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Tinley Park, IL

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Residential and Commercial plumbers and plumbing contractors available in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, and the surrounding Chicago South Suburbs. Emergency plumbers.

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Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing Blog

Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing is Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Forest, Midlothian, Orland Hill, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, Crestwood, Palos Heights, Oak Lawn, local plumber. Read our blog for advice, tips, a good laugh, and basic home improvement.

**We are moving our old blog to our new and improved website. Too see all our posts visit kevinszabojrplumbing.blogspot.com

Filtering by Category: December 2021

How to Fix a Hot Water Heater: A Guide for Do-It-Yourselfers

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Installing an electric water heater is much simpler than installing a Water Heater  Riverside but it's still a bit difficult. If you feel uncomfortable with the electrical or plumbing, it is highly recommended that you have a professional install Water Heater . In addition, it usually has an old water heater.

Step by step instructions for installing an electric water heater:

Step 1: switch off

 Turn off the water heater at the circuit breaker panel.

Check the wiring to the water heater using a voltage tester and make sure the unit is turned off. This is not covered in the video below, but before continuing you should always turn it off with a circuit breaker and make sure your water heater is not turned on.

Step 2: Empty the water tank.

Open the hot water faucet and run the water until it cools. Although this procedure is not described in the video, you can safely empty the water tank without getting burned.

Turn off the cold and Find professional for installing Water Heater in Orange County supply to the water heater (located on top of the unit).

 Connect the hose to the water heater's drain valve. Open the faucet and drain the water tank to the outside (or a floor drain or even a bucket).

If you turn off the hot water outlet in step 1, you need to turn it back on. You can also open the T&P valve. This will allow air to enter the tank, allowing water to drain out more quickly.

 

Step 3: Disconnect electricity

 Disconnect the wire at the top of the water heater. Always close the circuit breaker in the circuit breaker box first. Then check the wires with a voltage tester before you begin.

When connecting a new water heater in the future, cover and label the wires (or take a photo) to avoid confusion.

 

Step 4: Remove the pipes 

Remove the hot and cold water supply lines. If your water heater is connected to a copper pipe, you may need to cut the pipe. If you need to cut pipes, use a pipe (pipe) cutter to save as much pipe as possible.

If the T&P drain has been properly repaired, it can be removed from the T&P valve and reused as a new water heater.

Step 5: Disassemble the old water heater

When the water tank is empty, use the cart to lower the old water heater.

Put the new water tank in place. We recommend that you put a new water tank in the drip tray. Understand why.

Make sure there is enough power to reach the water tank. Carefully check that the drain panel and valve are accessible for maintenance.

 

Step 6: Pipeline preparation

If your old water heater uses copper pipes and you need to cut the pipes, you will need to prepare the pipes with sandpaper. Wipe the edges of the tube with a rag of sandpaper until they are shiny.

 

Step 7: Connect the wires.

Remove the junction box cover to access the wires.

Connect the ground wire to the green ground screw. Twist the other wire into a wire connector and connect it. Using the previous wiring connections as a guide, connect the wires the same way you disconnect them. 

 

Step 8: Connect the water supply line and turn on the water source.

Connect the hot and cold water supply lines. Make sure to connect the cold water pipe to the cold water inlet of the water heater (cold water and hot water can be easily connected).

If your old water heater uses a copper pipe, you can reconnect it to the copper pipe. However, it is recommended to use flexible hoses for the connection. Not only is it simple, but it is also a recommended safety feature in the event of an earthquake. Your pipeline will depend on your original setup and setup.

Connect the flexible hose to the connector on the water heater. 

 

Step 9: Connect the T&P drain pipe.

 

Install the drain hose on the T&P valve. The end of the pipe should be within 6 inches of the ground.

  • It uses a 3/4 "manual connector.

  • Apply pipe paint to the outside of the pipe fittings and the inside of the valve pipe fittings.

  • Connect the connector to the T&P valve connector and tighten.

