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.

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!

What’s in Your Water?

Written by Kevin on January 22, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement.

Water covers about 70 percent of the earth, and humans are made up of up to 60 percent of water. In fact, doctors recommend that you drink at least 64 ounces of water per day to maintain a healthy body. That’s why knowing what’s in your water is so important. One way consumers are ensuring their drinking water is healthy — and tastes good — is by installing home water filtration systems.

If you’re considering this route too, make sure to plan for testing your water first so that you will know what system is best for you. If you access your water through a municipal source, you can request a water quality report from your water utility company. If your home uses a well, you will need to do an independent water test. Even if you use municipal water, you may still want an independent test — especially if someone in you home is pregnant or nursing — or if you have any unexplained illnesses in the family.

Your county health department can sometimes help test for some contaminates. If not, you can have your water tested by a state certified laboratory. Find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or go to their website at www.epa.gov/safewater/labs. You can also check out the Water Systems Council website (watersystemscouncil.org) to locate one in your area.

The laboratory will provide you with instructions on collecting your sample(s). Follow these guidelines to ensure the most accurate results. There are different collection instructions based on the contaminates you are looking for in the water. Some laboratories may provide a technician to collect the sample, or even do an on-site test, so ask if this service is available.

Knowing what’s in your drinking water, and how those items effect you, will help you find the best water filtration system for your home. Check out our next blog where we will discuss the different water filtration systems available.

Remove Odors From Your Refrigerator

Written by Kevin on January 8, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement.

The new year is here, but there may be some leftovers from 2016 hanging around — literally. After the dinners, parties and celebrations, your refrigerator may still be housing leftovers, expired items, or produce that’s past its freshness, causing bad smells to take over your refrigerator and be difficult to remove. The following steps can help you deal with this problem.

Remove and Clean. To start, turn the temperature control to off to prevent the refrigerator from cooling while you have the door open to clean. Next, remove all items from the refrigerator, discarding any old or out-of-date items. Then, remove shelves, vegetable bins and inside door sections to prepare for washing. Using warm, soapy water, wipe down the sides, inside the door, bottom, and any non-removable shelves. Be sure and clean the rubber seal around the door as well. Make sure to dry everything well after washing.
Deodorize. Place an open box of baking soda or a plate of freshly ground coffee in the refrigerator for 24 hours to absorb odors. Some people like to leave a box of baking soda in the refrigerator all the time to help prevent odors. If using the ground coffee, after the 24 hours, add it to your soil to fertilize your garden.
Set Temperature. Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are set to the manufacturer’s recommended settings. The temperature being too high or too low can contribute to spoilage, and reduce the life of produce. This can lead to more odors issues.
Freshen. Add a few drop of Vanilla (extract or essential oil) to a cotton ball and leave in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Lemon slices placed around the refrigerator can also create a nice aroma.
Prevent. Different foods require different storage conditions to maintain the longest shelf life. Make sure foods are kept in sealed containers and stored in the proper bins (i.e., vegetable, dairy, meat) to help them last longer. Check your refrigerator weekly to remove old food and prevent odors from developing.

Your refrigerator is a work horse for your family. Cleaning it regularly will keep it fresh and odor free.

Upgrade Your Coffee — With a Built in Coffee System

Written by Kevin on January 3, 2017. Posted in Home Improvement, Updates.

Many people wouldn’t know how to get their day started without a “cup of joe.” But, making that first cup happen can be a little challenging sometimes. How many times have you stumbled around the kitchen, half asleep, trying to fill the coffee pot and get that wonderful aroma going to wake you up? Wouldn’t it be wonderful not to hassle with filling the coffee pot with water? Well, take heart, because there are real solutions for you on the market today.

You might think that only commercial coffee makers, or very expensive ones (over the $10,000 mark), can have its own plumbing system. But, that’s not the case anymore. There are now more affordable coffee makers for the home that are plumbed in to make your morning routine easier and faster.

Research is important to find the exact built-in coffee maker you want. Since there is a variance in price, you will want to look around to get the best deal with the features you want. Some makers come with built-in water filters, which may be an important feature if you have hard water. Other specialized features are built-in coffee grinder, separate hot water dispenser, auto on/off, and auto rinse/clean.

