Category: fixtures

If you’ve ever been in the market for a new kitchen faucet, you know how overwhelming it can be to figure out which one is right for your needs. Not only do you have to consider design but also materials and quality – all of which are important factors when choosing a durable faucet that will last through trends and changing styles over time. If this sounds daunting, fear not! Here we provide expert tips based on plumber-recommended materials for kitchen sink faucets. From corrosion-resistant finishes to easy installation methods, read on to discover what experts suggest when it comes to your next project.

Stainless Steel

Stainless is a common material used to make faucets. It is a health-safe material that is well-suited for use in the kitchen. The material comes in various finishes, such as polished, brushed, or matte, which can give a special look to your kitchen. Besides, stainless steel faucets are easy to clean and maintain, as they are non-porous and don’t require any specialized cleaning products. Also, they are less likely to develop fingerprints or water spots than other materials, such as nickel or chrome.

Due to their durability, plumbing professionals recommend stainless steel faucets for homes with kitchens with a lot of traffic. They can resist corrosion, scratching, and tarnishing, making them last for years without needing many repairs from a professional. The other good thing about stainless steel is its modern appearance that complements a wide range of kitchen designs.

Chrome

Chrome is a corrosion-resistant material suited for use in the kitchen. Chrome faucets are made from base metal, such as steel or brass, then plated with a chrome layer. The chrome plating makes the faucet more resistant to wear and tarnishing over time. Furthermore, chrome faucets are available in different designs and finishes, including brushed chrome, polished chrome, or matte chrome, allowing you to customize your kitchen’s look.

Chrome faucets are easy to maintain, as they can be wiped down with mild detergent and water to keep them shiny. Also, it is a versatile material that can be used in different kitchen designs and styles. Its versatility allows it to complement both modern and traditional décor.

If you are looking for something affordable, look for a faucet made of chrome. It is a good choice for homeowners on a budget. If you need a faucet made of chrome installed in your kitchen, call a plumber for help. They will install a quality chrome faucet that will give your kitchen a classic and polished appearance.

Plastic

Plastic is sometimes used to make kitchen faucets, particularly for budget-conscious homeowners. Plastic faucets are made of lightweight materials, such as acrylic, ABS, or polycarbonate plastic, and they can easily mimic the look of more expensive materials, such as metal.

Because plastic is lightweight, your plumber doesn’t struggle to handle the faucet when installing. Also, plastic is corrosion-resistant, making it less likely to deteriorate or rust over time. In addition, they come in various finishes and colors, allowing you to customize the look of your kitchen and match the faucet to other kitchen fixtures.

Before you purchase a faucet made of plastic, it is good to ask a plumbing expert for advice because not every plastic is durable. Some plastics are prone to breaking and cracking over time. So, you must be careful before choosing one.

Bronze

Bronze is a metal alloy made of tin, copper, and sometimes other metals such as lead, nickel, or zinc. It is a quality material resistant to everyday wear and tear, allowing it to last for years without showing signs of damage. Bronze has an outstanding appearance that adds style and character to your kitchen. You can find it in different finishes, such as antique bronze, rubbed bronze, or brushed bronze, which can offer a faucet a distinctive look.

The other thing you will love about bronze is its compatibility. It can be used in kitchen fixtures, such as sinks and cabinet hardware. If you want your kitchen to have a stylish and cohesive look that amazes you every time, hire a plumbing expert to install a faucet made of bronze.

In addition, faucets made of bronze have low lead content, making them a safer option for use in the kitchen. To ensure your bronze faucets maintain their stylish appearance, you will require expert polishing and maintaining them periodically.

Brass

Brass is another plumber-recommended material because of its corrosion resistance, longevity, and ability to be shaped into intricate designs. Faucets made of brass come in different finishes, such as antique brass, brushed brass, and polished brass. The finishes give your kitchen a stylish and unique look. Brass is a reliable material that can last for years if properly maintained. In addition, the material is highly resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for use in areas with high moisture levels or hard water.

Ceramic

Although not common, ceramic is sometimes used to make certain components of faucets, including cartridges or valves that control water flow. Using ceramic in faucet components helps improve the performance and durability of your faucet. Ceramic cartridges provide a consistent water flow as they open and close with minimal friction. The smooth operation helps reduce wear and tear on your faucet over time. Some cartridges have temperature control features that allow you to adjust the water temperature precisely.

Need Help Choosing the Right Kitchen Faucet Material? Call Us!

