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Baldwin Plumbers Help with Kitchen Sink Choices

May 24th, 2010

Often, Baldwin plumbers are called in to replace the heavily utilized kitchen sink.  With this being one of the most frequently use items in the kitchen, the Baldwin plumbers who install these sinks are often installing them.  The kitchen sink is definitely the most used item in the kitchen, other than the stove.  In additional to being useful, they can add drama and style to any kitchen design.  Also since a quality sink will last 30 years or more, an important consideration of your remodel should be selecting a kitchen sink.

The most traditional kitchen sink is made of stainless steel. Stainless steel became popular nearly 100 years ago because of its ability to fight corrosion.  About the same time porcelain enamel was used for kitchen sinks.  This enamel was fired onto a cast iron sink.  People were encouraged to keep the porcelain white to be able to see dirt and debris more clearly on the white surface.  Modern kitchen sinks are made of all kinds of materials, such as porcelain and corian.

While you might want to consider the color and style of your new sink, it is also important to think about how you will actually use your kitchen sink, in determining which type of sink will be best for your needs.  For instance do you prefer a kitchen sink that has one large basin?  This might be fine if you are always using a dishwasher.  If you prefer to hand-wash your dishes, you might go with a two-or even a three-basin kitchen sink.

When making the decision on a new kitchen sink, durability and strength are important areas to consider depending on how you plan to use it, what your kitchen priorities are, and where the sink will be located.

There are so many styles of kitchen sinks to choose from today, from contemporary to rustic, in a large range of materials, colors and shapes.

Let us look at several kinds of kitchen sinks.

· Stainless steel – Popular choice for many homeowners.   This material can go very well in a modern kitchen with clean lines.  Stainless steel has the advantage of being easy to clean.  Some disadvantages of this material is the fact that it can be easily dented and it can be noisy.
· Nickel, and Copper – Kitchen sinks can be made in other metals besides stainless steel.  Metals sinks can be beautiful, but also more expensive.  Nickel is the hardest of the two metals.  At the current time copper is considered very popular.  Copper requires no maintenance if it is a pure copper sink.
· Porcelain enamel on cast iron – This material is another popular choice for kitchen sinks because of its durability and it large range of quality, style, and colors.  Porcelain enamel kitchen sinks usually last about 25 to 30 years or more.  The surface of these type of kitchen sink is composed of ground glass melted and applied to the hot cast iron.   This type of kitchen sink type is available for under mount, self-rimming, and tile-in installations.   Because glass can easily break against this type of material it is necessary to use a sink mat.

There are five kinds of kitchen sink installation types that can used.

· Undermounted – The undermounted kitchen sink is attached underneath the countertop.  This kitchen sink installation can be used to create a smooth look that is designed to blend with modern designs.

· Integral – This is where both the sink and countertop are made from one material.  Therefore there are no noticeable seems on the surface.  It is considered to be easy to maintain.

· Self-rimming – This type of kitchen sink has a rolled edge that is mounted over the countertop.  This type of sink will look good with any type of kitchen design, from traditional to contemporary.

· Rimmed – Rimmed kitchen sinks are the most common and the least expensive type of kitchen sink.  It can have many uses, but does not bring much in the way of style to a kitchen.

· Tile-in – The tile-in kitchen sink is used with tile countertops.  These types of sinks are intended to be used in situations where there is no visible separation between the sink and surface.

In selected your kitchen sink you need to consider how it will fit in with the style of your new kitchen décor.  You need to consider the style of your home.  For instance a big deep single porcelain enamel kitchen sink would look good in a farmhouse style of home.  The tile-in kitchen sink would tend work well for a French Country or Tuscan style home.

Always call your licensed and insured Baldwin plumbers company to do work on your kitchen.

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Valley Stream Plumbers Install Bathtubs for Best Results

May 20th, 2010

Many Valley Stream plumbers are called into homes to install or replace bathtubs with new and improved models.  The bathtubs that Valley Stream plumbers usually are contacted about have scratches, dings or have stains making them look unattractive in the home of Nassau and Suffolk county residents.   The shape of the bathtubs was mainly rectangular, however, with the introduction of acrylic thermoformed bathtubs,  customers are offered a variety of shapes.

