Faucets and Fixtures | Totally Plumbing

How a Sustainable Kitchen Remodel Can Save You Money

Some home renovations can add almost as much value to a home as they cost a homeowner to complete. According to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, projects like a minor kitchen remodel can offer a return on investment of more than 85 percent. And choosing appliances, fixtures, and materials that are more sustainable and energy-efficient than the previous units can not only help the environment, but could also attract more buyers should you want to sell your home.

Sustainable upgrades that homeowners should consider as part of a kitchen remodel, or a basement kitchen and kitchenette installation, include water-saving kitchen faucets; materials made from renewable sources such as glass kitchen countertops, linoleum flooring, and bamboo flooring; and energy-efficient appliances such as electric stoves and electric cooktops. For example, upgrading to a more efficient faucet and dishwasher can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a kitchen, as well as help reduce household water use by 30 percent.

Learn ideas for your upcoming basement kitchen or kitchenette installation and how to include sustainable material and fixtures that could yield energy and cost savings.

plumbingmbd2023-05-15T19:58:39+00:00May 12th, 2023|

How to Replace a Toilet Fill Valve

The toilet fill valve is one of two main components inside the toilet tank. If the fill valve is worn, damaged, or not operating properly, it could cause a leak from the toilet tank base or lead to the toilet continually filling. By replacing the fill valve assembly, you can reduce wasted water and lower utility bills.

On average, toilet fill valves last 5 years without any issues, depending on the quality of the valve, hard water content, and how frequently the toilet is flushed. The toilet fill valve is located inside the tank, and is responsible for allowing water to flow into the tank and stopping the flow once the water level reaches a set point.

If the toilet keeps running after flushing or runs intermittently when not in use, it could indicate that the fill valve is leaking or has failed, in which case you will need a toilet fill valve replacement. Learn how to identify if a toilet fill valve is malfunctioning and steps to follow when replacing the part.

plumbingmbd2023-02-12T21:24:21+00:00February 7th, 2023|

Home Improvements You Can Tackle with Your Tax Refund

A tax refund can make many small home improvement projects possible. According to the IRS, the average refund for tax year 2021 is expected to be more than $3,000, which is more than enough budget to paint a room, add a feature wall, or improve your home’s security. Home improvement projects that typically cost less than the average tax refund and can be completed quickly include adding a kitchen island; painting a house; adding a tile backsplash; replacing bathroom amenities such as cabinets, sinks, and fixtures; installing wainscoting, and upgrading a sump pump. Learn about home improvement projects that can be completed with a tax refund.

plumbingmbd2022-04-19T02:48:33+00:00April 14th, 2022|

How to Fix a Sewage Smell in the Bathroom

It is important to resolve sewer smells in your bathroom quickly. Inhaling high levels of sewer gases can cause health problems, including nausea, dizziness, and, in the case of hydrogen sulfide poisoning, even fatality. Airborne pathogens can also be present in your home exposing you to sewer-dwelling germs. And, extremely high levels of sewer gases can even trigger an explosion.

Common causes of sewer smells in a home include clogged sink and shower drains, leaking pipes and p-traps for sink and shower drains, empty p-traps for unused sink and shower drains, a broken wax ring for a toilet, and incorrectly installed vent pipes in a bathroom. Learn about causes of sewer smells in a bathroom and how to resolve them.

plumbingmbd2022-02-12T01:05:47+00:00January 14th, 2022|

Bathroom Design Ideas – Adding a Water Closet

The concept of the “Water Closet” dates back to the late 1800s, with the idea of having a toilet inside the home in a separate room. In the 20th century, homebuilders merged water closets with bathrooms to save space. The water closet – a small, closed room containing a toilet that is part of the bathroom – has been reintroduced in modern-day bathroom design.

