, they have baby proof locks you can stick on the cabinets.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

How To Handle Dust During A Remodel

Most of us know that during a remodel, many things can go wrong, but there’s one thing you can count on: a lot of dust. From tearing down walls to ripping out floors, your construction efforts are sure to create a whirlwind of debris. Are you forced to deal with a stuffy nose and sneezing during your renovations, or is there a way to manage the endless torrent of dust? Since you’ve found this post, you’re in luck. Here’s how you can handle dust and debris during your home remodel:

Change Your HVAC Filters

Many furnaces and air conditioners come with filters. These have a dual purpose: they protect dust from damaging the system and they filter pollutants from indoor air. When they are changed or cleaned regularly, they can limit the amount of dust that circulates in your home. On average, they last about three months, but this lifespan may be shortened by excessive dirt. If you notice that your home is especially dusty, it may be time for a filter replacement.

Work Outside When Possible

Certain tasks generate more dust than others, like cutting wood. If the weather permits, and you have the space for it, use a saw outside rather than within your home. You’ll need to tidy up the yard after, but it’s better than letting that dust spread throughout the air in your house.

Clean The Air Ducts

The hot and cold air that blows throughout our homes is circulated by air ducts. As you can imagine, dust that gets in these ducts travels along with that heated or cooled air. Debris from renovations can make its way into ducts and then hitch a ride, spreading around your home. One of the benefits of regular duct cleaning is that it improves indoor air quality. You can contact your local HVAC technician to schedule a duct cleaning during and/or after your remodeling. 

Protect Your Belongings

In many areas of our home, we display items with great sentimental value. Other belongings, like our electronics, can also be damaged by dust. These possessions need extra care if you want to preserve them. You can relocate them to a storage unit or place them in sealed containers. For a quick fix, consider covering them with a drop cloth or heavy plastic.

Open The Windows

A nice breeze will help break up the dusty air. Whenever possible, open the windows as you work. Proper ventilation is a key part of reducing dust during a remodel. The smell of fresh air is a nice bonus! For extra air purity, place a fan near the window to blow the dust outdoors.

Prep Before Painting

Most remodels have one final step: painting. Nothing looks as fresh as walls with a new coat of paint. But remember that it’s important to prep before painting. As we mentioned, remodels kick up quite a bit of dust, which will interfere with the paint’s adhesion to the walls. Before you apply that carefully selected color to your brand new walls, be sure to wipe them thoroughly with a hot, damp washcloth to remove any dust. 

Isolate the Remodel Area

Unless you’re renovating your entire home, it’s worthwhile to section off the specific place that you’re working on. For example, let’s say that you are renovating your kitchen. To prevent dust from spreading to the living room or bedrooms, seal the kitchen using a dust barrier tarp. This product attaches to doorways to completely enclose a room and keep debris from traveling outside of it. It will help contain construction waste to one room, reducing the extent of your cleaning job.

Tidy Up Often

It might seem pointless to clean today when your remodel site will be a disaster zone tomorrow. But taking a little time each day to tidy your home can prevent one massive clean up at the end. Sure, you’ll still have your work cut out for you once everything’s said and done, but your diligent cleaning efforts will make the final task a little easier. A quick sweep, dust, or vacuum job will do the trick.

No one ever said that remodeling would be easy—add “managing dust” to your long list of things to do.But with the right plumbers and contractors on your side, this process doesn’t have to be a disaster. Professionals like the crew at Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing can transform your kitchen or bathroom into your dream vision.

Guest Contributor: Christie Simon

Things to Consider When Designing A Kitchen

Designing a kitchen is an exciting project but it also comes with great responsibility. A kitchen is one of the most used areas of the house so it’s important that your kitchen design is the perfect balance between function and aesthetics. We’ve rounded out the things you need to consider when designing a kitchen. Whether you’re building a new home or redecorating, these tips can guide you towards having the kitchen of your dreams.

A layout fit for your lifestyle

Kitchens are very personal in a sense that they perfectly reflect the lives of the people in the house. Do you cook a lot? Do you have kids? These are just a few questions you need to ask yourself as you try to understand what you need your kitchen to look like. A rule that most people stick to is the working triangle where the kitchen’s three main work areas, the sink, stove, and refrigerator form a triangle. Moreover, you also have to take into consideration the size of the space that you can work with in order to maximize every inch of it.

Drawers vs Cupboards

Assess your current kitchen inventory. Do you have a lot of big items like pots and pans and equipment? Are the majority of your items small like utensils and tools that can be organized in drawers? From there, you can gauge what kind of storage your kitchen needs. Cupboards allow more organizational freedom but drawers provide easier access for storage below the waist. They each have their advantages and disadvantages so it’s crucial that you analyze your kitchen inventory in order to choose the right storage option for you.

Appliance Selection

Choose your appliances first before coming up with a kitchen design but also be mindful of the size of your kitchen space. You don’t need to buy them yet but it will be helpful to design your kitchen with these appliances in mind. This way, the correct size, space, and storage will be properly allocated for the appliances. You will have an easier time designing the kitchen around the appliances than the other way around. 

Benchtop Selection

The major factors that you need to take into consideration when choosing a benchtop material are budget, function, aesthetics, and threshold for maintenance. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for your benchtop needs but the good news is that there are various options available on the market. Don’t get overwhelmed by the amount of choices. As long as you narrow down your options to the ones that fit your checklist, you’ll find the right one for you in no time. 

Flooring

The flooring you choose can make or break the overall style of your space and future real estate opportunities. Aside from aesthetics, you also need to factor in durability, affordability, and functionality. Replacing flooring can be costly so it would be better to invest in something that can withstand traffic, heat, and time. If you find yourself having a hard time finding the perfect option, you will have to prioritize and compensate if needed. You can also protect your flooring by choosing a rug for your kitchen. This does not only make your flooring last longer but also add to your kitchen’s aesthetics.

Coordinated Finishes

The finished surfaces in your kitchen is what sets it apart and gives it personality. When coordinating finishes in the kitchen, things don’t have to be 100% uniform. The main goal is for all the components of the kitchen to complement each other while keeping their own distinct features. Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and make bold choices.

Guest Contributor: Liz Buckley