Plumbing, Heating and Bathroom Remodeling Blog

Budget Friendly Home Remodeling Tips

May 17, 2023 Lester Nono Bathroom Remodeling, Consulting No comments yet

Home remodeling involves upgrading outdated residential structures to make them more functional or look pleasing aesthetically. The purpose of home remodeling may vary depending on the owner’s objectives. Some homeowners renovate their homes to maintain and beautify them or to make them more attractive for house buyers. Regardless of the objectives, one important aspect to look at when it comes to remodeling a house is budget. But what can you do if you have a minimal budget?

Home Remodeling On A Small Budget

Your budget may indeed impact your decisions when it comes to renovating your home. However, if you are resourceful and creative enough, you will be surprised how your minimal budget can go! Here are a few tips that we can share if you are renovating your home on a small budget.

Start Decluttering

Before you move forward with your home remodeling project, clean up and declutter your home first. In this way, you would identify which part of your home needs to be upgraded the most. The clutters inside the home are those things that you rarely use, or don’t use at all! Keep them and arrange them accordingly in one place. Otherwise, give them away or sell them and use the proceeds to add to your home remodeling budget.

Search For Low-Cost Materials

You can find low-cost materials for your home remodeling project at any Habitat for Humanity store. They have a “ReStore” where you can find gently used home improvement products and building materials. These gently used materials are donated by generous people and local businesses and are sold to the public. The proceeds of this initiative support the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity projects.

Repaint Your Old Door And Walls With Simple Colors

Give your old door and walls a fresh look by repainting them. A new coat of paint can transform your home to look updated. If you are on a limited budget, go for a black or white palette for a classic sophisticated look.

Make Your Small Room Look Bigger With Mirrors

If you have a small space, you can make your home look bigger with mirrors. Using mirrors is an inexpensive way to achieve that spacious look for your home as they create an illusion of bigger space. Adding beautiful light fixtures can also add to the spacious appeal of a small room.

Maximize Storage Space

You can maximize your storage space by optimizing your furniture design. You don’t have to buy new furniture as it will add to your home renovation cost. For example, you can use the space under the bed and cabinets to add low baseboard drawers for extra storage.

Ask The Home Remodeling Experts

You can collaborate with a professional to help you with your low-cost home renovation project. Our team of professionals is here to help you! Contact us anytime for your home remodeling needs.

What You Need To Know About Sewer Line Repair

April 25, 2023 Lester Nono Plumbing, Sewer Lines No comments yet

Leone Plumbing Sewer Line Repair Service

Your sewer line plays an important role in moving grease, soap, and detergent through your plumbing system. If your sewer line is leaking or broken, you need to fix it as quickly as possible. However, the sewer lines are concealed in walls and floors and issues can be left unseen until something worse happens. In this case, how would you know if you need to call for a sewer line repair service?

How Would You Know That You Need A Sewer Line Repair?

There are obvious signs that you can look at in order to determine if you need to call for a sewer line repair service. Do not ignore the warning signs! Contact a professional plumber immediately whenever you experienced the following signs.

Spread Of Mold

There may be water damage lurking underneath the wall and below your floor. Water damage causes moisture on surfaces which is the best habitat for mold to grow. This is a clear sign of water damage happening in your home which may need sewer line repair.

Flooded Yard With Foul Odor

It is not normal for a yard to get flooded with a bad smell of sewage. If there is a sudden flood in your yard with a nasty smell, this is also a sign that there is something bad going on with your sewer lines that need to be treated.

Water Not Draining Properly

Your toilet can tell you the signs! If you can hear a gurgling noise as you flush, it may indicate that something is blocking the pipes that requires repair service.

Different Types Of Sewer Line Repair

Depending on the issue that your plumbing system is dealing with, there are various ways to repair your sewer line.

Snaking

Removal of tree roots from pipes by Leone Plumbing.

Snaking works by using a cable with specialized blades at the end. It clears your sewer lines by cutting through roots and clogs that prevent your drainage system from running smoothly.

Hydrojetting

This method works in two ways. First, the high-powered water jet cuts through roots and clogs, clearing and cleaning the drain. Second, the camera attached to the equipment not only helps our expert plumber to see what is being cleared but also identifies other issues. ridgid camera system sonar

Pipe Replacement

There are cases when a sewer line replacement is the best option to fix the damages. Our expert plumber may find a collapsed pipe (during camera inspection) and replacing it is the only solution. Pipes may collapse due to tree root invasion and pipe corrosion.

Who Do I Reach Out To For Sewer Line Repair Service?

Our licensed plumbers are well-equipped and ready to handle your sewer line issues. Call us anytime and we are here to help.

Check Your AC First Before Contacting An HVAC Repair Service

April 13, 2023 Lester Nono HVAC, Plumbing No comments yet

Having a malfunctioning AC can be stressful and can turn into a major headache! But that’s not the case all the time. A simple DIY solution can save you time and money. Before contacting an HVAC repair service, there are things that you need to look at on your air conditioner.

