2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling Archives | 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas to Kick Off the New Year

Three Tips to Transform Any Bathroom

The end of the year is coming quickly, and while there may still be a few holidays to get through, it will be time to make plans for the new year soon. Most people include plans for home upgrades as they budget for the upcoming year.

This year, consider upgrading the bathroom as part of New Year’s plans. Over the years, bathrooms can be neglected and become outdated spaces that cause more stress than relaxation. Here are some tips from local experts to help homeowners plan to turn their bathroom into a relaxing oasis.

Upgrade the Showerhead

Bathroom remodels can be large or small. Sometimes, all it takes to make the space feel new and relaxing is a minor change, like upgrading the plumbing fixtures such as a showerhead. When shopping for a showerhead, consider all available options and what is most important for homeowners, such as saving on water costs or relaxation. Some of the showerhead options and features commonly sought out for showerheads are:

Built-in, waterproof speakers
LED lighting
Low-flow showerhead for water conservation
Rain showerhead to mimic the gentle feel of rain
Hand-held showerheads for flexibility and easier shower cleaning

Install a New Bathtub

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, there is a massive need for taking some time out to relax. Taking a shower at the end of the day to relax and prepare for bed is great, but for true relaxation, there is nothing quite like a long soak in a bathtub. Taking a bath has numerous health benefits, including:

Lowered blood pressure
Better sleep
Reduced stress
Deeper relaxation
Relieve muscle pain

These benefits can be easily obtained by planning a bathroom remodel that includes a bathtub installation. Consider the many bathtub options, including styles like alcove bathtubs, clawfoot bathtubs or other freestanding bathtubs, and soaking bathtubs for maximum aesthetic and comfort.

Improve the Look of the Bathroom

When planning a bathroom remodel, consider upgrading the bathroom design to accommodate the latest styles and conveniences. Some of the elements to consider are:

New bathroom tile
New vanities and bathroom sinks
Upgraded bathroom faucets
Accents pieces and decor like towel racks, plants, paint, and artwork

With bathroom remodeling, the new and improved bathroom can be the perfect space to relax. Start planning now to kick off the new year right with a new bathroom.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is a family-owned and operated company serving Rancho Cordova, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, financing, and live answers 24/7. Call them today for bathroom remodeling services in Rancho Cordova, CA.

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Does the Home Need a Water Softener Installation?

What’s Hard Water?

Hard water has a high concentration of minerals in it, namely calcium and magnesium. While hard water isn’t technically dangerous to drink or bathe in, it does have negative effects that can be prevented by installing a water softener. So, read on to learn about hard water and how a water softener could help.

What Does a Water Softener Do?

Water softeners are appliances that turn hard water into soft water, often through a process known as ion exchange. During this process, the water softener pulls minerals like magnesium and calcium out of the water. It does this by using negatively charged water-softener resin beads.

Since these beads are negatively charged, they attract the positively charged minerals in the water, pulling them out of the liquid as the water passes through the tank with the beads. Once this process is done, the softened water flows into the home’s plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances.

Indications of Hard Water

There are a number of negative effects of hard water, the first of which is what the minerals in it do to hair and skin. Hard water can dry out the skin and take the luster out of hair, making it appear dull and lifeless. It does this by preventing the water from thoroughly rinsing soap or shampoo out of hair and off the body, leaving a filmy residue in place.

Since hard water has more difficulty rinsing away soap, the same can happen on dishes. This means homes with hard water often have spots on their dishes even after being washed in the dishwasher. Likewise, clothes washed in hard water can come away with residue, making the bright colors dull and making the clothes wear out prematurely.

Hard water also leaves behind hard water stains. This is why it’s common to see whitish rings on sinks and bathtubs and a mineral scale on fixtures. Lastly, the minerals in hard water can affect appliances that use water, like the water heater, causing premature wear and tear, thereby shortening the appliance's life.

Why Install a Whole House Water Softener?

Homes with hard water can benefit from a whole-home water softener installation in several ways. Soft water, soap, shampoo, and detergent can be rinsed away fully, allowing skin to flourish and hair to retain its luster. Soft water also helps ensure that dishes come out of the dishwasher looking clean and that clothes come out of the washer without soap scum or a dull sheen to them.

