Tag: Emergency Plumber in Orland Park

THE CUTEST DIY GIFTS FOR YOUR LOVED ONES HOLIDAY DIY GIFT IDEAS

The holidays are here with us, and with them comes our need to spread some cheer. There are so many ways to do it! You could go to the best online dating sites and get your introverted best friend a blind date or go to your favorite store and buy them a lavish gift. There’s no limit to your imagination.

But here’s the truth for all of us: this year has been a particularly hard one. So chances are you are on a budget, and you still want to get all your loved ones something unique to cherish. And something like a DIY gift bag will surely help you pass the message across!

The thought, time, and effort it takes to make something for your loved one give DIY gifts that extra kick. And they can be as cost-effective as you wish them to be.

So whether you’re an amateur or an expert, here are some DIY gift ideas that will surely inspire you this year!

DIY GIFTS TO EXPRESS YOUR LOVE

Family Art Illustrations

What an excellent reminder that family is forever no matter where you or the other person is. These are the perfect DIY holiday gifts for the people in your life to show them your affection and care. Such DIY gifts are thoughtful but will require you to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes.

You can design family art illustration DIY gifts to display ancestry branches as far back as you discover them. Be careful to fill in specific details such as dates of birth, maiden names, marriages, or even deaths. If you can’t find some details, ask older family members or try your luck on Ancestry.

Tie And Dye Party Kit

You can get many DIY gits from a single tie and dye party kit. Everyone knows tie and dye are back in style, and whoever you give this DIY gift box will appreciate it even more. If you have a fashionista in your life, they may be looking to get other people DIY homemade gifts, so party kit gift ideas are a great way to show them how thoughtful you are.

Flower String Art

Flower string art DIY gifts are a huge hit with nature lovers. Whether you choose to make string art lilies, daffodils, roses, or sunflowers, the choice is yours, and all you need is a day of fervent concentration to complete one. Making these DIY gifts isn’t hard at all. However, you will need to be careful when pushing the nails onto the wood or cardboard.

Washi Tape Mirror

Everyone needs an extra mirror in their house. These are great DIY gifts for mom if she’s been complaining about adding a little ‘zhuzh’ to her bathroom. You can use washi tape to give an ordinary bathroom mirror some personality.

If you want it to look festive, get a few colors and layer them in a colorful pattern around the target mirror. Think of it as sprinkling a little of your personality to your loved one’s home. Other than that, this is also among some perfect DIY birthday gifts or DIY gifts for a bridal shower.

Roasted Cinnamon Almonds

Some of the best DIY gifts for your boyfriend, girlfriend, family; anyone really, are those that are made with love and care, and what better way to show it than making some delicious sweets? One such yummy treat is roasted cinnamon almonds. This treat is pretty easy to make, and in fact, will just take you a couple of steps. Bake roasted almonds scrubbed in cinnamon if you’re looking for sweet DIY gifts to present to your new neighbors or thank your hosts for such a lovely evening.

Dog Treat Jar

Do you know what are the best DIY gifts for dog owners? A dog treat jar! It will not only make the canine companion excited, but the owner as well, as they love their pets, and want to see them happy. So, you can get a sizeable mason jar and etch the dog’s name on it. And then just fill the jar with all sorts of treats the dog would love.

Other than that, this is among the best DIY gifts ideas for your dog, and you can just make this gift for them. After all, we adore our pets, and they deserve treats and small gifts just like humans do!

Custom Cheese Board

Custom cheese boards are the perfect DIY gifts for best friend in your life who loves to cook, whether it’s your mom, dad, grandma – anyone. So help your friend showcase their culinary skills with a personalized cheese board that speaks to their art.

You can also make a custom cheese board if there’s a loved one in your life who loves to host parties. Let them know that someone appreciates their effort in the kitchen, make them a present, and they’ll cherish this gift forever. 

Customized Quote Pillow

How about soft and cuddly DIY birthday gifts for your siblings? You can customize a pillow by adding art or quotes the person you’re presenting it to will appreciate. A personalized pillow is an excellent way of telling someone you care for them, and they’ll add an uplifting aura to the space they love to be in.

Macrame Making Kit

Macrame DIY gifts are a great choice if big projects aren’t your thing. These DIY gifts are excellent stock stuffers that won’t take much time or space to make. You can make plenty of simple things with macrame kits, so keep your mind open to different possibilities.

