FUEL your Desire for Power Tools

            Hey there everyone!

            Today we’ll take a break from all the previous plumbing talk and talk about something else: power tools.

            While this subject may seem entirely unrelated, keep in mind that power tools are commonly used for renovations throughout the home, including the bathroom and kitchen where plumbing is most prominent. Because power tools are used in larger projects, I thought it would be a good idea to let you take a breath from plumbing and think about something different.

            This article will talk specifically about the Milwakuee M18 FUEL line, an exclusive line of extreme-performance cordless power tools.  If you think you might be interested in purchasing a Milwaukee FUEL product after this, make sure you check out www.plumbersstock.com for great lineups and discounts.

            In late 2011, Milwaukee announced that they were unveiling their new M18 FUEL lineup which integrated 3 advanced technologies to bring about a super-powerful power tool. The three features of the FUEL line are the POWERSTATE brushless motor, the REDLITHIUM battery technology, and the REDLINK PLUS Intelligence. The integration of these three technologies were meant to provide a new standard for durability, total runtime, and performance.

            The new POWERSTATE brushless motor works harder and has an extended lifespan when compared to the leading competitors, all the while reducing noise and cooling down faster to give the user years of heavy-duty and reliable maintenance-free performance. This motor also has the ability to convert energy into power and torque faster and more efficiently for superior performance.

            Milwaukee’s REDLITHIUM batteries provide a significantly longer runtime and faster recharge time while affording the user with more power when in use. This battery also delivers better overall performance when working in harsh conditions such as extreme cold or heat. Packed with Milwaukee’s amazing durability, the REDLITHIUM battery can perform in climates as low as -18 degrees Celsius with no problem.

            Finally, Milwaukee’s REDLINK PLUS Intelligence external hardware and internal software is one of the world’s most advanced systems for cordless power tools. This technology is meant to maximize performance with a best-in-class communications system between your tool, battery, and charger.

            If that weren’t enough, the new M18 FUEL line bundles all of these incredible and integrated technologies into tools that are lighter and (slightly) smaller in size than the leading competitors.

            If you’re looking to replace some old tools or simply looking to invest in better quality tools, the FUEL line might be for you. Made with the professional in mind, these tools will pack a hefty punch in performance and, due to their nature, should be used often to make them a truly worthwhile investment.  

A Beautiful Pond

             I wanted to start today’s article by showing a picture of something that isn’t incredibly common, but is incredibly beautiful to have in your backyard: a pond.

            A pond has the ability to turn your backyard into more than just a patch of grass with a tree in it—a pond can add layers of depth and definition as you add fish, aquatic plants, and even waterfalls or streams flowing into it. Ponds are gorgeous and small ecosystems which truly show the diversity of life in the world around us.

            Last week, I visited a close friend of mine at her home. When I arrived, I noticed that she had renovated her backyard by adding a small, circular pond. I was pleasantly surprised, as the pond was a biological wonder to behold, and asked her plenty of questions about it, like what kind of aquatic life lived in and around it, what kind of mechanism she used for the waterfall, and how hard it was to maintain. Naturally, I was interested in the plumbing aspect of it all, so I bombarded her with question after question about the pumps she used (since I knew that a pump would be necessary for recirculating the water). She, as most of my friends are about me when it comes to plumbing, was naturally dismayed after the third consequetive question, but to her credit, she did answer all of my questions to the best of her ability.

            I came to find that she used a Grundfos submersible water pump inside her pond to circulate the water. Another Grundfos pump powered the waterfall, and combined, the two pumps worked together to ensure high-oxygen levels in the water and prevent stagnant water.

            As the plumbing portion of this, I admit that even pumps are considered plumbing and are vastly important when it comes to outdoor or underground assistance. Submersible pumps, specifically, can help boost the water pressure in your home, channel water effectively in an irrigation system, and work wonders for a backyard pond.

            About the company now. . . I wasn’t excessively familiar with Grundfos and their products simply because they dealt with pumps and products for projects I hadn’t ever tackled, like boosting my water pressure, adding a pond, or recirculating and transporting water from a well to a home. As it is, I did a little bit of research on the company and found the following cool information:

·         Grundfos is a world-recognized leader when it comes to their products, especially their pumps. Grundfos services industrial and private customers in places all around the world and offers the latest hydraulic equipment to satisfy their customer’s needs.

·         Grundfos slogan is “Be – Think – Innovate.” They truly live up to that slogan by providing energy-efficient products (which in turn can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the product) coupled with high-grade corrosion-resisting stainless steel. Their biggest areas of importance are efficiency and durability.

·         Grundfos manufactures it own personal line of motors, so you can have the peace of mind of knowing that your motor is built to their high standards. Because of this, the chances of overheating or burning out are much less decreased than they would be if it were a lower-quality motor.

·         Finally, Grundfos offers al their products in a variety of different sizes and volts. Depending on what you’re looking to do with it, a single submersible pump can comfortably circulate over 1,000 gallons per minute.

