Choosing a Kitchen Sink
Finding a sink that fits a kitchen’s needs as well as style can be difficult. Obviously function is more important than style. It needs to be able to withstand years of daily use, which homeowners should consider when shopping.
Sink Material
The material and finish of the sink has a lot to do with what the rest of the kitchen looks like and the surrounding countertops. Typically, kitchen sinks are made from stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, solid surfaces, and composites.
Stainless steel:
This sink has under mount capability, which is important for those who have solid surface countertops. They can also take wear and tear but can be too noisy for some people.
Enamel-coated cast iron:
It might be pretty, but not for long if it isn’t properly taken care of. They can scratch and wear, making it a poor choice for those who are hard on their kitchen sink.
Solid surface:
This type of sink makes clean up a breeze. Their downfall is that they are prone to chipping and heat damage.
Composite:
With a lower price point, these sinks can come in a variety of colors and types. However, they aren’t quite as durable as other choices.
Faucets
After choosing the sink basin, homeowners will have to focus on the faucet to accompany the sink. There are almost endless designs, styles, and finishes on the market today. The finish really has to do with the style of the kitchen. However, brass finishes aren’t the best choice for a kitchen because it is such a high use area. Go for chrome, polished nickel, or pewter.
There’s also the option of having one handle or two handle for controlling water flow and temperature. Extras such as a spray arm should also be considered when choosing a faucet. All Star Plumbing and Restoration can fix or install any faucets in the kitchen.
New sinks and faucets should be installed by a plumbing professional to avoid plumbing problems later. Call All Star Plumbing and Restoration for new sink and faucet installation in the kitchen or bathroom.
Bathroom Trends
Bathrooms are about more than just practicality these days. Now the bathroom has its own style and décor, making it feel more luxurious and spa-like than ever before. Homeowners who are looking to transform their bathroom this year should check out these bathroom trends:
1. Earth Tones
Earth tones are warm, and can make the room feel even more like a relaxing spa. Some earth tone base colors are cream, brown, or camel. Make the room pop by using accent colors of green, blue or pink.
2. Decorative Tile Patterns
Tile in bathrooms is a great look, but jazz it up by putting it in a decorative pattern. It can be zigzag, circular, or something totally outside the box. Use one color to make it a slightly more subtle design, or two to make it more dynamic.
3. Glass Showers
One of the biggest benefits of glass shower doors is that they make the bathroom seem larger, which is great for homes with small bathrooms. They’re also easier to clean than a curtain, making mold less likely to stake its claim.
4. Heated Floors
Getting out of a nice, hot shower and stepping on a cold tile floor isn’t fun. One way to fix this is with heated floors. Radiant floor heating is easiest to install during a remodel when new flooring is going in, so it could be a great excuse for a complete bathroom remodel.
5. Green Features
It’s becoming easier for bathrooms to become environmentally friendly with toilets that use less water, and automatic faucets. Cut down on the water bill while also helping the environment by installing some of these features.
Incorporate some of these trends into your bathroom with the help of the experts at All Star Plumbing and Restoration. They can install radiant floor heating, new sinks, faucets, showerheads and more.
Fixing a Gurgling Drain
If the drain is making weird gurgling noises, it could be indicating a serious problem with the drainage system. It doesn’t always point to one specific problem though; it can mean a variety of things. Here are some of the most common reasons the drain is making a gurgling sound:
- Clog
Clogs contain pockets of air, and when the air is released into the water that’s above the clog, it creates that sound. Sometimes sink clogs can be fixed by taking a plunger to the drain. If that doesn’t do the trick, call All Star Plumbing and Restoration.
- Blocked Drain Vents
The job of these vents is to remove a build-up of sewer gas from the drain pipes through the roof. Sometimes these vents can get blocked by debris or animal nests. When this happens, the sewer gas is forced up through the drains and the water inside the p-trap which makes the gurgling sound.
- Sewer Line
If there is a clog or break present in the sewer line, a sewage back-up is inevitable. These back-ups can be spotted by gurgling sounds in the drain. The sewer gas will be pushed up through the p-trap, creating the sound.
Because this sound can mean anything from a small clog to a sewer line break, it is important for homeowners to act immediately if they hear a gurgling sound coming from the sink. Call All Star Plumbing and Restoration as soon as possible to limit the possibility of a sewer back-up.
Fun Sprinkler Games
One of the best ways to keep kids cool and entertained this summer is with a sprinkler. It’s a pretty inexpensive choice in the way of entertainment, and with some fun ideas, it will keep them having fun for hours.
1. Classic Games
Duck, Duck, Goose and many other children’s games are even more fun with water. Get a bunch of sprinklers spread out around the lawn for freeze tag, or one that moves back and forth so everyone gets to enjoy it wherever they are frozen at.
2. Alphabet Hunt
Find some water proof letters and place them around the yard, still in the line of the sprinklers. Let the kids loose and see who can find the most letters, and then have them put the letters in order to make learning fun.
3. Water Park
If there’s a swing set in the backyard, set up the sprinkler strategically. Place it so it’s hitting the slide when the kids go down it, or so it hits them when they’re swinging.
4. Trampoline
Trampolines are fun, but they can be even more fun when there’s a sprinkler set up underneath. Just make sure the kids are safe when jumping since water will make things more slippery.
5. Musical Chairs
Instead of music, use the sprinkler to signal when they have to run or freeze. Either an adult or a child can control the sprinkler.
6. Sponge Relay
Place a bucket far away from the sprinkler and give the kids a sponge. They have to stand in a line and try to fill their bucket up first with just the water from the sprinkler.
7. Bucket Fill-Up
Give each child a bucket and have them try to fill their bucket faster than anyone else just using the spray from the sprinkler.
To make using multiple sprinklers for games easier, ask All Star Plumbing and Restoration about installing a hosebib in the backyard. It makes accessing water outside much easier, and can handle multiple hoses at once.
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