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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: March

7 Ways To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger Or A Snake

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Nothing ruins your pleasant stay in the lavatory more than the picture of the water not flushing down the drain. Sounds familiar to you? It happens to everyone, but a clogged toilet is more than a mere discomfort, calling for urgent attention. 

“But, how did that happen?”, we hear your voice.

If you are like most people, you probably cram your toilet with everything from tangles of hair tumbleweed rolls to leftover cooking oil and tiny useless objects. Remember, no toilet U-bend is designed for them. Stop blaming yourself, though, if the toilet-clogging culprit roots in the type of your drainage system, low domestic water pressure, or the thickness of your toilet tissue. 

Now what?

Well, the best thing you can do is grab a plunger or a snake and tackle this nasty toilet blockage. But what if you don’t own any specialized plumbing tools? 

We, at Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing, will walk you through 7 tried-and-tested tips to clear the toilet clog quickly without plumber’s equipment. 

#1. Flush Once (Not More)

You may think that flushing the toilet multiple times should be your first port of call. Think twice. By doing this, you risk stumbling in a situation of toilet water gushing from the bowl and nasty puddles of gunk on the floor. 

The rule is: flush the toilet [only] once to clear the line with the force of gravity. But if this method didn’t work in your situation, be ready to get your hands dirty.

#2. Add a Soap Solution

“While toilet detergents - like Drano - offer fast cleaning and deodorizing results, they can also push the clog down the pipeline, causing an even more stubborn obstruction to deal with. This is a lose-lose situation.”, commented Harry H. Knowles, a qualified toilet plumbing expert from the London-based My Plumber, part of Fantastic Services - a home maintenance franchise company operating across the UK and Australia. 

“If an overly full toilet bowl is a pesky consequence of your habit to dump oil leftovers in it, squirt in an eco-friendly mixture of 5-6 tsp liquid dish/hand soap and hot water. Then, let it sit for half an hour. ”, added the expert.

Note: It’s crucial to take out as much water as possible from the toilet bowl. That’s how you can get fast grime-loosening results and avoid a water damage situation.

#3. Clear It Up With a Homemade “Soda-Vinegar-Water” Mixture

Is your toilet resistant to soap cleaning? Borrow some kitchen cupboard contents like vinegar and baking soda and be prepared with the following steps:

  • Sprinkle a ½ cup of baking soda down the drain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

  • Next, pour a ½ cup of white distilled vinegar into the toilet bowl opening. When you combine these, you’ll see bubbles and hear a “fizzing” sound because of the chemical reaction.

  • Put the toilet lid down until you stop hearing the noise from the inside. The reaction will help the clog move along.

  • If the water level decreases, flush hot (not boiling!) water down the drain. 

#4. Empty the Drain With the Help Of a Toilet Brush

An unattended toilet can quickly turn into a non-dissolving and foul-smelling mass of dirt and debris, preventing your plumbing from functioning as it should. Not to mention that drainage issues are another coronavirus danger lurking around your toilet. So, you need to get it sanitized ASAP.

If you are dealing with a slow-draining toilet, chances are the clog is shallow. Usually, this is a benign problem, easily fixed with a toilet brush.

Put your gloves on and get the mess out when you plunge the toilet brush down the drain. It is wholly unglamorous but essential to rotate it slowly in order to score everything - debris, dirt, and sediments. The toilet brush is not quite the same as the plunger method, but it can do an excellent drain cleaning job in just a few minutes. 

#5. Re-use a Wire Hanger

Have a wire hanger from the old millennium that causes awkward stretch marks on clothes? Rather than taking your wardrobe accessory to the scrap metal depot, use it to reach whatever’s clogging the nooks and crannies of your bathroom fixture. Strange but surprisingly effective, an old hanger can be a problem-solver for any tricky-to-dislodge mass of toilet gunk. How? 

  • Simply uncoil the wire neck and transform it into a slim, straight line with a hook for gunk “fishing”;

  • Preserve the shape of the hook at the hanger's end and wrap a cloth around it to avoid ruining the toilet porcelain and pipes;

  • Remove the blockage manually, being sure not to push it further into the system; 

  • Finally, flush the rest of the sludge away. 

Clog begone!

#6. Make Use Of Epsom Salt

Soap or vinegar solutions take hours to dissolve the clog, sometimes even overnight. When you want a clog-free toilet much faster, a pinch of Epsom salt acts like a powerful wizard that breaks the clog in a matter of 15-20 minutes. 

The trick is to mix a cup of Epsom salt, 30 ml of liquid dish soap, and a couple of cups of white vinegar. Then, all you have to do is to blend the mixture and pour it down the drain. You’ll notice a lot of fizzy bubbles, which is exactly what you want to achieve. Once it’s over, scrub the toilet thoroughly and flush to make sure no residue is left inside.

#7. Deal With a Weak Water Spout

Does your toilet lack flushing power? Toilet clogs do not occur only because of the U-bend, but also the amount of water gushing into the bowl. One way to solve this plumbing problem is to access the inside of the toilet tank and adjust the float’s height with the help of an adjustment screw. 