The next thing is to consider the location for your unit. If you are remodeling it may be easier to make the transition to a built-in unit. Your cabinetry can then be designed to have specific cabinet allotted for your unit. The plumbing and electrical can also be done before cabinet install.

However, if you just want to upgrade your kitchen with a built-in coffee unit there are still ways to make this happen. Brew Express makes a unit that sits on your countertop, while it connects to your water supply just like your refrigerator. Brewmatic has one that mounts under an upper cabinet allowing you to keep your countertop free unless brewing a pot of coffee. Both units still require some plumbing and electrical, so speak with a professional installer on how to retrofit to your counter space.

Making life more efficient is important to everyone. So, finding ways to make your morning routines simpler and smoother is always a plus. Having a built-in, plumbed-in coffee maker might be just the right step to improving your mornings in this new year — and get you that caffeine fix even faster.

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!

Protect Your Washer with a Little Care

Written by Kevin on December 30, 2016. Posted in Home Improvement.

Laundry day may not be your favorite day, but if your washer breaks down, it won’t take long for you to discover how important it is to your household. That’s why routine maintenance is not only important for extending the life of your washer but also for avoiding down time and expensive washer repairs.

Maintenance actually begins with installation. When installing your washer remember to properly level your machine. Laundry room floors are rarely completely level, so washers are made with adjustable feet with this in mind. Use the level to adjust the feet on the washer to ensure it is perfectly level. Even being a little off level can cause the drum to spin off balance putting stress on parts causing them to break.

If you have a front load washer, make certain you are using the high-efficiency detergent. Using the wrong kind can result in serious damage to your machine. Be sure to remove wet laundry shortly after washing because leaving wet laundry too long can produce a musty smell, and even progress to mildew and mold. After your final load, dry off the door, inside the washer, and particularly around the door gaskets. Mildew can start to grow very quickly around the gaskets. Leave the door open a few hours to allow air to circulate and dry any remaining moisture.

Every couple of months check all hoses and connections for any that are loose, cracking or showing signs of wear. Tighten any loose hoses and connections, replacing ones with cracks or worn out. Giving your washer a thorough cleaning periodically is also a good idea. There are special cleaning products designed to remove residue build up that can cause odors.

For detailed information specific to your washer, check your manual for filter locations and cleaning procedures. Following the recommended schedule will help your washer work more efficiently. In addition, sticking to a maintenance schedule can prevent undo stress and problems with your washer. So, take a little time to show your washer a little TLC and it will serve you faithfully for years.

Plumbing Inspection When Buying a Home

Written by Kevin on December 22, 2016. Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

Buying a home can be an exciting, yet stressful, experience. Finding the house you want to make your home is often overshadowed, albeit temporarily, by the stress of making sure all is well with your wonderful find. Fortunately, thorough home inspections can provide peace of mind. However, some areas, like plumbing, can be costly if issues arise. So how can you be certain that everything is okay and covered in the inspection? Knowing a few things you can discuss with your inspector or plumber will help.

Some things to ask about:

1. Water Heater(s) – Water heaters are usually an afterthought to most people, but it’s an appliance workhorse. Because of how dependent we have become on them, making sure that the one in your new home is in good working order is key. An inspector will check for leaks and corrosion, as well as ensuring the PRV valve is working properly.

2. Toilets – Another item in our homes that get a lot of use, but can be neglected, is the toilets. Small leaks at the back of a toilet can cause big problems if not found and fixed in time. The water stop valve should be checked for leaks, and the toilet itself checked for stability. A rocking toilet can also cause leaks. TIP: Signs of leaks can be found in the flooring. They include vinyl turning purple from water damage, and grout lines turning white or darker at the toilet base.

3. Sinks – Kitchen and bathroom sinks should be inspected. The hot and cold stop valves should be checked for leaks or corrosion. TIP: Water stains on the bottom cabinets can be an indication of a water leak.

