When you want to give your bathroom a quick makeover, adding new fixtures is an easy way to go. New bathroom fixtures can make your bathroom look brand new. You can choose to replace a few, key fixtures – or you can go all out and replace them all. Either way, adding new bathroom fixtures will give you the jazzed-up look you want without the price of a full renovation.

There are a few things to consider before you buy your new fixtures. Keep these things in mind and you will soon have the bathroom you want.

Choose a theme – before you hit the home improvement store, you need to know what theme you want throughout your bathroom. Do you want an antique look? A modern look? Retro? You have many options when it comes to a theme, so find the look that appeals to your sense of style.

Size matters – You want to make sure the size of your bathroom fixtures fit the size of your bathroom. Large fixtures, such as a vanity, in a small room will leave your bathroom feeling crowded. Fixtures that are too small can leave your bathroom feeling sparse. Also choose your faucets carefully and make sure they fit your new or existing vanity. Sinks do come with different spacing sizes – faucets and sinks are not a “one size fits all”. Measure and make sure before you make your decisions.

Make it comfortable – The fixtures you choose should make your bathroom space feel comfortable and welcoming – a space for relaxing in a hot bath after a long day. Avoid making your bathroom feel too busy.

Durability – Choose bathroom fixtures that are durable. You want fixtures that will last a long time. You also want fixtures that are easy to upkeep. The fixtures are an investment – while price is important, do not let the cost be your only guiding factor.

While its easy to head down to your local home improvement store to make your final selections, don’t forget to ask a professional as well. Plumbers have access to a variety of options and locations and may be able to get you a lower cost for higher quality products. They can also help you install everything and have it up and ready for use in the shortest time possible.

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Nothing gives you a worse feeling than when you flush the toilet or pull the drain plug on your tub, only to find the water not draining.

This is a sure sign of a clog, and unfortunately, you have no idea how far-reached the clog really is.

Clogs are often the result of a build-up – for instance, hairs becoming stuck to the sides of your pipes. It may take weeks or even months, yet build up eventually occurs and the water will no longer flow.

If you are faced with a clog, your first instinct might be to get a liquid drain cleaner. These harsh chemicals may or may not work – all you can do is try them. However, not only are they not good for the environment, they may only remove part of the clog. In many cases, they do nothing at all for the clog and you have simply wasted your money.

Another option is to try a drain snake. You can do this on your own or hire a plumber. Again, depending on the location of the clog, the snake may not reach it.

Which is why you may want to try hydrojetting.

HydroJetting is a new form of removing clogs. Similar to a snake, a plumber will insert a hose into your drain, feeding it as far as it will go. The difference between the HydroJetter and a drain snake is that the snake punches through the clog, whereas the HydroJetter washes it away. A HydroJetter uses strong, streams of water (think power washer) to push the clog through the pipes. It also cleans the pipes all the way around at the same time.

Using a HydroJetter is a great way to get rid of stubborn clogs. Not only are you using water, which is safe for the environment, you have a much better chance of getting rid of the entire clog – instead of just bits and pieces of it. By removing the entire clog, you will not have to worry about your drains for a very long time.

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The second largest energy user in the home is typically your water heater. And if your water heater is more than a couple of years old, chances are its one area that could save you a considerable amount of money over the coming years.

Xcel Energy is offering its residential customers up to $450 in rebates when they purchase a qualifying, new high-efficiency, natural gas or electric water heaters. Rebates vary from $25 on a standard natural gas water heater .62EF to an electric heat pump water heater with rebates of $450.

Download your 2012 rebate form here, then contact us about installing the water heater right for you.

Once your water heater is installed, move onto a variety of other areas in your home.

Denver Water is once again offering a variety of rebate programs to residents who use Denver Water. Currently they are offering:

• $100 rebate on qualifying clothes washers

• $75 rebate on WaterSense labeled high-efficiency toilets

• $2 rebates on rotary nozzles for your sprinkler system

• $100 rebate on weather based smart controller with rain sensor

To learn more about these programs, visit Denver Water.

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Have you ever opened up your water bill and been more than a little shocked at the amount due?

As we move from winter to summer, and you begin watering your landscaping, a price increase is to be expected. But if the price is more than what you expected, you may have more than an added cost for landscaping. You may have a water leak.

Water leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems for homeowners. Finding the source of the leak and making needed repairs is your number one concern. Many times, it is a simple leak, such as a sink or faucet, causing the problem. Other times, the problem can be more complicated – such as a slab leak.

A slab leak is a water leak under the slab of your home. When you have a slab leak, it can be difficult to find the source. Because of its location, you may have no indication of a problem. Yet your water bill tells you something else.

The first thing you need to do is see if you have any noticeable water spots. Walk around your home both inside and out, looking for small areas that are damp or wet. Listening for the water leak can also aid in trying to find the slab leak. Determine where your plumbing pipes run and start listening. Usually, the closer you are to the leak, the noisier it will be.