The choice of faucet material is a personal choice. You know the type of decorating style you prefer in your kitchen. So, you have to choose a faucet material that will suit your needs. If you are unsure which material best suits your new kitchen faucet, contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing today for assistance. We have professionals who can advise you on the best faucet materials that will complement your kitchen décor and suit all your needs. Still, our experts can install the new faucet to make your work easy.

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Who Is A Plumber And The Types Of Pipe Fitters You Need To Know

When building a home or commercial building, your plumbing is one area that needs a lot of attention. The first step to ensuring everything goes smoothly is hiring professional pipe fitters. A plumber works closely with your building contractor to map your plumbing system and develop the best connection for your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry.

Who are Pipe fitters?

A plumber is a skilled individual with experience installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems. These professionals handle various plumbing issues, including channeling drainage systems and fixing plumbing fittings.

Pipefitters undergo training and tests to gauge their understanding of plumbing before receiving their certifications. However, they can specialize in particular aspects of plumbing to ensure they can deliver services effectively.

While pipe fitters are known to handle varied plumbing jobs, most of them choose a niche. This ranges from the type of building to more specific aspects such as fitting and installations, waste management, water supply, and repairs.

Types of Pipe fitters

Residential

As the name suggests, residential pipe fitters specialize in projects related to residential buildings, for example, apartments and stand-alone homes. Residential pipe fitters are usually the first line of action in a plumbing emergency. These contractors are well-versed in residential issues making the best option when you need to fix a clogged drain or leaking piping or install a new plumbing system in a residential building.

Residential pipe fitters usually operate on a small scale since most of their projects don’t require complex tools and have few technicalities compared to commercial contracts. A residential plumber will check your kitchen, toilet, bathroom, and laundry room connection to ensure everything operates optimally. They are also tasked with channeling your drainage system and supervising the construction of septic tanks.

Certified residential pipe fitters are also responsible for your home’s comfort, with some specializing in HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance. Plumbing companies such as Bert Norman’s Plumbing have a team of professionals with specialties in residential plumbing.

Commercial

Commercial pipe fitters work on a large scale since they handle large buildings with large human traffic. When you think of a commercial building, the first thing to come to mind is a large building used to generate income. However, in plumbing, this refers to large buildings with many people coming and going. In simpler terms, it means a building whose facilities experience heavy client usage.

While plumbing jobs may look similar, commercial pipe fitters are trained to handle the complexities of a commercial building. Examples of buildings that require pipe fitters include schools, hospitals, hotels and restaurants, shopping malls, and companies. These buildings often partner with commercial pipe fitters for round-the-clock services in case of emergencies.

Due to the size and demand of these plumbing systems, it only makes sense that they have complexities related to the plumbing system. These pipe fitters also use sophisticated plumbing equipment and advanced techniques for laying the piping and fitting fixtures.

The main difference between commercial and residential pipefitters is the level of work. This also means a commercial pipe fitter has to be more skillful with an in-depth understanding of plumbing compared to residential pipe fitters.

Commercial pipe fitters are responsible for the drainage and sewer system of buildings; they install plumbing systems. They have all the equipment needed to handle large-scale clogs and spillage that may prove overwhelming for residential pipe fitters. These contractors also face more risks in their line of work, making them a little more expensive compared to a conventional plumber.

Sanitary

Sanitary pipe fitters’ work is popular among homeowners as they are contacted to address issues related to bathrooms, toilets, and sewage systems. These are your go-to-persons when you need a bathtub or Jacuzzi installed in your home.

When you have issues with your drainage system, for example, a clogged sewer line, or want to install sanitary pipes and a heating system in your bathroom, then sanitary pipe fitters are your best bet. These professionals are often confused with residential pipe fitters due to the scope of their services. However, they specialize in all matters of sanitation.

Licensed Water Supply

Without a water supply, you can’t do much in the house. Water supply is a very delicate subject since the improper installation will not only lead to huge utility bills but can also cause damage to your home or building. Any water-related plumbing problem should be left to licensed water supply pipe fitters. These contractors are responsible for the water connection to your kitchen, laundry room, toilet, and bathroom. You can as well get connected to your garden or garage and swimming pool with the help of these experts.

Licensed water supply contractors are also responsible for installing and maintaining water storage tanks; this goes for normal and hot water tanks. The best part about working with these experts is that you can get a professional opinion on the best water supply for your home as well as the type and size of the water storage tank.

Service and Repair

Service and repair contractors have a broad client base, serving commercial and residential clients. They specialize in repairing damaged piping, sinks, tanks, unclogging drains, and servicing water heaters. Service and repair experts stand out since they offer emergency services, which provide plumbing services to customers after hours and during weekends. A leaking tank or pipe is not something you can wait till morning or weekday to get fixed.

