Author: Angelina Fowler

Types of Flooring

Angelina Fowler Home Improvement , , , , ,

Flooring Fairfield NJ is a huge design element that can drastically impact the look of a room. Beyond that, it’s essential to consider a floor’s functionality as well.

Flooring

For example, some flooring materials are better for mitigating sound from downstairs neighbors, while others are warmer underfoot than tile or concrete. The type of flooring material you choose also impacts your health.

Hardwood floors provide a warm and inviting touch to any room. They are versatile and complement many styles of decor, from traditional to modern. Hardwood flooring is also eco-friendly and adds resale value to your home.

Hard wood floors are crafted from real, natural wood and create a classic look that will never go out of style. Hardwood planks are typically installed perpendicular to wooden support beams, known as joists or bearers. Both solid hardwood and engineered wood offer natural grain patterns and textures that complement any design style.

Solid wood is thicker than engineered hardwood, and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. However, it’s more susceptible to moisture and isn’t recommended for use in bathrooms or laundry rooms. Engineered hardwood has a layer of plywood that resists swelling and warping, making it a better choice for humid locations.

The color and texture of hardwood can be customized with different stain colors to match your décor. There are a variety of texture options as well, from smooth to rustic.

If you’re installing new hardwood flooring, be sure to allow for an acclimation period before using it. It takes time for the wood to adjust to the humidity in your home. When you’re ready to get started, a 50Floor professional can visit your home to show you samples and help you find the perfect floor for your space.

Tile

Tile flooring offers a wide variety of styles, patterns and textures that can enhance the aesthetics of any home. Unlike carpeting or wood, tiles are highly resistant to moisture and staining, making them a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms. They’re also easy to clean, which reduces the need for harsh chemicals or cleaning products.

In addition, tile can mimic the look of natural materials, such as wood or stone, allowing homeowners to create a more unique style. They also come in a range of colors, from bright white marble to dark matte slate. Moreover, tiles are not limited to traditional square or rectangular shapes; hexagonal and octagonal tile options allow homeowners to create more complex patterns and layouts.

Many families with young children and pets prefer tile flooring, as it’s easier to keep clean than most other types of flooring. It also provides a comfortable surface underfoot, and can help prevent the spread of germs and allergies in homes with kids and animals.

However, due to its low thermal conductivity, tile floors may feel cold in the winter and can lead to higher energy costs for heating and cooling. To mitigate this, homeowners can choose textured or slip-resistant tile options, install area rugs, or use underfloor heating systems. Adding a layer of quality insulation can also help reduce these costs.

Vinyl

Vinyl is one of the most versatile flooring materials available. It is highly durable and easy to maintain, making it a popular choice for high traffic areas. It is also relatively inexpensive and comes in a wide variety of designs.

Vinyl comes in sheet or plank form and is made of a combination of materials, most importantly PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It includes plasticizers to make it flexible and soft to the touch, as well as pigments that set its base tone.

When properly cared for, this flooring material can last up to 20 years. It is resistant to water and spills, so it’s perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. It can also withstand heavy foot traffic. It’s important to wipe up any water spills quickly and place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.

It’s also a great option for those who are looking to brighten up a dark room with the look of natural wood or stone tiles. It is a good alternative to hardwood, especially in spaces that can get damp and humid.

Luxury vinyl is also available in a wide range of patterns and colors, making it easy to find the perfect match for any design. It’s also a great choice for those who want to minimize their impact on the environment. Most of MSI’s luxury vinyl products are certified with FloorScore, GreenGuard Gold, and LEED, which means they produce very few volatile organic compounds and other chemicals that can affect indoor air quality.

Carpet

Carpet has been a popular choice among homeowners for decades due to its softness and comfort underfoot. It is also an excellent insulator and helps reduce noise levels in the home. Carpet is available in a wide range of colors and styles to fit any design aesthetic.