Bathtubs are available in a variety of colors and a decorative appeal. Today, they have become an intrinsic component, which not only has practical use but also increases the visual appeal of the bathroom. The most common color is white, though you can pick from an array of different colors. It was Scottish born American, by the name of David Dunbar Buick who discovered the process of the enameling cast iron bathtubs.

Bathtubs Styles

There are two major styles of bathtubs around which are configured the various designs of bathtubs. The first one is the western style bathtubs wherein the person who is bathing can lie down. Such bathtubs are more commonly used and generally are shallow and long. The Second style is the eastern style of bathtubs wherein a bather sits up. They are small in size but are deep.

As aforementioned, western style bathtubs are more popular than eastern style bathtubs. While selecting the style not only must you keep your own personal preferences in mind, but also the size of the bathroom. If you want a bathtub, but your bathroom is not large enough, then you might want to go for an eastern style bathtub.

The Claw Foot Bathtub

You might have come across an authentic Claw Foot Bathtub while watching a movie. These bathtubs typically made up of cast iron were once considered an item of great luxury. However, with the advancements in modern technology and the appearance of the acrylic versions of this bathtub, there has been a severe drop in prices of the Claw Foot Bathtub.

The real antique Claw Foot Bathtubs are still a collector’s item and worth quite a bit of money. These are bought, restored, and then installed in a bathroom, but most people these days veer towards the new version of Claw Foot bathtubs that are easily available in the market today.

These bathtubs are available in five major styles.

The Modern Tubs – Hot Tubs and Whirlpool

With the rapid advancement in plumbing technology emerge various types of bathtubs that are not only used for bathing but for the purpose of massage and relaxation as well. You can install these massage bathtubs in your bathroom and get the benefit of a health spa right in your home.

There are typically two types of massage bathtubs that you can choose from – a Water Jet or Whirlpool massage bath tub and an Air massage bath tub.

In an Air massage bathtub, thousand of air bubbles will massage all parts of your body, while you soak inside the tub. In the second instance, jets of water will strike your body, from the various holes on the sides of the bathtub. This will offer you an incomparable body massage and go a long way in invigorating your body.

Once you start your search for a bathtub, you will come to realize the innumerable choices offered to you by the market for bathtubs. Research the market and the prices, as well as the quality, of various bathtubs before making your choice. After all, you are not going to buy a new bathtub again and again.

Remember to always call in and discuss any plumbing problem, question or installation with your licensed, insured Valley Stream plumbers.

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Massapequa Plumbers Installation of Whirlpool Baths

February 12th, 2010

When Massapequa plumbers are called in to remodel bathrooms, a request they often receive is to install a whirlpool tub.  The installation by these Massapequa plumbers requires specific planning with weight and space requirements that need to be addressed before purchasing a new unit.  Learn more about these tubs and how you can get one in your own home on Long Island.

