Tips for Choosing the Right Kitchen Sink and Faucet

Probably the most important kitchen choices are the sink and the faucet because once it is there, it may be difficult to move it and may affect your daily life for many years to come. Moreover, it helps you in many different tasks wherein a functional and durable pick is important. Hence, here are some important factors to consider in selecting the best kitchen sinks and faucets for you.

Things to Consider in Choosing a Sink

1. Sink material

• Stainless steel - A versatile type of kitchen sink installation that compliments with the different style of kitchen, from traditional to modern. It can scratch, but you can buff it out with a stainless steel brush. Highly recommended for people who tends to throw everything in their sink. However, for areas that have hard water, stainless can show water spots.
  
• Porcelain - Available in wide variety of colors and goes well with vintage style kitchens. However, sharp objects and heavy use can chip it and leave a permanent black mark.
  
• Granite Composite - Mixture of granite particles and polymers. It can withstand scratches and chips as well as water spots even in hard water. However, lighter-colored granite is susceptible to stain and requires special cleaning.
  
• Natural stone - Creates a smooth area that can match your countertop material. But some of its downsides are it can chip and scratch as well as expensive.

Common Causes of Garbage Disposal Problems

During the trash removal, there are a lot of things affects it like, the backup, foul or clog odor. People might think what will be wrong on their garbage disposal even if they perform it well. In this article, we will show the common cause of waste disposal problems. By understanding this type of challenges, it can help you prevent and fix it in an early time. It might also take a few minutes each day to know how to stop it.

Here are some of the problems you might encounter during garbage removal:

• Improper use of waste disposal - human error is one of the things why a machine will start to malfunction. Disposing of it without running any or enough water can create a clog and pile up the waste in an area. If you put too much waste at the same time, it may back up the stack.
• Stuck non-biodegradable materials - there are times that we are not aware what our children are doing, particularly when they put their toys. Kitchen utensils or even dish cloths might also fall accidentally. This objects might fall on the disposal area and create a clog in a pipe or even in the unit itself. To prevent this type of problem can be avoided by using a sink strainer.
• Foods with starch - foods that contains starch like pasta and rice can become bigger when got wet. It can become thick, gummy and stick on your pipes. Stop draining this type of foods in the pipe but instead, pick it all up and put it on the composting unit or waste can.
• Thick grease - oil can become thick and robust because of room’s temperature. The thick oil on the pipe can block the waste on its pipe. If this happened in your house, drain the greasy foods into a glass or metal container. You can also use cloth, paper bags, or paper towel rather than dumping it down on the drain.
• Stringy and fibrous foods - foods like banana peels, celery, large nuts, raw carrot, and seeds can stick on your pipes and create clogs. It can tangle up the other waste too.
• Sink Flange - the drain flange is located at an upper part portion of the garbage disposal. It is the place where the sink drain and the disposal meet. Remove rim might leak because it might be not screwed tightly or because of the plumber’s putty.
• Dishwasher connection pipes - drain pipes in the dishwasher can also be connected to the garbage disposal. It will help to remove all of the leftover foods from the plates. It can cause a problem during the placement or even create more mess.
• Discharge pipe - the discharge tube is located at the bottom of garbage disposal. If there is a problem, you can contact a plumber or a trash removal service to help you in disposing of the stuck garbage.
• Crack on the disposal body - crack can happen anytime on your garbage disposal. Maybe you haven't change it for years. 
• Loose under the sink - most of the disposal system usually found under the sink. When we are putting things under the sink, we didn’t notice that we hit many times and make it lose.

Water Heater Safety Tips: Do's and Don'ts

During the winter season, we felt relieved as we know that the tankless water heaters are present in our homes. Water heaters provide us a hot water in a freezy morning or chilly days. Failure to take care of your water heater system properly can possibly cause an emergency repair or the tankless water heater installation in the future. If ever you had your new water heater system, you would probably want to lengthen the durability of it. Whether you are an active user of a water heater or nor, it is still necessary for you to know what are the general hot water tank maintenance. We will give you tips about water heater maintenance, and the do's and don'ts to bear in mind to keep you and your family's safety will be stated.

Here are the Water Heater Dos and Donts:

• Follow the Guidelines in Temperature - When it comes to everything that we do, the first thing that we should consider first is our safety. So as we all like to use hot water for bathing most especially during the freezy morning, we should set in mind to follow the guidelines given in adjusting the water heater temperature. Keep yourself reminded, and your family members, to always set your water heater to an average degree. Too high temperature can cause severe consequences. Do not exceed until 120 degrees Fahrenheit or else you or your children or whoever in your relatives using the current system could be scalded and might suffer a degree of burn. Again, safety first!
  
• Going for a vacation? Lower the temperature - If you have any plans to go for a holiday, you must assure that you adjust the hot water temperature to its lowest setting. Do not leave it in high setting temperature, by doing this; you will save an amount on your monthly electric bills. As you go for vacation, the possibility of potential water heater related damages can be avoided. Once you get back, turn the setting back up to its normal setting.
  