Another common reason for weak flushing power is a partially closed water valve. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix - simply open the valve fully. But if your water pressure gauge has been giving low readings on a regular basis (below 40 PSI), you may want to consider installing a water pressure booster system. 

Stuck with a toilet clog that just doesn't go away? If the above clog-defying tips don’t do the trick, you may need tocontact a local plumber to save you serious time and hassle.

Guest Contributor: Katie Hentschel

The Most Forgotten Spring Maintenance Tasks

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Even though that rascally groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow, spring will arrive before you know it. When it comes, it’s time to prep your home for the new season.

What do you need to do to get your homestead ready for warmer weather? Tackle these five most forgotten spring maintenance tasks, and you will successfully prepare your home for fun in the sun.

1. Cleaning Your Gutters

You don’t want to let leaves and other debris accumulate in your gutters. If they do, water could seep between your interior and exterior walls. The moisture can allow toxic mold to flourish and may spark electrical fires.

Please make sure you protect your head with a hard hat and take time to inspect your roof while you have the ladder out. Water can creep into small cracks in your shingles or tile. The freeze and thaw cycle causes this moisture to expand and create large holes.

2. Prepping Your Gardens

You might think there’s no point in starting yard work while frost still threatens to kill new plants. However, there’s nothing to keep you from prepping your beds so you’re ready to go when planting season arrives.

Weeds are so insidious that they have a nasty way of popping up even over the winter. Rake and hoe your beds to remove unwanted species. Discourage new growth from wrecking your hard labor by smothering your beds with a layer of cardboard covered by a fresh coat of mulch.

3. Inspecting Your Foundation

The same freeze and thaw cycle that sometimes spells disaster for your roof can also create problems with your home’s foundation.

If this part of your home starts to crack or crumble, you might face tens of thousands of dollars in repairs — or even have to consider abandoning the structure.

Tour your property’s perimeter and look for any cracks. Small, vertical cracks are normal, but pay attention to any that are horizontal, around corners, or wider than a dime’s width. Even slightly bulged masonry bricks can indicate a building collapse risk — so contact a qualified contractor immediately if you spy anything that looks concerning.

4. Touching Up Your Paint

Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase your property’s value. If you do it yourself, you don’t have to worry about labor costs, and the materials aren’t expensive.

It’s best to paint your home’s exterior in the spring or fall, as the ideal temperature range is approximately 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s too hot or too cold, the paint might not set properly. Of course, if a sudden March squall arises on your planned work weekend, you can always tackle the interior instead.

5. Changing Your Filters

Far too many homeowners end up with costly HVAC repairs they could have prevented if they performed the simple maintenance task of regularly changing their filters. How frequently you need to do so depends on the quality of the filter you buy and the conditions inside your home.

If you live alone and don’t smoke, you might get away with changeouts as infrequent as every three to six months. However, if you smoke or have pets, you should swap them out every two months, or even sooner if you select an inexpensive fiberglass filter.

Tackle These 5 Most Forgotten Spring Maintenance Tasks

With the change of seasons, it’s time to do some work around the homestead. Tackle these five most forgotten spring maintenance tasks and get ready to enjoy the warmer weather.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

Ways To Boost Your Home Value

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If you’re a homeowner and you plan to put your house on the market soon, taking steps to increase its value should be your priority.

While external factors like interest rates, the real estate market, and the current state of the economy affect your home’s resale value, the very look and condition of your property itself can mean the difference between making and losing money.

If you want your home to command a good price when the time comes, here are some things you need to do to boost your home value.

Replace Your Garage Door

A new garage door installation is one of the best things you can do to boost your home’s value.

Installing a new garage door is among the top home improvements that increase home value, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost Vs. Value Report.

The report found that homeowners who replace their garage door recoup 94.5% of their cost.

Then again, that figure isn’t surprising, as garage doors don’t just make a home more attractive. They also offer safety and security. If the garage door you choose to install is insulated, you’d also be increasing your home’s energy efficiency, which many homebuyers look for when house-hunting.

Increase Curb Appeal

Installing a new garage door is just one of many ways of boosting curb appeal, which has a bearing on your home value.

Some of the things you can do to make your home more appealing to people on the street include:

  • Planting a tree or two

  • Maintaining your lawn

  • Painting your front door

  • Power washing your driveway, walkway, siding, and porch

  • Updating front door light fixtures

  • Adding an elegant door knocker

  • Painting the exterior

  • Cleaning the roof and gutters

  • Upgrading your house number

Add More Living Space

More often than not, homes with more living space command better prices.

If your property still has considerable space for additions, consider adding a room or two.

If you have a basement, make sure it’s finished to make it more energy-efficient and good enough to use as a spare bedroom.

You can also build a patio or a deck, which will attract more interest from homebuyers who look forward to days and nights entertaining guests or simply spending time outdoors without leaving the property.

Spruce Up the Bathroom

A full bathroom remodel would be great as it adds plenty of value to your home, but it’s going to cost a lot, and there’s no guarantee that you would be able to recoup your expenses fully when you sell the house.

