10 Ways to Save Water Outdoors – Part Two

Written by Kevin on July 5, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

Conserving water doesn’t always have to be hard. The last post itemized five ways to reduce water usage outdoors around your home this summer. Believe it or not, there’s more where that came from. Below are five more creative ideas to help you be good to the planet and your wallet.

Mulch around trees and shrubs. Mulch is a popular choice for helping create a beautiful yard for many reasons. It not only looks nice around your shrubs and trees, it discourages weed growth, reduces evaporation and keeps the soil moist.

Select yard plants carefully. Landscaping decisions can be overwhelming. The good news is that if you’re really working to reduce your water usage, your options are very straightforward. Talk with your local nursery representative to help you identify and choose native and drought resistant plants, grass, trees and shrubs as they will typically require less water. And then get planting!

Use your broom. There’s no doubt that it’s tempting to use a hose to wash off your driveway or walkway, but if you want to save water, the smarter choice is to use a blower or broom.

Set your timer. When you’re using a sprinkler or hose of any kind (soakers, etc.), make sure to set a timer to remind yourself to cut off the water. If you need to water while you’re away, purchasing a valve timer from your local hardware store is a great option to explore.

Wash your car in the grass. Washing your car is a necessity, it has to be done. So how can you reduce the amount of water you use? The most efficient choice is to go to a commercial car wash that recycles its water. However, that can get expensive and may not fit into your budget. If you choose instead to wash your car at home, park it in the grass rather than the driveway. This way you’ll have a clean car and a watered lawn.

Think twice about water features and fountains. This one’s easy. Water features use water, so limit or eliminate them from your yard.

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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!

10 Ways to Conserve Water Indoors This Summer – Part One

Written by Kevin on July 2, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement.

With the exception of an infrequent drought, most US homeowners have water readily available for all of their watering needs. However, with water shortages in states like California, many people are looking for creative ways to decrease their water demand. Other homeowners are driven to conserve water to lower their water bill. Whatever your reason, your family can begin conserving water today by implementing as many of the following practices as possible.

1. Turn off the tap during your daily hygiene routines. Whether you are washing your hands or brushing your teeth, you can reduce water use by wetting your hands or toothbrush and turning the faucet off until it’s time to rinse. When shaving your face, simply plug the drain and fill the sink slightly with water, then wet the razor as needed.

2. Take a shorter shower. Experts suggest water usage ranges from 2-12 gallons of water per shower. That said, if you just can’t give up your long shower, place a bucket in the shower to catch water as well as while you’re waiting for the water to warm. This water can be used to water flowers, plants or fill your pet’s water dish.

3. Wash full loads only. This is pretty self-explanatory. Only wash your dishes and clothes when you have a full load. This way you’re saving water AND energy.

4. Fill up a pitcher. Each day, fill a pitcher or gallon jug of water and place it in your refrigerator. When you want a glass of cold water, just pour from the pitcher instead of running the tap until the water is cool each time.

5. Recycle Water. Rather than pouring that leftover glass of water down the sink, use it to water your indoor plants or those on your patio. In addition, when you cook pasta, set the hot water aside to cool. Once it has cooled, you can use it to water your outdoor plants or flowers ¾ just make sure it’s cooled so you don’t harm your plants.

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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!

Bathroom Upgrades That Deliver

Written by Kevin on June 11, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

Summer has arrived — the time when many homeowners make plans to roll up their sleeves and take care of those long-awaited upgrades and remodels. If your bathroom is on your summer target list, here are a few key upgrades than can deliver a significant bang for your buck.

Countertops. Updated countertops can make a tremendous impact. You will want to look for natural stone, engineered quartz or the ever popular Carrera or Calcutta marble for a more modern look. If your budget is more limited, painting your countertops is now a very viable option. Plan a visit to your local home improvement store and they can get you on the right path. Either way, neutral colors are a good option.

Lighting. Modern lighting can make all the difference in your bathroom. If sophisticated is what you’re after, LED sconces and bathroom bars can deliver. If you’re more traditional, there’s plenty of lighting options to choose from on the market today, so take an afternoon and enjoy perusing your local stores.