There are two type of hydro massage bathing systems most Massapequa plumbers deal with:
1. Whirlpools, more commonly known by the brand name Jacuzzi.
2. Airspas, more commonly known by the brand name Airbath.
Whirlpools are characterised by having jets on the side of the bath about half way up and a suction point (similar to a colander) in one of the bottom corners. This type of system produces hydro-massage by sucking water from the bath and pumping it out of the jets on the side under pressure. To increase the pressure of the jets most whirlpools have a control on the top of the bath which allows air to be sucked in to the jet of water.
The main difference  seen by Massapequa plumbers between a whirlpool and a Jacuzzi is that the size of the jets is bigger on the Jacuzzi and the air and water mix is different. This difference produces a more powerful jet of water with the Jacuzzi (whether this amount of power is necessary with a standard domestic sized bath is a matter of opinion).
The difficulty with all whirlpools is that they hold a small amount of water in the jets and pipe work when emptied. Depending on who fits the system this amount can vary between an egg cup full and several pints.
The second difficulty with some whirlpools is that not all baths are designed to have them fitted. This can result in the jets being sited very high up the sides of the bath, with the effect that when you lay in the bath the jets of water do not hit you but spray over the top of you and only agitate the top one inch of water. This will result in a longer bathing period required to achieve the hydro-massage effect.
Baths where the jet positions are moulded into the side allows the jets to sit lower and so intensify the massage. With this type of system it is not advisable that small children or older people are left unattended whilst in the bath.
The third difficulty with whirlpools of all types is that they do not have the ability to maintain the water temperature. The result of this is that the average length of time a bath stays warm is approximately 30 minutes. That is unless you add more hot water. Dependant on the type of whirlpool system you choose it may take between 10 minutes and 25 minutes to achieve the hydro-massage effect on the body.
Airspas are characterised by having a series of jets or holes fitted/drilled into the base of the bath. They produce air through the jets under pressure to fill the bath with bubbling water. This agitation of the water is what causes the hydro-massage effect. The difficulty of this type of system is that it has a tendency to cool the water in the bath. It is possible to with this type of system to have any level of water in the bath whilst the system is in use and so makes it ideal for children and older people. However due to the reduced pressure of the air jets over the whirlpool jets it can take longer to produce the hydro-massage effect. The Airbath system has a device called a Warm Air Injection which allows a small amount of hot water to heat the air stream as the air is pumped through the jets. The result of this is that Airbath claim that the system will maintain the bath water temperature. This then allows a person to stay in the bath for longer and so gain the full benefit of the hydro-massage.

One difficulty experienced by all massage baths to a greater or lesser extent is that of hygiene. There is a commonly held belief heard by Massapequa plumbers that this type of system is unhygienic.
This is both true and untrue! I will explain. All massage systems require cleaning from time to time. Because of the design some systems may need to be cleaned every 3 months. All good manufacturers will supply a cleaner designed for their type of system and advice on how to use it. The main problem is that people do not follow the cleaning regime and as such problems then ensue. The system is as hygienic as the user. You would never dream of not cleaning the toilet or basin so why assume that the massage bath has the ability to clean itself.

STEAM AND SAUNAS (Turkish and Swedish):

Turkish steam sauna’s and Swedish dry heat sauna’s are both types of hydro-massage system. The difference is in the way they achieve the effect.
Swedish dry saunas use dry air to heat the body to high temperatures causing you to perspire heavily. They are supplied in the form of a wooden box inside of which is sited an oven upon which sit hot coals. These coals produce more heat when a small amount of water is splashed on them and the humidity increases. As people we can stand quite high temperatures of dry heat but only relatively smaller amounts of heat in high humidity. The average temperature within a Swedish sauna can be over 100 degrees.
Turkish steam saunas produce steam in large amounts to cause the hydro-massage effect and, like the Swedish type, also make you perspire heavily. This is wet heat and as such achieves the desired effect at much lower temperatures. This can be as little as 40 degrees and is seldom higher than 50 degrees. The main difference between the two systems is that the steam system appears to be less of an irritant to the breathing and as such is better in general for those suffering from respiratory conditions where a moist atmosphere is beneficial. You may have experienced this as a child if, when suffering from a cold, you were told to put your head over a bowl of steaming water and than had a towel placed over you.

HYDRO-MASSAGE EFFECT:

The Hydro-massage effect has never been proved to be a scientific fact. This effect cannot make the blind see, the lame walk, cure aids or prevent cancer. It is claimed by many however to provide relief from the effects of many debilitating conditions.
The Hydro-massage effect is the action of the heat and or movement of the water on the body. The result of this is two fold. The first is that it causes the muscles around the arteries and heart to relax. This in turn allows the heart to pump more blood with each beat, without pumping any harder. The result of this is increased and improved circulation. Improved circulation is of benefit in many conditions. It reduces inflammation around the joint of those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism and allows for the removal of stress causing toxins from the blood stream by improving kidney function.
The second effect is that when fully relaxed the body produces its own chemical relaxants such as noradrenalin. These natural relaxants have none of the side effects of the manufactured kind and enable you to totally chill out.