These professionals are responsible for maintenance and repair services in commercial buildings. During inspections, they identify potential issues and fix them before manifesting into expensive repairs and replacements. Service and repair pipe fitters are trained and skilled in plumbing installations.

Pipe fitters are a vital part of every construction job and need to be highly skilled to get the job right. Depending on the type and nature of the job, there is a professional for you. It’s advisable to get specialized pipe fitters for a job to ensure it is completed effectively and efficiently. Contact us at Bert Norman’s Plumbing for more about our services.

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Everything You Have Always Wanted To Know About Plumbing Service

Most homeowners believe that plumbing service is the name given to the work a plumber does. While this reference is correct, there is more to it than what meets the eye, mostly because of the wide range of services and tasks performed by plumbers. Because of this, in this article, we will cover everything you have wanted to know about a plumbing service and what it means to you as a home or business owner. Let’s take a look.

Types of Service: Residential and Commercial

While it may seem all plumbers are created equally, the truth is that some have chosen to specialize in residential services and others in commercial plumbing. Even though the work may appear to be similar across both types of service, the difference resides mainly in the different issues they could encounter. In this manner, residential plumbers have to deal more often with problems such as clogged drains, garbage disposal issues, water heater repairs, gas leaks, and water filtration system installation and repair. On the other hand, commercial plumbers normally deal with clogs in drain pipes created by food debris and other waste, as well as the removal of any type of debris that could impede the proper movement of wastewater to its final collection point. Commercial plumbers will require the use of larger and more specialized tools and equipment than residential plumbers, although the goal is the same in both cases, ensure water is properly distributed and disposed of while preventing damage to the building’s structure and pipelines.

Their Role in Construction

Construction is an essential part of a plumber’s career. Because they are experts in all the local plumbing codes and regulations, as well as the installation, connection, and repair of all types of pipelines, fixtures, and drains, plumbers are one of the most important parts of a construction site’s team. Without the input and work of a professional plumber, most of the modern comforts of any building would simply not be possible, which is why it is so important to hire a licensed and experienced plumbing professional to do the work.

The Importance of Maintenance

One of the most important aspects of a plumber’s career, and a great part of the service they provide, is maintenance. While it is nice to know that a home’s plumbing system is designed to last for many years, without adequate maintenance it will start showing signs of trouble fairly quickly. As part of your home’s maintenance service, a plumber will perform a complete inspection of your entire pipeline, starting at the water main and ending at each fixture throughout your home to ensure there are no potential clogs, blockages, leaks, or wear and tear, that could cause trouble in the near future. Once all potential problems are detected, they will proceed to perform any necessary repairs. Additionally, a plumber can perform maintenance on your drain and sewage system, water heater, water filtration system, and garbage disposal in order to keep everything working efficiently without developing any issues that could result in costly damages later on.

Emergency Services

Nothing can be more stressful than finding your toilet overflowing onto your beautiful hardwood floor at midnight on a holiday weekend. Thankfully, plumbers offer emergency services that can help you solve the problem quickly and without suffering too much damage. While it may seem that calling an emergency plumber will be more expensive than waiting for regular business hours, the truth is that when you factor in all the possible costs, ranging from the damage to your floors, walls, and even your home’s structural elements, together with the nights you might have to spend in a hotel, to medical bills for injuries sustained by attempting to fix the problem yourself, the services of an emergency plumber are worth much more than you might initially believe. Another benefit of having an emergency plumber’s number is that you won’t lose wages when you have to take a day off from work to wait for a regular plumber to fix your home’s plumbing problems. So, all in all, this is probably the best service any plumber can offer.

What All of This Means for You

As a homeowner, you are probably invested in providing regular maintenance to your home in order to prevent future repairs that could be costly and stressful. This is why your annual maintenance program should include a full inspection and necessary repairs to your home’s entire plumbing system, including your drains and sewer. But having the ability to predict future problems is not the only benefit a good plumber’s service can represent. The work of a plumber is always an important asset to your home because it can help increase your home’s resale value by performing upgrades to an aging system or installing an extension to your existing system when you add a new room or remodel your home. Being able to count on a professional plumbing expert like Bet Norman’s Plumbing can give you the peace of mind you need to rest easy knowing that no matter what plumbing problems rear their ugly heads, your home, and family will always be covered. The services of a great plumber are invaluable, especially when part of your home’s plumbing system starts malfunctioning. Think about this the next time you step into your shower: The hot water you enjoy so much and the awesome water pressure that allows you to feel relaxed and clean are there thanks to the work of a professional plumber.