• Flush and Test Annually - To prevent a future premature water heater tank replacement or contact a water heater repair in Knoxville, you must flush out the water into its drain valve for at least once a year. By this method, the removal of sediment that has build -up into its internal part is easier. Failing to remove the deposits will result from your system to clog.
• Do not leave your children alone - Never allow your children to use the water heater alone. Letting them use the water system without your supervision may hurt your kids.
  
• Combustible materials should be stored - Do not place flammable items 18 inches near the water heater for it may cause an extensive property damage in your house.

Once you have noticed an emergency fixing for your water heating system, call a local plumbing professional immediately, they are experts in this plumbing issues and can give you free quote on  water heater installation cost.

How to Thaw Frozen Pex Pipe

The most common used tool in supporting a water system is the PEX tubing. It has various advantages compared to the copper pipe. It is cheaper, faster to install and it won’t easily be damaged by the sudden change in water temperature. Nevertheless, the extreme cold can harm the pipe causing it to freeze up. In this case, you can do something on your own first without calling a plumber.

Here are the steps on how to thaw a frozen PEX pipe:

• Identify the location of the frozen pipe - Check all the faucets if it is working or not. If you find the exceptions to all the functioning faucets, look at the pipe connected to it and confirm the current condition of it.
  
• Determine if there are cracks and leaks -  The severe cold water can cause the pipe to break. There’ll be a high probability of leakage after melting the pipe so make sure that it does not have a cut or a split. If it is negative for a crack, then proceed to the next step. However, If it does have a crack, turn off all the faucets and the main water supply and call for a residential plumbing service and have your pipes be replaced.
  
• Search for the particular section of the pipe - To locate the exact scope in the pipe, you can use different tools such as an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature or a solid object to tap the pipe. Do not put a hard pressure into the tapping. The pipe might get cracked, and it’ll result in a leakage.
• Open the faucets - Turn on the faucets slightly that are in line with the pipe and those that are not because the running water could help in melting the frozen pipe.
  
• Warm up the pipe - One of the simplest ways to do this is to use a blow dryer to decrease the temperature of the cold water but be careful and do not point it out directly to the pipe because it might be a source of a breach. Heated towels can also be used. Wrap the towels around the tube, and it’ll bring warmth to the selected area in the pipe.

Do not be at ease though you are using a PEX pipe. Its good points should not be a reason to let your guard down and it might be a seldom situation, but you always need to be alert and aware of the necessary actions that you must do. If you are in a dilemma, seek the help of professionals. When it comes to this kind of service, and especially if you are a resident in America and live near Tennessee, the plumbers in Knoxville offers their entire services which include repairs, plumbing system remodeling and other assistance. It is crucial to consult first with someone who has a lot of knowledge about plumbing before taking any action. It will also help to prevent terrible accidents and injuries. Research is also recommended. Nonetheless, be sure to follow the procedures stated above and do not be reckless.

DIY PEX Pipe Installation

It may be new in the residential plumbing, but PEX tubing has already proven itself. A layer of polyethylene on the outside, aluminum at the middle, and polyethylene again on the inside coating. It makes PEX pipes durable yet flexible than copper pipes. It comes in rolls and can easily cut to any length that you can handle yourself whenever you need some plumbing system remodeling. All you need are the right tools and a bit plumbing skills.

1. Cut the PEX - Measure the length of the pipe you need to replace. Then cut this length on your PEX using a PEX tubing cutter. You should not use any other cutting tool as you must cut the edges straightly and smoothly.

2. Apply crimps - This should be done right because the improper placement of crimp ring may cause a leak. Tuck copper crimp ring onto the cut end of PEX pipe. Then place the tube on the shoulder on the fitting. Slide the crimp ring up with a slip-joint pliers or your fingers. It must be placed ⅛ or ¼ inch away from the end of the pipe. To put the crimp ring tightly in this position, use a crimping tool then press it hard as much as possible at a 90-degree angle.
3. Ensure the connection - To guarantee that the fitting and the PEX are connected correctly, use a Go/No-Go Gauge. A properly attach crimp would let the Go-gauge slide with ease. On the other hand, the No-Go gauge is an indication that the tubing must be recut and rejoin once again.  You must have made one or more of this mistakes;

• The crimping tool does not fully cover the crimp ring.
• The crimper is not uniform.
• The ring is placed over the end of the tubing.
• Tubing is not smoothly cut and does not fully cover ribs of fitting.   

4. Install the piping - Unlike PVC and copper tubes, PEX pipes could not be placed straightly. PEX shrinks 1 inch for every 10 degrees of temperature change. Counteract it by making an arc in the tubing that is eight times more than its diameter. There should also straps and hangers that support the PEX. Support must be at every 32 inches if it would be put alongside a joist. On the other hand, when it will be position atop then the support should be at every 6 inches. But do not put the hangers too tight that it limit the movement of the PEX. Always place a little space for contraction. 

Here are the tips for PEX installation:

• Make notes of any obstacle in framing and routing of pipes.
• You should also have a detailed drawing of your layout.
• PEX can be run through holes drilled in floor joists and inside the floor frame so they can be out of the way.
• Make a list of all plumbing supplies and tools you need before going to the hardware store.
• You could also contact plumbers in Knoxville if you are not confident doing it yourself.