Carpet can be made from a variety of fibers, including wool, acrylic, nylon and polyester (called PET). Nylon is the most stain-resistant option, especially when treated with post-production stain protection. This is the preferred carpet fiber for high-traffic areas and homes with children and pets.

Wool is a natural fiber that produces a luxurious carpet with an excellent feel and a unique texture. This type of carpet is ideal for formal rooms and offers superior durability. Acrylic is an inexpensive alternative to wool. It can be dyed in a variety of colors but is prone to pilling and soiling. Polyester is an eco-friendly fiber and can be produced in spun or filament constructions. It can be dyed in a wide variety of colors but is prone to flattening and is easily crushed or matted.

Although many people are shifting away from carpeting, it has some great benefits. It offers better traction than smooth materials and can minimize slips and falls, particularly for seniors and youngsters. It also provides a softer landing for those who do fall, and it is much warmer than tile or wood floors in colder climates.

Concrete

Concrete is a structural material that can be poured as part of new construction or laid as a flooring surface over an existing slab. Traditionally, it was left exposed and rough, but today a variety of treatments can make it suitable for flooring. Concrete floors can be honed (treated with progressively finer abrasives) for a smooth, glass-smooth finish that can then be polished or buffed to a shiny shine. They can also be stained, dyed, or acid-stained to create a mottled marble-like appearance that will be unique to each floor. Concrete floors can also be overlaid with a decorative overlay for a fresh, updated look.

Concrete floors are extremely durable and hard to damage. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and can withstand most dropped objects. Unlike carpet, they don’t absorb moisture and can be sealed with low or zero VOC products to prevent water penetration, mold growth and mildew. They are also environmentally friendly, as they don’t deplete natural resources and require less energy to produce than other floors.

However, concrete is hard and cold and can be uncomfortable for people who stand on it for long periods of time. It can also be abrasive to feet and backs, and it is not recommended for homes with young children or elderly people. It is also prone to hairline cracks over time and requires resealing regularly. A concrete floor can also generate a lot of noise and may be susceptible to cracking due to changes in humidity.

Natural Stone

Stone flooring is a beautiful, unique, and durable option for any space. It adds a premium quality that increases the value of your home. Stone floors are not affected by changing trends and last for decades.

The wide variety of natural stones available gives you the freedom to select a style that aligns with your vision. From the sleek and modern ambiance of granite to the cozy feel of tumbled travertine, there’s something for every style.

Because of its porous nature, most types of natural stone must be sealed after installation. This prevents stains and keeps the surface clean. This can be a time-consuming process and is a consideration for some homeowners.

Stone tiles offer a high level of durability and are a great choice for areas with heavy foot traffic. They can withstand the wear and tear of families with children and pets. They also provide good traction and are less slippery than other tile options.

Stone floor tiles are easy to maintain and care for. With a little bit of regular upkeep, they will stay looking their best for years to come. They are also a more environmentally-friendly option than manufactured alternatives because they do not require frequent replacement and recycling. Stones recycle natural heat from the sun to help lower energy costs. In addition, they absorb and trap air moisture to keep indoor environments comfortable and healthy.

Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

Angelina Fowler Plumbing , , , ,

Long periods of rain can cause water to back up into your sump pump, so it’s essential to check it frequently to make sure it’s functioning correctly. The simplest way is to pour water into the pit and watch to ensure the float switch rises and turns the pump on.

Sump Pump

The cover of your sump pump is essential because it protects the sump pit and your house from debris. However, it can become worn over time, causing gaps that allow unwanted gases like radon into your home. Contact Local Law 152 Plumbers for professional help.

Before you can check your sump pump’s cover, ensure the power is turned off. If it isn’t, turn off the breaker at your breaker box. Once the pump is unplugged, you can remove the grate and wash it with clean water. You can also use a toothbrush and water to scrub the sump pump’s inlet screen and drain opening to remove dirt buildup.

You should then check the discharge pipe to ensure that it is free from blockages. This will ensure that your sump pump can properly pump water away from your home, preventing basement flooding and other issues. In addition, you should also thoroughly examine the hose and drain to make sure that it is free from ice or other obstructions during winter.

