About 1.8 billion gallons of freshwater is taken from New York's rivers, lakes, and groundwater for public use each year. As New York's population increases, so does the demand for freshwater. Due in part to the increased demand, the average water bill in New York has doubled over the past decade.
However, there are a few simple things you can do to conserve water at home and lower your utility bill. Use the following tips in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and yard.
In the Bathroom
In the Kitchen
In the Laundry Room
In the Yard
Keep these tips in mind as you try to conserve water in your home. In the short term, you will be able to save money on your utility bill. In the long run, you will preserve precious water resources for future generations.
Need help identifying leaks or installing more water-efficient fixtures? Contact your local plumbing specialists today, and see how to make your home even more efficient.
Bathrooms Around the World
As you have repaired (or hired a plumber to repair) the toilet, tub, etc. in your bathroom, you probably learned how these fixtures work. However, you're in for a new experience when you travel outside of the United States.
You might think that an action as basic as going to the bathroom is the same from culture to culture. But it might surprise you that each country has its own unique plumbing systems.
Check out how toilets in Thailand, Japan, and Germany work compared to toilets in the United States.
United States
The U.S. city you live in pumps water into your home and pulls waste from pipes into the sewer. Then the city will treat the water that collects in the sewer and release it back into the environment.
The average American toilet is 17 inches tall (from the floor to the seat) with a 17-inch wide seat. These toilets are designed to be easy and comfortable to sit on, and to flush an average amount of toilet paper.
Thailand
Things work a little differently in Thailand. The Thai toilet is also known as a squatter. It's a simple, white porcelain bowl with a hole that leads to the sewer. To use this toilet, you squat over the top and never sit on the bowl.
After you finish, you're not going to find a roll of toilet paper anywhere in sight. You can do as the natives do and use your hand, but many travelers choose to bring their own toilet paper with them when they visit Thailand.
What you will find in a Thai bathroom is a bucket of water. This bucket serves as both a hand-washing station and as a way to flush. To flush a Thai toilet, pour a bucket of water down the drain and repeat until the bowl is empty.
Japan
If toilets in Thailand are at the basic end of the spectrum, then toilets in Japan are on the opposite end. Most toilets in Japan are bidets, with a setting for washing yourself with jet water when you finish. These high-end toilets even come with seat warmers, a way to change the water pressure, and other electronic options.
A unique feature that has nothing to do with the actual bathroom in Japan is the sound you'll hear. In many public restrooms, you'll hear the sound of running water. Before this recorded sound became popular, Japanese women would run water so they wouldn't have to hear each other in the bathroom. When businesses realized the amount of water they wasted, they began playing recordings of running water to solve the problem.
Germany
At first glance, toilets in Germany are similar to those we use in the United States. However, a German toilet has two buttons for flushing. One button is for conserving water-you use it when you flush only liquids. The other uses a full amount of water.
Before you use a German toilet, you will notice that the model is backward from U.S. toilets. Directly under the toilet seat is a rounded shelf that blends in with the rest of the toilet. The water level falls below this shelf, leaving it exposed. So while it may only take one water-saving flush for liquid waste, solid waste takes several flushes to wash away from the shelf.
These are just a few examples of bathrooms around the globe. When you travel, expect to see different plumbing systems around the world-each with their unique pros and cons. Until then, learn more about your own plumbing system so you can deal with any problems that arise. Continue reading our blog for more insights about your toilet and other plumbing.
Big Ideas for Small Bathrooms
There are many advantages of renting or buying a smaller home. Small homes are easier to clean and cheaper to maintain. But with small homes come big headaches. Where you save on expenses and chores, you lose square footage.
And often, one of the smallest rooms in your house happens to be one of the most used: your bathroom.
With limited wall and floor space, small bathrooms present many design and decorating challenges, including a lack of storage.
 You need to maximize every available space to get the most out of your tiny bathroom.
A few smart styling tricks can make your miniature bath look and feel more spacious. Make a big impact on any tiny space with these simple renovation ideas.