If a complete bathroom remodel is out of the question, you can still make minor changes that won’t break the bank but still enhance the value of your home.

Small repairs like replacing tile grout and painting the walls can go a long way in boosting your home’s value. The same goes for a new toilet seat, rugs, and shower curtain.

You can make fixtures like faucets and showerheads look like new by removing gunk using household items like vinegar and baking soda.

Updating your bathroom light fixtures to more energy-efficient models would be worth your while, too.

Upgrade Your Kitchen

As with a complete bathroom remodel, overhauling your kitchen is also an expensive proposition, especially if it involves moving plumbing and drain pipes.

You can still upgrade your kitchen to add to your home’s value without spending a fortune.

You can hang a new decorative light fixture that perfectly matches your kitchen’s color and existing décor.

You can give your kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint. You might also want to consider replacing their handles as well.

Granite countertops are great, but they’re so pricey homebuyers might think it’s the sole reason for your home’s high value on the market. 

If you’re planning on replacing your existing kitchen countertop, go for more affordable materials like ceramic tile and laminate.

Deep Clean Your Home

Sometimes, all a beautiful and highly-functioning home needs to increase its value is a heavy, thorough cleaning.

Homebuyers put a premium on the cleanliness of properties they’re eyeing. 

A home with visible grime, scummy showers, and marred walls is a turnoff since it means more work and expense for them should they decide to buy the property.

When you finally decide to put your home on the market, give it a deep cleaning first before showing it off to potential buyers. 

Clean every inch of the house thoroughly, from the spots you can readily see to hidden areas like behind the stove, refrigerator, and underneath furniture.

These are just a few of the things you can do to increase your home value, but they’re a good enough place to start. 

You might also consider talking to your real estate agent, as they’re completely in the know when it comes to what people are willing to pay top dollar for when going house-hunting.

Guest Contributor: Irene Trentham

5 easy ways to plan for your home remodeling project

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Especially if you have not completed the one before, starting a home renovation can be quite overwhelming. Your remodel will involve several details including the help from Alberta plumbing contractors can become quite daunting whatever the project might be.

 To help reduce your level of stress while keeping you on budget and on schedule, you can make use of these steps and tips for planning a home remodel to select how to order, prioritize and also build a detailed home project plan.

Check out the following 5 ideal home remodeling project that you can try out:

1. Build a complete home improvement project plan

Developing a plan with the designers, architects, civil engineers, even plumbing contractors should clearly states the goal for your renovation is the first step in remodeling project here including every designing inspiration and an outline of the word that requires to be completed here.

Investigate your local zoning regulations and permits at this point in planning for a home renovation. For your remodel, make sure that your neighborhood is zoned and find out if you require a permit or not. You will more likely need a permit if you are getting your project completed that will alter the structure of your home or the use of a room.

2. Set a Project Budget

Determining your financing and budget is the next step when you are planning for a home renovation. The costs for permits and building materials along with the labor costs, and the cost of decorations or cosmetic touches should also be included in your budget.

You need to use your home improvement project plan from step one to eliminate project elements that are a lower priority if your cost estimates do not fit in your budget. From multiple contractors you can request the cost estimates that can help you find the best option on the basis of your budget.

3. Hire Contractors

You will have to hire your team next in your home project planning. You need not select your contractors on the cost estimates alone. The following are the things that you should be considering while interviewing and selecting your contractors.

Years of experience:It can make them safer bet than the one who is new to the business with the help of a contractor who has been doing business for a very long period of time.

Contracting license:To obtain any needed certifications specific to their line of work, you need to ensure that your contractor has gone through all the steps.

Certificate of insurance:For the type of work they are performing, the contractors should have the worker’s compensation and liability insurance.

References: You need to call and request the references. To ensure that your contractor is not just good on paper, this will be a great way.

Payment schedule:The Better Business Bureau advises not to with the help of a reputable contractor who will not be asking you to pay upfront. Before the construction starts, it is important to discuss the terms of payments with them. It is better to spend a bit more time to get someone you are confortable working with in some of the cases here.

4. Build a Timeline

It is time to place together your timeline once you have your budget and team in place for your remodeling plan. If you are hoping to have it completed by a specific date, work backward from the date instead, you need to select the desired date. Determine the length of time every portion of the project that it will take as you sit down with your contractors. Discuss on  how long they will be taking and which project portions can be completed concurrently as you need to have the steps of remodel completed first.

Mark every step of the project with the use of a calendar. Including a few days' worth of wiggle room for unexpected issues, set a completion date. Ensure that the timeline is realistic and is within your budget as you confirm with your contractors or team members.

5. Pack Up and Get Ready for Home Renovation

It is time to make plans to avoid any room while it is under construction now that your home project planning is nearing to an end.

It depends on what work is being done whether or not you should live in your home during the construction times. It is to your kitchen that planning on having some major work done? Build a temporary place to remove all your dishes, minor appliances, cook, and eat and also to store some furniture. You might wish in moving out completely for a short-time if you are planning a whole home renovation.