When you’re done, you should put the pump back into its pit and plug it in. If you’re unsure of what to look for or need additional help maintaining your sump pump, you should call a professional for advice and assistance. A professional can help you determine what’s wrong with your sump pump and how to repair it, avoiding expensive property damage in the future.

If you notice that your sump pump is running continuously, it could indicate a problem with the float switch, an incorrectly set float switch or a malfunctioning check valve that allows water to flow back into the pump basin. To resolve the issue, you can adjust the float switch to correct the height or replace the float switch altogether.

It’s important to regularly check your sump pump and pit during long periods of rain. If you don’t, the water can get too high and overflow into your home, resulting in flooding and costly repairs. Inspecting the float switch, the discharge pipe and the inlet screen is essential to keeping your sump pump working properly.

Check the Discharge Pipe

The discharge pipe is essential in directing water away from the home, but it can also be one of the easiest places for problems to occur. During heavy rains, it’s important to make sure the pipe is far enough from the foundation of the home and other structures to prevent water from seeping back into the pump or flooding around it.

When the sump pump is working properly, it should be able to easily push water through the discharge pipe. However, if the pipe is too small or it is clogged, the pump won’t be able to do its job. In the worst cases, the pump could become stuck or start running continuously, which will cause damage to the engine over time.

If you suspect the pipe may be blocked, it’s best to contact a professional for help. Attempting to unblock the line yourself could result in further damages and costly repairs.

Another common problem is a broken check valve, which is a key part of the system that allows water to flow back into the basin once it’s emptied. If you have a check valve in your sump, it’s important to inspect it regularly and replace it if necessary.

It’s also important to ensure the discharge hose is not too close to the home, as this can lead to water seeping back into the pump and burning out the motor. Ideally, the hose should be a minimum of 10 feet from the home, though 15 is more ideal.

Lastly, the pump should sit on a flat, stable surface and not be on sand or gravel, as this can be sucked into the pump and ruin it. It’s also a good idea to empty the basin of debris on a regular basis so it doesn’t clog up or damage the motor.

You should also periodically test the pump by pouring about five gallons of water into it and watching how the float switch activates the pump. If you notice any problems, such as an increased humming noise or the pump failing to turn on at all, it’s a good idea to call a professional for assistance.

Check the Motor

We all know how damaging a flood can be, and for this reason it is important that your sump pump does its job when called upon. However, as with any piece of equipment it is necessary to check on its performance on a regular basis. We recommend that you inspect your sump pump at least once a year and after heavy rainstorms. You can do a simple test by pouring water into the pit to see if your pump turns on and pumps out the water. If it does, you should feel confident that your pump will do its job when called on in the future.

During your inspection, you should also make sure that the drain pipe is not clogged and that the air hole in the discharge line is free of obstructions as well. It is possible that these issues could cause your pump to turn on and off repeatedly, thereby causing damage to the motor. Finally, you should also check on the operation of the float switch by pouring five gallons of water into the basin and seeing if it moves through its full range of motion without getting stuck or failing to turn on when it should.

To perform a more detailed inspection of your pump, you should disconnect the power and remove it from the sump basin (we recommend putting it in a large trash bag so that it doesn’t get ruined). You can then take the pump outside to clean. After removing it from the pit, you should unplug the pump and examine it for signs of rust or corrosion. You can also remove the pump inlet screen and thoroughly clean it to make sure that nothing is clogging it. Lastly, you should consult the owner’s manual to find out if your pump needs lubrication.

Once you’ve completed your inspection and cleaning, you can reinstall the pump, plug it back in, and reconnect it to the discharge line. Before you do this, however, you should make sure that all of the water has drained out of the pit. Leaving the pump plugged in will cause it to operate dry, which is likely to cause more damage.