Simple Color Scheme
The quickest way to visually expand a room is with a fresh coat of paint. Dark hues close off a room and make it feel crowded. Lighten things up with shades of blue, green, gray, or white. Pair light paint with large floor tiles in a similar color for an amplified feeling of airiness.
Extended Mirror
Use mirrors to reflect and refract light. This will create the illusion of a bigger, wider, and more open space. Also, try extending your mirror out past the vanity and along the wall. This tactic elongates the room, and as an added bonus, it offers enough space for two people to use the mirror at the same time.
Pedestal Sink
Pedestal sinks are great space savers. They take up less room than traditional vanities and cabinets. Consider installing the fixture in the corner to open up the area even more.
Wall-Mounted Vanity or Trough Sink
Uncover additional floor space by mounting your vanity. Or why not ditch the vanity all together? Trough sinks are narrow, sleek, and low-profile. You can mount this appliance to the wall of your bathroom. Freeing up space beneath your sink or vanity allows more room for storage and foot traffic.
Wall-Mounted Toilet
A wall-mounted toilet uses the same concept as a wall-mounted sink or vanity. You just mount your toilet above the bathroom floor. By getting rid of the center pedestal and hiding the upper tank, you will make the room a bit less crowded.
Euro-Style Wet Bath
You can create a wet bath by placing a showerhead directly above the toilet and installing a large drain in the middle of the floor. It's basically one big, open shower.
These types of bathrooms are quite common throughout Europe. They make efficient use of a small space by eliminating costly
 and crowded shower surrounds.
Glass Panel Shower
If a wet bath is too extreme, consider a frameless sliding shower door instead. The clear glass enlarges the room by providing unobstructed views of the entire space. Plus, sliding doors recover square footage usually taken up by the swing of traditional
 hinged doors.
Door-Mounted Towel Bar
Free up some wall space by relocating your towel bars to the back of the shower door. You can still keep your towels handy while using the space better.
Custom Shelving
Now that your towel bar is out of the way, use your walls for storage. Floating shelves create storage in an easy and stylish way.
 They accommodate most spaces; just anchor them to the wall with invisible brackets.
With the versatility of floating shelves, you can use those dead spaces above the toilet and hiding in the corner. Customize your
 shelves, and use them for storing extra toiletries and linens.
Try out some space-saving solutions and maximize the functionality of your bathroom. The goal is to create an atmosphere that is open, light, and airy. Don't let limited square footage limit your design options.
Big Ideas for Small Bathrooms
There are many advantages of renting or buying a smaller home. Small homes are easier to clean and cheaper to maintain. But with small homes come big headaches. Where you save on expenses and chores, you lose square footage.
And often, one of the smallest rooms in your house happens to be one of the most used: your bathroom.
With limited wall and floor space, small bathrooms present many design and decorating challenges, including a lack of storage.
 You need to maximize every available space to get the most out of your tiny bathroom.
A few smart styling tricks can make your miniature bath look and feel more spacious. Make a big impact on any tiny space with these simple renovation ideas.
Simple Color Scheme
The quickest way to visually expand a room is with a fresh coat of paint. Dark hues close off a room and make it feel crowded. Lighten things up with shades of blue, green, gray, or white. Pair light paint with large floor tiles in a similar color for an amplified feeling of airiness.
Extended Mirror
Use mirrors to reflect and refract light. This will create the illusion of a bigger, wider, and more open space. Also, try extending your mirror out past the vanity and along the wall. This tactic elongates the room, and as an added bonus, it offers enough space for two people to use the mirror at the same time.
Pedestal Sink
Pedestal sinks are great space savers. They take up less room than traditional vanities and cabinets. Consider installing the fixture in the corner to open up the area even more.
Wall-Mounted Vanity or Trough Sink
Uncover additional floor space by mounting your vanity. Or why not ditch the vanity all together? Trough sinks are narrow, sleek, and low-profile. You can mount this appliance to the wall of your bathroom. Freeing up space beneath your sink or vanity allows more room for storage and foot traffic.
Wall-Mounted Toilet
A wall-mounted toilet uses the same concept as a wall-mounted sink or vanity. You just mount your toilet above the bathroom floor. By getting rid of the center pedestal and hiding the upper tank, you will make the room a bit less crowded.
