2018 Bathroom Trends – Part Two

Written by Kevin on January 28, 2018. Posted in Home Improvement, Updates.

If you want to add some texture and dimension to your bathroom, you’re going to love 2018. Grab a pen and paper or just bookmark this link, because 2018 just delivered all kinds of options for your bathroom design that will make this room your favorite.

Concrete and Marble. For so many years, granite has been king. But 2018 is ringing in the new year with new surface options that may be ending granite’s reign. Concrete has been moving into kitchen designs for several years, and now it’s making a successful debut in bathrooms. From walls to sinks to tubs, it’s an interesting option that brings depth and texture. And while it’s no secret marble has and always will be a classic choice, 2018 ushers in a new era for this well-loved material. Be prepared to find thick, weighty marble slabs used as entire bathroom walls and in showers, taking this well-loved material in an exciting new direction.

Metal Framed Showers. Industrial elements have been and will continue to be an influence in home design. And this year, it’s bringing a new flair to trendy bathrooms with metal framed showers. The metal frames overlaying the shower glass replicate the window pane illusion that is not only attractive but also brings texture and depth.

Hand Carved Stone Sinks. Who doesn’t love a vessel sink? This year, designers are taking it up a notch with hand-carved stone vessel sinks that are practical, yet make a powerful statement. With a broad spectrum of different types of stone, finding a style that speaks to you will be a cinch. Have fun with this one.

Tile … Pattern, Color, Texture. While tiles have had a place in American bathrooms for years, 2018’s patterns, colors and textures, take this design element to a new level. This year, you’ll begin seeing tile patterns full of intrigue, bright colors and textures galore.

###

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!

2018 Bathroom Design Trends

Written by Kevin on January 27, 2018. Posted in Home Improvement, Updates.

With each new year comes a round of new design trends for consumers to embrace. If you’re looking for a few ways to upgrade your bathroom, whether you’re planning to sell your home, or you just want to change things up a bit, this blog series is for you. To learn what 2018 holds with regard to bathroom design, read on.

Monochromatic colors? Yes please. Are you someone who has a hard time determining what colors to mix for an attractive room palette? Worry no more. Design on a single color and choose varying shades to use in your bathroom and you’re on trend. From white to indigo blue to gray, go grab some paint chips-your life just got easier.

Bring on the Color. While monochromatic color is in, so is color itself. While there will always be those who enjoy the subtlety of organic tones, 2018 has arrived giving those who love bright, colorful baths and even kitchen permission to give it a go. Green, indigo, orange, yellow? whatever your pleasure, grab that paint brush and get to it

Stand-alone tubs? Perhaps the days of claw foot tubs are not completely back, but they’re getting pretty close. Stand-alone and sunken tubs are the way homeowners are creating a spa-like environment in their own homes. Whether in the bathroom or in the master bedroom, you’ll begin finding stand-alone tubs creeping back into homes this year.

Black is back. So brass managed to make a come-back, and now black fixtures have too. Especially with the monochromatic trend in play, black fixtures add a nice crisp pop and contrast to keep things interesting.

Ledge storage for the win. While storage has been making a comeback for a while, the ledge storage that we’ve all been using to lean photos and artwork on in our living rooms and bedrooms has made its way to the bathroom. Install it over your sink or toilet, whatever you please. But more storage options are reason to be excited.

###

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!

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!

Is It Time to Replace Your Toilet?

Written by Kevin on November 27, 2016. Posted in Plumbing, Updates.

Although it is used on a daily basis and is an indispensable element of their homes, most people give little thought to their toilets. However, like other items in your home, age and usage can take its toll. So, how can you know if your toilets are in need of replacement? Here are some signs that will help you determine if a new toilet should be in your future.

The majority of toilets are made from porcelain, which over time can develop small hairline cracks. Even a small crack will leak leading to damaged flooring and subfloors. Sometimes the bolts that hold the bowl to the floor will deteriorate due to a leak, causing the toilet to rock. While this can signal a need for the bolts to be tightened, it can also mean that the floor beneath the toilet has been damaged by a leak. An experienced plumber can help determine if a repair or replacement is needed.
If you have an older toilet in your home, it may not flush quickly or efficiently. If that is case, updating your toilet may be worth considering. Because new regulations require toilets to use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush, upgrading an older toilet can help decrease your water usage, saving you money on water bills. Furthermore, the new dual-flush toilets uses even less water for the majority of flushes reducing your water usage even more.
If you decide to replace your toilet, there are many options to consider, so do your research and read reviews before making your selection. Think of your family’s needs and lifestyle when choosing from the broad variety of new designs. Toilets styles today range from the standard two-piece toilet to a one-piece. Also, your decision to go with a concealed base versus an integrated base style can effect your cleaning process, so be sure you understand what you are buying.
As you are probably aware, you can still choose from a round style seat or an elongated style seat. And though white is still the most popular toilet color, there are many other color options to consider, depending on the other materials used in your bathroom.
Seat height can also be a consideration. The majority of toilets sold are a standard 17-inch seat height, but there is also a “comfort height” available at 19 inches. These are beneficial particularly for anyone in your family who has problems getting into and out of sitting positions.