Ask Your Contractor Plenty of Questions

You need not be afraid to quiz your contractor about every step of the process when you are planning on your home renovation.

The following are the factors on which you need to have professional opinion:

  • Budget

  • Schedule

  • Other contractors

  • Materials

Stick to your own plans as much as possible with all being said. Unless there is a good reason for it, do not allow your contractor to force a more expensive product or services. Validating your choices and preventing serious mistakes, let use their expertise.

Plan for Problems When Renovating

They all go awry even with the most detailed home remodeling plans. You should never wish in letting it down. By setting aside a piece of budget for the unforeseen costs and allotting a few extra days in your project timeline, be prepared for delays and issues. During the renovation and to help you stick to your plan in the end, this will prevent the stress and overspending.

You can also check ghclark.com for more tips and ideas on how to modernize your home. To help reduce your level of stress while keeping you on budget and on schedule, you can make use of these steps and tips for planning a home remodel to select how to order, prioritize and also build a detailed home project plan.

Complete Structural Projects First

You need to ensure that you are prioritizing any structural projects first when you are planning for a home renovation. You need to be sure to complete those before spending money on general cosmetic changes if your roof, foundation or electrical system needs improvements.

Plan Ahead for Waste Removal

To think about waste removal, do not wait till your contractor is piling concrete in your driveways. Make sure that you discuss the plans with your contractor before getting rid of debris in your budget. To find the waste removal solution, you need to decide on who is responsible for the construction debris and where it will be located during the planning process.

Guest Contributor: Matthew Hiles

Plumbing upgrades that increase the value of your home

RH Business Marketing Solutions

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Investing in your home is always an excellent choice. A few tweaks here, a bit of DIY there, and it soon turns into your dream home. But, these improvements do not just add to the looks. They add to the price of a property to a larger or lesser extent. As one of the vital parts of your home, plumbing plays a crucial role in this calculation. Now, this is quite an extensive topic. Plumbing upgrades that increase the value of your home are many. Some of them demand a lot of time and resources to implement. This is why we decided to create this guide. With it, you will have a good baseline on where to start and what to focus on. 

Quality over quantity

Any type of home upgrade is a long-term investment. Plumbing is no different in this regard. It is something you want to last for quite a while—ideally, a lifetime. The good thing is that it is possible, but only if the upgrades are a work of quality. Seeing how some of these upgrades can be costly, it is essential to pay attention to every detail.

It’s best to choose quality over quantity of upgrades.

It’s best to choose quality over quantity of upgrades.

Your choice of plumbers will impact the quality of work

You don't want just anyone working on one of the essential parts of your home. Therefore, choose a company with a good track record, one that hires people with ample experience, honed skills, and proper equipment. This will maximize the quality of work and give you much-needed peace of mind as you won't worry if you made the right choice. 

Don’t go cheap on materials and supplies

Everything you save on materials and supplies – you'll spend later on repairs. Therefore, don't just go with the cheapest options. Remember – you're building something that's meant to last. So, try and find the right balance between quality and price

For extensive plumbing upgrades that improve the value of your home, you should even pay attention to seemingly minor things. For instance, packaging in which supplies and materials come in. They can get damaged during transport or if you're moving larger quantities. Therefore, you want to use quality materials to protect your possessions.

Eco-friendly plumbing upgrades that increase the value of your home also save money in the long run

Living in an eco-friendly environment is always beneficial, and it can cut the cost of utilities significantly, especially if you're viewing it long-term. Not to mention that you can add "eco-friendly" to the list of traits if you ever decide to sell. This will make your home far more appealing to potential buyers. Meaning: Sell faster and for more money! An ideal scenario, if there ever was one.

Bathroom upgrades are a good starting point

The bathroom is one of the most used areas of the home. Therefore, this is a good starting point if you’re considering upgrading. 

Toilets

Toilets are not objects that endure a gentle treatment from their users. They are quick to show signs of wear. So, think of replacing and upgrading them. It’s always good to go with eco-friendly variants, such as a dual-flush toilet. 

Faucets and fixtures

Upgrading faucets and fixtures is another excellent choice. However, here you have an added benefit of looks. If you select bathroom fixtures that fit your style, you will add a splash of luxury to your bathroom. And we all know how long showers and relaxing baths are much more enjoyable in cozy surroundings.

Nothing better than a relaxing bath in a cozy environment after a long day.

Nothing better than a relaxing bath in a cozy environment after a long day.

Upgrading your kitchen can make it more functional

The kitchen is the heart of the home. As such, any upgrade you make will be welcome. For the most part, these upgrades add utility to your kitchen. 

Pull-down faucets 

These are very practical and easy to use. A wide variety of designs can make them not only functional but aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, you get the functionality and the looks—a win-win.
Alternatively, you can opt for less popular counterparts:

  • Pull-out faucets and;

  • Side-spray faucets.

However, these don’t offer as much utility as pull-down faucets. Still, they can fit better in some kitchens, especially those with shallow sinks. 

