No matter how much you love your home, you may look around one day and start to wonder whether your kitchen or bathroom fixtures need an upgrade. If the fixtures were in the home when you bought it, there are likely to be newer, better options available. The same goes if you purchased the appliances yourself but it’s been more than seven years since. However, since replacing your fixtures requires a considerable investment, it’s best to determine whether you’re simply looking for a different look or whether you really need to upgrade.

Do Your Kitchen Appliances Need Upgrading?

Here’s how you can tell if your stove, oven, dishwasher, and other kitchen appliances need upgrading:

• They frequently need repairs. If you’re always having to schedule repairs, then the costs of those repairs are likely adding up. At some point, you need to figure out whether it’s better to use the money you’re paying for repairs to purchase replacements.
• The appliances aren’t energy-efficient. If your energy bill is relatively high each month, then upgrading your appliances can help you lower it. Especially if you purchase ENERGY STAR® appliances, you can be sure to enjoy the most energy-efficient new appliances.
• The style of the appliances is outdated. Granted, an outdated style isn’t a reason for everyone to upgrade. However, purchasing newer models with a more modern look can give your kitchen a more visually pleasing appeal.

Do Your Bathroom Appliances Need Upgrading?

Here’s how to tell if your bath, toilet, vanity, shower, or bidet need upgrading:

• The enamel on the fixtures is damaged. Although the enamel on bathroom furniture is quite hard, it can still get damaged. This leads to unsightly scratches and dents. These can be repaired, but it’s often better to replace the appliance.
• The plumbing fixtures on the appliances are worn and broken. Over time, plumbing fixtures can get damaged due to overuse, corrosion, or the buildup of sediment. When multiple plumbing fixtures are significantly damaged, it’s time to upgrade.
• The fixtures no longer meet your needs. If you have a regular bathroom but you’re getting older and losing mobility, you might need a different type of furniture. Walk-in bathtubs and higher toilets are better suited to the needs of seniors.
• The style of the fixtures is outdated. If you’re forward-looking but your bathroom is so ‘90s, then upgrading your appliances can be a good idea to enhance your enjoyment of your home.

Consult a Professional Plumber

To maximize the upgrade of your kitchen or bathroom appliances, it’s best to consult with a professional plumber. That way, you can be sure to get good advice on what the best options are for your home’s plumbing, your style preferences, and your budget.

Of course, upgrading your kitchen or bathroom appliances requires both time and money. However, in the long run, you’ll be glad you did it, because not only will it increase the value of your property; it will also enhance your enjoyment of your home.

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

As a responsible homeowner, you probably know that it’s equally crucial to keep those parts of your home that you can’t see in just as good a shape as the parts that are visible. One of those important parts that you can’t see is your plumbing system. If you don’t properly maintain it, all sorts of issues can occur, ranging from leaking pipes and clogged sewer lines to sediment buildup and blocked drains. One of the most important things you can do to prevent some of these issues from occurring is to keep your kitchen and bath drains in good working order. Here’s what you need to know.

Keeping Your Kitchen Drain in Good Repair

If you’re like most households, you make heavy use of your kitchen drain. You use it to wash your hands, wash dishes, and do food preparation. You might even have a garbage disposal you use to get rid of organic cooking waste. However, this heavy use can easily clog up the drain over time.

To prevent this from happening, you should avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. Instead, you can dispose of this by pouring it into a bottle and throwing it away. Also, don’t throw any food waste down the drain unless you run the garbage disposal, and never throw anything made of metal, glass, or plastic into the drain.

In addition, you should clean the drain around once every two weeks. You can do this with a simple, homemade drain cleaning solution. Boil a kettle of water and pour it into the drain. Then pour in half a cup of baking soda and let it work for about 5 minutes. Next, mix a cup of vinegar with a cup of hot water and pour it into the drain. Cover the drain with the plug, and wait for five to 10 minutes. Finally, flush the drain with another kettle of boiling water. To clean your garbage disposal, you can fill it with ice cubes, cover it, and run it for a couple of minutes. The friction from the ice cubes will remove any grease and sediment buildup. Then rinse the drain with boiling water.