Fixtures and faucets. Faucets can often make or break a good looking bathroom. Get rid of your bone and brass and install nickel, chrome or white fixtures to achieve a more up-to-date look. If you’re not comfortable installing these, call a professional like Go Green Plumbing and they will be glad to help.

Remove carpet. While it can be nice to step out from your shower onto nice soft carpeted floor, it’s also a prime spot for mold and bacteria to grow. Purchase a few nice, fluffy bath mats that you can wash instead. Next, replace the carpet with a tile–or laminate that resembles tile or hardwood.

Bathroom Cabinets. Whether it’s a coat of paint, refacing or total replacement, new bathroom cabinets can transform a frumpy bathroom into something special. As far as color choices go, neutral is always a good call.

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Keeping That Stainless Shining

Written by Kevin on June 5, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement.

If, like thousands of others, you are a lover of stainless steel in your kitchen then you are aware of the time and elbow grease required to keep it looking its best. To help make stainless steel cleaning chores a little easier, we have gathered some helpful information for you.

A few basics – Never use anything abrasive to clean your stainless (i.e., steel wool or other metal scrubbing pads). Use a soft cloth (microfiber are good) to clean and buff; paper towels will work as well. Avoid any harsh cleaners that can damage the stainless. Read the manufacturer’s instruction to ensure you are following any specific guideline for your appliance brand.

A little training goes a long way – Train yourself and the members of your family to use the handles when opening and closing stainless steel appliance doors. This will limit the amount of fingerprints and smudges on the stainless itself reducing the amount of cleaning required. Wipe off spills or water drops right away to limit water spots. Don’t use tape on your stainless to hold pictures, reminders, etc. This will also help reduce smudges and residue.

The actual cleaning – There are some general household items you can use to get your stainless to shining again.

1) Vinegar (regular vinegar has 5% acidity, cleaning vinegar has 6%) – Pour undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle, mist the stainless, and use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe down. Buff dry to shine.

2) Oil (mineral, baby oil, or other like olive oil) – Apply oil to a dampened cloth and wipe your stainless following the grain until clean and shiny. Some like to wipe down with vinegar first, then follow with the oil to give the stainless a real sparkling shine.

3) Window cleaner or rubbing alcohol – Spray on or apply to a dry cloth or paper towel and wipe away smudges and fingerprints. If you previously used any stainless steel polishes a couple of applications may be necessary to remove the top polished layer.

4) Commercial stainless steel cleaners – These are a little more costly than using your normal household items, but companies have formulated these specifically to clean stainless. However, some do work better than others, so you might need to try a couple of brands to find the one that works the best for you.

Your stainless steel appliances are a big focal point of your kitchen, but keeping it looking good shouldn’t take hours. Using some of the above suggestions will hopefully get your stainless at its shiny best, and give you time for more enjoyable things.

Point-of-Use Tankless Water Heater

Written by Kevin on April 25, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

Tankless water heaters have become more popular over the last several years with individuals focusing on making their homes more energy efficient. A standard hot water heater can use up to 20 percent or more of a home’s annual energy due to maintaining a standard water temperature when not in use. Whole house tankless water heaters have helped to reduce these energy costs. However, there a way to reduce these costs even more.

A point-of-use tankless water heater may be the answer. A point-of-use water heater is placed directly where hot water will be needed. With a whole house tankless water heater there is still some delay in hot water traveling a distance to the faucet resulting in the water cooling in the pipe. Placing a point-of-use below a kitchen or bathroom sink, next to a tub, or in the laundry room near the washing machine, gives you a more true “instant hot water” reducing water waste. This can also save time from waiting on hot water to make an appearance.

That said, there are more upfront costs installing any tankless water heater, even a point-of-use heater. Whether gas or electric, special pipes and wiring will be needed, most likely requiring a professional plumber and electrician. However, the purchase price for a point-of-use tankless water heater is less than a whole house tankless heater. And, keep in mind that the monthly energy savings will last for the life of your heater.

There are several models of point-of-use tankless water heaters available, so take the time to decide exactly what your needs are to ensure you find the one that will work best for you and your family. Then you will be able to have “instant hot water” at just the point and time you need it.