When you are in need of reputable and professional plumbing service, our team at Bert Norman’s Plumbing is always ready to serve. From overflowing toilets to emergency plumbing service, we are always prepared to take on any plumbing issue you may be dealing with. Our 30 years of experience serving the area are our guarantee of a job well done and your complete satisfaction. So, don’t hesitate to pick up your phone and give us a call today!

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Shocking Plumbing Facts You Never Knew That Will Make You Appreciate Your Plumber

Plumbing used to be a thing that only rich people had, and it wasn’t until the 1840s that indoor plumbing really started to gain traction across the United States. Therefore, it makes sense that the field of plumbing didn’t really emerge until then. While becoming a plumber is a fairly new practice when you look at world history, many plumbing discoveries along the way have helped refine the practice of plumbing. If you ever regret dealing with a toilet clog, just remember that indoor plumbing is still a relatively new practice, and you could be out in the outhouse like your great, great grandparents.

In fact, in some places in the world, indoor plumbing is still a luxury, so remember that the next time you are grumbling because you have to call a plumber to come to save you. When you think about a plumbing company as a luxury, it gets a little easier to call someone to come fix your problems. No matter what is going on with your home plumbing, having someone fix your sink is much better than taking a chamber pot out to the backyard to empty and refill your outdoor well. Your septic tank is probably starting to look a bit better now!

Whether you like trivia or are just a bit impressed by plumbing facts, the following is a list of some shocking plumbing facts that will make you appreciate your plumbing expert a bit more. Not everyone is willing to work with water and sewage all day long, so remember that the next time they come out to your home to tell you that you need a repair. Without a plumbing service in your corner, you might be back to using an actual pot.

First up on the list is the first time that plumbing appeared in civilization. While it took the modernized world up until the 1840s to get indoor plumbing into homes, plumbing can actually be traced as far back as 3,000 BC. It turns out that the Incas had something on everyone because the Indus River Valley civilization used plumbing pipes made out of the earth to transport water throughout their settlements and to remove waste. It only took about 5,000 years more for the rest of the world to come around to this unique idea.

Next up on the list is a fun fact about the toilet, which was actually invented in 1596, although it would take another 250 years for it to get inside most people’s homes. Once again, we don’t know why the delay in plumbing acceptance, but it seems people really were resistant to the idea of pooping in comfort. Perhaps the same stigma of using the bathroom that exists today existed then, and people were resistant to talking about utilizing new trends when it came to their bathroom use.

Anyhow, the first toilet to flush was created by a man named John Harrington, which is why some people will say they need to use the “John.” Probably not the way that the original John had hoped to go down in history, but at least he tried. Interestingly enough, the toilet gained popularity because of a man named Thomas Crapper, who basically marketed the idea of a flushing toilet to the general population. This is also why many people refer to the toilet as the “crapper.” Hopefully, this helped John feel a little better about his nickname.

This next fact is one that almost any plumber can tell you, but it still shocks homeowners when they hear it. Believe it or not, if you have a leaky faucet that releases at least two drips every minute every week, you will waste a gallon of water. Unfortunately, most people with a leaky faucet find that the drips are much faster. This means that if you have a faucet that is leaking ten drips a minute, you will actually waste five gallons of water every week. The wastes add up quickly, and you will see them reflected on your utility bills if you don’t keep up with them.

Not sure what you think of plumbers? Well, what do you think of Mario and Luigi? Most people know this, but it is still fun to imagine that everyone’s favorite Italian duo is going to show up at your home when you have a plumbing emergency. We don’t know why, but we think that we would trust Luigi more if we had to choose between the two. For starters, he doesn’t have a fire suit, and that surely makes us feel a bit more reassured about the entire thing.

Here is a useful fact that may actually help you down the line: there are two types of plungers: a sink plunger and a toilet plunger. You will have the most luck if you use the right type of plunger to break up a clog. You can tell the difference based on how they are shaped. A toilet plunger is narrow towards the bottom because they have to fit into the toilet and neatly cover the drain hole. On the other hand, sink and shower plungers have a flat surface near the end because they need to fit firmly over flat holes. Using the right plunger will probably help improve the experience.

Finally, if you need one more fun fact for the road, that floating mechanism inside the water tank of your toilet is called a ballcock. We aren’t sure where that name came from, but this small component is extremely important in controlling the water flow of your toilet.

While learning about your home plumbing system can be fun, it is not a replacement for a professional plumbing service. If you are experiencing issues with your home plumbing system, contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing today to schedule a visit.

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