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Installing A French Drain (Part One)

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

 

Have you discovered standing water around your foundation or do you have a leaky basement? Then you may want to consider installing a French drain on your property. By helping keep water away from your foundation and your basement, a french drain can be an essential tool in keeping your home free of water and mold. Though it may sound intimidating, installing a French drain is a relatively easy project that can make a big impact.

First and foremost, identify the best location for your drain. This is a critical first step, so don’t rush it. Your location can make or break the success and life of your drain. So grab your pen and paper for some tips to get you moving in the right direction.

Call your homeowner’s association and city or county officials to make sure you know your neighborhood’s regulations for digging. Once you’ve received the green light from the municipal powers that be, the next step is to check for underground cables, pipes or other installations.

Each home in the US has a network of pipes and cables underground that provide water, sewer, gas, electric and communications services. If you unknowingly dig in a location that has a cable or pipe below, you can damage your utilities, costing unnecessary expense, hassle and even serious injury. To help you with this process, call 811 (“Call Before You Dig”), which is a free resource that will connect you to a local call center. There they will have a record of utility cables, etc. that are underground on your property.

Now that you know where you can dig, you’ll need to identify the most effective place to install the drain. First, look for an area that has a slight slope that runs away from your home and is free of shrubs, trees or structures of any type. Also keep in mind the most effective drains are at least 3 feet long and run parallel to your home and horizontally down your slope.

Now that you’ve identified the ideal location for your French drain, come back later this week to learn how to build your own French drain.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

 

 

 

Trending Kitchen Faucet Types and Features

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

What’s the latest in kitchen faucet trends? Read below for some great ideas for your kitchen.

Hands-Free Faucets. The faucet gods have delivered a solution for any person who’s ever made hamburger patties and didn’t want to touch the faucet handle to turn on the water with their raw-meat slathered hands. Yes, it’s true. The hands-free faucet is motion activated and will turn on with the motion of your hand in front of the sensor. If you’re in the market, look for hands-free faucets that a) have placed sensors at the front of the faucet instead of underneath or behind and b) have an option to switch to manual.

Tap-Only Faucets. Its name says it all. Meet the kissing cousin to the hands-free faucet. These tap-only faucets require just a tap to get the water flowing, making your time in the kitchen not only more convenient but more sanitary.

Pot-Filler Faucets. This is the faucet for those who are serious about cooking or for anyone who dreads carrying that big pot of water from the sink to the stove for fear there will be an accident – whether from tripping over your four-year old’s misplaced toy or your own feet. Basically, it’s a wall-mount faucet placed strategically over the stove to enable you to fill pots with water without leaving the stove.

Bar Faucets. These faucets have become much more popular with the rise of the kitchen island. A bar faucet in your island, or in a corner can be a huge help when more than one cook is in the kitchen, or if you need that extra space for food prep.

In-Faucet Filters. Tired of filling filtered pitchers or purchasing water bottles? This may be your answer. The In-faucet filter is exactly what it says – and will deliver filtered water to your cup or pitcher from the kitchen sink.

Soap Dispenser. Every sink has to have soap, the question is from where. If you want to reduce clutter around your kitchen sink, a soap dispenser may be something to consider. You can refill the dispenser under the sink, allowing you to keep product packaging out-of-sight and out-of-mind.

Hot Water Dispenser. With water dispensed at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, a cup of hot tea is just moments away with a hot-water dispenser – what could be better?

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

Buying a Kitchen Faucet

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

 

You probably use your kitchen faucet every day yet it’s easy to take this mini appliance for granted. The fact is, the right faucet can make your life easier  in the kitchen. Therefore, it’s worth spending some time considering your options before purchasing one for your new home, or replacing your existing faucet.

The first thing to consider is how you plan to use your sink. A higher faucet arc is a win for homeowners who need more room to maneuver large pots and pans in the sink. For those moms and dads who plan to bathe your infant in the kitchen sink, the type of sprayer you use will be an important choice.