Euro-Style Wet Bath
You can create a wet bath by placing a showerhead directly above the toilet and installing a large drain in the middle of the floor. It's basically one big, open shower.
These types of bathrooms are quite common throughout Europe. They make efficient use of a small space by eliminating costly
 and crowded shower surrounds.
Glass Panel Shower
If a wet bath is too extreme, consider a frameless sliding shower door instead. The clear glass enlarges the room by providing unobstructed views of the entire space. Plus, sliding doors recover square footage usually taken up by the swing of traditional
 hinged doors.
Door-Mounted Towel Bar
Free up some wall space by relocating your towel bars to the back of the shower door. You can still keep your towels handy while using the space better.
Custom Shelving
Now that your towel bar is out of the way, use your walls for storage. Floating shelves create storage in an easy and stylish way.
 They accommodate most spaces; just anchor them to the wall with invisible brackets.
With the versatility of floating shelves, you can use those dead spaces above the toilet and hiding in the corner. Customize your
 shelves, and use them for storing extra toiletries and linens.
Try out some space-saving solutions and maximize the functionality of your bathroom. The goal is to create an atmosphere that is open, light, and airy. Don't let limited square footage limit your design options.
About 1.8 billion gallons of freshwater is taken from New York's rivers, lakes, and groundwater for public use each year. As New York's population increases, so does the demand for freshwater. Due in part to the increased demand, the average water bill in New York has doubled over the past decade.
However, there are a few simple things you can do to conserve water at home and lower your utility bill. Use the following tips in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and yard.
In the Bathroom
In the Kitchen
In the Laundry Room
In the Yard
Keep these tips in mind as you try to conserve water in your home. In the short term, you will be able to save money on your utility bill. In the long run, you will preserve precious water resources for future generations.
Need help identifying leaks or installing more water-efficient fixtures? Contact your local plumbing specialists today, and see how to make your home even more efficient.
As long as people want to enjoy the modern conveniences of running water and basic sanitary amenities, there will be a plumbing industry.
However, the recent slump in the economy and the housing market had negative effects on this industry. Homeowners put off certain repairs or attempted to take care of them on their own to save money. Some plumbing companies had to pull out of the business or reduce their team and compete harder for existing business. The result? A shortage of professional plumbers when homeowners found themselves in a real bind.
Now that the housing and economy seem to be getting back on track, the need for plumbers has flourished. Â Experts predict jobs will grow by more than 20 percent every year for the next several years, higher than other industries.
An increased number of individuals between age 16 and 18 are interested in the profession. Plumbing seems to be an attractive choice, especially to those who want to own their own home, travel, and become financially independent.
What can you expect from the next generation of plumbers in your home? See what plumbers do to stay competitive and what fixture could change your way of life.
Furthering Education
Although the majority of young adults choose to further their education at a university, that route isn't for everyone.
As with any profession, more training and schooling in a particular field will add to success. Plumbing has always required specialized skills.
Whether young adults work independently or for a company, they complete training to begin work as a plumber. An apprenticeship is typically three years long. Â Specialized training provides plumbers with the ability to:
Staying Relevant
A leak that costs a few dollars to fix can cause thousands of dollars of damage if you don't hire a well-trained, licensed professional. But not all plumbers handle all kinds of work.
To stay competitive, some plumbers train to handle basic repairs in emergency situations. This type of plumber understands hydraulics, pressure, mathematics, and numerous industry tools.
Other plumbers specialize in remodeling and additions that incorporate cutting-edge technology. Customers want the latest and greatest from new construction projects. These professionals understand strict water standards for plumbing systems, like low-flow shower heads and toilets, to assure you spend your money well.
Fixtures of the Future
As technology drives life forward, it continues to change the plumbing industry and make a plumber's job a bit more difficult. Professional plumbers need to come up to speed on products quickly coming to market. For example, take a look at these improvements on common plumbing appliances:
1. Toilets. Innovators are beginning to market models with electrolyzed water to self-clean the toilet. Other features include built-in air purifiers, heated seats, music systems, and hands-free automatic flush. Some models come treated with agents to decrease the growth of bacteria, fungus, and mold.