Dual basin kitchen sink

Yet another plumbing upgrade that adds value and utility to your home. Yes, they do take additional space, but the convenience they provide is more than worth it. They are ideal for food preparation and washing dishes by hand. And the fact that garbage disposal is always accessible only adds to the value. 

Dishwasher

The dishwasher is an ideal addition to any home. The convenience and practicality of the dishwasher are undeniable. It's such a fantastic time and energy saver. Even if you love doing dishes by hand, one of these puppies will quickly change your mind. Therefore, it's a fantastic idea to install one in your kitchen. Opt for an eco-friendly variant for maximum value and effect

A new water heater is never a missed investment

Replacing an old water heater is one of the best upgrades you choose. Newer models are much more efficient, both in terms of energy usage and effectiveness. And, with tankless variants, you can save a lot of storage space

On the other hand, maybe your water heater works well. In this case, there's no need to replace it. However, you do want to ensure it remains impeccable. This doesn't add much value, but regular inspection and maintenance of the water heater by professionals will keep it working longer.

Insulate exposed pipes

This is the cheapest DIY-friendly upgrade you can do. Although it won't increase the value of your home by much, the sheer simplicity of the job makes it worthwhile. All it takes is a trip to the hardware store to get some pipe wraps. Installing them is a piece of cake, as all you need to do is, well – wrap the pipes. Et voila – you improved the efficiency of your plumbing system with minimal effort.

Fix or replace leaky faucets and pipes

Leaky faucets or pipes aren't just a minor inconvenience. They put additional strain on your plumbing system. And, if left unattended for a while, they can lead to a variety of issues, such as:

  • Mold build-up;

  • Ugly stains in the sinks, bathtubs, etc.;

  • Caulk decay;

  • Damage to ceilings, walls, and floors due to excessive moisture.

As you can see, some of these problems can have severe consequences. Therefore, it's imperative to find plumbing leaks and fix them ASAP. This upgrade should be among your top priorities.

Consider full pipe replacement in an older home

The vast majority of older homes still have metal pipes. Although working, they also present a potential health hazard depending on their age. These pipes are prone to corrosion, which severely undermines their integrity, and can cause them to burst at some point. And to top this list of negatives – old piping can severely undercut the value of your home. Appraisers don’t view them with kindness. 

Rusty pipes can severely jeopardize your health.

Rusty pipes can severely jeopardize your health.

Therefore, you should consider replacing old pipes at the first opportunity. However, bear in mind that this is a grand undertaking. It's the most expensive of all on our list and one that takes the most work. You will need to hire experienced professional plumbers to take care of it. Still, this upgrade alone is enough to vastly boost the efficiency of your plumbing and, more importantly, its safety.

Boost the value of your home before selling

If you are planning to sell your house and move out, plumbing upgrades can be an excellent way to increase the home's value. However, this will largely depend on the amount of time you have before the move. Therefore, it's essential to be well-organized. To this end, a simple checklist can be of immense help. It will help you prioritize the upgrades and plan the packing process carefully and to the maximum effect. With this in mind, it is best if you make two checklists—one for upgrades and the other for moving. Keep them on your person at all times, as they will be a great reminder and guide in the chaos of simultaneous home improvement and relocation.

Every upgrade makes your home a better place to live in

Plumbing upgrades that increase the value of your home are a long-term investment. However, they are a long-term project, too. Unless you’re dead-set on doing a full-home remodel, it’s best to take it one upgrade at a time. Yes, this can take a while. But, ultimately, it will improve the value and livability of your home. 

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

Crawl Space Waterproofing: Why You Need It

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When constructing a home, it needs to have the essential components to ensure everyone can live in it without a problem. You have several examples of systems such as HVACs, plumbing, and electrical. However, one part of the system rarely gets attention, and that is the home's crawl space. 

You can find many buildings aside from houses with crawl spaces because they are an integral part of keeping the interior free from problems like the concrete ground getting soaked up with vapor. However, a time will come where the crawl space will get damaged because of moisture. That is the perfect time when building owners would waterproof their crawl spaces. Once you provide waterproof crawl space, you should expect several benefits for your building.

1. Avoid Moisture Problems

Your home or building's crawl space will end up getting damaged when neglected for a long time. Other building owners would suffer the consequences of paying tons for repairs, which they could have avoided if they took better care of their crawl space. Usually, the most common issue for neglected crawl spaces is moisture.

A crawl space gets moisture damage through various ways, including plumbing leaks, water seeping from the soil from heavy rain, or condensation. You should know that humidity condenses on cold or snowy surfaces like ducts and drips onto the crawl space floor. Most building owners find it challenging to determine if there's moisture invading the crawl space, and the only way to know is when someone goes into the crawl space and does a thorough inspection.

The only way to prevent frequent crawl space maintenance and repairs is by waterproofing it. When you waterproof your crawl space, it significantly reduces moisture that damages materials such as bricks, wood, and even metal. If you want to make your crawl space more convenient to access, don't forget to install crawl space access doors.

2. Enhance Indoor Air Quality

Besides avoiding costly expenses, waterproofing your building's crawl space can provide another benefit, which is improving indoor air quality. At least 50% of the air in a crawl space can find its way into your interior building. Since you now know that moisture damages your crawl space, you should expect issues to happen like molds. 