Giving a little thought and TLC to your toilet can prevent damage to your bathroom flooring and floor structure. So keep an eye out for small leaks, or movement of your toilet, to know when it’s time to replace your toilet and you’ll be more apt to avoid bigger and more expensive problems.

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.

Choosing Shower Fixtures

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

Whether you are updating old, leaky shower fixtures or choosing them for a completely new shower, you will encounter a large array when you start your search. Not just functional anymore, shower fixtures can be the statement pieces in our bathrooms. Making shower selections is very personal, and depends on what we expect to get out of shower experience.

For those whose mornings are extremely rushed, and getting through a shower the quickest way possible is a must, then your choice may be the old faithful single-head spray shower head. This type of fixture has a head with several nozzles that distributes the spray. Most have an adjustable lever that will change the flow of water from wide to concentrated streams. Some may prefer a hand-held variety that is attached to a flexible hose. Handheld shower heads give a nice showering experience, but is also useful in cleaning and rinsing your shower.

If you are looking for more of a spa-like experience, then you might be interested in rain shower heads that are suspended above the user and sprays straight down. Some are installed directly from the ceiling of the shower, while others mount to the wall and extend above the user still allowing a downward spray of water . This type of shower head can provide a very soothing and refreshing effect. Just remember that your hair will get wet every time if suspended from the top!

For the all out luxury (and who doesn’t want that?), look at adding body sprays. This can be done by purchasing a body shower wall unit that comes with a shower head and body sprays built into a tower unit, or creating a custom look by installing individual spray heads that are each plumbed into the shower wall. Additional features to consider are thermostatic valves that maintain constant water temperature, and digital controls that can regulate water flow intensity, temperature, ambient lighting and music. These are all features for the individual that is looking for the ultimate relaxing and de-stressing shower. However, keep in mind these items come at luxury costs, so determine your budget ahead of time.

Whatever your selection, make your shower your own special place to rejuvenate, relax and escape!

Need help remodeling your bathroom? 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 Remodels by Go Green Plumbing

Written by Kevin on August 2, 2016. Posted in Home Improvement, Plumbing, Updates.

Finally, you are getting the new bathroom you have always wanted. Now you have started the search for your faucets, and are staring wide-eyed at an over-whelming array of them. Who knew there could be so many choices in bathroom faucets? Well, here is some info that hopefully will make your selections much easier and a lot less stressful.

To start, you have to consider your remodel. Are you keeping your current sink or replacing? If you are keeping your existing sink you will need a faucet that has the same pre-drilled hole cutouts. The different types of faucets are Single-hole, Center-set, Widespread mounts and Wall mounts. If installing a new sink, then you can go with the style of faucet you like best since holes can be drilled at installation.

The next thing you have to consider is your finish. Your choices will range from the industry standard of polished chrome, to brushed nickel, stainless steel, bronze, brass and decorative ceramics. Choose a finish that you love and will be happy to live with. Keep in mind that polished finishes, while beautiful, require more upkeep. Brushed finishes help at hiding water spots and fingerprints; a plus if you have children.

There are now special features manufacturers have created to assist us and make us feel more pampered. Have a need for extra clean hands? Then you might be interested in a sanitizing faucet that injects a stream of ozone into the faucet water to kill germs. Some come with the feature built in or a retrofit kit can be purchased and attached. Prefer a hands-free faucet? Then a motion-activated faucet that requires a battery or AC power, or one that generates its own power, might be just what you need. If soft, silky water is your preference, then a faucet with laminar flow will be the one for you.

Shopping for your bathroom faucets can be fun and exciting. Doing some online research for current styles, finishes and features will help you make a better, more informed choice. And whether you purchase from a local hardware store, showroom, or online store, you will know you have made the perfect choice for you.

Have a plumbing issue and need some 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 to Flush, What Not to Flush by Go Green Plumbing

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

What to Flush, What Not to Flush

I think we’ve all had that same question at one point in our life – is this really flushable? So many products now claim to be flushable – baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, etc. But what should you do to protect your pipes? Rest assured, we have answers.

First, while many products sat they are ‘safe’ to flush, limit your flushes to simple waste and toilet paper. Anything else should go in the trashcan. If you are concerned about odors, simply sprinkle some baking soda in the trash can liner to help absorb odor or empty trash daily. Particularly strong odors can be mitigated by disposing of them in the main trashcan outside the home (used diapers, any dog/cat clean up items).

No feminine hygiene products should ever be flushed down the toilet. In public waste systems they can build up and cause a blockage, which the homeowner may have to pay to repair. In private septic tanks, they can quickly fill the tank to capacity. Baby and cleaning wipes are other products that are frequently flushed. Remember that while one or two of these a year may be OK for the system, regularly flushing either of these can lead to disastrous consequences for your septic tank.

Have a plumbing issue and need some 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!