  • Clean the seal at the end of the pipe.

  • Apply flux to the inside of the male connector and the outside of the pipe.

  • Connect the hose to the fitting.

  • Connect the pipes using solder and a torch.

     

Step 10: Switch on and drain the hot water supply line

Once the water heater tank is filled with water, turn on the circuit breaker in the main power box. Note: Switch on the device before the water tank is filled. Failure to submerge completely may result in dry combustion of electrical components. This will damage the electric heating element.

If your water heater does not have power, first turn off the circuit breaker and check the electrical connections to the Find Water Heater Installation Orange County.

 

Author Bio:-Angela Louise

Angela is a marketing manager at EZ Plumbing USA. She has a great interest in educating readers about various leakages that can happen in their home or offices through her articles. With extensive knowledge of water leak and slab leak detection techniques as well as HVAC systems, Angela wants to make readers aware about the warning signs indicating leakage and predictive AC and Heater maintenance and also how to fix them to refrain from dangerous and costly consequences. 

Read articles to get more valuable information about detection and damages of water and slab leak repair, techniques to fix clogging, and installation and maintenance of AC & Appliance in San Diego.

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EZPlumbingUSA/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EZPlumbingUSA1

 

 

8 Home Renovations You Can Do with Powder Coating

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Renovating your home is part of owning and taking care of your home. When you get a chance to renovate, do it. Some home renovations are also great at improving the quality of life and value of your property and not just for beautification. Here are some home renovations you can do with powder coating

8 Home Renovations You Can Do with Powder Coating

You may have encountered powder coating a few times when you look up home renovations on the internet. It’s a popular option for people looking to improve their homes. 

In this article, we’ll guide you on how powder coating works with home renovation and what home renovations you can do with powder coating. Powder coating is also easy to apply with the help of a powder coating gun making it easier to use for home renovations. 

Railings and Posts

Railings on the porch are important for safety in the front yard and back porch. They can be made of different materials with iron as the most usual choice. Iron is solid and comfortable on your hands. 

 

With powder coating, you can stay away from the traditional black or chrome color iron porch railings and posts usually have. You can choose brighter colors to give your outdoor look a more welcoming aura rather than the dull and gloomy black porch railings. 

Door and Cabinet Handles

Generally, the door and cabinet handle go well with the color of the furniture. However, the finish could fade with time or get damaged. You may also not like the color of the handle and customize it the way you want it. 

 

You can recolor your door and cabinet handles through quick sandblasting to strip off the old coating. You can then refinish with any color you want with powder coating. 

Fences

Fences can also be powder coated and given a custom-color theme. Aside from beautification,  powder coating also protects your fences from fading or chipping for a long time. However, we recommend you only do this with iron fences. 

 

The coating can last for up to 8 to 30 years depending on the environment. It’s up to you how you customize your fence. Just keep in mind, that it also comes with an added bonus protection. 

Light Fixtures

Light fixtures often get low-quality finishes because of mass production. Therefore, it easily becomes a liability in terms of decoration. Powder coating can help light fixtures be in theme with your home design. 

Plumbing Fixtures

Powder coating your plumbing fixtures can help improve their durability. You can also powder coat them for the sake of improving the appearance of your bathroom interior design. This only applies to powder coat plumbing fixtures that are made of metal. 

Furniture

Iron furniture like barstools, iron chairs, and tables, and other metal furniture can be renovated with powder coating. You need to sand-blast the furniture, repair it, and then refinish using powder coating.

Kitchen Utensils

Kitchen utensils like stovetop, sink, and other metallic kitchen utensils can be renovated with powder coating to create a color theme for your kitchen area. You can even apply it to smaller utensils like hanging pans for full customization. 

Flowerbed Trim and Planters

If you have a garden at home, chances are you have some iron flowerbed trim and planters. Maybe it’s time to renovate and decorate your garden to complement the plants and flowers you are growing. 

