Back-to-School Plumbing Tips

Back-to-school season is here!  Now that the kids will be spending more time in the bathroom getting ready in the morning - it's important that your plumbing system is in good condition.  Here are a few tips to help make the morning rush a little bit easier.

Plumbing Tips:

• Fix Faucet Leaks - Even a small leak can put a lot of wear and tear on your bathroom faucet.  If you notice a leak now, you shouldn't delay getting it fixed. 
• Create a Shower Schedule - You should try saving most showers for at night to save time in the morning.  If you love morning showers, create a schedule!  This will help free up time in the bathroom for other people and help avoid hot water limits.  Of course, if you are looking for unlimited hot water, consider upgrading to a tankless water heater this fall.
• Add Bath Mats - Avoid slip and falls when rushing around during your bathroom routines by adding bath mats to your floors and shower.  This will help prevent injuries when getting ready.
• Add Strainers to Drains - Make sure that your bathroom sink and shower drains have strainers to catch hair and other debris.  While we do want our hair to look good for the first day of school, we don't want to clog our drains in the process.

We know that back-to-school is a busy time of year.  If you experience any problems with your home plumbing, our professional technicians will help get your system back up and running when you need it.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office!

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AP Plumbing Sponsors the Rochester Out of the Darkness Walk

AP Plumbing is excited to be one of the sponsors for the 10th Annual Rochester Out of the Darkness Walk this September!  

Each fall, family, friends and colleagues join together to raise awareness and prevent suicide.  This fundraising campaign allows the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy and support survivors of suicide loss.  The goal of the walk is to reduce the annual suicide rate by 20% by 2025.

Interested in joining this year's walk?  Register, donate, and join the movement here: http://goo.gl/YCuVTb.

Out of the Darkness Walk
Date: 9/27
Where: Genesee Valley Park
Check In: 11:00 AM
Walk: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

If you have any questions or you would like to participate in this year's walk, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website.  You can also contact our office by calling 585-216-3058.

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Should You Install a Tankless Water Heater In Your Home?

Did you know that water heaters make up about 30% of your home's energy budget?  With so much money and energy spent heating the water in your home, you want your system to work as efficiently as possible.  That's why many family's make the switch from traditional water heaters to tankless!  

Here are a few ways to determine if a tankless water heater is the right choice for your family's needs.

• Consider Size - If your basement is pressed for space, it might be time to switch to a tankless heater.  Since tankless water heaters are much smaller than their traditional counter parts, they are a great way to save space.
• Consider Fuel - Hot water heaters are available in both electric and gas models.  If you are considering using an electric water heater, you will need to check the voltage and amperage requirements.
• Know How Much Water You Use - Consider your home's water usage habits.  Tankless heater heat water as it is used, rather than storing a designated amount in a holding tank.  If you think that you will be running multiple water intensive appliances at once, you want to make sure that you have enough hot water to meet your demand.  You will need either a large enough traditional water heater or a tankless heater that meets your needs.

Do you have any questions about your water heater?  Looking to upgrade to a tankless water heater?  We're here to help! Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office!

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

How to Save Money On Your Water Heating Bill

We're always looking for ways to cut back on our home maintenance costs.  One way to do this (and it's often overlooked) is by making a few changes to your home water heater!  Here are a few ways to save on your water heating costs.

Money Saving Tips:

• Insulate Your Water Heater - Even when your water heater is in use, it is still holding hot water and keeping it warm.  This can be a major source of energy loss if your tank is not well insulated!  
• Reduce Your Demand - The easiest and most obvious way to save money on your water heating bill is by using less hot water.  Check for faucet, shower head and other plumbing leaks to prevent hot water loss.
• Insulate Your Pipes - Make sure that the water leaving your hot water heater stays warm as it makes it's way to your shower.  Insulate the hot water piping within the first 5-10 feet of your water heater for best results.

Do you have any questions about your water heater?  Looking to upgrade to a tankless water heater?  We're here to help! Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office!

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

Tips to Help Simplify Your Bathroom Cleaning Routine

We know that bathroom cleaning probably isn't your favorite home chore.  Fortunately, with a few simple changes to your daily routines, you can cut down on cleaning time and keep your bathroom looking spotless.  Here are a few tips and tricks to help make cleaning simple.

