How to Keep Your Ice Maker in Good Condition

You may not need residential plumbing services if you notice that the ice from your ice maker is not tasting as good as it should or the maker is not producing the same quality or quantity as it once did. Before you call your local plumbing contractors, try giving your freezer and ice maker a good cleaning. A lot of people are daunted by the idea of cleaning the ice machine, but it is probably a lot easier than you thought.

What You Will Need

You do not need any special tools or equipment used by residential plumbing services to clean an ice maker. Aside from it being in your freezer, cleaning this device isn't much different from the other appliances that keep your kitchen running. You will need an old toothbrush, a little white vinegar, 2 fiber-free cloths, and some hot soapy dishwater. The entire process shouldn't take more than a few minutes, and you will be able to taste the difference afterward.

Turn Off Power

Depending on the manufacturer and style, the plumbing for your ice maker may have an on/off switch on the front or rear of the device. Other styles can be turned off by raising a metal bar. Refer to your manual if you are unsure of how to power yours down. If you don't have a manual, try searching for your make and model of refrigerator online.

Remove and Clean the Ice Bin

The ice bin is designed for easy removal by either pulling it straight out or lifting and pulling. Take care not to use too much force. Empty the bin and remove any debris or ice stuck inside. Wash it in hot soapy water, rinse it, and dry it thoroughly.

Clean Freezer Components

Using the toothbrush and one of the cloths, clean the ice maker and its components. Gently scrub away any ice or other material on or around the icemaker. This is the perfect time to clean the entire freezer if you remove the contents before beginning the process. You can use soapy water and vinegar on all of the other freezer components but only use vinegar on your ice maker. Dry the ice maker well with the remaining soft cloth to prevent frost from forming before the ice maker can begin producing ice.

Replace Bin and Repower

Put the ice bin back in its place under the ice maker. Turn the device back on. Allow it to make a couple of trays of ice, discard the ice that has been made. Your ice maker is now clean and ready for use.

In some cases, cleaning the ice maker is not a solution to the problem. Once you have ruled out this simple solution, you may need to consult a plumbing contractor to determine what the problem is. Before you call, make a list of problems you may have noticed with your water system, because a series of different problems may be related to a single larger issue.

Why You Need Glass Cabinets

Installing glass cabinets has become a popular renovation project in the residential glass industry. Homeowners have the cabinets installed for a variety of reasons, from making small rooms look larger to creating safe yet visible display areas for treasured trinkets. To show you why glass cabinetry is an ideal project for a remodel, take a look at some of the advantages that installing glass cabinets will provide.

High Visibility

Glass fronts on kitchen cabinets make it easier to know where the item you are looking for is located, but the effect can be taken a step farther for other types of cabinets. A glass display cabinet is excellent for showing off trophies, precious documents, or collections of everything from salt and pepper shakers to stamps and coins. Glass cases have the advantage of providing a 360-degree view of the contents, and that means less handling of items that are easily damaged.

Home Value

Glass cabinets look nice, and that alone can increase buyer appeal when you get ready to sell your home. Glass is available in many styles, colors, and textures, and can be used in every room of the home. Your family will love what it can do to liven up the home today, and future buyers will be willing to pay more for aesthetic appeal when your house goes on the market.

Create Depth

Ordinary cabinets take up noticeable space in a room without giving much in return, but glass cabinets can have the opposite effect. Mirror-backed cabinets, for example, create an illusion of depth and space, allowing light to reflect back out into the room. This illusion of depth is especially helpful in small rooms, or spaces that have limited access to direct light.

Enhance Lighting

By installing strategic lighting in glass cabinets, you can produce more light in confined spaces without taking up any additional floor space. Additionally, combining mirrors with translucent glass means lighting areas without sacrificing privacy. This can be very helpful in locations where a single room is used for separate activities.

Friendly Design

Glass cabinets are available in many styles, including sliding cabinets, inset shelving, and more. It can be used in places where ordinary box cabinets are unsuitable because it allows pass-through lighting, and can be custom-designed for ideal placement. Glass is appealing and versatile, and makes every room seem a little brighter and more congenial.

You may be surprised at how much difference the installation of glass cabinets can make. When installed by qualified residential glass contractors, glass cabinets will stand up to frequent use and last a lifetime. And to top it all off, installing glass cabinets will give your home a brand new look without performing a total home remodel.

Is it Time to Remodel Your Home?

Your home is an important investment, but the time may come when it needs the services of well-qualified home remodeling contractors. A lot can happen to a house over the years, from a settling foundation to needing more room for your family. If you are trying to decide whether it is time to remodel, here are some of the most common indicators that remodeling is called for.

Aging Home

Older homes may have developed a wide variety of problems over the years that should be addressed by home contractors. Walls can become damaged, baseboards lost or broken, chair rails banged up, and more. Even the construction of the home itself may deteriorate over time, with wallboard working loose, floors wearing out, and ceilings becoming damaged or sagging. Seasoned remodelers are adept at returning your home to its original beauty and sturdiness.

