Cleaning Mineral Deposits off Showerheads
Hard water can cause mineral deposits to develop on
bathroom fixtures. These deposits clog showerhead holes and cause it to spray water unevenly. The first step to fixing this issue is cleaning the showerhead.
Removable Showerhead
- Detach from shower arm
- Rinse it by holding the showerhead under the faucet loosening debris through the opening that connects to the shower arm
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub with vinegar, then soak overnight if debris persists
Irremovable showerhead
- Fill a plastic bag with vinegar
- Attach the bag to the showerhead with a rubber band to keep it in place
- Let it sit overnight
- Take bag off and run shower to flush
If mineral buildup is a reoccurring problem, ask All Star Plumbing about installing a water softener. It can help remove the minerals that cause corrosion in pipes and stains on faucets. Visit their website for more information on the dangers of hard water.
Choosing a Toilet
During a bathroom remodel, a lot goes into choosing a new toilet.
Homeowners have to decide size, height, function and more when picking one out. Here are some items to consider:
Size and Fit
The available floor space available for the toilet is a key determining factor for the size of the toilet. It can also determine the shape. For smaller bathrooms, a round-shaped bowl will be a better because it takes up less room. Elongated toilet bowls are more comfortable for most people, but take up more room, and tend to cost a little more.
Style
Toilets have evolved into many different styles over the years. Although most people tend to stick with the basic two-piece model, some people want to give their bathroom an upgraded look. One-piece toilets or wall-mounted toilets can set a bathroom apart and make it unique.
Flushing Technology
Flushing technology has also evolved over time. Most toilets now use less water than their predecessors to help reduce water bills and conserve more water. There are even dual-flush toilets, releasing different amount of waters by hitting only one button, or both buttons.
Fun Features
Toilets nowadays come with some funky features. They’ve created seats that are heated and lighted for those cold nights when one can’t be bothered to turn on the bathroom light. For those who like to get their karaoke on, there are now toilets with MP3 players built-in with an SD card slot. Or replace the boring tank with a fully-functioning aquarium. There are a lot of options for those wanting a quirky, unique toilet.
If a new toilet is in the near future, contact All Star Plumbing and Restoration. They can help determine which one is the right one and get it installed.
Winterizing the Plumbing
Although fall is still just arriving in the Boise area,
homeowners should begin to think about winterizing the plumbing system. While the weather is still in the warmer temperatures, it can be a good time to create a winterizing checklist like the one below.
- Fix Leaks
Small leaks can lead to big problems when winter hits. If the water freezes, it could damage the pipes, causing them to burst.
- Insulate Pipes
Any exposed pipes should be insulated before cold weather hits. Exposed pipes are usually found in the attic, garage and crawl spaces.
- Outside Hose Bibs
Hose bibs are very useful in the warmer months, but not so much during winter. They will need to be drained and turned off or insulated. If the hose bib has a shut off valve, it should be shut off. If not, they can be insulated with a cover.
- Sprinkler System
Water can collect in sprinkler system pipes and will easily freeze. To prevent this, turn off the water and flush out collected water by turning on each valve.
Need help winterizing the plumbing? Call All Star Plumbing and Restoration. They can check out the plumbing and make sure everything is in working order for winter.
Decorating the Bathroom for Fall
Fall brings about warmer colors, pumpkin everything, and
cooler temperatures. Celebrate the changing of the season by decorating the bathroom in an autumn theme.
To bring the feel of fall indoors and into the bathroom, start by using warm colors. Change out towels and other fabrics for reds, oranges and browns. Replacing thinner towels with thicker, plush-feeling towels will also bring the cozy fall feeling.
Change out the decorations on the walls and countertops. Find fall-inspired wall art or paintings to hang up, and ditch the bright flowers on the counter. Add some scented candles that smell like apples, cinnamon, or pumpkins.
Bathrooms can easily be changed up for each season, and are fun to decorate without much cost or time. Share photos of your fall-inspired bathrooms on the All Star Plumbing and Restoration Facebook page!
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