How Powder Coating Works

Powder coating is applied after the area it is applied to is thoroughly cleaned of all contaminants on its surface. The powder coating is then applied either by spraying or dipping in fluid with suspended powder material. The powder coating protects the surface from external elements

Frequently Asked Question

Is Powder Coating Worth the Money?

In most cases, powder coating is the best option for finishing because it provides excellent durability, texture, and simple application. The coating can last for many years and is also a safer option with its simple application. 

How Long Does Powder Coating Last?

Depending on the environment, powder coating can last for up to 20 years. If exposed to UV light and other outdoor environments, it might be lowered to around 5 to 9 years. Varying coatings also differ in lifespans. 

Conclusion

There are many home renovations you can do with powder coating. It’s up to you how to go about it. We recommend emphasizing prolonging the lifespan of your home equipment and then customizing it for aesthetics. 

Guest Contributor: Makayla Connors

5 CARPET CLEANING TIPS FOR PET OWNERS

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Most carpet cleaning companies will tell you professional cleaning is the only way to go for pet owners.  Pet stores are willing sell multitudes of cleaning products designed for pets.

Well-meaning fellow pet owners will be eager to share their homemade solutions with you. This article will discuss 5 important things to do if you have pets in the home, to keep your carpets looking and smelling good.

Keep your pet clean.

Muddy paws and sloppy eating habits are both major sources of mess on carpets. Some pet owners have chosen to keep washable rugs over high pet-traffic areas, especially near the door they enter and exit most often.

Keeping a spray bottle of mild soapy water and a soft cloth near that entrance can make for quick cleanup, but also cleaner carpets in the long term.

Be mindful of your pet’s diet.

Food would never be an issue, of course, if your pet never got sick. However, accidents happen, and food with dyes and chemical additives can make for a more difficult cleanup.

Have a good vacuuming routine, and clean the vacuum often.

Hair and dirt build up quickly in homes (and vacuums!) with pets, and taking a quick pass in high traffic areas every few days will make for much easier maintenance in the long run. Change the bag or empty the canister at least once every two weeks, or more frequently if you notice smells are lingering.

Invest in an extractor vacuum, and an enzymatic cleaner.

Getting liquids out of carpet quickly will go the furthest to minimizing unpleasant odors. Most pet stores stock targeted enzymatic cleaning products based on animal type and size.

You don’t need the most expensive bottle, but certainly check reviews and ask staff before you buy to be sure that you are getting something worth the money. Also, read the directions carefully.

The next step will explain basic cleaning procedures for accidental messes, but some products need to be applied at different steps in the process.

Basic cleanup steps after a pet accident:

1. Move your pet somewhere comfortable and secure. There is no need for paws or tails to get dragged through the mess.

2. Remove solids by pressing a dustpan or putty knife into the carpet outside the mess, moving in and lifting up. Try not to rub or press on the stain until all solids have been removed.

3. Extract liquids. Extracting even after a mess has been sitting for a while will still help, and make the enzymatic cleaner more effective.

If you don’t have a wet/dry vacuum, use dry towels, but don’t press too hard.

4. Spray enzymatic cleaner on the mess and some of the surrounding area. Read the label to know how much to put down, and how long to leave it.

Typically, enzymatic cleaners do not require rubbing, but if you have a stubborn stain, you may use a soft-bristle brush after it has worked for a while.

5. Allow the area to dry, then vacuum well.

Guest Contributor: Frank robertson

An Elf Tale: Plumbing Edition

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Running out of ideas and need inspiration for your elf on the shelf? Is there a plumber in the family? We’ve combined the two to find the best elf locations and set ups that every kid of a plumber would find amusing.

Elf’s gone fishing in the toilet bowl!

Oops! The elf pooped ON the toilet instead of IN the toilet!

Elf’s stealing the toilet paper! Don’t mind me, go ahead and pee!

The elf clogged the toilet!! He’s trying to unclog it with a plunger.

Shower time! Elves need to shower too.