How to Keep Your Bath Drain in Good Working Order

Your bath drain might not be as heavily used as your kitchen drain, but it can still get clogged, especially due to hair and soap. You can prevent this from happening by cleaning it once a week. If you have a bath drain with a stop, remove the stop and clean it. Then use the same method as above to clean out the drain itself. You can also use a commercial drain cleaner, but be sure to wear protective gloves and follow the instructions to the letter.

Of course, it’s always possible that despite your best efforts, you can experience a clogged drain or other issue. If you can’t resolve the issue yourself, you’re best advised to call a licensed plumber as soon as possible. Remember: Paying a little bit of money for some repairs right now can save you a lot of hassle and expenses instead of waiting until the issue gets out of hand!

If you need kitchen or bathroom drain maintenance, repair, or replacement, call McHales Kitchen and Bath today! 

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

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By McHales Kitchen and Bath

If you live around Lowell like we do, you probably rely heavily on your water heater in the colder months of the year. Whether it be for cooking, bathing or helping heat the house, hot water is essential to the lives of most people, unless of course they don’t enjoy cooked food, hot showers or warm homes.

When it comes to hot water, our professionals at Milltown Plumbing in Lowell recommend the tankless water heater. This system, which heats up the water instantaneously as it passes through the appliance, can offer savings down the road and is also less likely to leave you stranded with a cold shower on those negative degree January New England mornings.

Below are a few key features of tankless water heaters to consider before putting any more money into your traditional unit.

1. Maintenance Costs: Traditional tank-based water heaters are built to last 10-15 years and can require multiple maintenance visits to keep them up and running. Tankless units, when properly installed, can last up to 20 years. This nearly doubles the lifespan of some traditional water tank units, and saves you money on both repairs and replacements down the road.

2. Space: Traditional water heats can be monstrous. Having to hold gallons of water, they can take up an entire corner in a basement, or if you don’t have a basement, valuable closet space in your living area. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, require almost no space.Since the unit holds no water save for the small amount in the heat exchanger coil to be heated, the appliances need little room to operate. Tankless water heats can be installed pretty much anywhere in the house, whether it be a smaller unit near a point of point-of-use (like a shower or sink) or a larger unit to act as a central heating source in a centralized location. Regardless of how you choose to install them, tankless water heaters can bring back your previously occupied basement and closet space.

3. Energy Costs: This may be the biggest benefit of all. Although the prices of gas and oil are currently on a downswing, energy is still on everyone’s mind. When properly installed, tankless water heaters offer a host of energy saving perks. These include reduced water usage from not needing to run the faucet or shower to get hot water, to improved energy efficiency when running a device that only heats the water you need. These small price cuts can seem low at first, but over the 20 year lifespan of a tankless water heating unit, they can add up to some serious savings.

If a tankless water heater sounds like the answer to your hot water needs, call Milltown Plumbing in Lowell today to have your hot water ready in an instant. Never fear cold water again!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

Spring in Chelmsford isn’t quite like the spring we see on clothing commercials. Last week’s impromptu snowstorm was a not-so-subtle reminder that shorts weather isn’t coming quite as soon as we’d all like.

However, despite needing to keep your scraper in the front seat, spring really is on the way. Get started on your seasonal cleaning in Chelmsford by tackling a little HVAC maintenance.

There are some tasks Chelmsford homeowners can manage themselves while others are better addressed by a professional heating contractor.

One of the easiest and most effective spring cleanings steps Chelmsford homeowners take is cleaning or replacing their HVAC unit’s air filter.

Filters prevent pet dander, dust and other particles from entering into your HVAC system. As debris collects on the filter it starts to impede the flow of air to the unit. Follow your owner’s manual on how to remove and clean the filter. Usually warm soapy water and a dry towel are all you’ll need to get it clean.

Once you’re finished cleaning, or replacing your filter set up a reminder to do it again in 30 days. Chelmsford can get pretty muggy in the dead of summer which means you’re AC will be working overtime as well as it’s air filter.

Another “honey do” on the spring-cleaning list you can complete without the assistance of a heating contractor is remove trash, dead foliage and overgrown vegetation from the outdoor coil. Even with a cover on (which reminds us, spring is a good time to take the cover off so you don’t forget on the first hot day of summer and blow your whole air conditioning unit out. You’ll definitely need a heating contractor then!) debris can find it’s way in and around your outdoor coil. Clearing it away will improve the performance of your system.