Bath Bomb Mold Set

These DIY gifts are an excellent reminder to your loved ones to take some time off and relax. With these DIY gifts, they can quickly turn their bathrooms into a personal spa complete with sweet-smelling essential oils. You can package these DIY gifts in different dyes so they can turn their bath experience into a rainbow explosion.

  A Book About Them

If you’re looking for DIY gifts that will express to your significant other or loved one exactly how you feel about them, this could be the perfect one.

An ideal title for book DIY gifts would be, This is How I Feel About You. Remember that this is one of the most intimate DIY gifts, so focus on situations you’ve been in together, how this person makes you feel or the kind of future you envision with them. 

Knitted Blanket

If you don’t know how knitting may not be the easiest way to do DIY gifts. However, some beginner-friendly patterns will make the process much easier for you. Knitted blanket DIY gifts are the perfect choice for the couch potatoes in your life or movie night with your family.

Plus, there are many colors, and patterns to choose from! So ask your loved one what their favorite color is and gift them a blanket.

Conclusion

And that’s all the DIT gift ideas that we wanted to share! All and all, the holidays are the perfect time to practice your DIY skills, and whichever gift idea you choose, think of the ones your loved ones are sure to love. We have no doubt that you will have a fun time coming up with a gift, and the recipient will adore it!

So, what do you think are your best DIY gifts from our list? Or perhaps you even have your own idea?  Let us know in the comments below!

Author bio:

Aria Green is a family photographer, relationship psychology writer. A wife and a mother of two adorable kids who won’t get bored even for a minute. As for a writing passion, she loves personality psychology, helping people with advice on the relationship between a man and a woman

BUDGET-FRIENDLY HOME RENOVATION IDEAS

Many people think “too expensive” when they hear “home renovation.” However, updating your home does not have to cost an arm and a leg. We’ve compiled a list of quick and easy budget upgrades to help you get started on your next home improvement project. Here are a few suggestions for cost-effective upgrades to update your home.

BEGIN WITH SIMPLE FIXES

There are numerous inexpensive ideas to update your home decor without spending large sums of money. Here are four innovative ideas:

●      Redecorate a room in a modern color with a fresh coat of paint. It is a low-cost way to remodel a room for maximum impact.

●      Wooden floors look great but are expensive to have sand and varnish, so consider using a less expensive option like durable floor paint to spruce up the floor.

●      To give a room a boost, replace old or outdated light fixtures with modern lighting.

●      Installing wider profile skirting and architraves will look more luxurious than thin skirtings and architraves.

FOCUS ON THE KITCHEN AND BATHROOM

Concentrate on increasing the value of the kitchen and bathroom, as these are the rooms in your house that will increase the value of your property when the time comes to sell. Even on a low budget, you can make changes to a kitchen and bathroom that will have a significant impact. Consider updating cabinet handles, repairing chipped tiles, or replacing outdated faucets with more modern options. Adding a splashback and drawer organizers or extra shelves will give the space a different feel without costing a fortune.

If your kitchen or bathroom has dark laminated cabinets, the interior will appear dreary and outdated. Apply an undercoat and paint right over the top to give them a fresh, new look using laminate paints. Another suggestion is to replace old fixtures and fittings with new ones that seem high-end but aren’t too expensive.

SEARCH FOR GOOD DEALS

When it comes to decorating a house on a budget, online auctions and dealers are your best friends. While it may take a little longer to find what you need, buying rebranded goods or second-hand materials can save you hundreds of dollars. However, not everyone is comfortable with purchasing a previously owned item. In this case, you can save or invest to afford to buy brand-new items that cost more. Have a look at the best investment apps for beginners online, and consider trying your hand at investing as an option to generate the funds for your renovation.

INCLUDE AN AREA FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

An area for outdoor entertaining is high on many buyers’ wish lists most times, and it may make or break a home’s sale. If you already have a patio, you can quickly transform it into an outside entertainment space by adding inexpensive furniture, lighting, and a grilling area. If you do not have a patio, consider building a deck off the lounge to create an indoor-outdoor flow. If the project is small enough, it doesn’t have to be expensive or require official permits.

DIY WHERE POSSIBLE

Do these jobs yourself to save money if you’re handy with a paintbrush or complete a simple tiling job. When it comes to electrical, plumbing, and structural work, always hire professionals, get at least three quotes, and check recommendations. Doing your homework can save you a great deal of money on labor. While not hiring a contractor can help you save money on your home renovation project, make sure you have the necessary skills and tools to complete your entire to-do list. If you need to hire a contractor for some work, bear in mind the cost of the contractor’s fees and materials.