Another Elf in the toilet! Make sure it’s a toilet you don’t need to use for a day, you can’t touch the elf!

Who doesn’t love marshmallows? A Marshmallow bath!

Use the toilet paper to leave a note behind!

Uh-Oh! The elf got tangled up in the floss!

This one can teach them to change the toilet paper roll when it’s empty!

Use cling wrap to play a prank on the kids!

TP’D the bathroom! Also wrote his name/the child’s name

Leave a gentle reminder for the kids to wash their hands!

Leave a trail of TP with the Elf in the middle!

The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating your elf into plumbing/the bathroom. We would love to see your Elf and his shenanigans if you do it!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

A Plumber's Christmas

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Ever wonder how plumber’s decorate for Christmas? We got you covered, we found the BEST plumbing decorations for Christmas.

A Christmas tree made out of pipes and valves! What screams Christmas and Plumbing more than this?

A reindeer head out of pipes!

Pipe candle holders!

Another Christmas tree made out of an assortment of plumbing parts!

Stick your elf in any type of iron plumbing pieces and tell your children he’s pretending to be iron man!

Use a copper pipe and cut it into pieces to make a Christmas tree ornament!

Need a clock? Find some copper pipe, and electrical ground wire and you’ve got all the tools to make one. If you need a gift for a plumber in your life, this could also work.

Another form of a Christmas tree made out of pipes! Even the base is sturdy and looks great.

If you’re a plumber, or know a plumber, odds are these are materials that are common and should have on deck at all times. If you make any of these for a plumber in your life, they won’t be disappointed. Plumbers have to celebrate in their own ways 🎄

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

Struggling with Clutter in Your Small Living Space

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Clutter can mean very different things to different people. A good rule of thumb is if an item is broken or not useful, not aesthetically pleasing or sentimental, it’s probably part of your clutter and it may be time to toss it or donate it. The true definition of clutter is to fill or cover with scattered or disordered things that impede movement or reduce effectiveness. Not only can clutter reduce your effectiveness in everyday life but can also affect the mind. Clutter can affect anxiety levels, sleep patterns and your ability to focus. 

 

Unless you’re living in the home of your dreams, you probably have to work with the limited space that you have. Small rooms can fill up quickly and the addition of clutter will only make you feel that much more cramped. Here are some reasons why your space may be in disarray.

 

1.     Inability to Let Go: Many people tend to hold on to a specific piece of clothing or home item if it’s sentimental, a gift or being saved for a just-in-case event. Emotions can make belongings feel irreplaceable, but you should recognize when something is ready to go.

 

2.     Lack of Organizational Routine: Most clutter piles get bigger simply because they become part of the general landscape. By implementing a functional routine, cleaning could become second nature and clutter won’t have time to accumulate.

 

3.     Impulse Shopping: Impulse buying can be a recipe for disaster. Don’t buy sale items or hobby supplies if you’re not sure where to store them or when they’ll be used. Buying on impulse may give instant gratification, but it probably won’t help you in the long run.

 

So when you finally get serious about cleaning up and clearing out your space, it’s important to analyze your living style and understand how your physical space can help you, rather than work against you. To learn more about the potential effects of clutter in your life, continue reading below!

Guest Contributor: Grant Kamperschroer

5 Unexpected Water Heater Troubles and How to Solve Them

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Broken appliances ruin everybody’s day. Among all the appliances that are very important water heater can easily make the top of anybody’s list. So a faulty water heater is indeed an emergency. There are many water heater troubles, we will talk about the 5 most common unexpected water heater troubles and how to solve them instantaneously. 

What kind of water heater is it?

Knowing the type of water heater you use always helps. Just knowing whether it is electric or gas powered is usually enough but the more the merrier. There are many sub types, brands, models. A little preliminary knowledge on the type of water heater you use will help you navigate work and understand when an EZ Plumber will talk to you. 

However, the EZ Plumbers are instructed to explain everything to the client in detail before asking them for a decision.