4. Showers/Tubs – For enclosed showers, the baseboard and drywall that butts up against the shower pan needs to be assessed. A leak at the base of the shower can cause the baseboard to swell and the drywall to be soft. Shower and tub combos that use shower curtains, can produce problems as well. A shower curtain not properly closed during showering can allow water to run over the tub corners, causing damage to the flooring. TIP: Vinyl flooring lifting or discoloring, or a softness when stepping on or touching the area, can be an indication of damage.

5. Basement/Crawl Space – For finished basements, the inspector will look for wet spots, or water stained areas, pointing to a pipe leak. Unfinished basements and crawl spaces enable the inspector to assess the water pipes directly for leaks. This is the time they can look for subfloor damage under kitchen and bathrooms caused by leaks.

Knowing these things will ensure the house you are purchasing is getting a thorough review. Then all that’s left is to relax, and enjoy getting settled into your new home.

Beware Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Written by Kevin on December 9, 2016. Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly. Most people know that cars emit carbon monoxide, but forget that any fuel burning items can produce this gas. Gas burning furnaces, water heaters, stoves, ovens, dryers, fireplaces, propane stoves, portable generators, charcoal and gas grills can all turn from useful to dangerous if you’re not aware of how to manage them.

Statistically, more carbon monoxide poisoning cases are reported during the winter than any other time of the year. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are common (i.e., headache, dizziness or light-headedness, and nausea), so many people don’t realize the cause of their sickness. Below are ways to ensure your family is protected.

Have your heating systems, water heaters, and other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances inspected by a professional
Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors. These should be placed near the fuel burning appliances. Remember to change the batteries once a year.
Never use generators, camp stoves, charcoal grills, or any other gas or oil burning items inside your home. If using any of these outside make sure not to have them near a window.
Never run a motor vehicle inside the garage, even with the door up.
Make certain that all your fuel burning appliances are properly ventilated.
Never heat your home with a gas oven.

By following the above guidelines, you can help make certain your family is protected not just during these wintry months, but year round.

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!

Using Wood in Your Bathroom Design

Written by Kevin on November 25, 2016. Posted in Home Improvement, Updates.

Wood in the bathroom? Believe it or not, yes. Over the last few years wood has become a popular design choice for bathroom design. Used to provide warmth and character throughout our homes, wood has now found its way into bathrooms. Thought for years that because of its vulnerability to moisture, wood shouldn’t be used in high moisture areas, new sealing techniques have now made this possible.b

A couple of things to keep in mind before making the final decision to add wood to your bathroom. Although it can be the element that makes the statement in your bathroom, it does require more maintenance. Proper sealing is a necessity to protect from water damage. Resealing every two to three years is necessary to maintain the look and health of your wood. Tung oil or Rubio Monocoat are environmentally-friendly products you can use. Polyurethane is a good sealant as well, but the most durable is epoxy. Though costly, it will provide the most protection. If you choose this route, look for a low-VOC product.

Another consideration for homeowners is the type of wood. Cedar, teak, old-growth pine and cypress (reclaimed woods), and some exotic woods offer the best moisture resistance. However, protecting your wood surface from direct contact with water is still the best way to keep it looking good. So, before installing wood, make certain you understand the maintenance it will require.

If you decide that you want to try wood in your bathroom, let your creativity flow. Consider wood countertops, a variety base, a feature wall(s), shower plank flooring, a wood ceiling or beams, even sinks and tubs. Options are limited only by your design style and budget. So, if you want your bathroom to have that something special, look into adding a little bit of wood. It will definitely bring some “wow” to your design.

Flooring for Kitchens and Baths

Written by Kevin on November 21, 2016. Posted in Home Improvement.

