Valentine’s Day Present Ideas From A Plumber

Local Plumber Helps Out With Shopping

Beautiful Feminine Bathroom

It’s that time of year when everyone who has a love interest is scrambling, trying to figure out how to say “I Love You” with a present. I for one, am horrible at it. For a change, let’s try to shop around for ideas.

If you have several thousand dollars to spend, remodel your wife’s bathroom. Nothing says “I Love You” like a brand new feminine bathroom. Contact your local bathroom remodeler. Go over what you have in mind and budget. Surprise your love one with a one of a kind custom Valentine’s Day Bathroom. This way you’ll remind your wife that everyday is Valentine’s day.

Massage and waterfall shower head

On a more realistic note: you don’t have to spend a lot of money to show your love how much you love and care about him or her.

Most people shower everyday. How about a waterfall and massager? This state of the art Shower Panel Rain Style System will run you $277 with free shipping on Amazon. It has really good reviews, with just one very unhappy customer.

heated toilet seat with night light

Next on my list that your love would appreciate is, heated toilet seat with night light. Brondell L60-EW LumaWarm Heated Nightlight Elongated Toilet Seat for $119 with free shipping. When you live in Chicago and our weather is inconsistent, you need heated toilet seats. The night light is a perk. I did try to find it cheaper, but it seems nobody wants to let go of their heated toilet seat and night light.

Some people like relaxing in their tubs or jacuzzi. I personally, just want to sleep in it. For those of you who actually like drinking, reading, or using your phone while laying in the tub, this is the perfect gift. Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray for $79.99.

Bamboo Bathroom Tray

A hunter usually doesn’t care about decorating their bathroom, they are too busy enjoying the outdoors. If you were to present him or her with this toilet seat decal, they’d know that you finally understand them. This beautiful Elk Bull toilet seat decal for $18.99, shipping is not included. It brings a little enjoyment to a boring setting. The only thing that worries me is, they will want to redecorate the entire bathroom into something like this. Which I love!

toilet seat decal hunting
Rustic Bathroom

Ladies, if you have a extra bathroom in your home, let your man decorate it to his liking. This way, he will always keep your main bathroom clean and it’s his responsibility to clean “his” bathroom. While you are at it, buy him a Motion Activated Toilet Night Light on sale on Amazon for $19.99 with free shipping. 

Motion Activated Toilet Night Light

I’m going to let you in on a secret, most people love a warm towel when they step out of the shower. My wife, use to warm my towel up all the time. She doesn’t anymore, since she is too busy running around after our son. For only $105.99 with free shipping, I could get my own personal towel warmer. This is an amazing gift. On the card, you could sign it “Wishing You Warm Thoughts”. Yes it’s cheesy but at least you will be warm when you step out of the shower.

Personal Towel Warmer

I love reading in the bathroom. If you have a partner who loves golf, you need to purchase a Golf Potty Putting Game. It’s on sale for $14.97 with free shipping, regularly $29.95. You could practice while taking care of business.

Golf Potty Putting Game

Lastly, if you really like your wife, just buy her diamonds or give her your wallet. She deserves it. We forget how much our women do for us. Work, take care of the kids, take care of us, the house, cooking, everything else that is needed in our lives and still have time to love us. Make sure to come home with flowers on Valentine’s Day. Who cares how you feel about Valentine’s Day, just show your partner that you care and love them.

Gorgeous bouquet of flowers

13 Plumbing Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Plumbing Facts

  1. The average person spends three whole years of their life sitting on the toilet.
  2. King George II of Great Britain died falling off a toilet on the 25th of October 1760.
  3. Over $100,000 were spent on a study to determine whether most people put their paper on the holder with the flap in front or behind. Three out of four people have the flap in the front.
  4. Albert Einstein was made an honorary member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union after he had announcement that he would be a plumber if he had to live his life all over again.
  5. The most famous plumbers ever are Mario and Luigi.
  6. The toilet is flushed more times during the super bowl halftime than at any time during the year.
  7. The word “plumber” comes from the latin word “plumbum”, which means “lead”.
  8. Manhole covers are circular because if they’re turned sideways, they can’t fall through their own opening.
  9. Standardized plumbing can be traced back to around 3,000 BC.
  10. If you have a leaky faucet that drips twice per minute, you’ll waste over a gallon of water in a week.
  11. Have you ever heard the myth about water flowing in the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere? It’s not true. It’s possible for water to flow either direction in either Hemisphere.
  12. In 1939, Al Moen invented the single handle faucet that can control hot and cold water in just one turn.
  13. The average person visits the toilet six to eight times per day.

-Kevin Szabo Jr

Kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com
(708)845-7922

Having a Water Filtration System in Your Home  

Purified Water At Your Convenience

Water is the number one natural resource in the world. We use it in our daily lives. We drink it, cook with it, bathe with it, and use it in our everyday function. We can’t live without water. Americans are fortunate enough to have potable water in our homes. The water purification plants do everything possible to bring clean water to our homes. They add chlorine to try to clean it up, but as much as they try to clean it, they could only do so much. Tap water is full of chlorine, lead, bacteria, hormones, and drug-by-products.The average person shouldn’t be consuming tap water without a filter.

American families have grown accustomed to drinking bottled water at home. It’s healthier, cleaner, taste better and not full of chemicals, which is the reason why nobody wants to drink tap water. But bottled water ends up costing a fortune and is harmful to the environment. Plastic bottles are polluting our planet. We have recycling centers all over, but unfortunately, not everyone recycles. Plastic bottles, end up every where. Most plastic bottles take 450 years to decompose. And not all plastic bottles are recyclable. Which makes you think!

Clean purified water at your convenience should be something to look into. Water purification systems will save your health, the environment, and of course money in the long run. Here at Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing, we suggest a whole house water purification system. This way your entire house has clean, purified water. You will notice the difference right away. It’s understandable if you can’t make that purchase right now. At least invest in a under sink water filter. This way, your family has clean drinking and cooking water.

If you have any questions about water filtration systems for your home, please email or call me.

-Kevin Szabo Jr
(708)845-7922
kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com

Have A Plumber Do Your Home Inspection

Not the right way to start in your new house

Plumbing Home Inspection

When purchasing a home, we are excited about finally owning our own house/townhouse/condo. A significant amount of people overlook the must do inspections. They are too busy celebrating the approval for their mortgage. Well, you need to plan ahead. You have to make sure your new home doesn’t cost you thousands down the line.

After months of looking for your perfect house and having your bid accepted, you need to have professionals inspect your plumbing. Having a licensed plumber come do an inspection on your house should be a number one priority. They can detect leaks and bad plumbing. Having a leak in your plumbing will cost you a large sum, that you shouldn’t have to pay.

When homes are built, they usually have a couple different companies working on the house. Most of the time, the plumbing will be installed by a few different plumbers. One will do the rough plumbing, another will install the toilets, sinks, and lastly after everything is built in the house, you will have a different plumber/plumbing company come installing the kitchen appliances, washer and dryer. After a few years of wear and tear, your plumbing needs to be checked to make sure everything is functioning correctly. One of the most common leaks come from the connection of the new appliances to the water supply line.

I don’t know how happy you would be with this set up!

Don’t be a fool, don’t rush into purchasing your new home without having a licensed plumber inspect your future home. Have one of our licensed plumbers inspect your home. It will save you a head ache and lot’s of money in the future. You can also have the plumber explain and show you a few things that you didn’t notice about your plumbing. It always helps to know a little more.

If you have any questions or concerns please call or email us. We are always here to help.

–Kevin Szabo Jr
(708)845-7922
Kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com

Maintenance Tasks For The Fall  

Getting Ready For The Colder Months

We had a great Summer, now it’s over. We are use to our horrible Winter weather, as long as we don’t get the Winter we had last year. That was unbearable. Pipes freezing, pipes bursting, heaters not working properly, and skyrocket electric/gas bills. I honestly think nobody was really prepared for that. Let’s make sure everyone is ready for the cold. Having your home ready, is a great way to start this Fall.

Insulate Your Pipes
-Exposed Pipes- any pipes that carry water in/out of your house should be wrapped up.
*wrap with electrical heating tape, then wrap in foam pipe insulation.
Shut off all faucets on the exterior of your house
-Hoses, sprinklers, should be drained and put away.
Check Your Roof
-Check your roof for damage, curled shingles, and leaky vents.
Look into proper drainage
-Water is your enemy. It can cause lot’s of damage. Don’t let it happen.
Clean Your Gutters
-Clean them. Don’t let anything sit there. Leaves, debris, and anything else that made it’s way in
your gutter.
Check Your Furnace
-Make sure it’s working correctly. Change the filter. When you are using the Heater, make sure
you change the filter every month.
Water Heater
-Drain your water heater. Assess the condition of the tank. Clean out the debris.
-If your water heater is located somewhere where it’s not heated:wrap your heater tank in a
insulating blanket.
Look For Drafts
-Windows, doors, and any other openings.
-If you have a A/C unit, take it down for the Winter, and store it. Or cover it with a water proof
cover, plus tape off all around it.
Fireplace
-Have your chimney cleaned before you use it this Fall

It’s the little things that will make a difference. Don’t slack, and wait for the last second. Do it now before it’s too cold. If you need a professional plumber to come winterize your house, give us a call and we’ll come out.
If you have any questions call or email
-Kevin Szabo Jr
(708)845-7922
Kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com

WHAT DOES A PLUMBER DO?  

 

plumb·er  [pluhm-er] 
noun
1. a person who installs and repairs piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances in connection with the water supply, drainage systems, etc., both in and out of buildings.
2. Slang. an undercover operative or spy hired to detect or stop leaks of news or secret information, often using questionable or illegal methods, as illegal entry or wiretapping.
3. Obsolete . a worker in lead or similar metals.

What is a plumber?

A trades person who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) water, sewage, and drainage in plumbing systems.

When ever someone thinks of a plumber they generally think of Super Mario. Big mustache, overalls, and a pipe in hand on their way to fix a toilet. People think of  a plumber as someone who you call when your toilet is not working. They tend to forget that plumbers cover so much in their  home or business.

Things you probably didn’t know they work on…

  • Hot Water Heaters
  • Sewer Lines
  • Gas Lines
  • Water Softeners
  • Flooding

Rule of thumb, if it has a pipe, call a plumber
Plumbers….

  •       build and repair water supply lines
  •       build and repair sewerage to all types of buildings
  •       work on main line stoppages 
  •       repair or replace valves
  •       work on and install water heaters
  •       install tubs and showers

Some needed skills, interests, and values that plumbers need

  • Reading drawings, and specifications to determine layout of water supply, waste, and venting systems
  • Detecting faults in plumbing appliances and systems, and correctly diagnosing their causes
  • Installing, repairing and maintaining domestic, commercial, and industrial plumbing fixtures and systems
  • Locating and marking positions for pipe connections, passage holes, and fixtures in walls and floors
  • Measuring, cutting, bending, and threading pipes using hand and power tools or machines
  •         Joining pipes and fittings together using soldering techniques, compression fittings, threaded fittings, and push-on fittings.
  • Testing pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
  • Awareness of legal regulations and safety issues
  • Ensuring safety standards and build regulations are met.

 
Kevin Szabo Jr.
708-845-7922
kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com

TIPS ON REMODELING YOUR BATHROOM

 

Times are hard, but we are all trying to make due. Some of us have a little extra money here and there that we have been saving up to remodel our bathroom. Two important places that you should invest on is your kitchen and your bathroom. It increases the value of your home and it feels good to have a nice bathroom.

It is important to know the budget before remodeling your bathroom, what is your budget? How much money can you afford for yourbathroom remodel? Once you figure out your budget going down your list will be easier.

Ask around for bathroom ideas. Ask friends, family, or coworkers. Look through home magazines. Go online and search whats new and hip. You might have a theme in mind, but it won’t hurt to look around. They always have new looks and as you get older your taste changes. Make sure you look at everything before you choose what style you want to go with.

  • Do you want to keep the same bathroom layout? Or can you afford to change/move things around?
  • Do you want a shower, tub, or both? Is your bathroom big enough to fit both? If you are getting a tub, make sure you sit in the tub before you buy it. Who cares if people are looking, get in that tub and make sure you are happy sitting inside of it. Is it deep enough? Is it comfortable? Are you going to have someone else join you in this tub?
  • What kind of vanity do you want? This goes with what style or theme you are going with. Traditional, modern, luxurious, crisp & clean, elegant, romantic, etc. 
  • After you figure out the vanity, the sink is easier to pick out. 
  • Pick out a bathroom floor, remember you have to clean it, make sure it’s something easy to clean. Pick something that works with your look, price, durability, and cleaning. 
  • Toilet is a must have. Do you want something with gadgets, fancy, or something comfortable that you’ll enjoy reading the paper in the morning. We spend lots of time sitting on the toilet, make sure you like what you pick. 
  • Wall colors, what kind of colors do you have in mind? Painting is a must. It will liven up your bathroom. 
  • Lighting. Depending on your budget, you should spend on lighting. If your budget is limited, you should make it a point to work on the lighting. 
  • Plumbing fixtures. Don’t be cheap on your plumbing fixtures. Do your research, and spend some money on your fixtures. Cheap fixtures don’t last as long. 
  • If you are getting a curtain rod for your shower or tub, make sure you get a nice shower curtain. Depending on the size of the bathroom, it is one of the first things you notice when you walk it. 
Everyone’s bathroom is different. Some bathrooms have not been updated in a long time, others have horrible plumbing, and the lucky ones only need a few touch ups to update the look. Whether you are planning on doing it yourself, have your friends help you, or call a professional, remember it doesn’t hurt to call a plumber to give you an estimate. A plumbercan walk you through what the bathroom needs or even give you new ideas that you didn’t think could fit in there. They can always work with your budget. Good luck and happy remodeling. 
 
(708)845-7922

TEACHING YOUR KIDS ABOUT BASIC PLUMBING

 

At an early age kids are fascinated with water, toilets, and everything else they can get their hands on. As soon as you turn your back on your kid, they have their hands down the toilet splashing that water with a giant smile on their face. You can’t help but laugh along with them, even though you have to explain to them that they can’t do that.

We have to explain to our kids theimportance of plumbing. Teaching our children that plumbing follows the basic laws of nature, gravity, pressure, water seeking it’s own level might seem like a lot but they understand. Kids are very smart. That’s why they are always trying to flush their toys, your keys, loads of paper towels, loose change, and stuffed animals down the toilet. They understand that if they put it in there and flush it will disappear into another dimension.

They have to be taught that it’s not magic. It might be fun, but it will cause a lot of damage to your pipes and to your pockets. Kids have to understand that their health depends on aproperly functioning plumbing system. They need to use the toilet, they need for everything to drain and not be backed up. They need safe drinking water coming into the house, they need clean water to shower and clean up with. Without it we would be living back in the stone ages.

At a early age they should know not to flush:

  • Toys- Yes Aqua Man can swim, but he can stay in the bathtub 
  • Wipes- baby wipes, cleaning wipes, even wipes that say “flushable”
  • Q-Tips- they are skinny, but it can cause obstruction in the pipes
  • Diapers- when kids are learning to potty train, they think it’s ok to take off that diaper and put it in the toilet. Big No!