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Levittown NY Plumbers Help Dress Up Your Bathrooms

February 12th, 2010

Many Levittown NY Plumbers are asked how to install fixtures, toilets and sinks but sometimes are also asked for references or help on decorating it.  While the Levittown NY plumbers do not usually do wallpapering or designs, they do have many contacts or services that can help a homeowner fully complete their dream bathroom with some work.

Often the bathroom completed by Levittown NY plumbers is one of the most overlooked rooms in the home when it comes to decorating. We tend to see it as a utilitarian space, even though we spend quite a lot of time here. (More, if you have teenagers!) Take an afternoon to turn your bath into a relaxing and soothing retreat for yourself and your guests, without spending a lot of cash.

1. Paint the whole room, including the ceiling a deep, rich color. Even though this is a small room, a deep color on the walls allows them to fade away, and at once makes the room cozy and seems more spacious.

2. Get rid of the extra junk and clutter! If you can’t get most of the makeup and shaving cream under the sink, (and who can?) pick up a few baskets from the dollar shop and corral them in. Make sure there is a hamper. If you are short on space, use the kind that hangs on the back of the door. A large drawstring bag would work for this also. (He might actually even use it…ok, it’s a dream.)

3. Dress up that large frameless mirror. Hang swags of fabric from cup hooks to hide and soften the edges of the mirror, and to give it a “frame”. Or actually use cut lengths of 1×4 lumber, and attach them to the wall over the edges of the mirror to simulate a real wood frame. You can paint or stain them as well to coordinate with your cabinets.

4. Speaking of cabinets, how about giving them a quick redo? Paint them black for a sophisticated look, or white with sponge painting for a country theme. Try any of the hot faux finishes. You can even paint the Formica counters. Just clean well and use a special primer first such as BIN or KILZ. Then seal with 4-6 coats of polyurethane after the paint dries. Should last for years!

5. Lastly, add some detail to the room. Sew fabric edging to your towels, add a shell for a soap dish, and stitch up a pretty shower curtain to cover that vinyl one. Hang some calendar pictures on the wall in dollar store frames…perhaps of a faraway place you can dream about as you soak away your cares? If you have natural light in the room from a window, add a plant or two.

Check out some Levittown NY plumbers to do the work in your dream bathroom and ask them for some tips to complete the decorating process.  You won’t be sorry!

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Lynbrook Plumbers Installing Low Flow Toilets

February 11th, 2010

Ask some Lynbrook plumbers about low flow toilets and you will get varying opinions.  But ask the customers of Lynbrook plumbers and many might say they do not like their low flow toilets.  But why?  Read on….

Since 1992, the U.S. government mandated these low flow toilets.  These new units use about half as much water as the traditional old style toilets. The newer units use about one and a half gallons of water versus the older ones that use about three and a half.   But does half the amount of water equal half the efficiency when you go to flush the toilet.  Many say yes.

To be sure, technology is working to solve the problem but the issue remains: we are simply not getting the service out of our “thrones” like we once did.

Among the issues that Lynbrook plumbers come into contact with are that multiple flushes are needed to dispense of the same amount of waste, clogging problems, and additional maintenance. Also, they have been reported to overflow more easily.

Some of the above issues completely work against the issue of saving water. After all, if you have to flush 2 or more times, how does that save water. Beyond that, though, clogging and overflow problems result in potentially catastrophic expenses when flooring needs to be replaced due to an overflowing toilet.

A recent survey of new home builders and remodelers has shown that they, like homeowners, are frustrated with this new plumbing restriction. They have reported huge increases on service calls from unhappy customers.

Water saving techniques and technologies are certainly a good thing. And, one thing is for sure: they are here to stay. In fact, a home with low-flow toilets and low-flow shower heads can save thousands of gallons per year. And, who would not appreciate the savings in water bills? Let’s just hope that the Lynbrook plumbers installing these find better plumbing technology to increase efficiency.

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