Soft water will also allow appliances like the water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine to last longer. Without hard water, these appliances operate more efficiently, helping homeowners save money on energy bills. Fewer minerals in the water can also help keep the plumbing system, fixtures, and appliances healthy for longer. These are some of the reasons whole-home water softeners are beneficial for homes with hard water.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is a family-owned and operated business serving Sacramento and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, financing, and a lifetime workmanship guarantee. Call them today for water softener installation and repairs in Sacramento, CA.

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Will the Lawn Be Okay With Trenchless Pipe Repair?

All About Trenchless Water and Sewer Line Repairs

Plumbing problems in the underground piping can cause all sorts of issues and be challenging to repair since they are located underground. Often, they require excavation in the yard to access the damaged pipe. However, there is another way to repair and replace the underground pipes that won’t damage the yard with digging. This post will discuss trenchless pipe repair methods, what they can be used to fix, and their advantages over traditional repairs to underground water and sewer lines that require excavation.

Trenchless Repair Methods

Trenchless pipe repairs do not require plumbers to dig large ditches in the lawn to repair or replace piping, and multiple methods can be used. Pipe bursting, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, and slip lining are some of the most common trenchless repair methods.

Slip lining works by sliding a new pipe inside the damaged existing pipe and then grouting the space between them. This is a simple technique and works best for straight lengths of pipe. Pipe bursting involves breaking the original pipe while replacing it one section at a time. As the old line is torn apart, the new one fits seamlessly into the underground gap. A metal hydraulic is used so that the process can be managed quickly.

Cured-in-place pipe lining is a method that uses a felt lining inserted into the original pipe so that resin can harden and attach the lining to the inner walls. The new lining effectively takes over the job of the old piping. Even pipes with bends in it can be repaired with this method.

What Can Trenchless Repairs Fix?

Plumbers can use trenchless pipe repair methods to fix many different kinds of problems with sewer and water lines, such as minor pipe corrosion, pipe misalignment, leaks, or cracks in the pipes from various causes, like tree roots infiltrating the underground pipes.

When a homeowner calls a plumber for water or sewer line repair, the plumber can identify the cause of the problem and whether trenchless pipe repair is the best solution for the problem. They can also determine which trenchless repair method works best for the pipe and the line's issues.

Benefits of Going Trenchless

There are several benefits to trenchless pipe repair and replacement compared to repairs requiring digging and excavation. By not having to dig or excavate, trenchless repairs protect the yard and property from damage and prevent having to clean and repair the damage caused. In addition to keeping the property well-maintained, trenchless repairs typically take considerably less time to complete.

Trenchless repair can also be less expensive since it doesn’t require digging ditches and involves less equipment and labor. Additionally, trenchless repairs are durable, adding longevity to the plumbing system. Trenchless pipe repairs have many advantages, so it’s no wonder they have become common.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling has more than 30 years of expertise serving Rancho Cordova and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, 24/7 live answers, and a beneficial membership plan. Call them today for trenchless pipe repair in Rancho Cordova, CA.

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Answers to Common Questions About Sewer Video Inspection Services

What Every Homeowner Should Know About Sewer Video Inspections

Sewer video inspection is fairly common in routine plumbing operations. Plumbing businesses, big and small, utilize this relatively new technology for everything from leak detection to pipe material identification. While this service can save homeowners money by catching issues before they get out of hand, it’s not appropriate for all the average home's plumbing problems. This is why it’s important for homeowners to know the basics of sewer video inspections. This post will discuss sewer camera inspection services and their benefits.

What Is Sewer Video Inspection?

Sewer camera inspection entails inserting a tiny camera into the sewer line to identify potential causes of plumbing issues within a household. These cameras, affixed to pliable cables, can easily navigate through pipes to see what would otherwise be impossible for plumbers to see. They feature bright lights and a clear view of the plumbing's inner workings, transmitting live footage to an external monitor that plumbing professionals can analyze.

These camera inspections can be conducted in the sewer line connecting a residence to the municipal sewer system on the street. They can also be used in households that have septic systems. Additionally, they are suitable for examining the interiors of residential pipes leading to the main sewer line.

When Can Sewer Camera Inspection Help?

While sewer video inspections aren’t necessary for every plumbing problem, they are often used during the diagnosing process. In some scenarios, these inspections serve as an initial diagnostic tool to determine the problem. In others, they act as a way to verify an issue or check the pipes' condition so the plumber can provide the homeowner with accurate quotes to fix the problem. However, there are some specific signs homeowners should look out for that could benefit from a sewer video inspection.