Check the Electrical Connection

Your sump pump relies on electricity to function, so make sure it is plugged into a working outlet and that the power cord doesn’t show signs of wear and tear. Also, check that the sump pump is plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet, as these outlets are designed to trip in damp areas, effectively shutting off your pump.

Before inspecting the pump itself, remove the cover from the sump pit and clean the basin. Be sure to thoroughly scrub the basin and check that the inlet screen is free of debris, and that the drainage pipes are properly positioned. Then, unplug the sump pump and pour water into it to see if the float switch moves freely up and down and that the pump activates as it should.

A low hum is normal, but if you notice loud rattling noises coming from your sump pump, it could be a sign of a mechanical problem. These sounds usually indicate a jammed or broken impeller. A professional can help fix this issue by examining the unit.

If you live in an area prone to heavy rains, it’s also a good idea to add flood leak detectors to your home so that you can get an early warning if the sump pump doesn’t operate as it should. These devices can alert you to problems that need immediate attention, helping you avoid expensive basement flooding.

The most important thing is to keep on top of your sump pump maintenance throughout the year, especially during and after stormy weather. With a little bit of regular care, your sump pump can last for years and protect your home from expensive damage. If your sump pump needs to be repaired or replaced, a home warranty from HWA can protect your budget and your peace of mind with affordable coverage. Find out more today!

Preventative Plumbing Maintenance Tips

Angelina Fowler Plumbing , , , , ,

Your plumbing is integral to your daily life, yet it’s one of the things many people ignore until something goes wrong. Identifying and addressing problems quickly minimizes the damage.

Look for water stains, rusty pipes, and musty smells under sinks. Avoid clogged drains by being careful about what you flush and pour down them (only toilet paper and human waste should go in the toilet, and avoid putting food scraps or grease into sink drains). If you need help, don’t hesitate to call Plumber Fayetteville AR.

plumbing maintenance

Check The Water Heater

Your home’s plumbing is central to your daily life. From running water through your pipes to flushing waste out of the house, everything must run smoothly and efficiently. Fortunately, while many plumbing problems may require a licensed plumber to fix, you can do some preventative maintenance that will catch small issues before they turn into bigger ones.

Your plumbing system includes all the pipes and appliances that supply water to your home, including the sinks in your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room, the toilets, showers and bathtubs, dishwashers, and washing machines. A well-maintained plumbing system will help you save on energy costs, conserve water, and avoid costly plumbing repairs.

Most homeowners don’t think about their plumbing until they have a problem, but catching problems early with routine maintenance can save you money and stress. Plumbing leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems, and just a single drip every two seconds from a faulty tap can waste over 3,000 gallons of water each year!

Leaking water supply lines can cause major damage and increase your water bill. You can help prevent these problems by locating and repairing leaks in your water supply line connections, shut-off valves, and fittings.

Tank-style water heaters can develop rust and corrosion over time, which reduces efficiency and shortens the life of the unit. A professional technician can flush the tank to remove sediment and restore the unit’s efficiency and lifespan.

Your water heater’s pressure and temperature relief valve should be tested to ensure it is functioning properly. When this valve fails, it can allow hot water to scald you or flood your home. This valve can also become clogged with debris, which can lead to a leaking water heater.

You can test your water heater’s safety valve by turning off the power and draining the unit. With the house circuit breaker for the water heater shut off, you can then remove the wire nuts that connect the gas and electric supply lines to the unit. Use your multi-meter to measure ohms of resistance. If the meter reads infinite resistance, the valve is working properly.

Check The Water Pressure

Low water pressure can lead to trickling showerheads and faucets while too high pressure can damage your pipes. Testing your home water pressure a few times a year is a great way to identify problems before they get out of hand. You can do this by purchasing a water pressure gauge at your local hardware store and hooking it up to a hose faucet. Make sure that all the other faucets and water-using appliances are turned off, as this will ensure you get a true reading. You should aim for a pressure of between 40 and 50 pounds per square inch (psi).