Choosing flooring for kitchens and baths can be a little intimidating, largely because both areas are affected by water and moisture. The kitchen is also a significant design area, so choosing a flooring that complements the rest of the home is important. To help you in your selection, we have listed some of the top choices for your kitchen and bathroom flooring below.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile – Tile comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and patterns allowing you to create your own specific look and style. Both types will take a lot of wear and tear, and are great at handling water issues like spills, splashes, and leaks. Although good for water areas, tile can be cold and hard underfoot, so using rugs or cushioned mats may be necessary to offset the discomfort especially in the kitchen. Since tile can crack as floors settle, make certain the proper sub-flooring is used to reduce the likelihood of cracking. Choosing a non-slip or textured variety is also important as tile can be quite slippery when wet.
Vinyl – This is a resilient flooring that offers a softer, cushiness underfoot. It is easy to clean, completely waterproof, and stain-proof. Vinyl comes in a large variety of colors and styles to match any decor, including some styles that have the appearance of tile or real stone. Vinyl also has a wear layer making it scratch and scuff resistant. Textured vinyl, in particular, also provides good slip resistance. Keep in mind that if covering a large area you may have seams that can collect dirt and moisture.
Cork – If you are looking for eco-friendly choices, then cork may be for you. Made from tree bark that’s harvested every eight to 10 years, cork is a nice sustainable material. It provides a soft, slip-resistant surface that is waterproof, making it great for kitchens or bathrooms. It’s important to note that cork requires resealing every 3 to 4 years to prevent scratching and moisture getting through the seams.
Solid Wood – Although not an option for bathrooms, solid wood flooring is still a favorite for kitchen areas. Wood provides a look that is timeless and creates visual warmth in an area. If your home has an open floor plan, wood floors throughout can give it a unified look. Solid wood is extremely durable and low-maintenance while on-site-finished hardwoods, rather than factory finished, provide a little more protection against moisture since the finish gets into the seams to help protect the wood underneath.
Other Options – While all of the above are great flooring options, there are many other choices for flooring. Laminate, bamboo, concrete, marble, and granite may also be considered. Based on your design, life-style, and budget, you can create space that works for you, and gives your family a warm and inviting place to live.
Heated Floors- check out our post here regarding adding wonderful heated floors for your bathroom!

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!

The Laundry Room/Utility Sink Dilemma

Written by Kevin on November 15, 2016. Posted in Home Improvement.

With the remodeling of laundry rooms on the rise, some are wondering if a laundry room utility sink is a necessity. Homeowners’ questions include: “Wouldn’t that space be better utilized as storage?”, “What are all the uses for a utility sink?” or “Will not having a laundry room effect the resale value of my home?” All of these are great questions. So, let’s breakdown the full use of the laundry room and utility sink.

Having a separate laundry area is a big plus for home owners or those looking to buy a new home. Laundry can be a messy, untidy business, so its nice to have a separate space to keep this confined. Having storage in a laundry room is also an important feature. It gives you a place to keep not only your laundry supplies, but other household cleaning items. But what about the utility sink? Is it necessary to have a utility sink in your laundry room?

It really comes down to space and what other chores you do in your laundry room. A utility sink is a great place to spot treat stains or hand wash delicate items. You can use it to fill up watering cans and mop buckets, as well as clean up after other household chores. It gives your family another place besides the guest bathroom to wash up after all those dirty outside jobs and gardening projects. If you have a pet, you can use the utility sink to bathe them or wash their food and water bowls.

There are many more uses for a utility sink, but what if you have limited space? If you have to choose between storage or a utility sink, which should it be? Again, your lifestyle will have to determine this. If you have limited storage throughout your house, but you don’t have room in your laundry room for both storage and a utility sink, you may want to choose more storage. Storage is something that can always be used, and is considered a good selling point if you put your house on the market. Not having a utility sink does not seem to effect the resale of a home. However, if you decide to not have a utility sink in your laundry room, you might want to consider adding one to your garage if you have the space.

If you are remodeling your laundry room and are putting in a utility sink, there are a few important things to know. Utility sinks are not just your old, ugly plastic tubs anymore. There are other choices, such as an all-stainless steel sink. Some homeowners are installing nice cabinetry in their laundry room with a deep, stainless steel sink similar to their kitchen, or even an apron sink. Others are looking for old farmhouse sinks that will give their laundry room a more rustic, farmhouse appeal. Antique single and double sinks can also be used.

Whether you choose more space or a utility sink for your laundry room, make your laundry room work for you and your family. It can make doing an unpleasant chore more enjoyable. And your laundry room can help reduce dirt and clutter throughout the rest of your home.

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!