Benefits of Installing a Walk-In Shower

Benefits of Installing a Walk-In Shower

  • bathroom remodeling
A walk-in shower is just what you need from McHale's KBA

You may have been considering replacing your existing shower or tub in Bucks County. At McHale’s Kitchen and Bath Remodeling, we recommend going for a modern walk-in shower for your next bathroom remodel. Instead of taking up room in your bathroom with a clunky bathtub/shower combo, you can have a walk-in shower that fits seamlessly into any space. What are the benefits of switching to a walk-in model over a traditional bathtub?

Reasons to Choose a Walk-In Shower

Fits Your Space

Walk-in showers come in a variety of heights and widths which can fit any bathroom. If your bathroom is spacious, you can have one that takes up an entire wall. But if you have a compact space, a walk-in shower can be small enough to take up just a corner. There is no need to wonder if the bathtub will fit into your space or compromise on your designs. A new walk-in shower will work in any space!

Easy to Clean

Most walk-in showers are made of tile, which is much easier to clean than your average porcelain or plastic shower interior. Tile can be scrubbed down with any cleaner you choose without the worry of damaging it or staining with bleach. In addition to the tile walls, many walk-in showers have glass doors. You can say goodbye to moldy shower curtains- glass doors can be cleaned with the same products as the tile. You can enjoy less time cleaning and more time enjoying your new shower with a walk-in model.

Ease of Access

If you’re someone with mobility issues, then a walk-in shower is the perfect solution. Walk-in showers are nearly flush with your flooring, so there is no high ledge to climb over. If you want a shower that will serve your family for years, then this is the best option for you.

Why Choose McHale’s Kitchen and Bath?

When you make the decision to remodel your bathroom or kitchen, you want the final product to be both functional and beautiful. At McHale’s, that is our ultimate goal and what we strive to deliver for every customer. Our designers can help you achieve the bathroom of your dreams and get you the best products on the market. And when you choose to install a walk-in shower, you can enjoy your new bathroom for years to come.

By Michelle Fadeley

Why Is My Toilet Not Flushing?

Why Is My Toilet Not Flushing?

  • bathroom remodeling
a toilet not flushing shouldn't slow you down

Of all the things that can go wrong with your plumbing in Bucks County, one of the most frustrating is a toilet that does not flush properly. Problems with flushing range from no flush at all to continuous “running” after the flush. Here at McHales Kitchen and Bath Remodeling, we want to break down the common culprits when it comes to an improperly flushing toilet. 

 

Not Flushing At All

If nothing happens when you press down the flusher, there are two common problems that may be happening inside your toilet. The first is that the tank may not have enough water in it. Without enough water, the tank will not flush. The valve for this is usually just behind your toilet, so ensure that it is open and the float inside the tank is unobstructed. The second most common problem with no flush at all is the chain connecting the flapper is loose or disconnected. If the chain is too loose, it will not activate the flush. Open the tank and ensure there is tension between the chain and your flusher handle.

 

Bowl Does Not Empty

When you press the flusher, it should lift the flapper in your tank allowing water to rush quickly into the bowl for a smooth flush. When your toilet bowl does not empty all the way, this can be the sign of a couple different issues. One may be that the pipes are clogged. This can be solved by plunging it yourself or snaking the pipes by a professional. If you have snaked and plunged your toilet and are still experiencing slow flushes, it can be the chain. If the chain is too loose, it may be lifting the flapper slowly when you pull it. This slow release does not give the water the momentum it needs to flush the bowl quickly.

 

Continuous Flushing

Perhaps the most annoying problem of all is when the toilet continuously “runs” after you’ve flushed it. That running water sound is not only annoying, but it’s also wasting water. When the flapper lifts to let the water into the bowl, it should seal tightly over the drain once the flush is complete. If the flapper is bent or warped, it will not seal properly which allows a slow stream of water to trickle into the bowl. That is the culprit for the running water noises. The flapper should be replaced if you hear that noise for extended periods of time after each flush.

 

Why Choose McHales Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

If your toilet is struggling to keep up with your family’s needs, then perhaps upgrading may be the solution. The expert bathroom remodeling team at McHales Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling can assist you in choosing and installing the right toilet for your needs. We have been in business since 1950, providing the highest quality services to Bucks County and the surrounding areas.

By Michelle Fadeley

How to Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Your Damaged Faucet

How to Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Your Damaged Faucet

  • bathroom remodeling
  • kitchen remodeling
McHales Kitchen and Bath Faucet Repair

Plumbing services take up your time and can cost a great deal of money, which is why it’s important to first determine whether your faucets are damaged or not. If your faucets are damaged, you should call a licensed plumber as soon as possible. If you’re struggling with your faucets, the problem might not have anything to do with your faucet, as your home’s plumbing is complicated. If you think your faucet is damaged, however, here are a few warning signs to watch out for.

How to Know if Your Faucet is Damaged

  • Dripping faucet. A leaky faucet can be a common plumbing problem, but if you notice your faucet is constantly dripping, then you have a damaged faucet. Constant dripping is usually caused by high water pressure or a broken valve.
  • Spitting faucet. Faucets that function normally, should release a consistent stream of water, but if your faucet has an irregular water flow, there could be some damages. A spitting faucet is usually caused by some sort of internal damage done to the faucet.
  • Squeaking faucet. If your faucet’s handle squeaks when you turn the water on, there could be damages that need urgent repair. Sometimes a squeaky faucet needs a little grease applied, if that doesn’t work, however, then it’s time to call a plumber.

When It’s Time to Repair Your Faucet

  • The type of faucet. There are several different types of faucets, and some faucets have more parts than others. Faucets, such as ball faucets, have several different parts that can be susceptible to damage.
  • Frequent dripping A leaking faucet can usually be fixed with a repair than an entire replacement. Most leaky faucets are fixed by simply removing the handle and tightening the adjusting ring. A leaky faucet can also be resolved by replacing the O-rings on the cartridge when they’ve worn out. If any internal parts are too worn out, however, then it’s time for a replacement.
  • Squeaky faucet. Usually, a squeaky faucet doesn’t warrant a replacement, but a simple repair. Removing the appropriate parts to grease them usually solves the problem.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Faucet

Faucets aren’t built to last forever, and your faucets will break down from use over time. The older the faucet, the less likely it can run efficiently which can result in expensive water bills. If your home runs on hard water, that can cut down on your plumbing’s lifespan drastically. Replacing your entire faucet, however, can be costly, which is why it’s important to determine when your faucet needs a replacement. Here are a few warning signs to watch out for.

  • Age. A good rule of thumb for replacing any appliance is by its age. Faucets are generally built to last for 15-20 years. If your faucet is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might be time to consider a replacement.
  • Frequent issues. One of the most common signs that it’s time to replace your faucet is when it needs constant repairs to function. A few repairs here and there are usually always cheaper than a full replacement, but if the repairs start to add up, you might as well save your money and replace it.
  • Efficiency Older faucets can waste a lot of water, running anywhere from 3-5 gallons per minute. If you’re trying to cut down on utility costs, modern faucets run much more efficiently.
  • Damages. There may be nothing wrong with your faucet, but if your sink or counter surface is damaged, your faucet may need to be replaced as well. Some materials, such as ceramic, ages poorly, and can result in cracks and scratches.

If you need faucet repair in your Levittown kitchen or bathroom, call McHales today! 

  •  
By Michelle Fadeley