Simple Steps To Take Before Calling For An HVAC Repair Service

In some cases, the issue on your AC is just a simple fix that you can do without the help of a professional HVAC repair service. Here are the simple DIY steps before scheduling a repair service with an HVAC professional.

Look At The AC’s Power Supply

Check your circuit breakers to see if the circuit where your AC is on may have been accidentally flipped. If it is, switch the breaker on so that your AC unit has power again. If your circuit breaker regularly trips off, you need to call for a professional HVAC repair service. It is a safety problem that needs to be dealt with by an expert.

Check The Condenser Unit

For an outdoor AC unit, the condenser is concealed with vents that protect its sensitive coils. Over time, these vents can get blocked with dust or dirt and may trigger your AC to shut down due to limited airflow. Before picking up the phone to call for a professional, check your AC’s condenser and clear it off from debris. Your AC may work fine again after clearing the debris blocking the vents.

Check The AC’s Thermostat

You need to look at the thermostat’s settings and check that it’s not set to “heat,” “vent,” or even “off.” The thermostat should be in the “cool” setting. If you see that the screen is faint or does not come on, the batteries may need to be replaced. A new battery may make your AC work properly again.

Clean The Air Filters

Your AC can have difficulty flowing cool air if the air filters are dirty. There are types of ACs that turn off if there is limited airflow. Some may keep on running but with very little cool air circulating the room. If your AC filter is dirty, you need to clean it up or change it. Putting in a fresh filter may improve your AC’s cooling effect.

Check The Vents

If you have a running AC but your room is not cooling down, it can be that something is blocking the vents. You need to look around to see that there are no obstacles such as boxes, plants, furniture, or appliances that are preventing the air to flow adequately. HVAC Repair Service by Leone Plumbing and Heating

HVAC Repair Service by Leone Plumbing and Heating

What Should I Do If My AC Is Still Not Working?

If your AC is still not working after doing these DIY steps, this is a perfect time to call for a reliable HVAC repair service. Do not let yourself be stressed! Contact us and our HVAC professional is here to fix your AC issues.

Plumbing Repairs That Should Not Be Done DIY

March 30, 2023 Lester Nono Plumbing, Sewer Lines, Sump Pumps, Toilets, Water Heaters No comments yet

Professional plumbing repairs solution by Leone Plumbing

Water damage caused by a failing plumbing system is probably the worst scenario your house may encounter. It’s destructive, time-consuming, and disrupts your household activities. But thanks to social media and the internet! An average person can now do plumbing repairs with step-by-step procedures provided online. However, we can’t avoid repairs that are beyond our basic knowledge and experience. There are complex plumbing works that have to be dealt with by a professional plumber.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs That Shouldn’t Be DIY

Burst Pipes

Broken pipes usually happen during the winter. Extreme cold weather can make the pipes brittle and then burst when water pressure comes in, leaving your home flooded. A burst pipe is a complex repair issue that should be fixed quickly. This has to be dealt with by a professional plumber. A professional makes sure that the pipes are fixed and prevent future leaks and pipe rupture.

Water Heater Malfunction

A water heater can be a dangerous house appliance when it fails. You should NOT resort to DIY solutions as it requires a professional hand to fix the water heater parts. If your water heater makes an unusual sound, leaks, and smells (leaking gas), these are the signs that it’s failing and you need to seek help from a professional plumber.

Clogged Sewer Line

Clog issues caused by tree root invasion or other obstructions are a mess when done DIY. Issues with clogging pipes require professional attention and expertise. A professional has the necessary tools and equipment to get rid of roots invading your lines and also those hard obstructions such as rags, small toys, hairs, and accumulated oils.

Sump Pump Failure

This is another plumbing appliance that is often overlooked until a failure happens. A sump pump failure may happen during heavy rain or snow which causes basement flooding. There are many factors why a sump pump may fail. The most common issues are clogs and other obstructions in the sump pit, leaking pipes, and even the loss of a power source. A professional plumber knows what is best in dealing with these kinds of plumbing issues in the sump pump.

DIY Repair or Call a Professional Plumber?

Plumbing repairs are made easy nowadays and anyone can be an “expert” in their own right. Thanks to the DIY solutions available online everyone can search on the internet! DIY solutions are helpful especially during emergency repair situations. Though DIY plumbing can be adequate, there are still repairs that need to be done by a professional. If you feel you lack the experience and knowledge in handling plumbing repairs by yourself, it is the best solution to contact a professional. You can always contact us and our team of professionals can help you with your emergency plumbing repairs.

