Replacing Old Plumbing
Plumbing isn’t always at the forefront of homeowners’ thoughts. However, if neglected, the old pipes in a home can cause a lot of issues. If the house has plumbing that’s from the 1960’s or earlier, it is probably on its last legs. Even homes built in the 1990’s might be in need of new plumbing.
How long a home’s pipes last depend on the material they’re made from. Here’s the break down on the lifespans of the different plumbing pipes:
- Brass: 80-100 years
- Copper: 70-80 years
- Galvanized Steel: 80-100 years
- Cast Iron: 80-100 years
- PVC: 25-40 years
When it comes to replacing old plumbing, if your house has lead pipes or polybutylene pipes, they should be replaced immediately. Lead pipes were used in the early 1900’s and can leach lead into the drinking water, causing health problems. Polybutylene pipes were common between 1970 and 1990, and are prone to breakage.
For homeowners with houses over 60 years old, the pipes should be regularly checked for signs of problems. People can look at exposed pipes themselves for signs of discoloration, stains, and flaking. If they notice any of these, it’s time to call All Star Plumbing and Restoration.
By replacing old plumbing before it creates problems, homeowners could save thousands in the long run. Talk to the experts at All Star Plumbing and Restoration about the age of the home and the type of plumbing in it. They can help decide if the pipes are in need of replacement. If so, they can re-pipe the house helping homeowners to save money and increase the value of their home at the same time.
Popular Shower Tiles
Tile showers are very popular and worth some extra thought when remodeling the bathroom. While trends come and go, these five tile styles will last for years to come:
1. Subway Tile
Subways tiles can be placed in different patterns to create a unique effect. Go classic by laying them out horizontally, or switch things up by arranging them in a vertical fashion. For those who want something even more fun, try a herringbone pattern, or come up with something completely different. They come in many different colors and materials for every type of shower.
2. Hexagon Mosaic Tile
For a more retro, classic look, go for hexagon mosaic tile in the shower. This budget-friendly style comes in a large variety of color and size options to create the perfect shower look.
3. Penny Mosaic Tile
This style has recently regained popularity. It’s a cost-effective tile that is known for its durability. With a huge variety of color options, it can match with any bathroom design aesthetic.
4. Travertine
Travertine is one of the most durable tiles available, which makes it a popular choice. For homeowners going for a neutral bathroom look, travertine is a great choice. It comes in a variety of neutral, earth-tone colors to complement a natural, calming bathroom aesthetic.
5. Marble Tile
Although high-maintenance, it is hard to beat the natural beauty that marble tile offers. Its classic, traditional look makes it a popular choice for showers, as well as counters, sinks, and more. It can lend a high-end feeling to any bathroom.
If your shower is showing wear and tear, contact All Star Plumbing and Restoration. Chips can let water leak through and cause thousands of dollars in water damage over time. Have their experts take a look at the damage and repair the shower.
Shower vs. Bathtub
When it’s time to remodel the bathroom, it can be difficult to decide whether to install a shower or shower-bathtub combo. Homeowners need to consider their lifestyle, family members, and more when making the decision.
Space
The average bathroom is generally 5 by 8 feet in size. With the standard tub measuring 30 inches wide, and up to 72 inches long, there’s not much room left in the bathroom once the bathtub is installed. A stand-alone shower usually measures 36 by 36 inches, freeing up some space in smaller bathrooms for storage and other things.
Efficiency
Bathtubs can hold 25 to 45 gallons, while a five-minute shower with a low-flow showerhead uses only 12.5 gallons of water. However, a shower-bathtub combo allows for family members to shower, not just take a bath. In theory, a bathtub-shower combo can be as efficient as a stand-alone when used for taking a shower.
Resale
Bathtub-shower combinations generally help a house sell faster than a bathroom with only a shower. This is because families buying the house like the option of a bathtub for younger children. This doesn’t mean every bathroom should have a combo, but at least one should.
Accessibility
For people with limited mobility, a bathtub can be difficult to get in and out of. Consider installing a shower instead of a bathtub in homes with elderly people or those with limited mobility, to make it easier on them.
For homeowners remodeling their bathroom, talk to All Star Plumbing and Restoration about the plumbing. Swapping out showers for bathtubs or vice versa might mean the pipes need to be moved around. Their experts can help with this to make sure everything is installed properly.
Benefits of a Backyard Pond
Upgrade the backyard with a pond! If the backyard is in need of a facelift, consider installing a water feature like a pond. Although they require planning and maintenance, ponds also bring with them a lot of benefits like these:
1. Visual Appeal
When people consider installing a pond in their backyard, it is often because of the aesthetic appeal it adds. It can create an eye-catching focal piece in an otherwise boring backyard. Ponds can be as simple or as unique as the homeowner wants by adding statues, waterfalls, lights, plants and fish.
2. Relaxation
Spas like to use the sound of gurgling water as a relaxation aid. A pond can bring that tranquility to a backyard space with waterfalls or other water features. Use a pond to create a peaceful space to relax in during the warmer months.
3. Environmental
Ponds can create a small conservation area in the backyard. This can be used to teach children about conservation and the animals and insects it supports while allowing for them to interact with it all. It can also remedy soggy grass or rain runoff that has occurred. Nearby plants will also be thankful for the moisture the pond provides.
For those looking to install a pond or other water feature in their backyard, talk to the experts at All Star Plumbing and Restoration. They can help decide the best route for bringing water to the pond and install the necessary piping.
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