The benefits of a water closet are additional privacy when multiple people are using the bathroom and improved hygiene as having a toilet in an enclosed space prevents particles from spreading when the toilet is flushed. Learn more about the water closet and why it is popular in modern bathroom designs.

plumbingmbd2021-12-27T23:52:18+00:00December 22nd, 2021|

Master Bathroom Ideas to Copy in Your Own Space

A master bathroom is not only a room for showering and getting ready, but it’s also a room to unwind. If you’re planning a master bathroom renovation, consider options such as a freestanding or soaker tub, fireplace, double vanity, steam or walk-in shower, bidet, and heated floors to improve the functionality of the space. View ideas and options that you can incorporate into your upcoming master bathroom remodeling project.

plumbingmbd2021-11-02T21:34:47+00:00October 29th, 2021|

Does a Home Warranty Cover Plumbing Systems?

Typically, a home warranty will cover repairs to pipes and other plumbing fixtures. A home warranty is a service plan that provides coverage for service, repair, and replacement of systems and appliances listed in the warranty policy. These policies usually include a deductible but will cover the majority of the service or repair cost. Warranties can provide different types of coverage, including major home systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing as well as appliances.

Plumbing is considered a service, so most warranties provide coverage for indoor pipe and other plumbing repairs. Covered repairs usually include leaks or breaks in pipes, fixing or replacing faucets and valves, fixing or replacing built-in motors and pumps, and basket strainers, and clearing of tub, shower, and toilet blockages and stoppages.

Learn about coverage offered by a typical home warranty.

plumbingmbd2021-11-02T21:39:02+00:00October 29th, 2021|

How to Get Rid of Mold in a Basement

Mold and mildew are common household problems that can cause damage over time if left untreated. This fungus is easy to see, and to ensure that mold and mildew will not come back, you need to find out what caused the mold to grow and address the root cause so that it won’t return. Inspect areas near the mold for active plumbing leaks, condensation on pipes and fittings, basement foundation leaks, high humidity levels, and pre-existing mold infestations.

Mold and mildew infestations can negatively impact the health of those living in the home, especially those with respiratory problems. When mold and mildew are found, it’s important to remove them quickly to prevent harm to the structure and occupants. Common solutions that are used for killing mold include white vinegar, baking soda, bleach, concrobium, and steam. Learn how to remediate mold and prevent it from returning.

plumbingmbd2021-10-22T01:20:37+00:00October 20th, 2021|

The Cost to Replace a Bathtub

Replacing a bathtub is one of the top priorities for a bathroom remodel. The average cost to replace a bathtub is between $1,435-$7,246. The actual replacement cost is impacted by the type of new bathtub selected, if plumbing adjustments are required, and labor costs. Other factors that effect the cost of a bathtub replacement include removing and disposing of the old tub and other materials, construction cost for preparing the area for a new bathtub, new faucets and fixtures, additional plumbing and materials, and required permits. As part of the bathtub replacement and overall bathroom remodeling project, there are several options to consider for a replacement, including a shower to tub conversion, bath fitter (acrylic liner), general purpose tub, jet or whirlpool tub, soaking tub, walk-in tub, freestanding tub, clawfoot tub, and airbath tub. Learn about why a bathtub should be replaced and factors that could impact the project cost.

plumbingmbd2021-08-30T01:33:56+00:00August 26th, 2021|

The Cost to Install a Toilet

The cost to install a toilet averages between $224-$531. The overall project cost is impacted by the type of toilet and complexity of the installation, which can be effected by unexpected issues during installation, including leaks due to insufficient caulking, a cracked flange that causes a wobbly toilet, a leaky flush valve, or an incorrectly installed wax ring seal. Other factors that can impact the cost include removing and disposing of the old toilet, local labor rates, the type and brand of the new toilet, the location for the toilet installation, additional plumbing required, and if the subfloor needs to be replaced. As part of the toilet replacement and overall bathroom remodeling project, there are several options to consider for a replacement, including one-piece, two-piece, wall-hung, and smart toilet models. Learn about why a toilet should be replaced and factors that could impact the project cost.

plumbingmbd2021-08-30T01:28:50+00:00August 26th, 2021|