5 Unexpected water heater problems

Noisy water heater 

Hot water heater noises may be caused by a variety of different things, so it's important to keep an eye out for them. In most cases, a loud water heater indicates that minor repairs are required. 

Sediment from minerals and hard water scale is generating the "gravel" sounds. Because of the direct heat from the burner below, silt at the bottom of a water heater tank becomes hot. Therefore rumbling sounds can be heard.

The other reason is scale forms on the heating components in an electric water heater over time. Scale and trapped water are cooked by the heat of the elements as they arise.  Popping sounds, crackling noises, or sizzling sounds might be the result of this.

These problems can be solved by flushing your water heater. For flushing your water heater, remove the water supply to your water heater by shutting off the cold water valve Turn the water heater's thermostat down or off.

 After that, attach a garden hose to the heater's tank drain valve. Turn on all the hot water faucets. Drain the tank by opening the drain valve on the water heater. Turn on the cold water supply again after draining the tank. A wet/dry vacuum can be used to remove any remaining silt from the drain valve. Open the hot water faucets as long as the water continues to pour out of them before turning them off. Finally, adjust the thermostat on your water heater to your preferred temperature.

No Hot water 

Some of the main reasons for not getting hot water are sediments, problems in the thermostat, and the dip tube. You can resolve this problem by simply:

 

Changing the temperature of your water tank:

Sometimes temperature of the water can fall because of an unexpected click on the temperature control. This may sound funny but this is by far the most common reason. So, whenever the water is cold, you can check that. 

 

Replacing the dip tube: 

Replacing a dip tube is a rather inexpensive endeavor. A Dip tube costs as little as $10-15. Changing a dip tube would cost very little at EZ Plumbing as well. Always for professional plumbers for changing the dip tube. DIY can ruin your water heater unit. 

 

Replacing gas valve:

If your gas valve is faulty replace it as well. A new gas valve will stay good for a long time while supplying adequate hot water every day. 

 

Flushing the tank :

A Flushing tank is a very easy yet effective remedy in most cases. Because sediments are also the reason for no hot water flushing may help. 

Changing the thermostat:

Change the thermostat because the thermostat is the reason for the most water heater problem. Call a professional technician and be done with it.

 All the problem requires a professional plumber. EZ can be your plumber water heater install and  repair water heater in San Diego 

Not enough hot water

The reasons for not enough water is as similar as no hot water but it is very much expected that the heating capacity of a water heater will deteriorate as time will go on. If age is not the problem try the remedies above. 

However, one less discussed issue is the weather. Sometimes outside weather can affect the performance of your water heater. So if there is extreme weather outside there is nothing much to do. 

Leaking tank 

Some causes of water heater leaks are 

Loose Drain valve 

Too much pressure

Extreme temperature and pressure relief valve

Old tank

Sediments

 Inlet and outlet connections

 Anode rod

Cracked storage tank

A leaking tank must be repaired instantly by professional plumbers. However, an easy way to combat a leaking tank will include tightening every connection, flushing the sediments out, and replacing the leaking tank altogether.  

 

Water is too hot

In this scenario either the temperature setting is too high or the pressure relief valve is broken. It is advised to check the temperature setting and set it to the recommended temperature. Water heaters typically have a temperature setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The other one is to change or repair the pressure relief valve. The water heater's pressure relief valve prevents it from overheating by allowing excess steam to be expelled. As a result of a malfunctioning or clogged relief valve, steam will build up inside the water tank. This might lead to it overheating and perhaps bursting under pressure. Check and replace the valve with the assistance of an expert. 

If you are looking for an expert plumber for water heater installation in Los Angelesyou consider EZ Plumbing as it is very affordable. The company also provides ample benefits to its customers. 