No person should directly inhale the molds' fumes because they are incredibly toxic and can cause severe respiratory problems. Once you start to notice that there's an odd smell emanating from your building's ground floor, you shouldn't think twice about hiring inspectors to check it and provide the best solution to eliminate the molds. 

3. Strengthen Your Building's Structural Integrity

Too much crawl space moisture can cause significant damage to several integral building parts. You may start to notice moisture damaging your building's interior when your wooden floor starts feeling soft and soggy for no reason. The moisture from the ground has found its way to seep through your floor and cause damage, which may require an entire floor replacement because of the irreparable damage. Once you add a vapor barrier between your building's floor and crawl space, you won't have to think about moisture finding its way to your building's interior. 

4. Minimize Electrical Issues and Dangers

Your contractors might have installed electrical wiring right above your crawl space's surface, which is dangerous without efficient waterproofing. Most electrical wires have a rubber compound that protects the wire's inside from any form of moisture. But even the slightest opening on the wire can cause the moisture to damage the wire and potentially cause building fires. If you want to prevent electrical fires, ensure you contact contractors who can crawl space waterproofing. 


Never take your crawl space for granted if you want to enjoy a problem-free home or building. Once you waterproof your crawl space, don't forget to have it regularly inspected because the waterproof coating will wear off at some point. And if you ever need help with supplying high-quality construction materials, you can rely on Best Access Doors all the time! Call us now at 1-800-483-0823.

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

How to Change Your Bathroom Without Overspending

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If you’re tired of your bathroom – and what comes with it – it’s time to change it. It’s time to remodel it according to your taste. But remodeling takes time and money... and money and time… you might be thinking. And you’re not wrong. It does if you don’t know the shortcuts. We’re here to show you how to change your bathroom without overspending and be happy with it! Check out the next cheap ideas to update your bathroom quickly and inexpensively. 

Paint the wall tiles

Did you know that there is specific paint for wall tiles now? Yes, that’s right. All you have to do is drive to the store and ask for it. Get a color that matches your style. Make sure it’s different from the one you had before. If you’ve got white wall tiles until now, get another color that speaks to you. For example, yellow or light blue could work. Even light green would look good. It all depends on you and your taste.

Get a new shower curtain

If your shower curtain is old, it’s definitely time to change it. You can really change a bathroom’s aspect by getting a new, attractive shower curtain. Choose a color that goes with your new tiles. For example, if your wall tiles are now yellow, get a green shower curtain, or the other way around. This will make your bathroom look really fresh and exotic. The new curtain will also hide the old shower stall, which makes it an even more attractive investment. 

Add plants 

You could also get some plants for your new bathroom; they’ll look really nice and change the environment completely. Plants enliven any room and add to the coziness. Along with some new short curtains and wall tiles, they’ll change your bathroom design completely. Plants also add energy to the room, so they’ll make your bathroom more comfortable. You could add hanging plants for a better design or stick to the floor plants, if necessary. Whichever type of plant you use, they’ll look amazing in your bathroom.

Update your towels

Towels are a big part of your bathroom. First, because you can always see them and second because you use them often. To change your bathroom design, you can start by changing your towels, especially if you don’t plan on spending money on remodeling. Beautiful towels add to the beauty of the bathroom. If your towels look good, your space will look more vibrant and happier. Use towels to bring some color to your bathroom if you’re not planning on changing the wall tiles or the shower curtain. They’ll do the job. 

Buy a new rug

Bath rugs can also change the design of your bathroom. Your old bath rug probably looks pretty sad. It might not even look like a bathroom rug by now. You could get a fluffy rug and your bathroom will look ten times cozier. Choose a color that sticks out. An orange would go well with yellow, green, or light blue. 

Paint your cabinets

Another type of paint you’ll find at the store is cabinet-paint. Drive to your closest paint supplier and ask them about it. They’ll recommend you the best options. You can paint over melamine or laminate material, which is great. You don’t have to redo your cabinets - just paint over them to make them look fresh. Besides, painting helps you release stress, so this is a double incentive to paint your cabinets. Don’t forget about the color – it must look fresh. For example, a sad grey would not look as fresh as a bright yellow.

Change your out-of-date mirror

Check out to see if your mirror shows any signs of deterioration. If it does, this is the perfect time to change it. Measure its dimensions and start looking for options online. One of the professional essay writers I follow taught me that framing the mirror is another important part of the process. You should place the frame on the wall first and then do the rest. Choose a nice color that goes with the rest of the bathroom. 

Don’t forget to paint the wall behind the mirror. You could hang wallpaper on the mirrored wall and purchase other decorative materials to make your mirror look even prettier. Also, please don’t forget to measure the dimensions of the mirror before you take it off. You’ll really need them. 