Completing renovation projects yourself can help you save money in a variety of ways. It’s also a good idea to enlist the help of family and friends for gardening tasks such as weeding, painting fences, and planting trees. They shouldn’t mind too much, especially if you order pizza and have cold drinks waiting for them!

Don’t be afraid to look into sustainable alternatives when renovating! You’re not only helping the environment, but you’re also saving money in the long run.

MODIFY A FIREPLACE

A fireplace is a focal point to any room, and it can be a challenging task to renovate one. However, it does not have to be as daunting as it appears, and you do not need to spend a lot of money!

You may be able to modify the fireplace on a shoestring budget, or you may need to replace the existing furnace. In any case, you should be aware of today’s modern furnaces and which alternative will best meet your needs and keep your family warm in winter.

In the same vein, the most common type of heating system installed in homes across the country is a gas furnace. This type of furnace operates through central air ducts and requires a connection to a municipal gas line. The gas heats the air, which then travels through the ductwork to different rooms in your house. Gas heating is the most cost-effective furnace type, and natural gas is generally less expensive than oil and electricity.

FURNITURE REARRANGEMENT AND REFURBISHMENT

Rearranging furniture can completely transform a room’s look and feel, and it’s a crucial part of completing a home remodel on a budget. Choose a focal point in a room and arrange your furniture around it. You can also spruce up old furniture by refinishing the wood or reupholstering couches and chairs for a fresh look.

INNOVATIVE LIGHTING

Overhead fixtures and portable lamps are only a matter of perspective when it comes to lighting. You can use pops of illumination to give your home a warm glow—and a personalized touch—in addition to providing functional task lighting on a friendly budget. Hang a pendant light bedside your bed in place of using a traditional lamp or highlight a bookshelf with mini lights that showcase artwork or other display pieces. You can also uplight a plant by placing a small spotlight next to a large container and angling it up toward the foliage at about a 45-degree angle.

 

CONCLUSION

The key to renovating or redecorating your home beautifully while staying within your budget is to set a goal for yourself, paint an entire picture of what you want, and then renovate each part of your home one by one, as described above.

Guest Contributor: Ellie Lott

WHY DOES MY TOILET KEEP CLOGGING? (PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS)

You never want to have a clogged toilet. Who does? But when you do, it’s always frustrating because no one wants to clean up that mess! It’s icky and gross. So, you maybe think, why does toilet keep clogging?? Many different things can cause toilets to always clogging, but the most common reason is using too much paper, older model toilets, flush non-flushable items, toilet trap is blocked, toilet vent blocked, main sewer line problems, or insufficient water in the bowl. Read about how to stop your toilet from clogging and what causes this problem in the first place!

 WHY YOUR TOILET KEEPS CLOGGING? PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS

There are six main rezones when the toilet keeps getting clogged. Below we give you why toilet clogging and how to solve it. 

  • Older model toilet or low flow toilet
  • Too much toilet paper use
  • Flush Non-Flushable Items
  • The Toilet Trap Is Blocked
  • The Toilet Vent Blocked
  • Main Sewer Line Problems

1. OLDER MODEL TOILET OR LOW FLOW TOILET

OLDER TOILETS MAY BE MORE LIKELY TO CLOG, WHICH CAN LEAD TO COSTLY REPAIRS. AVOID THESE ISSUES; IT IS BEST TO GET AN OLDER MODEL TOILET REPLACED WITH A NEWER STYLE TOILET WITH LESS CHANCE OF GETTING CLOGGED.  BEFORE BUYING TOILETS MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SINGLE OR DUAL FLUSH TOILET.

HOW TO SOLVE

Toilet upgrades are also necessary when the current toilet does not flush or has an adequate water supply for flushing purposes. A plumber should be contacted if there is any doubt about whether or not the toilet needs replacing. 

2. TOO MUCH TOILET PAPER USE

Many people don’t realize the amount of toilet paper they use. In fact, Americans use and throw away an average of 27 pounds of toilet paper per person every year. So, almost 325 million Americans, that’s roughly 19 billion pounds of toilet paper going into our landfills. 

 HOW TO SOLVE

We have been conditioned to think that we need fresh sheets every time we sit on the throne, but in reality, you only need one sheet for each sitting. That’s right: experts recommend using just one square per sheet for your own hygiene and environmental health! So, don’t flush too much toilet paper. 

