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How to Relax at Home This Valentine's Day Weekend

Make a Bathroom an Oasis

An at-home spa retreat is an option for almost any bathroom. Bathroom remodeling can be done, or fixtures like a new showerhead or bathtub can be added to a bathroom to make it a relaxing oasis. This blog will share self-care tips for creating a luxurious and soothing atmosphere in the bathroom. Whether it’s a new clawfoot bathtub or colorful LED lights, these improvements can help people fully relax in the comfort of their homes.

The Benefits of Baths

Having a bathtub and warm baths have several mental and physical health benefits. And unlike showers, baths have the bonus of “extras.” Bath beads, bath salts, and essential oils are all designed to enhance the relaxation experience of a warm bath.

Most people spend more time in the bathtub than in the shower. When aromatherapy is used in conjunction with warm water, this can ease tension and stiff muscles. Involving the senses through scent, temperature, and lighting are all effective ways to relax.

Taking a bath can benefit your physical and mental health in many ways. It helps improve circulation, lowers blood pressure, and promotes better sleep. It also reduces stress, relaxes tense muscles, and can even relieve aches and pains. A hot bath or shower can also help loosen up mucus and alleviate lung congestion. Soaking in a warm bath also helps improve skin tone, relieve dry and itchy skin, reduce inflammation, and even treat skin conditions like eczema.

Color Therapy

Adding color to the bathroom is another way to engage the senses and affect mood. Depending on the bathroom, this can be done in a few different ways. Colorful LED lights may be installed in existing bathtubs or the bathroom. This will light up the water in the tub or the room with whatever color a homeowner chooses. Cool colors like blue and green can help relax the body while soaking in warm water, while colors like red can stimulate and energize.

Vanity lights can also improve bathtime if they aren’t too bright. Colored vanity lights usually have lower wattage than pure white bulbs. Since not all vanity lights are designed for easy bulb changes, new lights can be installed above the mirror. A strip of vanity lights can be added without purchasing another cabinet fixture or mirror.

Rain Shower Heads

A rain showerhead is another spa-like fixture that can be installed directly into the ceiling or replace an existing showerhead. The face of the shower head is usually much larger than traditional showerheads and uses gentle pressure for relaxation. Since the rain shower has a wider diameter, household members can stay warmer with full-body coverage. Some people refer to this type of shower as a “couples shower” because there is ample room for two.

Not all rain showers are alike. Some showerheads come with built-in LED lights or Bluetooth speakers. This allows people to further the relaxing experience in the bathroom by listening to music, podcasts, or even guided meditations. If plumbing fixtures need to be installed, a plumbing contractor will know how to safely install them so homeowners can focus on their new bathroom oasis.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling is a veteran and family-owned business serving Rancho Cordova, CA, and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, financing, and a lifetime workmanship guarantee. Call them today for bathroom remodeling services in Rancho Cordova, CA.

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Install a New Water Heater for the New Year

Benefits of Getting a New Water Heater

An old water heater can silently cost homeowners a lot of money as it becomes less and less efficient. This is especially true of old traditional water heaters that maintain the temperature of hot water in a large tank. It takes a lot of energy to keep water at a specific temperature, especially in bulk. Homeowners who start their new year with a new water heater may be surprised about their potential savings and benefits.

Improving Efficiency and Lowering Energy Bills

As water heaters age, they become less efficient and require more energy to heat the same amount of water. This means that an old and outdated water heater will cost homeowners more money on their energy bill each month. The wear and tear on older water heaters can also cause them to break down over time, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.

Replacing a water heater with a new, more efficient model is a great way to save money and improve the efficiency of the hot water system. Newer models can reduce energy costs by up to 30%, which adds up over time and translates into savings for homeowners. Additionally, installing an energy-efficient water heater will provide a better performance, reliability, and a longer lifespan.

Water Heater Replacement Can Improve Hot Water Recovery Rate

The hot water recovery rate describes the speed with which a water heater reheats water in its tank after the hot water has been used up. The higher the recovery rate, the fewer time homeowners will have to wait between uses — and the less likely they are to end up with a cold shower. Not heating water as rapidly as it used to is definitely a sign of an aging system.

When buying a new water heater, it's important to consider the recovery rate. A higher recovery rate means the tank will replenish hot water faster, so families won't have to wait around for it. Newer models typically feature better recovery rates than older units, so with a new hot water heater, the recovery time will be much quicker, and no one will be left in the cold.