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!

Installing A Remote Water Faucet

Written by Kevin on March 27, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

Spring is here, and many are turning their thoughts to planting and gardening. Along with that comes thoughts on keeping everything watered during the hot summer months. Dragging around long water hoses can be a heavy and tiresome chore. The solution may be installing a remote water faucet. A remote faucet is a stand-along faucet a distance from your home water source. There are a couple of ways to set up your remote faucet.

Installing a remote faucet offers plenty of benefits. This convenient water source makes it easy to water your lawn or garden, wash your car, wash your pet, and clean the driveway. However, you need to have the right tools, materials, and skills to ensure a successful installation.

Here is what to know!

What You’ll Need

As every Greensboro, NC plumbing professional knows, part of preparing for the project involves gathering the required tools and materials. Below is what you need.

Tips for Installing a Remote Outdoor Faucet

Identify the Best Location

Once you determine the purpose of installing the faucet, you should choose the ideal location. Make sure the faucet is positioned close to the water source and in an area with proper clearance.

Plan the Layout

Planning the plumbing layout will allow you to establish the number of fittings and sizes of every part you need for your outdoor faucet. A proper layout will also ensure the plumbing system works efficiently.

Choose Your Water Source

You should then locate a water source to connect your pipes. The source could be either the city water supply or a well. Regardless of the source, you should switch off the water source before starting the installation.

Blow Out the System

If you live in a cold area, you will need to blow out the system to avoid frost. You can do this using a home air compressor both at the house and in the garden.

Mount the Faucet

The last step is to cut out a section of the hollow PVC fence post so you can mount your faucet. Alternatively, you can use another material to build your own post. Ensure PEX runs inside it, screw a sillcock flange to the post, and install a backflow preventer.

Option 1

Begin with replacing your single valve outdoor faucet with a 2 to 4 valve. This allows you to connect multiple water hoses. Connect a water hose and move to the area needed. Tuck hose up near your foundation or cover with mulch to conceal. Attach a cut-off valve to the end of the water hose. If at your deck, use holding brackets to attach to one of your deck pickets. Then connect the water hose you will use to water your garden or plants. You can use a water hose holder or reel to keep your hose stored neatly. If the location has no mounting post, purchase a free-standing water hose holder and then attach your watering hose.

Option 2

If a remote faucet is needed some distance from your outdoor faucet, you might want to consider having an underground water pipe run from your home to the gardening area you water. Unless you are an advanced plumbing DIYer, you might want a professional to handle this project as it requires splicing into an existing water line and soldering if you have copper piping in your home. A professional will also know to check for any buried cables or pipes in the area for the underground pipe. They will also know what depth to bury the pipe based on the freeze levels in your area. You will still need to determine what post to use at the installation site. PVC fence post provides a nice look and can be finished with a decorative cap. However, you can make your own post of any material — just remember to make it hollow to hide and protect the water pipe.

At Go Green Plumbing Heating and Air, we are committed to offering quality plumbing services that meet your needs. We have experienced plumbers in Greensboro, NC, who provide quick service and lifetime support. Contact us today to request our services.

Under Counter Ice makers

Written by Kevin on March 10, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

Do you have a large family that uses a lot of ice? Or, love to entertain and tired of carrying home large bags of ice? The solution to your problems may just be an “under counter ice maker”. Designed to fit under your countertop like a dishwasher, it can be worked right into your kitchen design. If having a constant supply of ice sounds like a good choice for your home, here are some things to review before making your purchase.

Location:

First and foremost, determine the location for your ice maker. This will allow you to purchase the correct size for the space available. Remember that access to a water line and 110V-120V 3-prong outlet is needed.

Capacity:

Capacity of the ice maker is related to the size of the ice maker. A smaller space means a machine with a smaller capacity. However, an ice maker with a high production rate will allow the machine to remake ice faster. Different types of ice machines make different shapes of ice (i.e., nugget or pearl ice, cube ice, crescent ice, or gourmet). Built in water filters are another feature to be considered, along with whether or not the machine comes with a warranty.