To repair a slab leak, it is a good idea to call in the pros. The process is not something that the everyday “do-it-yourself” person can handle. A slab leak involves removing not just the floor covering (vinyl, wood, etc.), but also the section of the slab covering the leaky pipe. Since your slab is concrete, you will need a small jackhammer to remove the section. A professional will have the necessary equipment to make the repairs.

Once the section of the slab is removed, the section of leaky pipe must be removed. Never attempt a “patch”, as this will only result in another leak. Remove and replace the entire section of leaky pipe.

When the leak is repaired, test the water before fixing the hole in your floor. If no leaks are found, the hole can be filled with concrete and left to dry. After a few days, the flooring can be replaced and you can get back to a normal water bill.

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Plumbing repairs can be a difficult, timely and messy process.  No one wants to add to the stress of the situation by choosing the wrong plumber for the job.  Since you don’t have a handy plumber in your speed dial, how do you go about finding the right plumber the first time?

Get organized – Before you call a plumber, have a list of all the repairs you need.  You don’t want to slow the process (and potentially raise the price) by needing the plumber to come out multiple times for estimates.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions – Don’t assume the first plumber you call or that comes to visit your home is the right person for the job.  Take some time to ask a few questions and get to know the plumber you are considering.

Ask about licensing and insurance – One of the most important questions to ask your potential plumber is whether or not they are licensed and have insurance.  You want to make sure you are working with a reputable company that can make reparations if the worst should occur.

Ask for an itemized estimate – Make sure you know from the very beginning how much things will cost.  Be sure to request an itemized estimate so you can know exactly where what funds are going.

Consider getting a second opinion – Don’t assume that just because one plumber says a job should cost a certain amount or be done in a certain way that he is right.  Consider getting a second opinion so you have something a frame of reference.

Ask for references - While not as important as asking about licensing or insurance, you might want to consider asking for references from previous customers (or look online for company ratings).  This can provide yet another idea of how well the plumber might do for you.

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Think you’re ready to tackle your own plumbing problems? Think again. While some things may seem like an easy fix – replacing a dripping faucet for instance – after many trips to the hardware store you may begin rethinking your decision.

Professional plumbers can help you save money and get the job done quickly. However, you may have heard horror stories from friends and neighbors who have chosen a plumber that is anything but reputable. How do you know who’s good – and who’s not – just by an advertisement? Here are some tips to help you through your process.

Because it is hard to tell who is good, and who is not, through a simple advertisement, start out by looking for referrals first. Ask around your community. Friend, neighbors, and family members may have used a great company in the past they are more than happy to recommend. You can also ask contractors or real estate experts, as they work in that marketplace daily and often have the perfect referral to give.

And while its easy to ask your neighbor for a referral over a cup of coffee, don’t forget about online resources as well. A quick question on Facebook could give you dozens of referrals from your friends. Look for a company whose name pops up again and again. You can also check out a companies website and other online sources like Yelp to see what people are saying.

Once you get to connecting with potential candidates, ask about certification and education. How long have they been in the business? Do they take their job seriously or are they looking for fast money? A company that is here to stay is concerned about reputation. They will be happy to list their credentials and show you what they are doing to stay at the top of their industry.

You can also ask about warranties. A professional plumber with a great reputation will stand behind his work, no matter what. Find out what the company will do if you have problems or concerns.

And while price is an important factor, its almost always a last concern. If you start out a conversation with “how much”, you’re likely to be disappointed. Some less than professional plumbers create overly low priced “leading” services to get you in the door, and then nickle and dime you with the extras. Don’t concentrate on initial costs; instead focus on the entire job.

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If you leave your pipes unprotected, you run the risk of having frozen pipes. Imagine waking up on a frosty, cold morning and having no hot water – not exactly an ideal situation for anyone.

Neglecting your plumbing in the winter can lead to a variety of costs – costs that you can avoid by winterizing your home. If a pipe bursts, the cost can be much more than you ever expected.

Cleanup costs from water damage can run anywhere from a few thousand to multi-thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage. If you have a pipe burst while you are not home, there is a good chance you will have significant damage, especially if the water is flooding your home. If you are at home when a pipe bursts, you will still have some out-of-pocket expense. In both cases, the sooner you stop the flow of water, the easier road you will have towards recovery.

You can hire a plumber to fix the problem, which can run you several hundred dollars, depending on the length of time it takes to make repairs. Because they are professional and they deal with water damage frequently, they can help you assess the situation and begin putting things in order immediately.

You can also choose to fix the problem on your own. Emergency repair kits are available at most home improvement and hardware stores. If you make a quick repair on your own, you run the risk of adding additional pressure to the rest of your plumbing, and possibly missing the root cause of the problem. This could lead to even more damaged pipes and more expense. Imagine having to replace ALL of the plumbing in your home – that is thousands of dollars worth of expenses.

While its good to know what to do in the event of a broken pipe, the easiest way to overcome it is to avoid it all together.