3. FLUSH NON-FLUSHABLE ITEMS

Do you know the difference between a flushable and non-flushable item? For something to be flushed down your toilet, it must meet two criteria: firstly, it cannot contain any solid material such as plastic or metal; secondly, it must have a low density. That means water can cause an object to break apart and pass through the pipes without clogging them.

HOW TO SOLVE

Non-flushable items with high densities like paper towels or sanitary pads will clog up or even block your plumbing. We recommend throwing out these types of things in trash bins instead of flushing them down toilets.

4. THE TOILET TRAP IS BLOCKED

Where does the waste go if your toilet trap is blocked? Your toilet has s shape toilet trap, which can be clogged easily.

HOW TO SOLVE

A blocked toilet is an unpleasant event that can be difficult to fix. If you have a plunger, pour some dish soap down the drain and follow with hot water to create suction. You may also need to use a plumber’s snake or auger if this doesn’t work. 

If you don’t have one of these tools on hand, try pouring boiling water down the drain and adding two cups of white vinegar followed by more boiling water. This should clear up any clogs so your bathroom can go back to normal!

5. THE TOILET VENT BLOCKED

Blocked toilet vents are a common problem for bathroom owners, and there are many causes. Blocked vents can be caused by improper installation, clogs or other debris in the drainpipe, overuse of cleaners that cause buildup on the vent cover. 

HOW TO SOLVE

Toilet vent covers periodically be cleaned with vinegar to prevent this from happening. The Toilet vent becomes blocked due to an object down the toilet, such as clothing or paper towels. If you have a clog in your pipes, it will need to be cleared before unblocking your vent; otherwise, you may not get any airflow through your system at all! You can use a plunger, chemical drain cleaner, or dish soap, and baking soda.  

6. MAIN SEWER LINE PROBLEMS

Do you know that when a toilet gets clogged, there is a chance it can cause problems with the main sewer line? This is because water can’t flow down the pipe properly. When this happens, instead of rushing into the drainpipe, it pools up in your toilet bowl and begins to fill your bathroom.

HOW TO SOLVE

It’s common for homeowners to have problems with their main sewer line. These issues can be challenging to solve; the only way to know for sure is by having your lines inspected. Sewer problems can make bad smell, expensive and time-consuming if they are not taken care of as soon as possible. For help with solving all of your sewer line problems, contact your nearby plumbing company today!

FAQS:

WILL A TOILET UNCLOG ITSELF?

If you’ve ever been in a position where your toilet is clogged, have you wondered if it will unclog itself? Well, the answer to that question is YES and NO. For example, suppose you leave the water running for an extended period while also flushing repeatedly. In that case, there’s a chance that eventually, the toilet will overflow or, worse yet, back up into your bathroom, causing significant damage. So before you try anything else, call a professional who can get this resolved.

CONCLUSIONS:

  If your toilet is constantly getting blocked and it seems like there’s no way around it, here are some of the most common causes for why your toilet might keep clogging. The main reason for clogs is if too much toilet paper is used; another possible cause could be non-flushable items being flushed down the drain. The best solution? Use less bathroom tissue! Don’t flush non-flushable items; use a powerful flushing toilet, and you can check your plumber system once a year. We hope you can find you why does your toilet keeps clogging and how to solve it. 

Guest Contributor: Sohel Moheb

HALLOWEEN DIY DECORATIONS

Are you looking to spruce up your house, inside and outside, but can’t afford to spend much money on decorations? Luckily for you, fall and Halloween decorations don’t have to cost much if you’re creative! There are so many ways you can take leftovers from previous projects you’ve done or things lying around the house and make good use out of them for super cute decorations around your house.

Look at this super cute jack o’lantern with mums sprouting out of the top. This is a super cute decoration that can be done easily by going to a local dollar store and buying the trick or treat baskets and planting your own mums or buying some locally at a farm, pumpkin patch, grocery store, or anywhere else that sells mums!

Another cheap but cute little project! Take any bottle that you have laying around your house, could be filled or empty, and buy little googly eyes. Those can also be purchased at a local dollar store and usually come in many different shapes and sizes. This would be a good DIY to make when you’re having friends over, and confuse them when you go to drink out of it!

Fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas? Jack Skellington is super popular around this time of the year into the end of the year, it’s a classic! You can find this specific light again, at a dollar store and you can take a permanent black marker and draw his face on the light yourself! You can buy a couple and make him have multiple facial expressions!

