Archive for June, 2009

If you’re like most homeowners, it’s probably been some time since you last cleaned your shower heads. But once you start losing pressure and notice a change in your water flow, it’s essential to take a closer look in your shower to check for build up, rust, or other issues. Not to mention, older homes tend to have a whole lot of corrosive gunk building up in their pipes – which often leads to lost pressure and a feeling like you can only shower if no one flushes a toilet on your entire block. Don’t worry. Here’s a simple way to remove and clean your shower head.

First, use a wrench wrapped in cloth to remove your shower head. This protects the finish and gets the necessary pieces off. Next, check the filter for debris. If you have some, dispose of it properly. Then, place the shower head in a bowl of vinegar for several hours to soften the minerals that may have become caked on after countless showers. Using a toothbrush, scrub your shower head, rinse, and then reinstall. If vinegar doesn’t work, you can also try a special cleaner that’s approved for use with your shower head. After a good cleaning, you should enjoy full pressure. If not, it may be time to check with your plumber to look for leaks or other plumbing issues that are preventing a full flow.

Homeowners already know that finding the right contractor or service provider for a project can be difficult, especially with so many options to choose from. From that guy someone knows to listing in the phone book, there are plenty of sources for finding the right plumber for your home. However, like most things, hiring the right plumber can take a little extra time and work. After all, don’t you want to be sure that things get done the right way the first time? To help you choose the right plumber, be sure to ask these questions of each candidate:

How long have you been in business?

This is one of the first things you should ask of any plumbing candidate. Chances are, if they’ve been around awhile, they have to be doing something right. Ask about their business. Find out about how many employees they have. What type of education or training do the employees have? Even if they are new to the business, a good plumber will have the training to back up their performance.

Are you insured?

This is crucial when asking any service provider for assistance. Should an unfortunate event occur in your home, it’s important that your plumber has insurance. If he doesn’t, say thank you and try another candidate.

Do you offer a written guarantee?

Work should be backed with a guarantee as well as an estimate. Get every action documented and in writing.

In the current economy, do it yourself home remodeling is booming more than it ever has. Of course, that means the web is full of home remodeling resources, but not every one of them is comprehensive, correct or geared toward remodelers of any ability level. Single Family Home Remodeling has pages of remodel projects that beginners can attempt, and each one has comprehensive lists of materials and a thorough walkthrough, not to mention lots of illustrative photos, so that you’ll know you’re doing it right.

The site does have its own sections for plumbing jobs in the kitchen and bathroom, but it’s a great resource for any home job. Their most recent post, a how-to on an alternative solution for growing tomato plants, is a great example of the site’s home project philosophy.

Bathrooms can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, especially with the presence of moisture and often, tight spaces. While your bathroom fan may help control normal odors, the real reason for an exhaust fan in your bathroom is to control the moisture. Odors, although embarrassing, will not normally damage your bathroom. Moisture, on the other hand, can cause a lot of problems for any bathroom. Fresh-air intake for a bathroom is key to avoiding moisture-related problems like mold, mildew and material damage. To be sure that you’re keeping your bathroom safe from damage and other risks, be sure that you’re keeping it well ventilated with a bathroom fan and these easy tips:

1. -Use the fan every time you enter your bathroom and leave it on for at least 20 minutes.
2. -Keep fresh air moving by leaving at least a half inch gap under your bathroom door.
3. -Install proper exhaust venting with smooth internal surfaces and few bends to ensure best air flow.
4. -Pick a fan motor to suit the size of your bathroom.

Contractors, do-it-yourselfers, and professional plumbers all have different needs when it comes to supplies. No matter how big or small the project, it’s important to have the right tools and materials to get the job done right. That’s why at SimplyPlumbing.com, we can meet your needs with ease and savings. Whether you need an entire truckload for a commercial or residential plumbing project or just a few fixtures for a new bathroom, we’ve got you covered.

To buy big, all you have to do is just submit a request on our website for a quote. If your order is at least $5,000, SimplyPlumbing.com can offer you special discounts, making us your new source for wholesale and discount plumbing supplies. Just check with a member of our Client Services Team and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with info on how to fill your order.

Don’t need to buy enough for a new building? Feel free to shop our store to get all of the odds and ends you need to complete your plumbing project.