If you’re looking for a pump you can trust, look no further than Grundfos. You can feel comfortable knowing that you're trusting a company has been around for over 60 years and is recognized as one of the best when it comes to pumps. Click on the following picture of a Grundfos submersible pump to be redirected to Plumbersstock.com, where you’ll find a large selection of pumps at discounted prices.

As always, shop smart and renovate away!

The Truth about Gas Water Heaters

            Water heaters use up a lot of energy. Even those that are meant to be conservative can make up a hefty part of your utility bill—about 25% of it, in fact. Since all water heaters will have an impact on your monthly bills in one way or another, it’s important that you choose the right heater for you and your household.

            If you’re looking for the perfect heater for your home, gas heaters are great places to start your search. They tend to be moderately inexpensive to run and maintain, as the newer models use a type of condensing technology to increase efficiency. They also cost less to install in a large majority of cases.

            Most people prefer gas since they’re more economical to maintain. Unlike electric water heaters, which are susceptible to spontaneous power outages, a gas heater will continue to run during those times when the electricity is out. It’s also more affordable to run on a month-to-month basis since most gas companies will offer you rebates or tax breaks (assuming certain conditions are met). Before you buy gas though, you’ll need to assess your current money situation and decide whether or not the benefits and savings down the road are worth the larger installation cost and larger gas line the gas companies want in order to give you their savings.

            In recent years, gas water heaters have seen a lot of improvement thanks to more reliable technology. Heat loss, which was a huge factor in older models, has been reduced thanks to motorized dampers and thicker insulation in the newer models. This allows you not to worry about burning out irksome extra parts, such as fans or pumps, that are needed to keep other water heaters hot.

            Gas water heaters are designed to last an average of ten years before any problems arise. As so, they are great cost effective units which can power any location, from a budget home to a large and populated home. Since newer gas water heaters now come with the option of being tankless, you don’t have to worry about your money being wasted as the heater heats and reheats the stored water all day long. Whether you’re looking to run many different appliances at the same time or just need to replace your current heater for something more affordable, there are gas water heaters out there that can cater to your needs.

            Before you start scouting out a new gas water heater, you’ll want to consider the dimensions of your home. Will the heater be placed in a basement, attic, or garage? Gas heaters need more space as they often heat using a pilot light, so cramming this heater in a tight space could result in a fire or explosion. To make sure you save on the initial installation cost, double check to see if you have the right plumbing and wiring in place.

            Research plenty of different models to find the one that will best fit in your budget and in your home. Be a smart shopper and read the reviews before buying!

           If you're looking to buy a new gas water heater but aren't sure where to start, click on the picture below to be redirected towards plumbersstock, my favorite trusted site for all things plumbing!

            Until next time,

            Sam

Quick Fix on Brizo Faucets

            Hello everyone,

Today we’ll be talking about how to do one quick repair on your Brizo faucet. While I’ll be talking specifically about Brizo faucets, the tips and strategies in this post can be readily used for most other faucets.

We’ll start by spending some time discussing a faucet’s lifespan. All Brizo faucets have a limited lifespan. Depending on the way the faucet is treated and how much it’s used, you can help increase or decrease this lifespan. Like most faucets, Brizo faucets are meant to be durable and long-lasting. With that said, the normal lifespan of your Brizo faucet is about 10 years. In the midst of those years, you may encounter some common problems that all faucets have. While things like a noisy faucet, a leaky faucet, squeaky handles, or a spitting faucet are all common problems with quick fixes, today we’ll only be talking about how to fix a noisy faucet.

If you have an older Brizo faucet that’s in need of repair, depending on the age of the faucet, it may be more beneficial to simply purchase a new faucet. How can you tell if your faucet is ready to be retired?

1.      The threads on the aerator are worn, faded, or corroded.

2.      The finish has mostly faded and there are small cracks visible on the handle or neck.

3.      The internal parts are broken beyond repair or seem to break quickly after being replaced.

If any of this sounds like your faucet, it’s time to remove and replace. It may be a little costly, but if you’re serious about keeping a Brizo faucet while not spending a large amount of money, search online at some third-party plumbing sites to find better deals. If you’re not sure where to start, try Plumbersstock.com. This reliable site offers a huge selection of Brizo faucets are reduced prices, while keeping the same high customer service and quality you except.

Now, if you’re faucet isn’t on its last legs, try these quick fixes to repair your noisy faucet quickly and efficiently.

Noisy Faucet:

If your faucet is screeching or clanking every time you use it, it could be one of two things. Either your washer needs to be replaced, or you have a cracked or broken internal piece. Like anything else, over time, your rubber washer will get worn and frayed with time. If this is the case, your washer has probably grown hard and any water passing over it will cause a loud screech. Replacing your rubber washer with a new one of the same size will fix that problem. Make sure you coat the washer with a thin layer of plumber’s grease before reinstalling your faucet.