This DIY is easy for everybody to do since it includes everyday necessities. Do not throw away all of your toilet paper or napkins to get to the roll (those things were once scarce because of covid!), instead just wait until it goes empty. You might be able to make a couple of these little cute rolls out of one napkin roll since they’re longer.

This is the perfect DIY if you have pool noodles from owning a pool! Most noodles get gross over the winter, so what better way to make use out of them before tossing! Don’t worry, you can still find these at a dollar store if you don’t own a pool.

Such a cute decoration that can be placed inside or outside! Easy to do, and can be substituted with other materials to make this project work. All you need is some paint and patience to make this cute halloween craft!

Have left over materials from other projects you’ve done? These creepy cool hands can be made out of almost any materials. Wood, cardboard, plastic. If you use wood or cardboard, remember to weather-proof it!

This is so adorable!! This one can be done with fresh sunflowers or fake ones, but just remember the real ones can’t be reused, so fake is probably the best bet! You can find the skulls and fake flowers at a dollar store, and can use hot glue to glue the faces into the center! Perfect for those who love skulls and sunflowers, and can even be used year round.

Halloween is one of the best times of the year, and decorating your house with spooky decorations can make the spooky spirit even better. Most things can be found at your local dollar store, and if not there are always alternatives to materials. Get creative and stay spooky!!!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

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

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

 

Plumbing Fixtures Should Be Installed By A Professional

 

 

 

 

http://www.kevinszabojrplumbing.net

 

Plumbing Fixtures

You need to be a licensed plumber to install plumbing fixtures. I know some fixtures are easy and seem pretty simple to install. You honestly should leave it to the professionals to install your plumbing fixtures. Not only do they know exactly what they are doing, they also have all the plumbing tools they need for the job. You might have to run back and forth to the hardware store to pick up certain things that you might need to install your faucet or to change/ install a toilet. Plumbers carry all they need for the job on their work vans. Fully stocked vans.

I’m all for people knowing how to do certain things in their house, but you should be careful. You need to take into consideration all the things that you have to do when changing a plumbing fixture. Making sure that your fixtures and or hardware isn’t mismatched. Purchasing plumbing fixtures for your bathroom only considering the price. Cheap faucets look cheat and will eventually leak. Plumbers will advice you on what fixtures work best for your budget. Forgetting to replace the shut off valves for hot and cold under the vanity or for the toilet. Plumbers know that the washer inside the valves deteriorates, and it wont shut off anymore or it will start to leak. Last, licensed plumbers know how to install it right and up to code.

Instead of spending your whole Saturday afternoon figuring out what goes where and why in the world isn’t this functioning correctly, just call the plumber. He will be there in no time while you sit back and watch the ball game. In an hour, or less, depending on what you are having installed you will have your plumbing fixtures installed. No head ache, no hassles.

If you have any questions or comments email or call me.

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

Have Your Sump Pump Ready For Flood Season

 

All we did this Winter was complain about how cold it was and how much it snowed. Those sub zero days were killing us along with snow that wouldn’t stop. We haven’t had this much snow in years. All that snow is just sitting there. Now as the temperature rises, it’s melting. Melting snow along with rain falls causes flooding. 
 
Nobody wants unwanted water in or near their home. Backup water puts pressure on your waste pipes. Yuck, you don’t want sewage water backing into your home.
 
If your home has previous flooded or the neighborhood is known for flooding, you need to prepare. Sump pumps, remove accumulated water in a collecting sump base. You need to get one, if you don’t already have one. If you have one, make sure it works. Monthly or quarterly fill it up with water to make sure the pump is working and draining properly. Clean around it, keep all the clutter around it to a minimal. You should also invest in a battery backup sump pump system(Zoeller Aquanet). Trust me you will be thankful. The average pump should last you around 8-10 years. Check with your home insurance, some home insurances will cover it if you are lucky.
 
I recommend you get a generator,  and have annual check ups on your pump. If you have any questions about your pump, or need advice you should check with a plumber. 
 
Living in Chicago or Chicago suburbs we are use to this weather. One day it’s beautiful, the next it’s a snow storm, the following it’s crazy rainfalls. We all, or most of us say that we will move. We never do. We do enjoy having our eventful seasons. It keeps us entertained. Just be prepared and everything will turn out alright. If not, that’s what insurance is for. Check with your insurance agent that everything is up to date. 
 
Please visit our website www.kevinszabojrplumbing.net
 
If you have any questions, email me or call me. I will be glad to help.
 
(708)845-7922
kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com