Growing Family

Children born into the family, or loved ones coming for an extended visit may mean that you need to make more room. Remodeling a home allows you to modify the internal design, convert a garage or attic space, or even add a new room to the home's foundation. If you prefer adding a separate cottage for mom or as a starter dwelling for a young couple on the property, it would still be considered remodeling, and can be part of an even larger project.

Cracks and Gaps

Step-shaped cracks in your exterior walls are typically a sign that the home's foundation has settled. Inside, the same thing may be visible in sheets of drywall pulling away from each other, cracks or gaps in your trim, or corner bead cracking and peeling away from exposed wall corners. Remodelers can re-level the home and rebuild damaged areas to restore the integrity of your home.

Sticking Doors and Latches

Another indication of settling in a home can be found in windows and door frames. Broken glass may be the result of windows that are out of true, putting the glass under abnormal pressure. Doors may be hard to open, or refuse to latch-- or they may not even fit into the jamb anymore. If you have doors or windows that don't work the way they used to, remodeling may be in your future.

Deteriorating Shingles

Most shingle roofs are only warranted for around 20 to 25 years. After that, shingles begin to weather and deteriorate. This can be visible as peeling or broken shingles, but many homeowners don't discover roof problems until damage begins to show inside. Similarly, overhanging tree limbs can scrub away the surface of shingles, deposit mold and algae on your roof, or cause punctures in high winds. 

If your home fits any of these categories, consulting a local home remodeling contractor is probably a great idea. You may be able to get by with inexpensive repairs now, but allowing your structural problems to go untreated can lead to very expensive repairs in the future.

Signs You Need a Sewer Pipe Replacement

 

Sewer lines need to be replaced over long periods of time, and trenchless sewer replacement is a practical modern way to do the job. If your drains are sending you a message that it is time for sewer repairs, consider using trenchless methods as a way to preserve your lawn and get the job done sooner.

Drains Backing Up

If only one drain is having the problem it may be a localized clog that can be cleared up by a rooter service, but multiple drains backing up may indicate that home plumbing inspection would be in order. Remember that drains typically slow down before they stop working, so calling a home plumbing service at the first sign of trouble is important.

Odors Near Sinks and Drains

Material or standing water in your sewer lines will begin to emit unpleasant odors after a while. If you notice foul scents near any of your drains, try flushing them with baking soda, but be prepared to schedule a home plumbing inspection if there are other symptoms present as well.

Gurgling Sounds in the Walls

The same debris that will decompose and cause odors will also prevent pipes from flowing the way they were designed to do. As water backs up in the pipes you may hear rattling or gurgling sounds coming from your walls as the water builds up pressure and forces its way through. Gurgling sounds in your sewer lines is an almost certain sign that you have a problem developing.

Wet Patches in Your Lawn

If you have places in your lawn that remain wet even during dry weather, there is a good chance that you have a sewer leak somewhere nearby. The wet patches are where the water is forced to the surface and may not be directly above the leak. If the area around the wet patch seems to be greener than the surrounding foliage, it is because of the rich content of the sewage that is leaking under your lawn. Both symptoms may be accompanied by unpleasant odors or a noticeable increase in flies and other insects.

If your sewage lines clog, it can cause raw sewage to rise, back up in drains, or even leak out onto your floors. Trenchless sewer replacement can correct your sewer problems in a way that causes a minimal amount of destruction to your lawn as well as less disruption for your life. As soon as you notice symptoms of a sewage problem you should schedule a plumbing inspection to avoid additional damages.

How to Choose Windows When Remodeling

If you have decided that it is time for residential windows replacement, give the project some consideration before you start. If you are having a hard time deciding on the specifics of your window replacement, qualified contractors can show you samples and offer advice based on what you want, where you live, what the regional climate is like.

Custom Windows Vs. Big Box Stores

Residential windows replacement shopping at chain hardware stores may seem inviting, but the bargains may not be as good as you think. Mass-produced windows often lack quality control checks and may need minor repairs before they can be installed. Additionally, the window dimensions for your home may not be the same as the original openings due to settling or shifting of the home over the years.

Window Style

With custom windows, you can choose from different styles and shapes of windows. Big bay window out front? Great idea. Round windows on the bathroom openings? No problem. Before you decide that you have to have the same old boring windows, take a look at the styles, shapes, and tints available in modern windows. The beauty of custom windows is that you have the freedom to think outside the box and be a little more creative.

Glass Options

From single pane glass to multiple panes with argon between them, choosing custom glass options can have a big impact on your energy bills, the aesthetic look of your home, and even how long your new windows will last. Professional glass installers can advise you on the right type of glass for your geographic region, taking into account the many variables involved. Not every glass option works for every design, but there are enough variations in window design to allow you to reduce energy costs and get windows that will last for decades.