Adjust the lighting 

I don’t know what type of lighting you’ve got in your bathroom, but you can always adjust it to make the bathroom look prettier. Lighting affects interior color, so if you’re redecorating your bathroom for an artsy reason, you’ve got to change the lighting. You could use decorative lighting to add visual sparkle to your items, ambient light to fill light, or accent lighting to highlight certain bathroom details. You could also get some Christmas lights and hang them around the mirror. This is probably the cheapest option – and it’ll look good!

Use removable wallpaper 

It’s time to consider redecorating your bathroom walls, so here are your best options. Here is how you can use wallpaper properly and make it look good. First, choose the area where the wallpaper would look best. Make sure this space does not reach the water. Then, use the removable paper on a small part of your bathroom to see how it looks. If you like it, keep going. When this process is finished, you could use wallpaper borders to create an accent wall. 

If this is too complicated but you found a wallpaper that you really like, frame it and then hang the framed wallpaper on your bathroom wall. It’ll still look good!

Wrapping Up

Changing your bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive. Paint your wall tiles, get a new shower curtain, buy a new rug, adjust the lighting, update your towels, upgrade your mirror… Do everything in your power to bring your bathroom back to life! Small adjustments can do a lot to your space, so don’t hesitate to use decorations and such to make your bathroom look better. You don’t have to overspend to be happy with your bathroom.

Author Bio:

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Leon Collier is a blogger from the UK who writes for the best dissertation writing services. He owns a personal statement writing service, where he helps students with everything: history, travel, self-development, education, marketing. Leon also occasionally contributes to essay writer service. When not writing, you can find him behind a book or playing tabletop games with his friends. Follow him on Twitter @LeonCollier12.

Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash 

The Most Reliable Water Heater Brands on the Market

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The Most Reliable Water Heater Brands on the Market

The water heater is an essential part of every modern household. We depend on it night and day, all year long. Typically, the water heater is responsible for almost 20% of your energy bill. Those are the two prevailing reasons why everyone is interested in the most reliable water heater brands on the market. These reliable water heaters have fewer problems, recover quickly, and also require low maintenance.

The following list consists of some of the most reputable brands currently. They have been recognized as the leaders in their industry not just by the buyers, but by independent market researchers as well.

Rheem Water Heaters

Rheem is an American manufacturer that has been in business since 1925. They manufacture both commercial and residential water heaters. For almost a decade they have been considered as the largest manufacturer of water heating products in North America. They are present not just in Canada and the US, but in another 14 countries as well.

Their water heaters are available in various sizes and come with multiple warranties. Their tankless water heaters are their most popular product in the US. They are known to recover quickly and that they require minimum maintenance, like the RTEX-18. When it comes to on-demand water heaters, they are at the very top. Their energy efficiency is another of their trademarks. All in all, it is a brand that is well-known to the American consumer and one that will remain on top in the foreseeable future.

A.O Smith

A.O. Smith is a brand known not just in the US, but worldwide as well. The company is in business since 1874. They started operating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and kept headquarter there till present day. Their water heaters are sold only by authorized dealers and contractors. Their main trait is their energy efficiency. As a result, many of their water heaters qualify for utility rebate and state tax credits.

Bradford White Water Heater

This is an American product, designed and produced on American soil. They are at the very top of most wanted water heater brands in the US. They are known for their outstanding quality and durability. They give a 10-year warranty for each of their water heaters installed by some of their authorized representatives. They are one of the most expensive brands on the market, but that’s the price of exceptional quality.

Ecosmart

Price, quality, and efficiency. That’s what Ecosmart water heaters are all about. Their patented technology can generate 60% savings. That’s 60% saving on the water heating bill. On top of that, they come with a limited lifetime warranty. All that for an unbeatable price. As a result, there is a constant flow of positive reviews on Amazon.   

Rinnai

Rinnai is a Japanese brand that has been around since 1920. They first started producing water heaters in 1964 and has been going strong since then. Today, by some industry experts, they are considered as the top-selling tankless water-heating brand in both the US and Canada. The fact that their water heaters come with a 12 years warranty speaks tons about the quality of their products. Also, there are thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon that play in their favor. According to their data, so far they have installed over 20 million water heaters worldwide.

Guest Contributor, Verner Ellen

What Are The Major Reasons For A Drain Blockage At Home?

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What Are The Major Reasons For A Drain Blockage At Home?

Majority of the homeowners very frequently experience problems which are related to the blocked drains. This specific problem is absolutely time-consuming as well as expensive. We should be always aware of the various common causes of the blocked drains and along with the same you should take some very necessary preventive measures. You should hire experts who can give you an idea about how to get rid of debris and sediments from blocking the sewers and you can also ask them to build specific inlets in your home, to allow the smooth passage of water. This can be an inlet outlet or a small channel or gully.

Major Causes Of Drain Blockage

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The various common causes of drain blockage are as follows:

Unknown objects

The issue of the blocked drains usually occur when the foreign materials like hair, soap, fats and food build up in between the drain pipes as well as the other pipes which flow at the bottom. In the beginning, the materials star building up inside the pipe in a small amount or thin layer. With the passage of time, the amount of the objects gradually increases and this eventually stops the flow of the water. This causes the blockage of the drainage system. Small toys, paper and sanitary napkins, hard objects, plastic objects and multiple other things like shampoo and soap pouches also lead to major drain and sewer blockages and the matter might get worse during monsoons.