Problems with PEX Pipe and How to Prevent It

What is PEX?

PEX is somewhat a new material. It has already gained assumption in the plumbing industry for over 20 years. The reasons behind is the characteristics of PEX such as being flexible, economical, and the PEX installation is simple and fast. PEX is ideal for repiping because it profoundly lessens the size of the wall interventions. However, there are some vulnerable features that PEX has, that is why it is best for you if you determine the appropriate PEX and what is suitable for your job. Bear in mind that the plumbers is accountable for quality, producers are responsible for the defects, while the owner is in charge of everything. Aside from the standard advice to hire a professional plumber especially in Knoxville, here are the detailed information that will help you understand what PEX and PEX tubing is, what are the problems with PEX pipes? and how you can prevent or fix it?

Common problems with PEX pipe and how you can prevent it:

We can’t deny the fact that PEX has its vulnerability like other materials too. But unlike other materials such as CPVC and copper, it is not a critical material. Regardless of that matter, problems with PEX is avoidable. According to experts, it is very unusual to one single issue to result directly into a failure. Preferably, at least two or more combination of problems before it results from a major defect. Usually, lack of communication is the main reason why the accident occurs. When it comes to PEX, everyone who has its connection towards the system must be aware of the system configuration and its plan - such as the maintenance staff, owner, contractors, builders, etc.

Leaking PEX connections

1. Dezincification - the corrosion between brass and zinc which weakens the installation and causes leakages. It happens to definite water chemistry.
   
   a. To prevent this problem, most of the PEX companies had chosen the dezincification-resistant brass for installation. The poly alloy can be used as a replacement of the brass because it is subject to this method.
   b. Another way to counter this issue is to use a “home-run.” Use the home-run that comes in with continuous pipe runs from an extent manifold to the plumbing installation.
   
2. Push fittings
   
3. The tool was not adjusted properly- Make it sure that the tool must adjust before the day you start the installation. The one who uses it frequently is responsible for checking it from time to time.
   
4. Frozen pipes or burst pipes
   
   Because of its strong feature, unlike copper, it is burst-resistant. Nevertheless, in low temperature, once the water freezes in the PEX ultimately, all pipes will end up bursting.
   
   How to prevent:
   
   a. Drain the PEX pipe
   b. Wrap the pipes (inside and outside)
   c. Don’t wrap it nearby outside walls
   d. Cover the PEX pipe under the ground frost line
   e. Use hot water
   f. Keep away the PEX pipe from the sun
   
5. Chemical and Odor drain
   
   Chemical and odor drain is one of the serious problems that you shouldn’t ignore for it may toxify your water supply.
   
   How to prevent:
   
   a. Check the water quality
   b. Installation of whole house water filter
   c. Plumbing system remodeling

8 Scenarios That Can be Cover by Home Emergency Insurance

What is a home emergency cover?

You cannot know when an emergency will happen at your home. It can be from heating failures up to drainage problems. Yes, you can get insurance to pay for the damage. However, it would not get your heating back or your plumbing works. So how can you prepare for this disasters?

A home emergency is designed to cover household perils. It gives householders access to a 24-hour emergency helpline and send their approved tradespeople out to your home quickly and fix the situation accurately. It will also cover all call-out cost, professional labor expenses, materials for repair and VAT. If you need alternative accommodation while the repairs are ongoing, they can also give temporary place to stay. Like an insurance policy, its level of coverage varies from policy to policy. Some covered two different household emergency while some can offer up to 11 and more services. But unlike an insurance policy, you would not need to pay for any excess. There is also no limit to the number of claims.

Here are some household emergency scenarios that could be cover:

●       Plumbing and drainage problems, from burst pipes to sewer lines.

●       Broken locks, doors or windows

●       Domestic power supply failure

●       Central heating/cooling failure

●       Boiler breakdown

●       Roof leaks or damage

●       Vermin or pests infestation

●       Removal of wasp and hornet nests

What is not covered by a home emergency insurance?

It would not cover someone you just know. Also, be mindful of small details on the policy. Some would indicate age limits for boilers and heating systems. A home emergency cover could also be void if there is a condition that equipment like boiler and heating system have maintenance services annually and be properly maintained. But usually, you can claim for a cover as long as it fit with what your policy classes consider an emergency operation. 

How fast will they arrive?

Response time also varies, some would promise to reach within few hours, and some would be within the day. It also depends on the problem.

Do you need a home emergency cover?

First, check your existing home insurance, some offer home emergency cover as standard part of their coverage but most offered it as an optional add-on or you can also buy a stand-alone home emergency cover if they do not provide one, but of course, the price differ, depending on the policy and if they are only for extras. It can also be one of your extra benefits you paid monthly for packaged bank account. Also, it is not worth paying something you do not need. If your water companies cover for your water supply for free and your appliances are still under warranty, then you probably do not need it at the moment. Your policy should also include prompt emergency service, or you might just call a local service provider before things get worse. So do check.