While you’re clearing the outdoor coil you might be tempted to spruce things up with a little much. Please don’t. Your HVAC unit needs to “breathe.” Mulching around the bottom of the unit can restrict airflow.

Our last bit of advice is to call a heating contractor and schedule your yearly HVAC tune-up. Spring is a great time to have a professional heating contractor, like the techs at MillTown Plumbing, come and give your ac system the once over. Spring is lovely in this area, but it’s fleeting. You do not want to be one of the frantic people who call us when a massive heat wave hits Chelmsford in the middle of August. Avoid the future hassle, call us today.

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

When you own a home in Mill City, taking good care of your property is usually at the top of your priority list. And if your home is more than 15 years old, it’s best to be aware of the potential need for sewer replacement in Lowell, MA.

Why You Might Need Sewer Replacement in Lowell, MA

Most of the time, your home’s sewer functions just fine on its own. And it should, because sewers are made of robust materials that are intended to last for years. However, when your sewer was installed more than 15 years ago, it’s definitely smart to keep the need for sewer replacement in mind.

There are a number of reasons for this:

• The sewer line might be worn, which increases the chances of leaking sewage.
• The ground around the sewer might have shifted, which could result in a collapse.
• The joins between the sewer pipes, and between the sewer line and the main can get loose Check This Out.

If any of these things have happened, sewage could leak into the ground surrounding your sewer line—usually your yard or driveway. And that’s very unhealthy. It attracts all sorts of bugs and vermin, which can carry diseases that make both humans and pets sick.

Benefits of Sewer Replacement in Lowell, MA

Sounds unpleasant, doesn’t it? Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until your sewer’s leaking to get it fixed. Here at Milltown Plumbing, we have the expertise and cutting edge equipment to inspect your sewer in a non-invasive manner by inserting a specially-made video camera. This allows us to pinpoint any damage inside the line. After assessing the damage, we can advise you whether it’s possible to replace the sewer without trenching or whether we need direct access to the line. Rest assured that we’ll always opt for the least invasive option, so long as it’s viable. The benefits of sewer replacement in Lowell, MA include:

• A properly functioning sewer, so no more issues with clogs or backflow
• No leaking of sewage, resulting in a healthier living environment
• The value of your home will increase due to the new sewer line

To find out more about sewer replacement in Lowell, MA, call us today!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

The living this summer certainly won’t be easy without air conditioning maintenance in Tewksbury, MA. The summers in New England can be hot and without a steady flow of cool air in your home, this season could be one long heatwave. It can be the cause of many sleepless nights and poor indoor air quality that leaves you struggling to catch a breath of fresh air. Of course, that’s most likely nothing you want to experience this summer, or at least we hope.

If you want your air conditioning ready to go the season ahead, please call MillTown Plumbing. We will be able all summer to provide you with air conditioning maintenance in Tewksbury, MA that will keep the cool air flowing and the good times rolling online singulair. In addition to our services, we also want to show you what steps you should be taking this summer to ensure you have air conditioning that keeps the whole family comfortable. Don’t allow the summertime heat overtake your home and take action with the following maintenance tips:

1. Clean or Replace Filters: The filters in your air conditioning may be a little worse for wear, especially since you probably haven’t used your air conditioning system in at least eight months. Dirty filters can make your air conditioning work even harder and need to be cleaned or replaced more than once a year to ensure a steady flow of air in your home. This will reduce your air conditioning’s energy consumption and keep it at a reasonable level.
2. Take Safety Precautions: A high level of safety comes before a high level of cool air. Keep air conditioning a safe distance from any electronics. Make sure your air conditioning’s electrical connections are up-to-date and installed properly. If your air conditioning is leaking moisture, use a towel to wipe up any moisture.
3. Purchase a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat will give you so much more control over the climate in your home. You will be able to program the temperature in your home so your air conditioning is not working more than necessary. It successfully lowers the cost of energy bills by running less when you’re not home.
4. Duct Cleaning: Your air ducts may be filled with dirt, dust, bacteria, and debris after a long winter. This can allow for air contaminants to filter into your home and negatively affect indoor air quality. Dirty ducts will also impact how you receive cool air, especially if it begins to prevent your air conditioning from working at its best. Regular duct cleaning will keep indoor air cool and your family healthy.

Contact MillTown Plumbing today if you need air conditioning maintenance in Tewksbury, MA or if you want to learn more on how to maintain your air conditioning on your own.