Heavy rain & storms

At times of heavy storms and rain, the outdoor drains are usually blocked with the dirt and leaves. This majorly causes the drains to block very fast. This kind of a blockage in the drainage systems is a very common issue and is being faced by the several homeowners across Australia. This majorly leads to flooding around the property in a messy way.

Damaged or dilapidated pipes

Another very major cause of the drain blockage is partially or fully broken pipes. For the water to flow without any obstruction the pipes should be in the perfect condition or else it will collapse badly. Thus, the detection and the repair of the drain blockages in such cases can be quite troublesome and costly.

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Pipe installation

If the drain pipes are not installed properly, then this may give rise to a number of problems and can also lead to the drain blockage. The incorrect installation of any of the pipes can damage them big time. In case you install the pipes incorrectly, this might eventually damage the certain other parts of the property. This can lead to heavy financial loses.

Water flow issues

This is obvious that the drainage depends on the gravity to a large extent. You may certainly make inadequate falls which would eventually lead to the build-up of the debris and dirt in the drainage pipes. This leads to the obstruction of the drain pipes. You should necessarily make sure that the installation of the pipes should be done correctly. Certainly, this is not the only cause of the blocked drains. There are a variety of different reasons which lead to clogged drains.

Before a major problem arises, you would certainly witness some of the warning signs of the drain blockage and this would include the gurgling sound in the flush, water left in the kitchen sink, foul odor from the drains etc. in case of constructing storm water drains as part of your household drainage project, you can install the combined sewers and detention tanks in order to know about the water surface level and the extension that can carry off the rainwater.

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Guest Contributor, Anna Wrench

Tips For Preventing Mold In Your Home

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Tips For Preventing Mold In Your Home

If your home is prone to damp and condensation, there’s a good chance that you also have a mold problem. While mold is unsightly it can also be damaging too. Not only to your home, where it can rot and damage the structures, but also to your health. Mold is known to cause respiratory problems, asthma and allergic reactions, none of which are pleasant to live with and, in the case of those with a compromised immune system, could actually be dangerous.

Mold spores easily spread and are hard to get rid of, so preventing its growth in your home couldn’t be more important. Since mold can grow all over your home – on your flooring, your walls, your basement and ceiling – you need to be vigilant at all times.

If you’re worried about mold, here are some top tips to help prevent it from taking hold in your home.

1. Identify The Problem Zones

It’s impossible to fully mold-proof any property, but it is possible to make it more mold-resistant. Go around your home carrying out a full audit of all the problem zones. Do you have issues with flooding in your basement? Is there condensation on your windows? Do you have water stains on your ceiling from a leak? Take steps to address those problem areas. Rip up the carpet in your damp basement. Install mold-resistant products. Repair damaged guttering. Waterproof your basement. This is the first step to getting rid of the problem.

2. Dry Any Wet Areas

Mold is unable to grow if there’s no moisture so make sure you dry any wet areas immediately you notice them. If there has been a flood after rainfall, leaking from a pipe or just a spill on your carpet, drying it within the first 48 hours is vital. Remove any water damaged furniture, bedding and carpets following a flood if it’s impossible to dry them completely. Also, don’t leave any wet items around your home and wipe down walls and flows following showers and bathing. Avoid leaving wet clothing in your washing machine too – hang them outdoors to dry.

3. Have Proper Ventilation

Whenever you bathe, shower, do laundry or cook food, make sure there is sufficient ventilation in the rooms you’re using. Vent any appliance which produces moisture to the outside and also ways use a dehumidifier as this will also help to solve your mold problems.

4. Use Mold-Resistant Products

Whether you’re building a brand new property or renovating your existing one, choose mold-resistant Sheetrock and drywall as well as paints with mold-inhibitors built in. This will guard against problems developing in the first place.

5. Monitor Your Indoor Humidity

You should maintain an indoor humidity level of 30-60%. This can be measured with a moisture meter that you can buy at any hardware store. Look also for any signs that your rooms are too humid. Condensation on walls, pipes and windows is a sign that you need to address the moisture source.

6. Direct Any Water Away From Your Property

If the area surrounding your property isn’t sloped sufficiently away from its foundations, you may find rainwater collects there and can seep into the basement. Call in professionals if necessary to adjust the ground so this no longer happens. Also repair your roof gutters if they are damaged or clean them out if they are blocked.

7. Keep Mold Away From Your Plants

Having plants inside your home is a great way to keep the indoor air clean and fresh, however they can also attract mold. The soil used for potting indoor plants is moist and helps mold to breed and thrive. It can then spread around your home exacerbating your mold problem. Luckily, you don’t have to throw away your plants. Instead, add Taheebo tea to your plants’ water and this will help to guard against mold naturally without chemicals.

Wherever you live, your region will respond different to moisture and there isn’t a single solution to preventing mold. However, if you follow these steps, you’ll find your home is better protected than ever before.

Guest Contributor, Emma Parker