If you spend a little money now, before your pipes freeze, you can help avoid the problems and the price. Insulate exposed pipes and purchase a heater, if necessary. Heated pipe wraps are also available. Prices for these wraps depend on the length of pipe you need to cover – the longer the wrap, the higher the cost. The goal is to keep the pipes warm enough that they do not freeze the water within.

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As the leaves start to change, and the daily temperatures remain at an all-time high here in Colorado, it’s hard to imagine waking up to snow and frost. But as we all know, that will soon be the case. With winter comes freezing temperatures and with those cold temps, your plumbing is at risk. When the weather becomes cold enough to freeze, if your plumbing is not protected, it can freeze, too. It can be very frustrating to turn on your water, only to discover that nothing comes out because it is frozen. The following tips will help you prepare your plumbing for the freezing temperatures that are soon to come.

Insulate any unprotected pipes, such as in your garage or basement. This layer of insulation will help protect your pipes from freezing. You can even find heated insulation that will keep your pipes warm, even through the coldest weather. If you do not have access to pipe insulation, you can use rags and newspapers to help protect the exposed pipes.

When a particularly hard freeze is expected, leave your hot and cold faucets trickling. This will stop the water from freezing in the pipes and leaving you with no water.

Open cabinet doors under the sink to allow the warmth of your home to keep the pipes from freezing.

Keep up the maintenance of your water heater because it works harder in the cold months to heat the water. Flush it out to remove any buildups that could lead to corrosion.

Turn off outdoor water faucets and disconnect any hoses. You can also insulate any exposed outdoor faucets to prevent them from freezing. Wrap the faucets with insulation or rags to protect them from the cold.

Have your plumbing inspected by a professional for signs of any leakage. Leaks, even the smallest leaks, can freeze in the winter and cause hundreds of dollars in damage. Take care of the minor fixes now to avoid major problems later.

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When do you start looking for a plumber? It’s usually at a time when you need them the most.

When something goes wrong with your plumbing, it usually happens in a big way. Even the most minor repairs can require immediate help, especially if you are not handy with a wrench.

But how do you choose when the water is flowing all around you, or your sewer is backed up? Instead of relying on the first number you find, keep these tips in mind. There are plenty of plumbers available and as long as you know what to look for in a plumber, you will be able to choose the best one for your repairs.

If you own a home, you’ll eventually need a plumber. Why not start with small jobs to test the waters? The best way to find a great plumber is to choose one in advance. This gives you the time to research and investigate to ensure that you make the best choice, and find someone you can rely on in the event of an emergency. A yearly cleaning of your water heater, fixing a small drip in your bathroom, or an energy audit to see where you can improve your water savings, are all things you can do now and learn more about a plumbing company. Choose your plumber before an emergency. Then, all you need to do is make a phone call.

To narrow your choices down, start researching each plumber on your list of possibilities. The Internet is a good source of information – you can find customer reviews and feedback. Word-of-mouth is also important – don’t be afraid to ask your friends and neighbors which plumber they use and why. You want a plumber that has a solid reputation for satisfying customers – not a plumber that has a history of shoddy work. Remember, every person has a different experience and opinion; do your own research and find someone who has the experience and knowledge you are looking for.

Finally, make sure that your plumber is licensed to plumb and has all the necessary credentials. It is also a good idea to talk to your plumber in advance and ask any important questions. For instance, ask the plumber if he or she is trained in the latest techniques and regulations. You want a plumber that stays on top of the plumbing industry, not one that received their license 30 years ago and has never updated their training since. By taking your time and choosing your plumber with care, your next plumbing emergency will be that much less stressful.

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As you move through your busy days, you probably don’t think much about your plumbing. We take the modern conveniences of plumbing for granted.  We turn on the faucet or the shower and expect the water to be there and be the right temperature.

Like everything though, eventually, the pipes in your home will start to break down and will need to be replaced.  The question is, do you know when that time is?  Do you the signs that tell you your home needs repiping?  If not, here are a few helpful hints to guide you on your way.

1. Water pressure - Does your water pressure leave something to be desired?  Do you turn the faucet on to full blast only to get a small stream?  One of the biggest signs of faulty or failing piping is a lack of water pressure.

2. Water color – Does the river run red?  When you turn on a faucet do you have to wait a moment (or longer) for the rust to clear out and the clean water to come?  Rust in the water is another major sign that a home probably needs to be repiped.

3. Leaky pipes - Do you have a permanent wet spot from a leaky pipe?  While it may only be a sign that the pipe in question needs to be replaced, it could also be a sign of something bigger.  Remember, since most pipes are out of sight, you probably won’t know if one leaky pipe is just one leaky pipe, or one of many.  Especially if you have any of these other signs, you should have someone come check if you need a new pipe or all new pipes.

4. Corroding pipes – If your pipes show signs of corrosion, that is a pretty clear sign that they need to be replaced.

5. Lack of hot water control – If you get scalded in the shower when someone uses water anywhere else in the house, you might want to get your pipes checked out.  The key to a controlled shower could be a new set of pipes.

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