Once you’ve determined what  you need in your faucet, think about whether you want a deck-mount or a wall-mount. A deck-mount faucet attaches to the counter using water lines from below, while a wall-mount faucet requires water lines to be installed behind the wall.

Next, how do you want your water to be delivered? With one handle that you can move forward and back for warm or cold water? Or do you prefer to manage your water temperature with two handles, one for warm water and the other for cold?

Regardless of how many handles you choose, make sure to find out how many holes your existing or new sink has in it. For one handled faucets, you’ll need one hole and for two-handled faucets you’ll need three holes. The number of holes in the sink you are working with may help determine your faucet choice. However, know that you can purchase base plates or deck plates which attach to the counter or wall that can cover additional holes if needed.

And don’t forget to consider your sprayer. Manufacturers offer faucets with sprayers placed on the side of the faucet and others that are pull-down. If you choose a pull-down sprayer, try to find a faucet with a magnetic catch. This will make things even easier for you in your daily routine.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

Preventing Hard Water Stains on Granite

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Improvement.

 

Granite countertops have become the standard in kitchens across the country for good reason: their beauty and durability. But it’s critical to take good care of your granite so that it will continue to possess the qualities that you love so much. One issue that can wreak havoc on the beauty of your granite is hard water stains. Thankfully, with a little regular elbow grease, it’s relatively easy to prevent stains from occurring.

First and foremost, don’t allow water to pool around your faucets after use. Whether from water splashing while doing the dishes, or from a leaking faucet, water at the base of your faucet can make for unsightly hard water stains that can become difficult to clean. Always have a dry, absorbent cloth at the ready to wipe around your faucets regularly.

Next, seal the sink and faucet atleast one to two times a year if possible. It’s easy to forget that granite is a porous material that will absorb water. That absorption can cause dark spots in your granite, ultimately harming the beauty of the granite. If the granite appears darker after getting wet, or if water absorbs into the granite rather than sitting on top of it, this is your sign to re-seal.

If you’ve already noticed some hard water stains caused by lime buildup, grab a plastic putty knife and gently scrape the stains to lift up the buildup. Once you’re done, clean the granite with a stone cleaner specifically formulated for stone and a soft, clean microfiber cloth to clean the area thoroughly and bring back the natural beauty of your granite.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

 

Cleaning Bathroom Mold & Mildew

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Improvement.

So how do you prevent mold growth? The first step is to be vigilant about keeping your bathroom dry and well-ventilated. When you take a shower or bath, turn on your vent fan or even open a window. After bathing, make sure any accidentally spilled water is off the floor and your towel is hung up so that it can dry thoroughly. Don’t throw it down and let it sit in a corner – that’s asking for trouble. In addition, wiping the water around your sink up on a regular basis can help keep the moisture at bay.

But what to do if mold and mildew are already growing? There are several different options from borax to bleach, but one of the most natural and effective methods is using white vinegar. Believe it or not, vinegar reportedly can get rid of up to 82 percent of molds. So why not give it a try before bringing out the harsher chemicals?

If you’ve discovered mold growth in your bathroom, fill a small spray bottle with undiluted vinegar. Spray the area that you want to clean with vinegar and let it sit for up to two hours, but no less than one hour. Next, take a soft clean cloth and scrub the mold. If you need something stronger, a scouring pad or old toothbrush are great for this task as well.

After you’ve scrubbed away the mold, rinse the area thoroughly. If you can still see a few spots, mix a paste of three parts baking soda and one part water. Next, apply the paste to the hard-to-remove and hard-to-reach areas, then spray with white vinegar. Scrub with old toothbrush or scouring pad again and then rinse.

At this point, unless the mold is severe, you should have a clean area. In the case that you still have mold that’s not budging, it may be time to break out the bleach for further cleaning. If you do this, make sure that you’ve thoroughly rinsed the area with water so that the bleach and vinegar do not mix.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

Fall Home Maintenance Part Three: Your Lawn

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Improvement.