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

We couldn’t think of a more inconvenient way to spend the rest of your summer than dealing with a drain clog, especially if it involves your sink drain in Nashua, NH. When you consider that we only have a month or so remaining for any summertime fun, you should be spending it having a good time with friends and family—not with messy, annoying drain clogs. But due to a lack of maintenance or poor decision making, plenty of homeowners find themselves having to make a call for plumbing service to fix their sink drain instead actually enjoying summer’s final weeks.

The team at MillTown is here to help you avoid clogging your sink drain in Nashua, NH. When you consider how often the sink in your kitchen is used on a daily basis, a single clog can really disrupt the day-to-day in your home. Our plumbers will work with you in ensuring clogs stay far away from your plumbing system not only so you can live comfortably in your home, but also so you know how to avoid clogs in the future.

Tips for Avoiding a Clogged Sink Drain in Nashua, NH

The next time you feel like your sink is on the verge of a major clog, you may want to consider taking the following actions:

• Use Hot Water: Periodically, pour hot water down your drains to loosen up any potential source of clogging. In a similar vein to how hot water will loosen up any filth on your dirty dishes, the same can apply for your sink drains, especially for any buildup of grease or cooking oil which would otherwise harden.
• Throw Away Expandable Foods: Sure, foods like pasta and rice may look like they won’t do any damage to your drains, but they can expand once exposed to water and create a massive clog. It’s always better to throw these food in the regular garbage. Have any remaining food scraps from your pasta dinner? Dump them in the trash instead.
• Keep Grease and Oil Away: As we mentioned before, oil and grease can build up within your drains and harden, making for a massive clog not even the most reliable plunger can handle. When you have grease and oil that needs to be discarded, store in a plastic bag and then dump in the regular garbage instead.
• Consider a Garbage Disposal: Thanks to a garbage disposal, any larger food scraps can be chopped up into tinier pieces that will easily pass through your drains diovan blood pressure medicine. You would just throw large pieces of produce down your kitchen sink and wish for the best, right? A disposal can decrease the risk of clogs significantly, as well as lower the amount of waste going to your landfill.

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

Okay, so perhaps your air conditioning is doing wonders right now in keeping your home cool in the midst of all this hot weather. But are you also realizing that it’s simply not proving beneficial when it comes to energy-efficiency? The level of cooling may be high, but so are the costs on energy bills. In that case, we’re glad to inform you that it’s totally possible to have high-efficiency air conditioning in Nashua, NH. All you really need to do is follow a few simple steps, and you’ll be saving money on cool air in no time.

At MillTown, we want to see you with cool air that’s both effective and efficient. We believe you shouldn’t have to worry about high costs on bills every time you turn on your air conditioning. That’s why we want ensure you have high efficiency air conditioning in Nashua, NH that keeps the whole family happy. Our team of technicians are always available to provide you with advice that will bring air conditioning to new heights. With a system that keeps everyone cool and keeps money in your pocket, what could possibly be better?

High Efficiency Air Conditioning in Nashua, NH: What Can You Do?

If you want to keep air conditioning efficient this summer, please follow these helpful tips:

1. Change and replace air conditioning filters regularly. Blocked air filters are a leading cause in preventing air conditioning from being totally efficient, as the blockage will only force your air conditioning to work even harder and increase energy consumption. Dirt, dust, and debris are common sources of blockage.
2. Call for an air conditioning tune-up once a year. This should ideally be done right before summer starts. During a tune-up, a professional will be able to examine your air conditioning closely and eliminate any problems that would otherwise lessen its efficiency.
3. If your system is older than 10 years, it’s time for replacement. Though your air conditioning will be able to work well long past 10 years, it becomes more prone to experiencing problems that will both increase energy-efficiency and costs on repair.
4. Seal any air leaks in your home that would cause you to lose cool air. Air leaks are usually found in attics and crawl spaces, so make sure to inspect these two areas first. These can be sealed with mastic tape.
5. Invest in a programmable thermostat. A thermostat will give you greater control over in-home climate so you’re not using more cool air than necessary. You can even program it when you’re not home so your air conditioning isn’t producing more cool air than needed, especially when there isn’t anyone around to enjoy it.

Contact MillTown today if you want to learn more on how you can ensure you have high-efficiency air conditioning in Nashua, NH!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath