Apr 7, 2021 | Clean Home, Kitchen
A dishwasher is one of the most important parts of your kitchen, and a clogged drain can prevent this invaluable appliance from performing its job functions. Luckily, there are tons of tips and tricks you can use if you have a dishwasher drain clogged within your home.
The way you go about fixing a drain clogged in your dishwasher depends on whether or not it connects to a garbage disposal drain. As such, clogged drain remedies range from mixtures of common household ingredients to checking your drain hose.
To learn all about the ways you can fix a drain clogged with sludge and other debris, then keep reading. You’ll learn the top 5 ways of fixing a drain clogged in your dishwasher, getting this important appliance back up and running in no time.
Reasons for a Clogged Dishwasher Drain
If you’ve found yourself saying, “My drain is clogged. What caused it?” then your first step is to ask yourself what you put down your sink. Your dishwasher and sink use the same drainage line, so your sink can affect how your dishwasher performs.
There are four areas a clog usually occurs in your kitchen. These areas include the dishwasher, sink, air gap, and garbage disposal. If you notice your sink filling with water when your dishwasher is in use, one of these four areas most likely has a clog.
A garbage disposal may cause a clog if you’re putting things such as liquid fat, grease, and oil down the drain. If this is the case, you may cause a clog and notice problems within your dishwasher.
Signs of a Dishwasher Drain Clogged
While a little water is normal, if you notice more and more water accumulating in the bottom of your dishwasher, you may have a clog. You may also hear a gurgling noise coming from kitchen drains, a sign a clog is forming.
If your dishwasher or kitchen sink begins to drain slowly, a clog is forming. It’s best to take immediate action before this clog becomes an even bigger issue.
Water backing up into your kitchen sink when your dishwasher is in use points to a clog. Turn off your dishwasher and check to see if food is trapped in your garbage disposal, as this can cause water to back up. If the problem persists, you have a clog that needs attention immediately.
After running your dishwasher, dirty dishes may indicate there is a clog. This is because a clog may prevent water from entering your dishwasher, leaving you with dishes that were never cleaned.
These reasons are why you should follow five tips to unclog a dishwasher drain.
1. Identify the Issue
Now that you know the causes of a drain clogged in your dishwasher, you can look to see what may be causing the issue. If you suspect the problem is a garbage disposal being used improperly, then oils trapping food particles in your drain may be to blame.
Once you determine the cause of your clog, you can work on fixing a drain clogged in your kitchen plumbing. If your dishwasher has dishes in it, remove them and prepare your dishwasher for any work that needs to be done, gathering your tools.
Turn off your dishwasher, along with any electricity running to it and to your garbage disposal. Remove standing water as well, as these steps are very important for safety reasons.
2. Investigate the Plumbing
Identifying the problem is half the issue. Next, investigate the plumbing in your kitchen. Ensure your drain hose is thoroughly connected to your dishwasher as well as your garbage disposal or sink.
Do your hose clamp and drain solenoid show signs of wear and tear? If so, replace them, as they may be the culprit for a clogged drain. Next, investigate the air gap cylinder to ensure nothing is stuck inside of it, also causing a clogged drain.
3. Dishwasher Filter
Your dishwasher has a filter that traps anything that comes loose while your dishwasher is doing its job, such as leftover food particles. Clean this area to ensure your filter is working properly. If needed, unscrew the filter to clean it, accessing difficult to reach dirt and debris accumulation.
4. Unclog Your Garbage Disposal
Begin by unplugging your garbage disposal, making sure to never perform maintenance on a garbage disposal with power running to it. Additionally, avoid pouring chemicals down your drain, as there are tons of negative consequences to your pipes and the environment.
Instead, pour ¼ cup baking soda into the drain, and then a ½ cup of vinegar. Once it fizzes and sits in the drain for a few minutes, flush it out with very hot tap water. Keep the water running for several minutes, working to push the clog through.
You can do this several times to help break the clog up. Plungers can also help to loosen a clog. Remember that you have to clamp the end of the dishwasher line before plunging your sink, as the hose can come off the disposal nozzle at the point of entry.
5. Vinegar and Baking Soda Mixture
If your clog persists, vinegar and baking soda may do the trick. Mix equal parts of the two and pour them into the dishwasher drain. Let the mixture sit for a minimum of 15 minutes before pouring hot water down the drain.
Run your dishwasher’s rinse cycle and check to see if the clog has fixed itself. If you still have a clogged dishwasher drain, it’s time to call in a professional plumber.
Keep Your Dishwasher Clog-Free
While dishwasher clogs can cause issues within your kitchen’s plumbing, there are ways to treat them at home and to prevent them. To protect your dishwasher filter from clogging, be sure to rinse food from your plates before putting them in the dishwasher.
Be sure to use your dishwasher on a regular basis, as water and detergent help to flush out your appliance and prevent clogs from forming. Keep your dishwasher’s filter clean and free from dirt and debris which lead to a dishwasher drain clogged with sludge. Periodically use vinegar to keep your dishwasher working properly, filling a bowl with two cups of vinegar and placing it on the bottom rack.
Run your dishwasher without detergent and allow the vinegar to help rid it of bacteria and odors.
For more articles about DIY maintenance, make sure to check out the rest of our informative articles. Our website has access to tons of great information, perfect for all your home-repair needs.
Last updated Apr 4, 2021 | Garage
Like everything else in your home, from time to time, your garage door will break down, or stop working as well as it should be. Sometimes, the issue will be something simple that you can remedy yourself. Others, unfortunately, will require professional garage door servicing.
If the clicker is broken, a simple battery change will most likely suffice. But if you’re having trouble with your garage door, and you’ve already done everything you can to try and fix the issue, then you know it’s time to call in the pros. Read on to learn three surefire signs you need professional help with your garage door.
1. It’s Failing To Close Fully
Your garage door is an important entryway into your home. If it’s not closing all the way, this can leave you vulnerable to intruders, something you definitely do not want. There could be a number of reasons your door isn’t closing all the way.
It could be an issue with the sensors in your door, it could be an obstruction in the mechanism, or the limit screws could be faulty. If you try and handle this issue yourself, there’s a chance that the problem could be fixed temporarily, but continue to occur. This is why it is best to have a professional come and assist you in this case.
2. It’s Making Odd Noises
If you use your garage as a space that you spend a lot of time in, then a loud door is the last thing you want. It can be distracting and frustrating, but it can also be indicative of a larger problem.
Sometimes, a noisy garage door just requires a little bit of oil to lubricate its mechanisms. If you’ve already tried this tactic, however, and the problem persists, then it might be time to have it serviced by a professional. Otherwise, you run the risk of having it break down completely at an inconvenient time.
3. It’s Past Its Prime
Maybe your door isn’t exhibiting any of the obvious signs it’s in need of a garage door service. Just because it doesn’t appear to be broken, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need to be checked out. In fact, the older it gets, the more likely it is that it will need to be serviced.
When you purchase your garage door, try to ask about the warranty or average life span of that particular model. Then you’ll know roughly how long it is likely to last, and you can schedule for a professional to take a look at it at the appropriate juncture.
Don’t Forego Your Garage Door Servicing
Garage door issues are not something you should ignore. A non-functioning garage door can leave you vulnerable to intruders, or present the risk of your pets or children getting out when you don’t want them to. If you suspect that garage door servicing is something your home needs, don’t put it off for another day.
If you’ve enjoyed this guide, have a look at the rest of our home improvement content.
Apr 1, 2021 | Kitchen
Choosing the best faucet for farmhouse sink installation is important to the overall function and aesthetics of your kitchen.
According to https://sinkengineering.com/best-faucet-for-farmhouse-sink/, The right faucet can change the entire look of a sink area, and since farmhouse sinks are so distinctive, you want a faucet that complements its style statement.
Apron sink faucets are generally larger than the average kitchen faucet. Because of the sink’s depth and width, the faucet should have adequate proportions that accommodate the size.
These faucets are often taller and include multiple functions, such as a pull-down sprayer head and flow control. A large sink is meant to be used for most kitchen tasks both large and small, so you will want to install a faucet that can cover all the bases.
The sturdy construction is also a plus when looking for a faucet of this type. You will want something that will stand repeated heavy use.
6 Things To Consider Before Buying a Farmhouse Faucet
1. Height
The best farmhouse style faucet will have a large vertical span that allows you to maneuver big dishes and other items in and out of the sink.
Unlike other faucets with straight or shortened spigots, the height of a farmhouse faucet is often increased with a high curve or angular shape. One advantage of this feature is that it looks beautiful and graceful in addition to being practical.
2. Construction
Most rustic kitchen sink faucets are made from a limited amount of materials. These materials often include brass, stainless steel and plastic.
Brass is the traditional base material for kitchen faucets due to its sturdy and reliable nature. However, stainless steel has increased in popularity due to its durability.
Plastic can be durable, more inexpensive, and is guaranteed to not rust over time. Many of these materials are also built to look fashionable while performing their practical duties.
3. Type of Handles
The type of handles on a faucet can change the entire aesthetic of your sink area. For example, a country style kitchen faucet usually has two handles for the more traditional look.
Modern styles usually have one lever handle or touch less capabilities. Space is also something to consider when choosing the handle type.
For smaller areas, a single lever handle might be more practical, and it can offer a cleaner look to the overall appearance of your kitchen.
4. Pull-Down Sprayer
A farm kitchen faucet normally comes with a sprayer as a matter of course. Since you will no doubt be using your sink for all kitchen jobs both large and small, a sprayer can come in handy.
The pull-down sprayer is super convenient since it is an all-in-one type of design, and it can minimize the amount of space used due to its retract ability. The only downside of a pull-down sprayer is that it can be tougher to repair or replace if it malfunctions.
5. Color
A farmhouse sink faucet will offer several style options and should blend and complement the surrounding style of your sink and kitchen.
Color is an important factor to consider. You can mix or match the styles in your kitchen, and your faucet can factor into its color scheme. Finishes can make a difference too. A more muted finish offers a more subdued look, while a high polish finish draws the eye.
6. Flow Control
Because a farmhouse kitchen faucet is usually taller than other types of faucets, the water has a larger distance to cover from a spigot to sink drain.
This is why flow control is important to prevent major splashing. The higher the flow control, the less splashing there will be. Also, it takes more water to fill up a large farmhouse sink, so higher gallons per minute, or GPM, can fill a sink more efficiently.
Materials Guide for The Best Farmhouse Faucet
Brass
Many a farmhouse kitchen faucet is made from brass either on the outside or inside. Brass is the most common material for the inner workings of a faucet due to its ability to withstand long-term use. When used as an outer material, it offers a warm golden hue that has a more traditional appearance.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is timeless, modern and durable. These are a few reasons why a faucet for farmhouse sinks use stainless steel as both an inner and outer finish. Unlikely to rust or corrode over time, stainless looks beautiful and is easily cleaned.
Chrome-Plated Plastic
The more moderately-priced farm kitchen faucet models offer plastic finishes that can look beautiful on a budget. Unlike metals, plastic is guaranteed to not rust when in contact with water. Plastic can also be finished with a chrome material that looks very similar to a more expensive stainless steel.
Ceramic Valves
Most types of kitchen faucet for farmhouse sink sport ceramic valves in their handles and inner workings. These types of valves keep the handles turning smoothly and prevent rust or mineral buildup over time. Because valves are a hassle to replace, ceramic materials are preferred.
Finishes
The finish of a faucet can make or break the style and look of a kitchen sink area. Whether a faucet is made from stainless steel, brass or some other type of material, the glaze or finish is important to consider. Muted finishes tend to disguise fingerprints and other water spots more than high polish finishes. Always check the care instructions so you know whether your faucet will require high maintenance.
What Size Faucet for a Farmhouse Sink?
Farm sink faucet installation is one that is in proportion to the sink itself. The larger and deeper the sink, the larger the faucet can be. Conversely, if you have a smaller sink, you do not want a huge faucet that will visually overpower it.
The smaller the faucet, the more flexibility it will have, whereas larger faucets tend to swivel and move less due to their size. Usually this immobility is compensated by having a retractable sprayer head that can reach every corner of a large sink. Most farm kitchen faucets made today have sprayer heads that offer this capability.
Also, if you have a shallower sink, you will want a faucet that is smaller and proportionate. Because a larger faucet generally has stronger water flow, they can cause too much splashing and mess in a sink that cannot accommodate it. To avoid messes, a smaller faucet is appropriate when dealing with sinks that are on the smaller side.
Bigger does not always mean better, but it can be more convenient. Be aware that larger faucets often use more water in less time. If conserving water is a priority to you, a smaller faucet may be preferable. Deciding the best size of faucet depends on the size of your sink and water efficiency needs.
Farmhouse Sink Faucet Installation Instructions
Materials Needed:
- Silicone putty or sealant
- Drill and/or wrench
- Nuts and screws
- Farmhouse kitchen faucet rubber gaskets
Step One
Turn off the main water supply. Thread the faucet through the hole in the counter or sink. Farmhouse sink faucet installations will come with full instructions and rubber gaskets. Attach these gaskets and tighten screws and nuts. Use a wrench if necessary.
Note: Some aprons sink faucets will need to be drilled into place.
Step Two
Seals the area at the base of the faucet where the spigot and countertop meet. Place a bead of silicone putty or sealant around these areas. If you have separate handles, also apply sealant around the base of the handles to prevent leaks. Though a faucet for farm sink models usually fit tight and snug against these areas, it’s always good to seal them.
Step Three
Turn on the main water supply and test for any leaks or gaps. Fix as needed.
Last updated Mar 28, 2021 | Bathroom
Renovating your house can be exciting, especially when you’re doing your master bedroom or bathroom.
A master bathroom renovation gives way for a lot of new ideas and upgrades. But it can also get overwhelming if you’re not experienced in the renovation process.
If you’re looking to renovate your master bathroom, here are a few things you should keep in mind before you get started.
1. Your Plan and Budget
When starting a big project like a bathroom renovation, it’s essential to plan your budget before you start. Knowing what you want to do and how much you want to spend will alleviate some tough choices throughout the process.
Create a plan from the very beginning of what you want to do. Are you only doing the sinks or the shower? Are you gutting the whole thing?
Design a plan around your budget and determine how much your budget can allocate to certain elements.
2. DIY or Contractor?
While it can be tempting to DIY a bathroom renovation, you have to assess your skills and come to terms with what you can do and what you’ll have to hire a contractor for. Hours of watching renovations on HGTV don’t qualify you to redo your master bath.
A DIY shower renovation can be challenging because it must be the most waterproof part of the bathroom. Bathroom waterproofing should be reserved for the pros or those who are handy enough to get the job done right. It can be tricky, so if you’re not 100% confident in your bathroom waterproofing abilities, it’s best to hire a pro and eliminate problems down the line.
3. Will You Have Access To Another Bathroom?
One thing people often forget when starting a bathroom renovation is if they have access to another bathroom during the renovation. If you only have another half bath, it won’t do you much good when it comes time to take a shower.
Ensure you’re prepared to use a friend or family member’s shower, stay at a hotel, or have another bathroom in the house with all the necessities.
4. Time-Frame
Another thing to consider is the time frame. How long do you want this project to take? How long will the project realistically take?
Asking yourself these questions can help you determine why and how you’re going to get the bathroom done in a specific amount of time.
If you want the bathroom done by the holidays, make sure you start with plenty of time so that you’re not scrambling in those last few weeks. Give yourself enough leeway for any unexpected problems and repairs.
5. Your Style and Design
Coming up with the new style and design of your new master bathroom can be one of the most exciting parts of the process. You can look at interesting tiles and fun shower design ideas. You can change up the color or layout and make it your own!
The first step is making sure you allow room for your budget in the discussion. While it may be more fun to plan the design with your budget “out of sight out of mind,” it isn’t realistic. You don’t want to fall in love with tiles you have no budget for or a shower door that’s out of your price range.
Start with the base of your bathroom, like flooring and walls. Then you can move on to fixtures and lighting. Along the way, ensure everything is cohesive and will work together, functionally and style-wise.
6. Measurements of Your Bathroom
Before you go looking at tiles or lights, measure out your bathroom space! Make sure you have measurements for the whole bathroom, the shower area, sink area, windows and walls, and everything else.
Keeping measurements on a note in your phone or your wallet will ensure that whenever you go looking for something for the bathroom, you can purchase with certainty that it’s the right size or shape.
It can also help when talking to contractors, so they know how big the project will be and how much work they need to do.
7. Functionality
Even though it can be fun choosing new designs and stylistic options for a bathroom renovation, you want to make sure that everything going in is functional and doesn’t take up unnecessary space.
Every step of the way, make sure you’re checking that things fit correctly, align up the way you want them, and make sense in the rest of the room.
People have often found that putting the toilet too close to the door makes it difficult to access, or their linen closet was too big for the space. Make informed decisions along the way and always consider the repercussions of any significant changes.
8. Ventilation
Your bathroom shower will produce a lot of water and steam, making it the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow. Proper ventilation will ensure that your bathroom remains dry and free of bacteria growth.
Install a fan that can handle your bathroom’s size and the amount of moisture it will produce.
9. Eco-Friendly Fixtures
In 2021 we’re all doing our part to help protect and preserve our planet. What better way than by incorporating environmentally-friendly fixtures!
A master bathroom renovation has a lot of potential for eco-friendly elements, including low-flow toilets, natural lighting, and timed fans. Figure out where you can make some changes that aren’t just good for the planet, but your wallet too!
Starting Your Master Bathroom Renovation
Starting a big project like a master bathroom renovation is a big undertaking. Hopefully, these tips and reminders will help you get started with more confidence and preparation!
If you’re looking to spruce up more than your bathroom and want to work on your bedroom next, check out the rest of our website for more tips!
Last updated Mar 23, 2021 | Kitchen
Quartzite and quartz countertops are not the same thing. They are not created equal, and anyone who tells you so is not being upfront with you. Quartzite is a naturally occurring stone, which changes everything about the installation and upkeep process. There are more cons than pros if you are considering quartzite for your countertops in your new house or your remodeling project.
There are many choices that you have to make when you are considering a remodel or building a new house. You have to choose flooring, wall colors, appliance types, and so many other things. If you are struggling with choosing between quartz and quartzite, this article should make things a lot easier for you.
Choosing Between Quartz and Quartzite
People are naturally drawn toward natural stone for surfaces in their homes. While this instinct makes some sense, natural stone can be very beautiful and you might think that it will be strong and sturdy just because it is a natural material. Some of these assumptions are not correct, however.
Pros for Quartzite
There is really only one pro to do with choosing quartzite countertops for your home, so we will discuss it first. The one benefit of quartzite counters is that quartzite can be very beautiful. It is often grey or white with grey, green, or red inclusions. The beauty of quartzite grabs many people’s attention, but selecting quartzite countertops is signing up for a major maintenance project at least once a year.
Inclusions and natural beauty aside, quartzite also only comes in a few colors, so if you want a specific counter color, it is not flexible at all. This is not a material like marble, which occurs in many different colors and patterns. Quartzite is beautiful, but it is limited in its colors and patterns.
Cons for Quartzite
As mentioned before, the cons for quartzite far outweigh the one pro, which is the beauty. Quartzite suffers from the same issues related to durability and installation as many other natural materials. Just like travertine floors, and other beautiful building materials that are soft, porous, and delicate, quartzite is a selection that should only be made if you are willing to undertake the extensive care that it will require.
- Quartzite is not durable. Quartzite often needs to be resealed at least once a year because it is porous and fragile. Quartzite also gets scratches and dents readily, making it a less than ideal choice for bathroom or kitchen countertops. Imagine dropping a glass on your quartzite countertop and being left with a huge dent and scratches from the glass impacting and shattering! This is the reality of quartzite countertops.
- Quartzite cannot tolerate heat. Due to its lack of durability and its fragility, hot liquids spilled on quartzite, or hot items which fall on it can burn, melt, or otherwise damage your quartzite counter. If you have kids, you will probably never be able to prevent spills of hot liquids every now and again, and your counter will remind you that this happened until you polish it and reseal it.
- Limited color choices are the norm for quartzite and you sometimes can struggle to find a consistent slab to purchase. The same issues often occur with granite and the added cost of buying large slabs of quartzite to try and match colors can be prohibitive for many people.
- Sharp objects can wreak havoc on a quartzite countertop. Even a butter knife can put a huge scratch in a quartzite countertop and mar it for months until your next scheduled polishing and sealing.
- Quartzite has to be polished once a year to stay glossy. Many people who select quartzite for their countertops don’t realize that they will need to be polished and resealed annually. Polishing can take all day or multiple days and can create quite a bit of havoc in your home while it is going on. If you want to avoid having to deal with a major maintenance project once a year, don’t pick quartzite counters for your home.
- Quartzite cannot hold up to kids and pets. Quartzite is simply not durable enough to handle kids, or animals that might climb on the counters. Cat claws, or a child with a marker who is coloring at the kitchen counter can be enough to cause major damage to your quartzite counters.
- Quartzite is very porous, which means that red wine, coffee, or any other liquid has the potential to stain your counter permanently. The same goes for bacteria and grit or grime. Your quartzite counter will absorb all of these items and have the stains and grime to prove it. If you pick quartzite for your countertops, get used to stains and other mars to the finish because they are part of life with this kind of countertop.
- Quartzite has to be sealed with polyurethanes, wax, or acrylic. These substances have their own care requirements and their own durability metrics that you will need to make adjustments for as you plan the care of your quartzite countertops.
Quartz is the Ideal Choice for Your Countertops
The extensive list of cons that we have discussed should make it quite obvious why quartz counters are superior to quartzite counters. Quartz is manufactured, so it’s very durable and it is consistent in its quality. You will never have to buy a huge slab of quartz just to make sure that your counters match when they are being cut.
Quartz comes in many colors and it can be cut into any custom shape that you require. Quartz can also tolerate normal wear and tear far better than quartzite. Best of all, quartz will not soak up all the liquids that you spill on it, becoming stained and grimy. Annual polishing and resealing is not a part of quartz countertop maintenance.
Choose Quartz for Your Home
There really should not a question when choosing between quartzite and quartz for your countertops. Why would you elect to pick a delicate, expensive, and maintenance-intensive material when you could pick one that will be just as beautiful, cost less and require far less maintenance? The choice for durable and beautiful countertops is easy. That choice is quartz.
Mar 17, 2021 | Kitchen
Did you know that the average kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from 10 to 20 thousand dollars? If you’re thinking about redoing your kitchen, odds are you’re in the market for some new countertops.
But what countertop material should you choose? And what are the pros and cons of the most popular choices on the market today? Keep reading for the answers to those questions, plus more useful tips and tricks.
1. Butcher Block
If you’re looking for an affordable and unique countertop material that will still last for a while, butcher block may be the way to go.
For many, the wooden material is a bit much, especially for larger kitchens. It’s also somewhat easy to scratch, which again, is why it’s not the most expensive countertop material on this list.
But if that wooden look fits the vibe of your kitchen, and you want something that is budget-friendly but still durable, we can’t recommend butcher block countertops enough.
2. Granite
It wasn’t that long ago that granite countertops were considered a bit too expensive for many homeowners. But over the past few years, the cost of granite has gone down, which means that it’s an absolute must-mention when talking about countertop options.
There’s a ton to love about granite countertops. They’re durable, quite nice to look at, and come in a wide variety of colors and designs. And as long as you keep them sealed, they shouldn’t damage easily, which means they can last a long time.
3. Linoleum
We’ll be honest. Linoleum is the “budget option” on this list for good reason, as it doesn’t really compete with the other 3 countertop choices in any major categories.
But because it’s so affordable and easy to install, we felt like we had to mention it as a valuable choice for your home’s countertops.
It is worth noting, however, that linoleum has grown in popularity again over the past few years. It does scratch and damage easily, but as long as you take proper precautions, especially in kitchens, you should be able to enjoy them for a decade or more.
4. Marble
If you’re looking to go all out with your new countertops, and you want to get the best option on the market, marble is your best choice.
Sure, it’s going to cost you a lot more than the other 3 options that we’ve discussed, but it’s a luxurious material that can help you turn the kitchen of your dreams into a reality.
On top of that, outside of some staining, it ages beautifully and should last you for decades with no real problems. So, while it may cost more upfront, you’ll get a big return on that investment, especially if you plan on selling your home in the next few years.
Still Can’t Decide on Countertops?
If you’re in the market for new countertops, we can’t recommend the 4 choices that we’ve discussed enough. They all have their pros and cons, but as long as you know what you’re looking for, making a choice for your new countertops should be much easier now.
Looking for more home remodeling tips and tricks? Check back with our blog often.