There’s no question that home maintenance is critical to retaining the value of your home. And a vital part of your home’s curb appeal is your lawn and landscape. To make sure your yard is prepared to look its best next spring, you’ll need to take a few steps.

Keep watering and mowing. Your lawn will love you for this. As it prepares to go dormant for winter, its soaking up all the water and nutrients it can to support it through the winter.

Aerate. By allowing oxygen, water and fertilizer into the soil, aerating will help keep your lawn looking beautiful. If you don’t have an aerator of your own, you can often rent one from a local home and garden store, like Home Depot or Lowes.

Fertilize. Want a thick, green lawn next spring? Experts say mid to late fall is the best time for fertilizing. This will help your grass grow deeper, stronger roots.

Control weeds. Apply an herbicide in early fall to ensure you’re not dealing with weeds come Spring.

Rake leaves. As the leaves fall, take the time to remove them quickly so that they don’t sit too long on your healthy lawn. Wet leaves from rain or morning dew create a prime environment for mold and fungus growth.

Fill in bald spots. Everyone one has a spot or two that just needs a little extra help. Grab your rake and scratch up the bald spots, then follow with a lawn repair mixture, which is a combination of grass seed, quick start fertilizer and organic mulch.

Plant flowering bulbs. For beautiful spring tulips and day lilies, now is the time to plant. So go pick your favorites from the garden store and start planting!

Cut your grass short. Towards the end of fall, begin cutting your grass short to help your grass look it’s best throughout the winter while minimizing chances for snow mold growth.

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 Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

Fall Home Maintenance Part Two: Your Home’s Exterior

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Improvement.

 

While indoor home maintenance is critical as you prepare for the fall and winter months, your home’s exterior is equally important. There are key items that need to be checked to ensure you and your home are well-cared for this winter.

Clean your gutters and downspout. If this isn’t on your annual to-do list, it should be. If the gutters or downspouts are full or clogged, rain water doesn’t flow as it should through your gutter system, thus it will overflow from the gutter straight to the ground below which can mean trouble for your foundation. Too much water at the base of your foundation is a breeding ground for many issues, including a cracked foundation.

Inspect the roof. Now’s a great time of year to identify and replace any missing or damaged shingles. If you are comfortable doing this, great. Otherwise, hire a trusted professional.

Weatherize windows. Again, a good time for making sure screens and weather-stripping are in good shape and ready for cold temperatures.

Inspect the perimeter of the house. Take a stroll around the house to inspect your foundation and grading. If soil has washed away from the base of the foundation, now’s the time to refill it, making sure the grade declines away from your home.

Repair and seal driveway. Before cold weather hits, you need to inspect your driveway and walkways for cracks and damage.

Clean the deck. After a summer full of activity, including small kids, family gatherings and pets, your deck deserves a good cleaning. Break out the pressure washer and make her shine.

Cover and store outdoor furniture. Take advantage of the beautiful weather to clean your outdoor furniture and store what you won’t be using this winter. When spring arrives, it will be ready to be put to work.

Bring latex paint inside. Many people don’t realize that freezing weather can and will ruin latex paint.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

Maintaining Your Hot Tub

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

Have you just installed a hot tub? Or are you considering purchasing one? Many homeowners like to add a hot tub or spa to their homes as part of creating their own private retreats. While hot tubs can be a wonderful addition, they do require necessary maintenance to keep it clean, and thus safe for your family’s health.

If you can carve out just a little time each week to keep your Jacuzzi or spa in good shape, the task of maintenance is not as overwhelming and it will serve you well for a long time. Here are a few tasks to add to your calendar to help keep you and your family maximizing your time in your hot tub.

Each day, especially after storms or windy days, it’s a good idea to just take a peek out your door to make sure no debris has fallen and damaged your cover. If so, remove the debris and repair any damage immediately.

A few times a week, schedule a time to check the water temperature, which if too low can signal a bigger problem. In addition, check sanitizer levels and the pH balance to make sure all is well. The pH alone is an important gauge of your hot tub’s health, and thus your family’s health.