Bathroom Cleaning Tips:

• Squeegee Your Shower Doors - Use a squeegee to wipe down your shower doors and even your shower walls after each shower!  This simple step is quick, and can help save a lot of cleaning time.  Keeping water off of your shower doors and walls helps prevent mineral buildups, as well as prevents mold and mildew growth.
• Increase Circulation - Turn your exhaust fan on after a hot shower.  When you decrease the amount of moisture in your bathroom, you can help discourage mildew growth.
• Prevent Bathtub Rings - Do you use a lot of oily bathing products?  These products can cause bathtub rings.  Clean with warm water and a mildly abrasive cleaner on days that you know that you are going to be using these types of products.
• Unclog Your Shower Heads - Shower heads can become clogged with mineral deposits.  Fill a plastic bag with undiluted white vinegar and place the bag over the shower head.  Secure the bag with a rubber band and let it soak overnight.

Check out this article for more bathroom cleaning tips.

If you are looking to remodel your bathroom, give us a call!  Our design experts will help you create a bathroom that meets your family's storage needs.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office for a consultation!

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

Bathroom Storage Solutions for Your Remodel

Keeping a tiny bathroom organized can be tough - especially for busy families with kids on-the-go.  However, cleaning up your space can save you time and allow for some extra sleep in the morning.  Here are a few organizational tips to help you avoid a messy, frustrating bathroom.

De-Clutter Your Bathroom

• Go Through Your Medicine Cabinet - Throw away any expired medications, old shampoos, and other unused toiletries that take up space for things you truly need.
• Utilize Drawer Dividers - Dividers help keep your drawers compartmentalized.  You can keep makeup in a small, three-tiered plastic container on your counter - and anything you don't use should be stored away in a drawer.
• Get An Over-the-Door Basket - Make the use of the backs of your cabinet doors!  This will help save space.  You can also invest in products that allow you to hang your hair dryers, curling irons and other products to the backs of your doors or walls, instead of having them tangled in a drawer.
• Build Storage Into Your Bath -If your bathroom is due for a remodel, consider built-in storage solutions that help keep your small bathroom organized.  There are many ways to include hidden drawers, cabinets, and organizational dividers into your vanity and medicine cabinet.

If you are looking to remodel your bathroom, give us a call!  Our design experts will help you create a bathroom that meets your family's storage needs.  Call 585-216-3058 to contact our office for a consultation!

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

How Does High Water Pressure Affect Your Plumbing?

Many homeowners are familiar with the frustrations of low water pressure - especially when showering - but what about high water pressure?  While high water pressure might be enjoyable, it can also damage your plumbing fixtures.

It is recommended that most plumbing fixtures are used with a water pressure no higher than 80 psi.  Water pressure that is too high can cause your fixtures to prematurely fall apart.  This extra wear and tear can leave you replacing your plumbing more frequently than you need to!

High Water Pressure Signs:

• Banging pipes.
• Spitting from aerator when you turn the faucet on.
• Water heater life span is shorter than expected.
• Leaking faucets
• Washing machine and dishwasher life span is shorter than expected.
• Toilet is running.

If you notice any of the above signs of high water pressure, or you have any questions about your plumbing system, give us a call!  The professional plumbing technicians at AP Plumbing are always here to help you with any of your home plumbing needs.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!

Why Should You Drain Your Water Heater?

Your water heater is an often overlooked part of your home, but just like any appliance, it needs regular maintenance in order to stay in good condition.  

Your home's tap water is filled with sediments and minerals, such as calcium and lime.  Overtime, these particles can build in the bottom of your water heater tank. If these sediments aren't removed, they can cause your water heater to work harder and shorter the life span of your system,

By draining your water heater once a year, you can improve the energy efficiency of your water heater and save money in the long term!

If you have any questions about your home water heater, give us a call!  The professional plumbing technicians at AP Plumbing are always here to help you with any of your home plumbing needs.  Whether you need a new water heater installed, you need your system repaired, or it's time to perform seasonal water heater maintenance, our technicians are here to help.

Don't forget to check out our social pages for more plumbing and remodeling tips!  Like us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and Connect with us on Google+!