Archive for the ‘Bathroom Plumbing’ Category

Faucet Aerators for Las Vegas Plumbing?

Monday, April 30th, 2012

A tap aerator or faucet aerator is a device which is added to the tip of water faucets, and are best used inside with bathroom sink faucets and kitchen plumbing for Las Vegas homes.  They are used to separate water streams into a number of smaller streams, in essence adding air to the water stream.  This reduces the amount of water which comes out of the tap at one time while also reducing the amount of backsplash which occurs when the faucet is turned on.

Utilizing faucet aerators can be one of the most inexpensive ways to save money on water consumption and save energy.

There are two main types of faucet aerators, some which use metal or plastic screens to separate the water, and some which do not use screens. One advantage to those without screens is that they eliminate problematic clogging which occurs on screen aerators due to sediment buildup.  There are also aerators with off-valves and swivel aerators which allow users to direct flow to wherever the water spray is needed.

There are three main flow-types seen today. The needle method creates a circular pattern of small, single streams of water with no water-flow in the very center.  The aerated method created a tubular flow with air mixed into the water, creating a single stream of bubbly water.  The laminar method has no air mixed in which makes for a single stream of water with no bubbles.

Many aerators are designed as more economical low-flow aerators which optimize the water flow while still providing optimal water-flow performance.  In kitchens these low-flow options decrease flow from 2.2 gallons per minute to 1.5 gpm or 1.0 gpm, saving anywhere from 32% to 54% of water-usage.  For Faucets found in bathroom plumbing, the water-flow is decreased from 2.2 gpm to 1.0 gpm or even 0.5 gpm saving from 77% to 84% of water usage.  When engineered properly, low-flow or economic aerators can provide increased perceived water pressure while in actuality helping to save water.

When purchasing new faucet aerators, ensure that you find the proper type (male or female) and the proper size (regular or small).  There are dual-thread options for those who do not know whether a male or female aerator is necessary.  Also, look at the tap aerator’s price in conjunction with how much savings it can provide in water usage annually and see how little must be spent on each faucet in order to save hundreds of dollars.

For more assistance with choosing the correct faucet Aerator please call Yes! Plumbing.

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Yes! Plumbing Helps Channel 8 News with Fix A Leak Week

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Did you know that those small leaks in your toilet, kitchen sink, or outdoor faucet can contribute to 10,000 gallons of wasted water in your home each year?  In order to raise awareness that household water leaks are a national problem, the Environmental Protection Agency  made this week Fix A Leak Week.  Dennis Thompson from Yes! Plumbing walks Sherry Swensk from Channel 8 News through a typical home to show viewers common leaks that could be affecting anyone’s plumbing.  Click on the video below to watch Dennis display where leaks occur and how to address them.

Throughout the video Dennis and Cherry discus how to identify leaks and easy ways of correcting them.  Here are a few images of areas that need plumbing maintenance throughout the home.

These are images from the Fix A Leak report on Channel 8.  Dennis and Sherry go over how to detect leaks occurring in your toilet, and how to fix them.  They also review how to fix common faucet problem in the kitchen and bathroom.  Dennis also points out an interesting fact that water used in most homes throughout the Las Vegas desert contains heavy minerals, causing this tap water to become hard water.  This hard water will contribute to the deterioration of pipes and plumbing fixtures throughout a home at an increases rate.  This abuse from hard water will increase home’s chances for springing a leak.

This final image is of a home’s water meter.  Dennis from Yes! Plumbing discusses how to detect if you have water leaks just by looking at this.  After you turn off all your water using appliances check your water meter and if the white triangle in the center of it is still spinning, that will indicate that you have a leak somewhere in your house.  If you have any questions about how to follow up on this test please call Yes! Plumbing for more information.

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Happy Valentine’s Day From Your Las Vegas Plumbing Experts at Yes! Plumbing

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Everyone at Yes! Plumbing wishes you a very happy Valentine’s Day! We hope you have a day filled with lots of candy, flowers, and Valentines! Today is all about showing your appreciation for those you love, including your friends, your family, or your significant other. Take a moment today to think about everyone who makes a difference in your life and how you can let them know how special they are to you.

While traditional gifts like candy and flowers are wonderful idea, why not think a little out of the box this year? Upgrading your bathroom plumbing can make your whole house more livable, which is something that your entire family will appreciate! A new water heaeter can increase the quality of everyone’s showers, or a new garbage disposal can make doing the dishes much easier. While not the most romantic of gifts, it certainly will let your family know that you care.

For more information about how a few plumbing upgrades that can make your home more comfortable, give Yes! Plumbing a call. In addition to making your home cozier, you can also make your friends and family happy by making this delicious recipe for Chocolate Bar Fondue

Ingredients

  • 32 ounces milk chocolate, grated
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1/3 cup hot water

Directions

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the chocolate with the heavy cream. Mix in the instant coffee, vanilla extract, sugar, and hot water. Continue to heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth.

For more details, visit allrecipes.com.

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Henderson Plumbing Tips: How and Why to Recaulk Plumbing Fixtures

Monday, February 13th, 2012

In Henderson you probably don’t pay much attention to the caulking, or plumbing maintenance around your tub and sinks. It is one of those things that is always there, working kind of behind the scenes, that you never seem to notice until something goes wrong.

The thing about caulking, though, is that something can go wrong with it rather quickly. Because of the high frequency of use of tubs and sinks, the caulk that seals the space between the fixture and the wall can deteriorate and crack over time. This can cause gaps in the caulk or cause the fixture to come loose from the wall, which would necessitate more bathroom plumbing.

When this cracking and erosion happens, water from your bath, shower head or faucet can seep in between the fixture and the wall, potentially causing water damage and fostering colonies of mildew and mold.

Cracked caulk is inevitable with daily use, so you don’t need to worry about preventing it. Instead, learn how to properly fix the situation with a fresh caulk job:

  1. Scrape away all the old caulk from around the fixture using a utility knife or putty knife. Take care to remove all the old caulk while also avoiding scratching porcelain fixtures.
  1. With all the caulk gone, clean out the joint thoroughly. This will remove any last traces of caulk, as well as any other dirt or buildup. If you notice mildew or mold, use a chlorine bleach solution to clean the joint before recaulking.
  1. Once the joint is dry, recaulk it using a bead of caulk that is just slightly wider than the joint. This ensures an adequate seal. Wipe any excess away with a rag.
  1. Allow the caulk to dry thoroughly before using the sink or tub. Read the instructions on the caulk for an estimated drying time.

Take note that it is very important to thoroughly remove all the old caulk and clean everywhere along the fixture joint before applying the new caulk. Otherwise, the new caulk will not adhere properly and potentially damaging dirt may get sealed into the joint.

If you followed all the steps carefully, you should have a fresh seal of caulk that will last you another several years!  If you would rather have a professional handle this delicate situation please call Yes! Plumbing.

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