For kids who are old enough to help you with the dishes:

  • Don’t dispose of grease, bones, stringy vegetables, corn husks, potato peels, pasta, or any anything starchy down the garbage disposal.
  • Explain to them that they should properly clean the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. 
When they are old enough to be left home alone:
We have to teach our kids to be independent, strong and able to handle simple plumbing issues. 
 
If you have any questions or concerns email or call me
 
Kevin Szabo Jr 
(708)845-7922
kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com

Things Every Woman Should Know How To Repair Around Their Home

It’s 2014, men should still be gentlemen and fix whatever needs to be fixed and handle any other home repair that needs to be done. In general, women can handle most home repair tasks without asking their husbands, or significant others to do it for them. I know for a fact that they can do a lot more than we ever give them credit for. Some women  know how to fix stuff better than we do, but leave the home repair up to us just because they know they can.  My significant other always tackles any home repair issue without asking for help because she enjoys the feeling and knows how to do it.  It honestly makes me proud. We always want to be there, but in case we aren’t we want our women to know how to do these things.

Things Every Woman Should Know How To Repair

Tools you should always have at home

  • Power drill
  • Hammer
  • Screw driver set
  • Wrench
  • Channel locks
  • Scissors
  • Pliers
  • Level
  • Measuring Tape
  • Flash light
  • Staple gun
  • Wood saw

Foot Note: There is a lot of men out there that don’t know how to do any home repair and have to have a woman show them. This post isn’t meant as an insult towards women in any way shape or form.

Please visit our website www.kevinszabojrplumbing.net

If you have any issues or concerns call or email

Kevin Szabo Jr 
(708)845-7922
kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com

INDOOR SPRING CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

 

We all clean our homes on a regular bases. After having all our windows closed through out most of Fall and Winter we have to go the extra mile to clean and maintain everything. All that dust that builds up from having everything closed. Certain stuff not being used over Winter, we have to make sure it’s working properly.

The first thing you have to do, is open every single window. Let that fresh air in. Now turn some music on and let’s go down the list.

  • Clean or replace your furnace filters
  • Test your air conditioning system(don’t wait till it gets too hot to see if it’s working). 
  • Check caulking around all windows and doors. Improper caulking allows for moisture to get inside your walls and can cause mold. 
  • Replace screens on your windows if they are torn or broken.
  • Clean your windows, inside and outside.
  • Test your smoke and fire detector, replace batteries if needed. Dust the inside and outside. 
  • Check your fire extinguisher.
  • Clean your ceiling fan with a wet rag.
  • Rotate your ceiling fan so it’s spinning counter clock wise for Summer. 
  • Clean out your fridge and freezer. Place a new box of baking soda in the back to maintain freshness. 
  • Check for pest problems, you might look into calling someone to spray before the warmer months. 
  • Organize your closets, put away Winter clothes and bring out the Spring and Summer clothes. 
  • Clean your walls, sponge and water, or a wet rag. Dust builds up on your walls, especially during Fall and Winter. 
  • Dust and reorganize your book shelves. Move your books around, place some vertically, and some horizontally.
  • Wipe down all your lightbulbs. 
  • Wash your shower curtain. Replace the inside liner. You can buy the inside liner for a buck or two. They tent to get moldy quickly. 
  • Clean your bathroom walls, having your fan on during and after showers isn’t enough. Mold grows, you have to prevent it.
  • Soak your shower head in vinegar and lemon for half an hour or longer if you please. Minerals tend to build up in it. 
  • Vacuum mattress and box spring.
  • Dust off all vents.
  • Clean out the dryer ducts.
If it seems like your in need of a Plumber, Electrician, Heating and AC Repairman, or a General Handyman give them a call. Don’t wait to the last second. Trust us, you’ll be glad that you took care of things before they got bad. 
 
If you have any questions or concerns, email or call me.
 
(708)845-7922
kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com