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

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As the winter days get colder, the risk of your pipes freezing are more and more likely if you don’t take precautionary measures. Nobody wants their pipes freezing and bursting, as common as it is, it’s a very expensive fix. One of the most common caused of property damage during the winter and cold weather is ruptured pipes. But, luckily there are steps and preventative measures you can take to prevent ice blockages and frozen pipes. Keeping your pipes warm during the winter is a must, and it might raise your heating bill a little, but a little extra money to keep the pipes warm is definitely worth preventing frozen pipes and burst pipes that could cost thousands to fix.

As the temperatures get colder and colder as the days go by, the water in your pipes begins to freeze. This might not sound like a big deal to you, but it is. Water pipes that freeze are at a higher risk of rupturing, which could result in leaks and flooding.

For those who do not know, when water freezes, it begins to expand. If the water inside of a pip freezes, it will begin to expand, which is putting pressure on the pipes and putting the pipe at risk for a rupture.

Fun fact, pipes hardly ever burst where ice has formed. The freezing portion of the pipe puts pressure between the faucet and the blockage, and that is more than likely where the pipe is going to burst, which ironically is usually in a spot without any ice on it at all.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

Easy Steps to Apply When Transforming Old Furniture

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Transforming old furniture as opposed to spending a hefty sum on brand new items comes with a great deal of perks. You may find that the pieces of furniture you purchased years ago are of extremely high quality and that the offers in stores that align with your budget aren’t on par. Thus, by refurbishing, you get to keep stuff of sentimental value while being able to unleash your creativity and produce unique pieces. In another scenario, you could set an eye on an affordable second-hand piece that could, after some refurbishing, easily compete with the fancy new offerings from furniture shops. Whatever the case may be, here are some practical solutions to help you successfully carry out your furniture transformation.

Choose your refurbishing methods according to the material

When embarking on your furniture transformation journey, there are some factors you need to take into account first. Namely, you should consider the material you’re working with before starting. This step is significant because this factor will determine your refurbishing methods and the necessary supplies. In other words, pieces of furniture will require different treatments, depending on whether they are made of particle boards or solid wood, for instance. While solid wood can sustain latex and other water-based primers and paint, using them on particle boards will cause this material to swell due to absorbed moisture. Particle boards require oil-based products. However, there is an exception. You can use water-based paint on particle boards if you apply an oil-based primer first.

Switch it up by changing the colors

Painting the surfaces and changing the upholstery is an easy, yet impactful way to give your furniture a complete makeover. Before beginning the process of embellishing the items by painting them, some prep needs to take place, to ensure a proper and durable finish. This pertains to stripping the paint, sanding, and cleaning the surfaces. On the other hand, furniture that has fabric, such as sofas, couches, and chairs, can achieve a brand new look with some simple reupholstering. There is a wide range of lovely upholstery fabrics you can choose from.They come in various colors, patterns, and materials, giving you the power to match any style you desire.

Conduct the necessary repairs

A key step to making your furniture pieces appear brand new is to fix all the broken parts and replace those that can’t be repaired. This involves things like adding missing legs to chairs or tables and attaching new handles to drawers. Sometimes, pieces of material, such as wood, may break off and form cracks or holes. While uneven surfaces can be polished by sanding, in this kind of situation, it’s necessary to fill in these spots first. A practical and easy way to patch up missing chunks of wood is by applying a wood putty

Ensure the protection of your newly renovated items

Spillages over furniture are extremely common and practically inevitable. While some pieces such as tables can be wiped clean effortlessly, the same is not true for the items made of fabric. For that reason, when buying upholstery, it’s wise to order extra fabric to be able to create covers for your couches and sofas. The advantage is that they are easily washable and replaceable. Not only will this ensure that your furniture pieces remain spotless but it also protects them from wearing out. On the other hand, you can protect wooden furniture by applying wood polish, as well as re-waxing and re-oiling from time to time.

Ultimately, renovating used furniture can be a delightfully creative process. Opportunities are endless, allowing you to create truly remarkable and stylish pieces. While there are no limitations as to how much you can rely on your artistic side, learning about different techniques of refurbishing is still essential. Only that way can you ensure durability in addition to an attractive design.