Installation:

Installation is another consideration. An experienced DIYer might be able to manage the installation. However, there are several complicated aspects to be considered, so having a professional handle it might be worth the additional cost. Proper installation ensures your ice maker works at its best and alleviates leak concerns that can damage cabinets and flooring.

Having an under counter ice maker means you’re less likely to run out of ice right when you need it — an important asset to your family on a daily basis, and when entertaining. You’ll be able to sit back, relax, and never worry about having enough ice on hand.

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!

Is A Kitchen Prep Sink In Your Design Plan?

Written by Kevin on February 9, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

When deciding on a design for your kitchen remodel, give some consideration to multiple sinks. Having a smaller bar or prep sink, along with your regular double bowl kitchen sink, can make your kitchen run more efficiently.

A bar or prep sink is a singular, smaller sink that is available in square, round, or rectangular shapes. Due to the size of these sinks they can be placed in a strategic location to meet specific needs. For example, a bar sink (or a longer trough sink) installed in a side counter area creates a space to hold ice, iced drinks, or chilled hors d’oeuvres during a party. It also makes a great location for a coffee or tea station.

If you find yourself sharing your kitchen space with another person, or persons, a second prep area is very beneficial. A prep sink placed in a kitchen island where the majority of food preparation happens can be a lifesaver. An island sink is the natural place to wash fruits and vegetables, so while you’re at it, install a garbage disposal to help with cleanup.

And, of course, don’t forget the design appeal of having a bar or prep sink in your kitchen. Without a doubt, it provides a touch of luxury. And with the different shapes and textures available today you can match your personal design, ranging from modern to rustic.

This additional work space will have your kitchen looking great even as it works hard.

The Hidden Shower Drain

Written by Kevin on February 6, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

When doing a bathroom remodel, homeowners usually focus on what they consider the big items. For example, the tub, vanity, countertop, and tile all contribute to the overall design we want in our bathroom so they are a natural choice. One thing homeowners normally don’t think about is the drain system in the shower. Most people are used to the simple round drain that sits in the middle of our shower floor. Though it gets the job done, no one can call it pretty or attractive.

Today, however, there are new and attractive choices available. Tagged as “hidden or premium shower drains,” these drains allow for a more finished and attractive look on your shower floor. They come in linear—or trench—shape, square and triangular shapes, as well as curbless designs that are simply an opening at the bottom of the wall.

It’s helpful to note that using a hidden or premium drain can expand your design choices as well. Using larger sized tiles, shaped and patterned tiles are easier to implement now than ever before. And most importantly, you don’t have to worry about an ugly round drain detracting from your beautiful tile work.

However, as with any remodeling project, research your choices and discuss them with your contractor or plumber. This will ensure that you have picked the best drain for your shower area. Then you can enjoy the smooth, finished look and feel of your new shower floor for years to come.

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!

High Tech Your Kitchen Remodel

Written by Kevin on February 2, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement.

When it comes to a kitchen remodel, most people think of outlets and lights switches as an afterthought. While they are a necessity, they can sometimes be unsightly and detract from beautiful kitchen designs. Thanks to some great new items, outlets and light switches can now become an interesting part of your design that will add to the overall functioning of your new kitchen.

Light Switches – There are now flush mount switches that are as stylish as they are functional. These range from a simple push switch (no flip switches here), touch switches that require a touch of your finger tip, a tap switch that turns on/off with a tap of the finger, and even sensor switches where you wave your hand in front of the switch.

Outlets – Once something that could ruin the look of a gorgeous backsplash, outlets are now something to build in as part of the design. Pop-out outlets, for example, have smooth flush features enabling the outlet to remain hidden until you push it to reveal three plugs. There are also USB outlets that can make it easier to charge your devices while working in the kitchen.

Under-counter Tracks – These attach under your cabinet area and can be used to provide lighting, extra outlets, USB ports and iPad/iPhone cradles. They can be installed using an existing outlet to provide electricity to each cabinet section, or can be hardwired in for a completely smooth, unmarred backsplash.

Bluetooth is also a feature that can be added to allow you to control not just the lighting in your kitchen, but throughout the rest of your home. So, if you are updating or remodeling your kitchen area, remember to check out the new tech items available to make your kitchen high functioning, as well as beautiful.