2. Showers. Programmable smart showers may have a high price tag, averaging $7,000, but they use powerful technology. Some luxury systems have digital touch screens that control water outlets, lighting, water temperature, and built-in audio systems. Each member of the household can save their preferred settings when using the system.
3. Sinks. With the technology of LED lights, some sinks have a ring that lights up and glows red or blue to indicate the water temperature.
4. Appliances. A handful of dishwashers can connect with Wi-Fi so you know when it costs less to run your electricity. With a new model of washing machine, you can start the washing process via text message. The machine will let you know if something goes wrong with the cycle.
As long as people remain interested in this profession and new technology surfaces, you can expect big things from plumbing in the future.
HeatingÂ
Are You Being “Smart†with Your Thermostat?
As long as people want to enjoy the modern conveniences of running water and basic sanitary amenities, there will be a plumbing industry.
However, the recent slump in the economy and the housing market had negative effects on this industry. Homeowners put off certain repairs or attempted to take care of them on their own to save money. Some plumbing companies had to pull out of the business or reduce their team and compete harder for existing business. The result? A shortage of professional plumbers when homeowners found themselves in a real bind.
Now that the housing and economy seem to be getting back on track, the need for plumbers has flourished. Â Experts predict jobs will grow by more than 20 percent every year for the next several years, higher than other industries.
An increased number of individuals between age 16 and 18 are interested in the profession. Plumbing seems to be an attractive choice, especially to those who want to own their own home, travel, and become financially independent.
What can you expect from the next generation of plumbers in your home? See what plumbers do to stay competitive and what fixture could change your way of life.
Furthering Education
Although the majority of young adults choose to further their education at a university, that route isn't for everyone.
As with any profession, more training and schooling in a particular field will add to success. Plumbing has always required specialized skills.
Whether young adults work independently or for a company, they complete training to begin work as a plumber. An apprenticeship is typically three years long. Â Specialized training provides plumbers with the ability to:
Staying Relevant
A leak that costs a few dollars to fix can cause thousands of dollars of damage if you don't hire a well-trained, licensed professional. But not all plumbers handle all kinds of work.
To stay competitive, some plumbers train to handle basic repairs in emergency situations. This type of plumber understands hydraulics, pressure, mathematics, and numerous industry tools.
Other plumbers specialize in remodeling and additions that incorporate cutting-edge technology. Customers want the latest and greatest from new construction projects. These professionals understand strict water standards for plumbing systems, like low-flow shower heads and toilets, to assure you spend your money well.
Fixtures of the Future
As technology drives life forward, it continues to change the plumbing industry and make a plumber's job a bit more difficult. Professional plumbers need to come up to speed on products quickly coming to market. For example, take a look at these improvements on common plumbing appliances:
1. Toilets. Innovators are beginning to market models with electrolyzed water to self-clean the toilet. Other features include built-in air purifiers, heated seats, music systems, and hands-free automatic flush. Some models come treated with agents to decrease the growth of bacteria, fungus, and mold.
2. Showers. Programmable smart showers may have a high price tag, averaging $7,000, but they use powerful technology. Some luxury systems have digital touch screens that control water outlets, lighting, water temperature, and built-in audio systems. Each member of the household can save their preferred settings when using the system.
3. Sinks. With the technology of LED lights, some sinks have a ring that lights up and glows red or blue to indicate the water temperature.
4. Appliances. A handful of dishwashers can connect with Wi-Fi so you know when it costs less to run your electricity. With a new model of washing machine, you can start the washing process via text message. The machine will let you know if something goes wrong with the cycle.
As long as people remain interested in this profession and new technology surfaces, you can expect big things from plumbing in the future.
In 1885, the thermostat was introduced as an automatic system that controlled the temperature in a home. When the heat dropped below a certain point, a pulley system would open the furnace door and push air into the fire regulating the warmth.