Leaks are another common plumbing problem that can damage your home. Even if they are small leaks, they can add up over time and could result in expensive repairs. Leaky faucets and showerheads can also waste gallons of water each day, and it is important to check for any potential leaks in your kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere else in your home.

Many people think that a leaky pipe is something that can only be fixed by a plumber, but it is a fairly easy repair that most homeowners can do themselves. Leaky pipes can be caused by a variety of things, including corrosion, loose fasteners, or an old and worn-out valve. In some cases, you can see evidence of a leak by looking for rust spots on exposed pipes or a puddle in your basement.

You should also be on the lookout for any signs of water stains on your ceilings or walls. This is often a sign of a hidden leak that hasn’t been detected yet. Leaks and water stains can cause serious structural damage to your home, so it is important to check for them regularly.

Finally, you should know where the main shut-off valve is for your home’s plumbing. This will allow you to cut off the water supply if there is ever a major problem. It is also a good idea to locate any other water shut-off valves in your house, such as those for the hot and cold water in the bathroom or kitchen.

Check The Drains

Whether you live alone or with a family, it’s important to know where the shut-off valves for your water line and major appliances are located so you can quickly turn off the flow of water in an emergency. Having these shut-off valves handy can save you from costly repairs in the event of a broken water heater, overflowing toilet, or pipe burst. If you’re not familiar with the location of these valves, ask a plumber to show you where they are in your home.

You may not think about your drain pipes much until something goes wrong with them, but you should regularly check the condition of all drains and sewer lines to identify any potential problems. For example, it’s common for food waste and soap scum to build up in drains over time, leading to slow or blocked drainage. Taking preventative measures like installing a drain guard for your garbage disposal and using hair traps for shower drains can help minimize these issues.

Another drain problem that’s often overlooked is leaks. If you suspect that your pipes are leaking, look for signs of moisture around the drains, such as puddles, mold growth, and musty smells. Check underneath sinks, in the yard, and around the washing machine, dishwasher, toilets, and water heater to identify any problem areas.

While it’s not a good idea to pour chemicals down your drains, it’s also a good idea to regularly clean your drains with natural products, such as hot water, baking soda, and vinegar. These products are safe for your pipes and can help eliminate odors and slow drainage.

The kitchen and bathroom are two of the most common rooms for plumbing problems to develop, especially when wastes are poured down the drains that shouldn’t be there (such as grease and fat). Be sure to keep fibrous foods out of garbage disposals and use a strainer in shower drains to catch hair and other debris.

You should also schedule an annual drain cleaning service to ensure that your pipes are clear of obstructions and clogs. This will help reduce the number of times you need to call a plumber and can help protect the longevity of your drain pipes.

Check The Water Meter

The water meter is the best tool available for diagnosing leaks. It allows you to determine how much water you are using and whether or not that usage is changing. In some cases, a small leak can add up to an enormous amount of wasted water. It is very important to find and fix the source of the leak, so you can save money, avoid costly repairs, and protect our precious water resources.

First, locate the meter on your property. It is usually located in a concrete box on the street labeled “Water Meter.” It is very important to read the meter correctly, as this will help you detect leaks and understand your water usage. You should read the meter daily and weekly to ensure that you have accurate information about your water usage. If the reading is going up, you are likely leaking water and need to find and repair the source of the leak.

Once you have determined that there is a leak, shut off all faucets and appliances, including the toilets. You can also turn off the irrigation system if you have one. Next, look at the meter dials to make sure that they are not moving. If the meter dials continue to move, you may leak in the service line between the meter and your house or in the mainline from the meter to your home. You will need a professional to resolve these types of leaks.

Some older meters have a red triangle or silver sprocket-shaped “leak indicator” that will spin when water is flowing. If you have this type of meter, make sure that no water is being used inside or outside your home, and watch to see if the indicator is spinning. If it turns, you leak and should call a plumber to repair it.

Newer digital meters have a display that shows the current reading along with the rate of flow in gallons per minute. This can be useful for detecting small leaks, as it will show you the exact volume of flow.