Union Of Plumbers, Fitters, and Welders

Monthly Archives: July 2011

Looking For Kitchen Faucets

During a kitchen remodel the faucet is often forgotten until the very end. After the cabinets, flooring, countertops, lighting, and appliances have been chosen, the plumbing fixtures are almost an afterthought. Many people are tired of making decisions at this point in the project and just settle for something that will work or is inexpensive. However, it is important to note that the sink and faucet are the most used appliances in the kitchen, and when selected properly they will be functional, beautiful, and durable additions to your kitchen. They should be an integral part of the design during your remodel.

If you’ve been shopping for a new kitchen faucet lately, it may seem that the choices are endless, the options are overwhelming, and the decision seems impossible. While it is true that there are many more models available than there were just a few years ago, answering simple questions about your kitchen and how you use it can help you select the right faucet for your home.

Narrow the Decision

First, you should decide what configuration of faucet would be best for you in your kitchen. There are pull-out or pull-down spray-head models, traditional side spray models, and models with no sprayers at all. The pull-out or pull-down spray faucets are the most popular styles today, and for good reason. They offer the convenience of a sprayer that you can use to clean out your sink, rinse vegetables, or wash dishes, without having a separate hole in the countertop or sink. In addition to this, having the sprayer built in gives you one less thing mounted on the sink or countertop to clean around on a regular basis. If you prefer the more traditional style of a side sprayer or even no sprayer at all, there are still many models available.

Focus On the Finish

Next, you should consider what finish you want. There are many to choose from, but the three most common ones are polished chrome, brushed nickel (or stainless steel), and oil-rubbed bronze. Polished chrome is a classic finish that is very durable and is usually the least expensive option. It is a good choice for both modern and traditional kitchens. Brushed nickel or stainless steel finishes are very popular right now and can be produced in a number of different ways.

The differences in the way the plating is done can affect the maintenance and durability of your faucet. A knowledgeable salesperson at A-Boy Electric and Plumbing can help you select the brand that is right for you. Oil-rubbed bronze is quickly gaining popularity today, and can also be produced in different ways. Some of the bronze finishes are made to stay the same over time, and some of them are designed to wear and develop patina so that they have a more rustic feel.

Learning about the type of valve that is used inside the faucet is also important. Many better brands now use a ceramic disc cartridge that is very long lasting. Instead of using rubber washers (which inevitably wear out and have to be replaced) to control the flow of water, they use two pieces of highly polished ceramic. This means that your faucet should give you a very long time of maintenance-free use.

Match Your Décor

Finally, the faucet should be an appropriate style to match your kitchen décor. There are many styles available, from old-fashioned bridge-style faucets, to very sleek minimalist looks, to very commercial/industrial styles. Also, selecting the accessories, like soap or lotion dispensers, hot or filtered water dispensers, disposal air switches, and strainer baskets is an important part of the faucet selection process. The showrooms at A-Boy display a wide variety of all of these, so you are sure to find a faucet suite that you fall in love with.

Most of us are familiar with the big brand names in faucets, and while they usually have the most popular styles, many lesser-known brands of faucets offer the same or better quality and unique design at comparable prices. Being an informed consumer can help you to find a faucet that fits your style and your budget. Whether you are just replacing a worn-out model, or redesigning your entire kitchen or bath, the trained plumbing showroom staff at A-Boy can help you select the right faucet for your needs.

Detecting Leaks in Your House Plumbing

Generally speaking Maui electronic leak detection is used for locating leaks on underground water lines. Leaks above the slab and under raised foundations (wood floors), are not discernible with conventional leak detecting equipment and are better and more economically dealt with by conventional means.

Finding the leak

Sewer and drain line leaks are best located with sewer cameras. To begin with it should be determined that there is a leak under a concrete floor, before initiating electronic leak detection. Signals are a hot spot on the floor, the sound of water running when all plumbing fixtures are not in use and water coming from someplace on the floor (ground floor), or at a low point on a wall (1st story). Hot water coming from a cold tap and a water heater that does not shut off, or re-ignites quickly, are other signs. At that point one should check the water meter. If the needle is moving and no plumbing fixtures, or bibs, are in use, then there is definitely a leak somewhere. If the main shut-off valve is closed and the meter’s needle stops, it indicates that the leak is in the house (building). Otherwise it is occurring between the meter and the dwelling.

Location of leak

Once it is determined that the leak is in the Maui home, the house shut-off valve can be reopened (causing the meter needle to resume movement) and the hot water shut-off valve, located on the cold water inlet to the water heater, can be closed. If the needle again stops moving, it means the leak is on the hot water line.

Once it has been determined where the leak is, the loss of water can be controlled by closing either the hot water heater shut-off valve, which will still leave you with the permanent use of cold water, or by closing the house shut-off valve, if it is a cold water leak, which will leave you with no water. If there is not substantial water coming into the dwelling, these valves can be re-opened for short term use and then re-closed during times of non-use. This allows the occupants to flush toilets, take showers, wash dishes and laundry, etc., while the diagnoses and repair process is being implemented.

To perform the leak detection, the pipes are disconnected, usually at the water heater, and pressurized with nitrogen. This particular gas is excellent for making a “high-pitched” sound that is easily detected through a set of high-quality head phones using a sophisticated listening device. Once the highest decibel of sound is located, the leak is pin-pointed. Occasionally the sound will transfer through a channel of some kind, usually plastic pipe wrapping and the point of discovery may be a few inches or feet away, but we have experienced better than 95% accuracy with our electronic leak detection equipment.