Window Frame Choices

Window frames may be made from several materials, including, metal, wood, and vinyl. From frames that never need to be painted to decorative wooden sills and shutters, your choice of window frame will have a huge impact on how the finished project changes the look of the home.

Professional Installation 

The professionalism of the glass company that performs your window replacement plays a role in how the job looks when it is complete, how long the new windows will last, and even whether the job will be completed as you expect it to be. Always verify that you are dealing with licensed and insured contractors who specialize in glass replacement. Check online reviews and customer testimonials to get an idea of how previous customers have reacted to the company's work.

Window replacement is a big investment. Give the project serious consideration before you begin. Choose a licensed and insured contractor with a good reputation, and look at all of your options before you make the decision. You will be looking through those windows for years to come, and the choices you make now will affect how you feel about the view later.

How Much You Could Save with a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water systems are available from major water heater repair & replacement contractors and are touted as a great way to reduce your household energy costs. Tankless systems are strongly recommended for families of 3 or fewer by the energy conservation branch of the EPA and will save power for larger families as well if certain criteria are met. To give you a little insight into how much you could save, it may help to take a closer look at how a tankless system conserves power and water.

Gas On-Demand Water Heaters

Gas-powered tankless systems installed by licensed water heater repair & replacement technicians have the potential to provide the most benefits. The reason for the additional savings is that it takes time for hot water to be delivered from a traditional system, and that time literally money down the drain when you have to wait for the water to get hot before washing or showering,

Electric Tankless Systems

Electric heating systems take a little longer to deliver a steady flow of hot water, but they still provide a much faster, more economical delivery than traditional tanked systems. With any tankless system, your savings will depend on the size of the plumbing system, the number of people in your family, and the amount of demand there will be from devices such as clothes or dishwashers. 

Tankless Systems and Solar Support

Not all solar water heaters use a continuous flow system, and even the best solar heaters can’t do much at night or during cloudy days. You can offset the shortcomings of a solar water heater with a tankless heating system to get the best results. The solar system provides instant delivery during sunlit hours, supplemented when water flow begins, and during the night or cloudy periods by the tankless system that is always monitoring the water temperature.

Usage and Savings

The amount you can save using a tankless water heater varies from home to home. In general, the savings will range between $70 and over $100 annually, based on usage of around 41 gallons per day in a family of 4. Larger families or situations where hot water is being used more frequently, Will reduce the savings, and smaller family groups will save more. Similarly, large families may want to install more than one tankless system to keep the hot water flowing throughout the house as it is needed.

Tankless water heaters add value to the home and offer savings for the homeowner. They make it possible to begin showering right away instead of waiting for the heat to travel through the home’s plumbing, resulting in using less water and energy to heat the water left in the pipes when the shower is done. It is difficult to offer exact savings amounts on using tankless systems, but every family will realize savings proportionate to their water usage.

Window Maintenance Tips for the End of Winter

Winter weather can be hard on exterior residential glass. As the weather begins to warm, homeowners can take advantage of the change by inspecting and performing routine maintenance on their windows. From cleaning and sealing them to repairing leaks and broken glass, it is time to get things ready for the coming summer months.

Check Sills, Frames, and Shutters

During the cleaning process, you may notice minor damages like peeling paint, decaying window frames, or shutters that need to be repaired. Minor repairs are a lot less expensive than major ones, so call a residential glass contractor as soon as possible to correct any problems you aren’t comfortable with repairing yourself.

Inspect Seals and Joints

Check the caulk around window panes and frames. Age and harsh weather are common reasons for silicon caulk to harden, crack, or become dislodged. Minor drafts can add up to a lot of money in excess energy costs compared to the cost of simply having your residential glass contractor reseal the windows.

Check for Cracks and Leaks

High winds, falling branches, and freezing temperatures can cause residential windows to crack. Make sure that all of your windows are free of cracks. Even a small crack will become large quickly and may even lead to the glass falling out of its frame. Professional glass contractors are licensed and insured, with the experience to replace most panes-- even in multi-paned windows.

Clean the Windows and Screens

Cleaning your screens and windows not only gives your home an aesthetically pleasing look, but the process also helps you better identify areas that may require the services of a glass company. During the winter, ice and snow deposit dirt and grime that can facilitate damage to the frames, window glass, and operating mechanisms. In some cases, a good cleaning will be all it takes to get everything into good working order. Use vinegar or isopropyl alcohol to get the best results.

Verify Your Windows Open and Close

Just as freezing weather can damage window glass, fluctuations in temperature and humidity may cause window frames to warp or expand. Open and close all of your windows a few times to make sure they work effortlessly. Any windows that do not work as they should need the attention of glass technicians to locate and correct the problem as soon as possible.

Taking care of any problems you can find with your windows will prepare them for the heat of summer, and could potentially save you hundreds of dollars in wasted energy. Most repairs can be completed in a day, including repairing or replacing double-paned windows.