Saving Space With Tankless Water Heaters

One of the most advanced options for a new water heater is to go “tankless.” Though tankless water heaters or on-demand water heaters typically do have a tank of some sort, it is a fraction of the size of a traditional water heater and provides the following advantages:

It fits conveniently on a wall in a closet or other small space
Allows for more storage in said space
It is highly efficient, only heating water as needed
It provides practically unlimited hot water

Tankless water heaters are an excellent choice for households that need efficient water heating and extra storage space.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling has over three decades of experience serving Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day service, financing, and 24/7 live answers. Call them today for tankless water heater or water heater services in Sacramento, CA.

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Sump Pump Installation May Be the Best Gift This Holiday Season!

A Sump Pump: The Gift That Keeps Giving

Sump pumps give people the protection they need against water damage and moisture buildup in their basements or crawl spaces. Without a sump pump, the lowest floor of a house can fill with floodwater or groundwater. Sump pumps provide Rancho Cordova homeowners with an important line of defense against floodwaters and other damaging effects of excessive moisture.

What Are Sump Pumps?

A sump pump can detect rising water levels in the sump pit, typically located at the lowest point of a home. Once the rising water level activates the switch, the sump pump will redirect the groundwater or floodwater into the plumbing system to deposit the water outside. This helps protect homes from structural damage due to excessive water exposure over time. Additionally, sump pumps provide homeowners peace of mind knowing that their homes will be protected during heavy rains and flooding.

In addition to helping prevent damage caused by floodwaters, sump pumps are also helpful in preventing mold and mildew from forming in a home. Since mold and mildew thrive in damp, moist environments, the action of a sump pump can help dry out these areas to discourage fungal growth. This helps improve air quality and ensures families are safe from potential health hazards.

Finally, installing a sump pump can also reduce energy costs by keeping moisture out of basements and crawl spaces (where insulation can become ineffective when it becomes wet). Some sump pumps even come with energy-saving features such as timer controls or recirculating pumps that use less electricity while still getting the job done. Depending on the type of sump pump installed, they can run off battery, electricity, or even water.

The Main Types of Sump Pumps

The most commonly used sump pumps are submersible, pedestal, and battery-operated. Although they work differently, all pumps are used for the same reason. Once the water has been successfully drained, it can be dumped in a well, creek, or street drain. Depending on the type of sump pump, additional attachments may be necessary.

A pedestal sump pump uses a separate motor and additional equipment to clear water. It can directly send water to the drainage spot by connecting a hose to the basin. Since the motor rests higher than the sump pit where water collects, pedestal pumps usually last longer than submersible ones. The only real downsides to a pedestal pump are that they can’t handle the same large quantity of water that submersible sump pumps can, and they are louder. Since it is not submerged in water, the motor can be heard more.

Submersible sump pumps and their motor are located inside the sump pit, unlike the pedestal pump. Many homeowners prefer this type of sump pump because it can handle larger quantities of water and is quieter than pedestal sump pumps. However, they are typically more expensive than a pedestal pump and don’t last as long.

Secondary or Backup Options

When the power is out due to a storm or other weather event, sump pumps powered by electricity won’t work, and a secondary or backup sump pump is needed. A battery-operated backup can still funnel water away from the home to the outdoors regardless of electricity. This is ideal when powerful winds accompany big storms. A battery-operated sump pump starts working when the switch is turned on by rising water, just like the types that run on electricity.

A water-powered sump pump backup can also be used. A water-powered backup does use a substantial amount of water to run and will increase the water bill. Although this is not always an ideal solution, it’s effective for removing floodwater in an emergency when there’s no power.

Combination sump pumps are another type of pump that combines two different types of pumping technology into one unit. They feature both an automatic primary pump and a secondary, battery-operated backup that kicks in when the primary pump fails. This type of sump pump is ideal for homeowners who want the convenience of knowing their home will stay dry even if a power outage occurs.

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 since 1981. They provide same-day service, 24-hour live answer, and a beneficial membership plan. Call them today for sump pump services in Rancho Cordova, CA.

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Avoid Plumbing Issues This Thanksgiving

Don’t Let Household Plumbing Problems Ruin Thanksgiving

The holidays are approaching, and it’s time for families to get prepared with gifts, food, and even plumbing. Many issues can arise if households don’t prepare the plumbing and practice good habits before Thanksgiving dinner. Preventing clogged toilets and sewer lines and plumbing maintenance are the topics that this article will cover so that homeowners can avoid plumbing disasters this upcoming holiday.

Prevent Clogged Toilets

One way to avoid a plumbing disaster this Thanksgiving is to know what clogs toilets in the first place. A tip that many people might not think about is using less toilet paper. They might think that because toilet paper is meant to be flushed down the toilet, it won’t cause an issue, but it can, and it will! Also, be careful not to flush anything else down the toilet. Items like paper towels, cotton balls, menstruation products, and even wipes that say “flushable” can cause plumbing issues, including toilet clogs.