If this doesn’t fix the problem, something inside the faucet neck may be broken. While a loud clanking noise may just be the sign of some old pipes, if it sounds like the clanking noise is coming straight from the faucet itself, check to see if anything is broken inside. Take apart the faucet and look for anything that seems out of place or broken. If you find something, take these parts to your local hardware store and ask for a replacement. Once the internal pieces have been replaced, the clanking should stop.
            I hope this was useful for you all! Keep checking back to see more tips, tricks, and guides!
            Sam

Toto Bidets

            Hello everyone!            
           Today, I'm going to talk a subject that isn't touched on a lot. That subject is using a bidet. Now, as of this moment, you may or may not be familiar with what a bidet is. In the United States, they’re not very popular, with few places housing them.           
            For those of you who aren’t familiar with the word, I’ll save you the trouble of looking it up by giving you a brief definition here: bi · det – noun. A low oval basin used for washing one’s genital and anal area.            
           Now, before you turn away and click on another page, consider this: You may not be comfortable with washing your personal areas during the day. You may not even think it’s necessary. However, according to biorelief.com, bidets are not only a more sanitary option when done using the restroom, but they are also beneficial to your health. Because you’ll be cleansing yourself with warm water, you instantly purify the affected area, reducing the risk of bacteria which in turn reduces the risk for infection. Not only that, but a bidet also helps reduce the consumption of toilet paper, meaning less harsh wiping and better overall health for you and the environment.
            The following is an excerpt from biorelief.com:

Almost 80% of all infectious diseases are passed by human contact. Estimates are that 50% of people wash their hands after using the facilities, and many of them do it incorrectly. If you don’t have to use your hands at all there is less chance of passing or coming in contact with a virus. A Bidet does all the cleansing hands free. This decreases and can eliminate the chance of germs from urine and feces to multiply by [coming in] contact with surfaces, and contact with others.

If you’re not comfortable with washing the area yourself, there are alternatives. Toto offers a toilet seat called a Washlet, which integrates an electronic bidet into the seat. After using the restroom, a thin wand comes out and gently sprays warm, aerated water towards your rectum and genital areas. Afterwards, the wand dries the area by gently blowing warm air. When finished, the wand cleans itself and retracts.           
           The whole thing can seem rather awkward, but think of it this way: Science and Medicine are changing at a lightning pace. What’s considered good for health today is updated and changed by tomorrow. Whether you like it or not, science shows that bidets are the more sanitary solutions and do in fact benefit your body’s health. Not only do you help purify your body from potential ailments, but you’re also reducing your consumption of a toilet paper which can cause irritation and does not effectively clean your delicate areas.            
          If you’re serious about increasing your health, consider buying a Bidet from Toto. If you’re unsure as to where to start your search, click on the following link to access a third-part plumbing site which offers a vast selection of Toto products at a reduced cost.           
         Stay healthy!        
         Sam

Traditional Kitchen Faucet Review

            Hey there everyone,

            I’m here to post a quick informational review about buying a traditional kitchen faucet. If you didn’t already know, a traditional faucet is one that has two separate hot and cold water handles, so they’re the very first kind of American faucet that came out. With all the rage about touchless faucets and whatnot, I’m here to advocate for purchasing a traditional faucet.

            Now, I’m no stickler or anything, but if you just LOOK at a traditional faucet, you’ll see where I’m coming from.

            Traditional faucets come in a huge variety of different designs, styles, and finishes, so it’s nearly impossible not to find a beautiful traditional kitchen faucet (I've found a great place to look online is plumbersstock.com) for your exact needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re buying Moen, Kohler, American Standard, or any other manufacture of kitchen faucets, you’ll love having a huge selection to pick from.

            While touchless faucets are cool, they’re very limited to what kind of finishes and styles they can come in, and the technology isn’t very accurate. Sure, we live in a technological era, but perhaps it would be better for us to wait until the touchless technology has been perfected before spending money on a faucet that has a low lifespan, inaccurate readings, and hard-to-find replacement parts.

            With your traditional kitchen faucet, you won’t need to worry about whether or not the sensor picked up on your movements and wait for the water to come out. All you have to do is pick your handle, hot or cold, and TURN ON the water. It’s so easy!

            The biggest nuisance with a traditional kind of faucet is the germ-factor: unfortunately, because you’ll be touching the handles so much, you may harbor all sorts of nasty bacteria and viruses. However, this is readily fixed by wiping down your faucet with a Clorox towelette, which will kill all the germs while making your faucet gleam and sparkle.

            Besides that small inconvenience, there really isn’t much that counts as a con towards a traditional kitchen faucet. Replacements parts are easy to find and affordable to buy, and any good plumber will be able to fix whatever problem your faucet may have, simply because it’s been around for such a long time.

            Now, just because a traditional faucet has history, doesn’t mean it hasn’t been revamped for the modern age. We live in a world of convenience, so don’t think for one second that owning a traditional faucet means giving up some of those optional features you love. Nearly all traditional kitchen faucets come with options such as a pull-out sprayer, a pull-down sprayer, and a soap dispenser. Traditional doesn’t mean living in the past, after all. It simply means classic, and with all the choices you’ll have when choosing your faucet, an elegant and sophisticated double-handled kitchen faucet may just turn out to be the jewel of your kitchen.

            Stay brilliant and happy shopping!
            Sam