ADA-Compliant Restrooms And Their Features

March 16, 2023 Lester Nono Bathroom Remodeling, Toilets No comments yet

ADA Compliant Restroom for the handicap article by Leone Plumbing

One way to create a healthy community is by being inclusive to all individuals, especially to people with disabilities (PWD). It’s good to know that there are ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) that help in creating inclusive facilities for the handicapped. This guideline sets the standard for establishments to comply with technical requirements that aid the needs of individuals with disabilities. An ADA-compliant establishment provides safe and accessible facilities such as restrooms for PWD.

What Is An ADA-Compliant Restroom?

The standards set by ADA apply to both public and employee restrooms. An ADA-compliant restroom contains features that are stated by the ADA Accessibility Guidelines. The ADA guidelines are set up for the needs and well-being of PWDs. Here are some of the key features of an ADA-compliant restroom.

Sink Areas

Everybody needs full access to sinks for washing and hygienic purposes. However, a PWD can become prone to accidents if a sink is too low or too high. According to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, a sink should have a knee and toe clearance of 27 inches high. To provide enough mobility, it should also be between 11 and 25 inches deep.

Faucets and Operable Parts

Toilet fixtures such as faucet controls, soap dispensers, and other components that require manual operation should be designed for one-hand use. It should be easy to grasp and not too tight when operated. It is recommended to install motion-activated or touch-free faucets and dispensers which are convenient not only for PWDs but also for other users.

Grab Bars

An ADA-compliant restroom should have grab bars that are mounted on the walls beside and behind the water closet. Grab bars can have circular or non-circular cross-sections but must have rounded edges. The 1½ inches clearance between the grab bar and wall is not a minimum but an absolute dimension to prevent entrapment. Grab bars cannot rotate within fittings. The structural strength of grab bars must withstand a vertical or horizontal force of 250 lbs. at any point on the grab bar, fastener, mounting device, or supporting structure.

Toilet Paper Dispensers

An ADA-compliant restroom should have toilet paper dispensers that are within reach of the water closet. It must allow continuous paper flow and cannot control delivery.

Stalls

According to the ADA toilet requirements, toilets and urinals both need to be at least 56 inches deep for wall-hung toilets and at least 59 inches deep for floor-mounted toilets. Measuring from the right angle of the sidewall, the width must be at least 60 inches.

Doors

To comply with the ADA requirements, doors should be easily opened with a single hand. Maneuvering clearance is required at doors based on the approach and swing. ADA Compliant Restroom layout for the handicap

ADA Compliant Restroom layout for the handicap

Does Your Restroom Comply With The ADA Guidelines?

You need to ensure that your restroom provides comfort, accessibility, and safety for the handicapped. That is what the ADA guidelines are all about. If you need assistance with upgrading your restroom to be ADA-compliant, contact us and we are here to help.

DIY Emergency Solutions: How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger?

February 28, 2023 Lester Nono Drains, Sewer Lines, Toilets No comments yet

how to unclog a toilet without a plunger by Leone plumbing

Unexpected situations can happen anytime. It may stress us but also push us to become resourceful in resolving a problem. Take it as an example if you deal with a clogged toilet without a plunger. Dealing with a clogged toilet without any tool on hand can be a nightmare! So how to unclog a toilet without a plunger? In this article, we will discuss other resources you can find at home which you can use to deal with a clogged toilet.

How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger Using These 5 DIY Solutions Found At Home

Pour Hot Water

If you have a bucket (or any large containers), fill it up with hot water. Do not use boiling water or else it may crack the porcelain toilet. From the waist level, pour the hot water into the toilet bowl. As you pour the hot water, its pressure and heat can dislodge whatever is clogging your toilet.

Use A Dish Soap

Your kitchen has an available solution on how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. You can use dish soap as a quick remedy! If pouring hot water doesn’t work, add about half-cup of dish soap into the toilet. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes then flush it again with hot water. Its lubricating property can help the clogged debris to flow down easily.

Baking Soda And Vinegar

Another popular DIY solution is using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar in the clogged toilet. What you need to do is add a cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl. Next, slowly pour the vinegar into the toilet until it bubbles. The fizz may dissipate the clog through the pipe as you flush.

DIY Drain Snake Using A Wire Hanger

You can turn a wire hanger into a DIY drain snake. To do so, straighten out the wire hanger. Then, push it down and prob whatever is clogging the toilet. Though this can be effective, we do not recommend this approach as it may scratch the porcelain (do this approach at your own risk).

Use A 2-Liter Plastic Bottle

Fill the plastic bottle with warm water. You should wear rubber hand gloves when doing this since you’ll get your hands into the bowl. Once you fit the top end of the bottle into the toilet bowl, place your thumb over it and squeeze to shoot out warm water. The water pressure that it makes should displace the clog.

What To Do If The Toilet Is Still Clogged?

There are many resourceful ways how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. But there are times when DIY solutions may not do well in our favor. There might be a serious clogged issue on your toilet that needs to be dealt with by a professional. If this happens, contact us and we will be glad to help you!