A persistent, difficult-to-clear blockage may necessitate a sewer camera evaluation. When a singular drain experiences blockage, a camera might be used to see the obstruction directly and determine what caused it to figure out the best solution. Conversely, if all household drains exhibit slow draining or complete halting, it often signifies an issue with the main sewer line, making a video inspection of that line imperative. More telltale indicators of sewer line complications include uneven lawn growth, a sewage smell, and damp patches on the lawn.

How Can Homeowners Benefit From Sewer Video Inspection?

The main benefits of sewer video inspection services are convenience and cost savings for homeowners. The ability to identify plumbing problems without resorting to invasive methods like digging up the lawn to access the sewer line helps to keep costs down. Before these sewer inspection cameras were widespread, plumbing professionals relied on educated guesses and digging to determine the location of sewer line leaks and issues, often requiring multiple excavations before isolating the problem. Thanks to modern technology, plumbers now have access to sewer inspection cameras equipped with transmitters, enabling precise problem location. Additionally, such cameras can detect intrusions, like tree roots, that may have penetrated the piping system.

A sewer video inspection also gives homeowners insights into the overall condition of their piping. They can help ascertain the type of piping in place, detect potential corrosion and damage, and alert homeowners to the need for drain cleaning, sewer line repair, or replacement. Ultimately, sewer video inspection can help homeowners stay on top of plumbing issues. If a problem does occur, it can allow the plumber to work fast and efficiently to remedy the situation, saving the homeowner time and money.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is a family-owned and operated company that has been serving Sacramento and the surrounding areas since 1981. They offer same-day service, financing, and live answers 24/7. Call them today for sewer video inspection services in Sacramento, CA.

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National Wellness Month: How to Stay Safe From Gas Leaks

Identifying a Natural Gas Leak

Gas leaks are both dangerous and challenging to detect as they are invisible. They are frequently considered a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Fortunately, there are ways to quickly and successfully identify a gas leak before it wreaks havoc. This blog will share signs indicating a gas leak, how homeowners should respond, and how professionals address them.

Gas Leak Symptoms

Gas leaks have a distinctive smell that can alert people to their presence in a home. While natural gas is odorless, utility companies add another gas called mercaptan to it, which has a terrible odor that smells like rotten eggs or sewage, allowing the smell to be a sign of a gas leak. Another sign of a gas leak is rising gas bills. Even small gas leaks can cause a spike in gas bills, so monitoring them on a monthly basis will give homeowners a sense of what is normal for their monthly gas usage and when it is higher than usual.

Physical symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, trouble breathing, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat can also occur due to a gas leak. Pets may also suffer physical symptoms. If an underground pipe has a gas leak, air bubbles can form outside the house. This can be seen in puddles of standing water or mud. Calling a professional at the first sign of a gas leak is crucial for health and safety.

What to Do About a Gas Leak

Once homeowners notice signs of a gas leak, they must immediately leave their homes. Evacuating everyone from the house and getting at a safe distance is essential. Even if they suspect the leak is minor, it can still harm the entire household and put them at risk, and if a gas leak ignites, this can cause an explosion.

It is crucial not to touch any light switches or use any electronics or anything with a flame while exiting the home. The gas is highly flammable and can cause extreme damage to the house and those still in it. Homeowners are also advised to leave windows and doors open so that some natural gas can escape. The local gas company and a plumbing company that does gas leak repair must be called immediately once everyone in the household is safely away from the property. Homeowners should never try to find or fix the leak on their own.

Gas Leak Repair

When trained plumbers come to a home to fix a gas leak, they will first shut off the gas and then locate the leak. They have specialized equipment and methods that can help them accurately determine where the leak is coming from to ensure it is properly fixed, such as pressurizing the gas line with air or using a gas leak detector.

Once located, the plumber can repair the gas line using epoxy to seal the leaks or replace the line. After the gas line repair is complete, they will test the line to ensure the leak is fixed and there aren’t more. For safety reasons, homeowners should not try these gas leak repairs on their own.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is a family-owned and operated company serving Rancho Cordova and the surrounding areas since 1981. They offer live answers 24/7, same-day service, and financing. Call them today for gas leak detection and repair services in Rancho Cordova, CA.