Since that time, we've improved this technology. Numerous innovations now allow individuals to better control room temperatures. Upgrade your heating and cooling system to the 21st century by installing a smart thermostat in your home.
Programmable Thermostats
Before the programmable thermostat, homeowners had to adjust the thermostat each time they left their homes. If they forgot, they wasted precious dollars warming or cooling a home with no one in it.
Programmable thermostats were developed in the 1970's as a way for people to save energy and money. The Environmental Protection Services (EPS) estimates that programmable thermostats cut energy use by 20-30 percent. That saves a customer up to $200 each year.
There's still one problem. Many studies estimate that only 11% of customers program these thermostats. If used incorrectly, programmable thermostats still cost homeowners more in energy and heating bills.
“Smart†Thermostats
If you are one of the many homeowners with a never-programmed thermostat, get a smart thermostat and let it do the work for you.
These thermostats connect to the Internet, so you can adjust your temperature controls remotely. While in the office or on the road, you can manage your home's temperature even when you aren't there.
Homeowners can still control the thermostat in their homes, usually from a touchscreen. But now you can access your climate control system from an app or web page. Never again turn back to adjust your thermostat before a vacation. Never again look at your utility bill in horror. With this new technology, homeowners can take better advantage of their thermostat's features.
Automated Savings
Heating and cooling represent about 40% of your home's energy use. Although smart thermostats cost about $200, you'll save a significant amount of money when you automatically reduce your heating and cooling use.
Some smart thermostats also offer usage reports. These reports show how much you used your HVAC system and compare usage to others residing in your area.
Advantage of Smart Thermostats.
The basic purpose of a residential thermostat is to set a target temperature and save energy. Because thermostats require less energy to heat and cool a home, some local utility companies offer rebates for certain thermostats. Installing a smart thermostat also provides the following benefits:
So many things occupy your mind each day. Let someone-or rather, something-else worry about the heating and cooling system. Switch to a smart thermostat. This technology will make you happy about the temperature of your home and even your utility bill.
It's time to choose a new plumbing fixture, whether it's for a new home, a remodel, or a fixture replacement. But there are many characteristics to consider. How do you decide which product is best?
You may be most interested in appearance and cost and decide to simplify the process by relying on those qualities. If you're working with an interior decorator or designer, they may look for style and functionality. If you ask a plumber, you're going to get suggestions based on ease of installation, frequency of replacements, and overall quality.
Ultimately, you alone will have to consider the characteristics you'd like in your fixture. You will need to consider type, finish, style, size, usability, and special features as well as quality.
Let the following advice guide you when it comes to quality-and cut your list down by one very important element.
What Plumbers Expect from Quality Fixtures
While advice from individual plumbers differs, there are a few standard characteristics to look for when choosing a fixture, including:
These three elements are the most important to consider when choosing a quality plumbing fixture. Many popular brands, as well as lesser-known or boutique brands, meet these qualifications.
Another thing to keep in mind: brands that are familiar to your plumber are simpler and quicker for him or her to install. This may save you from additional cost in labor hours. But unfamiliar brands and fixtures accompanied by adequate instructions should make the process smooth and simple.
A Closer Look at Plumber Preferences
Each plumber will have his or her own opinions about particular brands based on individual experience. And some brands are more suitable for specific regions with particular plumbing considerations. However, plumbers recognize that most product lines include both high- and low-end products.
Most plumbers will make suggestions about a manufacturer overall, not the individual hardware. Don't forget to research the particular product you are considering before purchasing.
In the end, plumbers are interested in two things: installation and repairs. Plumbers prefer installing fixtures that are simple to install. And most importantly, plumbers favor brands that make repairs simple. Plumbers cringe when a manufacturer changes the product numbers often, which makes finding the right part much harder and more time-consuming.
When you're choosing plumbing fixtures for your home, look at the necessary qualities first. Check for certification, compare prices,and avoid plastic components. But also remember that your plumber isn't just around to help when things break down. Ask your plumber his or her experience with particular brands and models. You'll know what to expect when it comes time for repairs-and hopefully choose a product that doesn't need much repair in the first place.