Once a week, add a chlorine tablet and clean your spa filters. If you don’t use your hot tub too often, then you can change filters less frequently, but it’s recommended that you not go more than three weeks without changing filters. In addition, especially if you use the hot tub frequently, shocking, or super chlorinating, the water is a good idea.

Each month, take some time to give your hot tub cover some love. The cover is your first line of defense against the elements among other things, so cleaning and conditioning it regularly will pay off over your hot tub’s lifetime.

Finally, be sure to drain your Jacuzzi every 3-4 months and clean the shell and jets. Once that is complete, you can refill with fresh water, chlorinate as needed and continue to enjoy your own spa retreat.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

 

 

 

Chlorinated or Salt Water Pool?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

While chlorinated pools have dominated the marketplace for decades, salt water pools have found their way beyond luxurious spas into the backyards of many Americans. If you are considering which type of pool to install in your back yard, below you’ll find some frequently asked questions about salt water pools that may help you as you explore your options.

What exactly is a salt water pool? It’s a type of pool that uses the process of salt water chlorination via a chlorine generator. (You may also hear the generator called a salt cell, a salt generator or a salt chlorinator.) Essentially, rather than dumping chlorine into your pool directly, you are feeding pool salt to the chlorine generator which produces chlorine as it is needed.

How does a salt water pool stay clean? The chlorine generator uses electrolysis via dissolved salt to produce hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), which are the sanitizers traditionally used in chlorinated pools.

Why is a salt water pool better for your skin than a chlorinated pool if they both contain chlorine? The salt water pool’s generator creates chlorine only on an as-needed-basis, therefore, there is typically significantly less chlorine in the water. And lower chlorine levels translates into happier skin and eyes.

What are some benefits of a salt water pool? Besides the fact that they are easier on the skin and eyes, you don’t have to store or transport chlorine, which is a more unpleasant substance to handle than salt. In addition, owners often report enjoying the soft-water feel of these pools.

Which requires less maintenance, a salt water or chlorinated pool? Hands down, a salt water pool requires less maintenance because you don’t have to deposit chlorine into the pool regularly. For example, if you have to leave your home for a few weeks, it’s doubtful you’d have to worry about returning to a pool laced with green algae. That said, you must still keep a somewhat regular check on the salt levels, etc.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!

Considering Building a Pool? 

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

It’s July. It’s hot. And having your own pool is beginning to sound like a great idea. While some homeowners prefer public or community pools, others desire a pool in their own backyard. If you find that you’ve begun calculating yardage as you gaze at your backyard while doing dishes, you may be one of them. To get beyond dreaming and begin assessing your options, below are some key considerations to get the ball rolling in the right direction.

What is YOUR primary purpose for the pool? While this may seem like a ridiculous question, you should ask yourself how you see the pool being used. Were you or are your kids competitive swimmers? If that’s the case, you may want the pool long enough to do laps. Is it primarily for you and your husband? Or do you see a future full of birthday parties with countless kids and teens? The answers to these questions will begin to help you assess the size, depth and shape of pool you may want or need, as well as the amenities you’ll require.

Do you have the space? After getting an idea of the size and shape of the pool you want, you’ll need to align that information with your available space to determine the best location for your pool. Keep in mind that most rectangular pools are about twice as long on one side as they are on the other, with an average depth of around 5.5 feet. Typically, pools measure 10 x 20, 15 x 30, and 20 x 40.

How much will it cost to install a pool? According to homeadvisor.com, the cost of installing a pool in 2017 can range from $20,000 to $80,000, with the average cost landing around $40,000 depending on the type of pool, the amenities included and landscaping choices. That said, keep in mind, you’ll need to develop an annual maintenance budget for chemicals or salt, etc.

Is your family ready for a pool?  Are you retiring and looking forward to having a personal retreat just a few steps away? Or are you newly married and planning a family. Regardless of your season of life, a pool can be a lot of fun but it can also be a lot of work so be prepared to set aside time and money to maintain and make repairs.

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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!