3 Plumbing Updates for Your Kitchen
Updating the plumbing in your kitchen can be a fun way to refresh the room, reduce costs, and improve the usability of your space. Join Best Plumbing as we take you through three of the best plumbing updates for your kitchen.
New Faucets
Installing new plumbing fixtures is a great way to update your kitchen. Beyond visually jazzing up your space, modern faucets can also utilize technology to make your kitchen routine easier or potentially save you money. For example, low flow and motion sensor faucets can do both. In addition to being good for the environment, these types of water-conserving faucets can help you save money, too! With less water flowing out of the spout and less heat being used to generate warm water, you’ll save money on your water and energy bills! To discover the perfect fixtures for your home, come visit the Best Plumbing showroom. Feel free to schedule an appointment or just drop by!
Water Filtration
Having a water filtration system installed under your kitchen sink will not only raise the value of your home, but it will also make your life easier. Refillable pitchers with water filters, and even refrigerators with replaceable filters, can be a pain to use. Between having to refill the pitcher every time you want drinkable water, or remembering to order a new filter for the fridge before it fails, these alternative systems can be an unnecessary irritant in your life. With the installation of a water filtration system, you will have access to clean drinking water from your sink 24/7.
Modern Garbage Disposals
The garbage disposals of today have come a long way from the loud, gurgling monstrosities of yesteryear. When having a new garbage disposal installed, look for one that is stainless steel. Not only will these sharp blades work better as a disposal, but they will also be quieter and get the job done a lot faster than many other types of metal. A quieter garbage disposal is a great way to upgrade your kitchen, make dish washing more enjoyable, and efficiently eliminate food and odors from your sink.
If you are ready to start updating your kitchen, then give Best Plumbing a call. While you’re at it, be sure to ask about getting your pipes checked. There’s no point in updating a kitchen if the foundation is broken!
We are proud to serve the greater Puget Sound area, providing homeowners with all of their plumbing needs. We look forward to hearing from you!
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3 Reasons to Avoid Liquid Drain Cleaners
When one of your drains becomes fully or partially clogged, all you want to do is get it fixed as quickly and easily as possible. That’s why so many Seattle and Bellevue area homeowners turn to liquid drain cleaner – it seems like a quick, cheap solution to a frustrating problem. However, if you ask the Best Plumbing team, they’ll tell you that liquid drain cleaners come with their own set of issues. Here are three reasons to avoid them:
1. They Can Be Damaging to Your Pipes
Most liquid drain cleaners do their work by creating a chemical reaction with hydrochloric acid. This chemical is hard on pipes, especially if it sits on them for an extended period of time. It can melt or deform plastic pipes, and weaken or crack metal ones. Such damage can result in broken, leaky pipes down the line.
2. They Can Be Hazardous to Your Health
Liquid drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that aren’t good for you, your family, or your pets. These cleaners often release strong fumes that can irritate your nose, eyes, and throat. If your space doesn’t have enough ventilation, these fumes can also hang in the air for a while afterward. Some liquid drain cleaners are also dangerous to touch, and can if they come into contact with your skin, may cause burns.
3. They May Not Be Effective
There are many possible causes of a clogged drain or pipe. Liquid drain cleaners may dissolve blockages of hair or grease, but they won’t fix more serious issues. If your clogged drain is caused by a broken pipe or sewer backup, it will likely take professional help to resolve it.
The next time you encounter a blocked drain, think twice before using liquid drain cleaners in your Seattle home. If you can’t fix your clogged pipe with a plunger or drain snake, call Best Plumbing for professional help. One of our expert plumbers will be able to diagnose the problem and find the right solution.
Photo Credits: © Kanttila, available under Creative Commons CCO.
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Which Type Of Radiant Heating Is Best For You?
Radiant heated flooring is used to bring comfort and energy efficiency to homes all over Seattle and the Greater Puget Sound area. The advantages of radiant heat over forced-air systems are derived from the way they deliver heat.
Advantages of Radiant Heating Systems
More Comfort: Forced air-systems disperse heat through vents causing heat to be distributed unevenly near vents and on second stories. Radiant heating systems deliver heat consistently throughout the entire floor, so the temperature is the same no matter where you are in the room or house. Radiant heating is also more comfortable for Seattleites who suffer from allergies because they don’t continually stir up allergens the way that forced-air systems can.
Better Efficiency: According to the Department of Energy, radiant heating is generally more efficient than forced-air systems which tend to let air escape as it travels through the ducts. An important caveat to this statement is that the level of efficiency depends on which type of radiant heating you’re talking about. There are two types of radiant heating commonly used, electric and hydronic, both of which have advantages and things to take into consideration.
Electric Radiant Heating Systems
An electric radiant heating system uses a mesh of electrical cables to beneath the floor to deliver heat.
Advantages: The main benefits of electric radiant heat are that it’s easy to install and that it can be used to heat rooms individually.
Considerations: While electric radiant heat is great for heating specific rooms, it isn’t always efficient. Depending on several factors, including the size of the room, the thickness of your subfloor, and whether or not your utility company offers off-peak pricing, electric radiant heating systems can be expensive to operate.
Hydronic Radiant Heating Systems
Hydronic radiant heat works much in the same way as an electric system but rather than using coils of electrical cable, hydronic systems use tubes of heated water.
Advantages: Hydronic radiant heat systems are far more efficient than electric systems at maintaining the temperature in a room for long periods, offering you considerable long-term savings.
Considerations: Hydronic systems are typically more take longer and are costlier to install. Additionally, they aren’t as responsive as electric radiant heating systems, meaning they may take a bit longer to heat up and cool down than electric systems.
Get Help from Your Local Experts!
If you have questions about a radiant heating system or any other plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to call Seattle’s Best Plumbing. With over 50 years proudly serving the Greater Seattle area, we’re your locally owned and operated experts. Call or stop by our showroom today!
Photo credit: janeeric, available under Creative Commons CCO.
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