Bathrooms should have a wastebasket to dispose of everything besides toilet paper to avoid non-flushable materials going down the toilet. If these tips are followed, homeowners can help prevent clogged toilets and a Thanksgiving plumbing mishap.

Watch Out For a Clogged Sewer Line

Sewer lines can become clogged from a build-up of debris over time that will block the pipes, which can cause many other plumbing problems if neglected. Cooking grease, oil, and fat are among the leading causes of clogs around Thanksgiving and holiday dinners. There might even be remnants of last year's turkey grease and fat that have accumulated more debris in the pipes over time. These blockages can cause issues like leaks, burst pipes, and overflowing if no liquid can get through.

Luckily, homeowners can help prevent clogs in the sewer line by following these easy steps. As mentioned above, one of the easiest ways is to avoid putting grease, fats, or cooking oil down drains. Homeowners can also purchase drain guards to catch other common causes of clogs: hair and food waste. Another easy and effective way to prevent clogs is with professional drain cleaning. The plumber will ensure the drain and sewer line is cleaned and cleared so homeowners won’t have to deal with unexpected clogs and are well prepared for their Thanksgiving dinner.

Be Thankful For Plumbing Maintenance

Routine plumbing maintenance from a qualified professional might be the most practical method to avoid a wide array of plumbing issues. Most people don’t think about their plumbing until there’s a problem. And by then, it’s often too late. A professional plumbing maintenance schedule can help homeowners avoid costly and inconvenient problems.

One of the main benefits of having a professional perform plumbing maintenance is that they can identify and prevent minor issues from becoming big ones that cause more damage and are more costly to repair. Plumbers have the knowledge and experience to keep drains clear, water pressure optimal, and the plumbing system running smoothly. A regular maintenance schedule will also prolong the lifespan of a plumbing system and prevent plumbing emergencies, saving homeowners money and stress.

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling has over three decades of experience serving Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding neighborhoods. They provide same-day service, financing, and a lifetime workmanship guarantee. Call them today for plumbing and drain cleaning services in Sacramento, CA.

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Don't Let Water Hammers Haunt Your Home

What’s the Cause of Those Noises?

If homeowners hear a loud pounding or thumping sound from their walls, floors, or ceiling while a plumbing fixture or appliance is running or has recently been turned off, they likely have a water hammer problem. Homeowners should beware that while water hammers may initially appear to be only loud noises inside the pipes, they can cause significant damage to the plumbing if not addressed promptly by a professional.

Understanding Water Hammers

A water hammer, also known as hydraulic shock, happens when a fluid in motion is abruptly forced to a halt or changes direction. Due to incompressibility, it happens mostly with liquids such as water, although it may also occur in gases. An abrupt change in fluid momentum, often caused by a shutting valve, creates a pressure surge that sends sound waves back and forth across the pipe network.

Another potential reason for water hammering is that the pipe has been blocked with rust or lime due to age and corrosion. A water hammer is characterized by a pounding sound that may be repeated several times before the pressure decreases. The pressure surge can often be the piping system’s working pressure limit, causing possible damage.

Why Should Homeowners Care?

Water hammer can be a major issue that causes corrosion and damage to pipes, valves, and fittings, leaks, and burst pipes. Modern plumbing systems are built with air chambers to reduce damage caused by water hammering. These air chambers can get wet, limiting their capacity to avoid water hammer effects. This is why water hammers sometimes form unexpectedly in pipelines that have been working without them.

Depending on the age and quality of the pipes’ installation, a sudden pause of flowing water may cause pipes to vibrate. Pipes should be adequately secured to the joists; otherwise, the water hammer jolt might force them to slam into the walls. The frequent striking will not only cause damage to the pipes but may also harm the wall’s structure.

Professional Solutions for Water Hammers

The presence of air bubbles in the pipes is one of the reasons for water hammer. When the water starts or stops flowing, the bubbles prefer to congregate near 90-degree joints and shift position. Homeowners may be able to stop water hammering if it’s due to flooded air chambers by purging the air from their pipes.

First, turn off the water main, then turn on all of the faucets in the home, beginning on the top level and working down. To drain the tanks, flush all of the toilets. Wait around 30 minutes before turning the water main back on and allowing water to flow from all faucets for 5 to 10 minutes.

Professionals can fix water hammers by installing a water hammer arrestor to absorb shock waves in the pipes. Water hammer can also be caused by mineral buildup and worn washers on the faucets. If the problems are near a specific faucet, professionals can dismantle it and replace all gaskets and rings. They can also remove the valve and soak it overnight in vinegar to remove scale and hard water deposits.