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

Improve the Appearance of Your Old House with These Maintenance Tips

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Being an owner of an old home is all fun and games until it’s time for renovations. When the time comes to consider repairs and renovations, you have two options: restore its original heritage look, or do a contemporary renovation and modernize it. Whatever you decide to do, it’s imperative to do a bit of research and see which option is better for you. If you’re in love with your heritage home and want to keep as much of its former glory as possible, here are a few maintenance tips that will help you. 

See if you need a special permit

The thing about heritage homes is that they are very often protected by tricky laws and complicated regulations. This is great for keeping heritage and history alive, but it can be a nightmare for homeowners who are looking to renovate. So, when you decide to do some extensive work on your old property, it’s always a good idea to check (and double-check) to see whether you need a special permit to do that. If you do need it, you will have to apply for one before you start doing any work, and wait for the heritage committee to come over and review your renovation plan. All this is to say that they will certainly want you to keep and restore those distinctive heritage features the right way. Keep in mind that rules and regulations differ between counties and states, so it’s best to call and ask instead of assuming.

Issues with flooring

When it comes to the inside of your house, flooring is often one of the biggest issues, but it doesn’t have to be. Fortunately, a great number of old homes have sturdy hardwood floors which are the epitome of class and durability. If you have hardwood floors in your home, you will most likely only need to freshen them up a bit by sanding them and applying another player of polish. While such procedures can be costly, in the end, you will get amazing results that will make you wish you never had rugs and carpets in the first place. However, not all homes are blessed with hardwood floors. If you have vinyl flooring, it might contain asbestos, and you’ll have to call professionals to have it removed safely. 

Old bathrooms

Old bathrooms can be a nightmare to keep clean simply because we are used to more modern fixtures. To be honest, it doesn’t really matter how much you clean and dust and scrub your bathroom if you have leaky faucets or a running toilet. Any structural issues should be handled professionally and quickly because only then will you be able to focus on the details. You can clean out the grout to make your tiles appear even cleaner than before, but if the grout is just too old and grime-y, simply have it replaced (or replace it yourself if you’re a fan of DIY projects). Bathrooms in heritage homes used to have wallpapers, but you should probably remove them and paint the walls as bright as you can. Bright colors on walls will make your bathroom appear more spacious and clean. 

Don’t forget the roof

Sadly, for a lot of heritage homeowners, simple roof repairs won’t be enough. This is because old roofs will most likely have to be replaced due to damage. Even if you have to replace the roof, you should aim to keep the air of old times, so try to find professionals specialized in heritage roofing. Old roofs can be made of copper, zinc, and lead which are not easy to restore on your own because you will have to use the same material to replace a slate roof or heritage tiles. Not only will professionals be able to tell you the best way to fix any issues, but they will also see whether or not there are traces of asbestos. Asbestos was very popular decades ago, but it’s dangerous to remove it on your own, which is why you will need professionals to do it for you. 

Renovate your façade 

While in many cases, painting the exterior of an old house will be enough to ‘freshen up’ its appearance and make it look better, with heritage homes the situation is a bit more complex. Because the streetscape is severely impacted by the color of your façade, you will have to run your color scheme by the council and see whether or not it’s fitting. You will not be able to just pick and color and paint your house – color schemes for heritage homes can be very specific. For example, you might only be allowed to use a specific color for your windows, decorative details, and doors. Don’t be discouraged, though – when you run your ideas by the council and get approved, rest assured that a simple coat of paint will make your old house look decades younger. 

Taking up a heritage project will likely be more challenging than you might have thought at first. There are many things you have to consider before you actually start with the renovation. What is more, when you finally do start, you’ll discover that it’s more hard work than you believed in the beginning, especially since you can’t DIY a lot of things like you might do in a contemporary home. Nevertheless, all these things will be forgotten once you complete your project and look at your beautiful old house. 

Guest Contributor: Ron Wolf