Consolidated Plumbing Blog

Every homeowner understands that unless you build it from scratch, there’s no such thing as the “perfect” house. Even when you’re thrilled beyond belief with the home purchase of your dreams, there will always be little things here and there you wish you could change.

For a lot of people, guilt prevents them from ripping out the features they loathe and starting fresh with a design that will make them happy. There’s kind of a prevailing thought that one should simply “make do” with the house they’ve got.

This type of thinking could be preventing you from truly loving your home.

A kitchen renovation has the power to change your life. It really does.

The focal point of the home

How we feel in the kitchen is a direct reflection of how we feel about our house in general. We may spend more total hours each day in the bedroom but the kitchen is the true centerpiece of the family home.

Food is love. It brings us together and works to create memories. This isn’t cliché hullabaloo, it’s a simple fact.

If you don’t feel happy in the space where food is prepared and shared, this is a situation that needs to be rectified.

A comfortable workspace

If you live in an older home there’s a good chance your kitchen is cramped and awkward. It’s not just that the traditional kitchen was seen more as a “work” zone than a pleasant place to be, it’s also that modern kitchens require a lot more countertop and storage space to house additional equipment.

From espresso machines to food processors, pizza ovens and more, today’s kitchen lifestyle requires a greater percentage of your home’s square footage in order to be comfortable.

Add to the mix the fact that more families prefer to eat in the kitchen than the dining room and you’re not being unreasonable in thinking your kitchen could really do with an overhaul.

More quality time with the family

Today’s fast-paced busy lifestyle is making it harder than ever to get your family to sit down together at mealtime.

The Leave it to Beaver era is gone and it’s unreasonable to expect your kids to pull up a chair every night at 6pm sharp at the formal dining table.

Instead of fighting the trend, find a workaround by installing comfortable seating right there in the kitchen. Whether it’s at an island, breakfast bar or nook, you’ll find it’s easier to connect with your children when sit-down options are available adjacent to the food prep.

Get more out of entertaining

Converting your kitchen layout to feature a modern open plan makes it easier to mingle with guests during parties and social gatherings.

Instead of feeling “locked away” in the back while everyone else is having fun, you’ll be able to participate in the party while preparing food at the same time. Uncork a bottle of wine and share a glass with good friends while your other hand works the spatula!

A host of modern conveniences

Face it, kitchen technologies have changed drastically over the past few decades. From the sink and faucet to appliances, lighting and more, a new kitchen will truly upgrade your cooking experience to the twenty-first century.

Whether you’re an amateur chef, baking enthusiast or simply a passionate foodie, investing in a major renovation will pay huge dividends to your overall happiness. A kitchen makeover truly does have the power to change your life.

When shopping for plumbing fixtures there’s an old adage you ought to keep plastered firmly to the back of your mind: The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

It’s not a matter of “if” a cheap fixture will break, but “when.”

Here are 10 reasons why low-cost plumbing supplies will come back to bite you in the rear.

1. Constant leaks

Sure, washers and O-rings don’t cost a lot of money, but it’s a real pain in the neck to be perpetually dealing with a leak somewhere in the house.

2. Decreased longevity

Top-quality faucets are built to last for decades. Bargain basement fixtures are not.

You may save money now, but you’ll wind up buying two or three replacements and probably spend more in the long run.

3. Outdated technology

Cheap fixtures won’t feature the same modern conveniences provided by quality manufacturers.

From Touchfree to WaterSense energy savings, these technologies simply aren’t available with the no-name brands.

4. Hard-to-find parts

As tempting as it may be to head to Amazon.com and score a deal, purchasing low-cost fixtures online is a huge risk.

They often arrive missing critical pieces for installation, and finding parts for future repairs can be next to impossible.

5. Rapidly fading finishes

Right out of the box the “imitation” brand looks almost as good as the real deal. However, it doesn’t take long for the finish to fade, discolor or even crack.

Quality faucets stay looking new for years and years.

6. Worn internal parts

Threads on the aerator or spout quickly strip or rust, making aerator replacement challenging. As the internal parts within the valve assembly begin to break down it becomes difficult or even impossible to repair a cheap faucet.

7. Minor annoyances

Just because your cheap faucet “works” doesn’t mean it works well. Common issues include a squeaky or wobbly handle, clanking or clicking sounds, flow problems, water leaking from the base or handle during use and just overall poor performance.

8. Problems with water pressure

From the inability to deal with hard water to a clogged aerator or faulty sprayer diverter, it’s just a matter of time until you encounter a serious decrease in water pressure.

9. Hard-to-use handles

Low-cost cartridge faucets become tough to operate when sediments, metal, minerals or debris damage the seal within the cartridge.

10. They simply don’t look as nice

Inexpensive plumbing fixtures just aren’t as stylish and don’t provide much of a wow factor to the focal point of your kitchen or bath.

While it’s easy to convince yourself at the point of purchase that a low-cost alternative will do, the reality is that you’ll most likely be kicking yourself when the renovation is finished and it’s obvious you went with the cheapest faucet you could find.

Why skimp when you’re shopping for something you could literally use for the life of your home?

Major bathroom or kitchen renovations produce a lasting effect on your home for years to come. It just makes sense to focus less on the dollars and cents and more on the final outcome and how it compares to your dreams for the space.

You’ve worked hard and saved diligently to make the project come true, so why not create something that will truly make your home the envy of the neighborhood?

When a few extra bucks are worth less to you than making a splash with your renovation design, look to Brizo for cutting edge inspiration. Check out these four fixtures that will add a whole lot of “ooh-la-la” to your new kitchen or bath.

Art and craftsmanship bound to the kitchen sink

Inspired by the engineering ingenuity of the industrial revolution, Brizo’s Artesso kitchen collection melds the feel of iron and steel with a warm, modern touch. Featuring optional top-of-the-line technologies such as MagneDock®, SmartTouch® and the Articulating Kitchen Faucet platform, these faucets provide an early 20th century look with unbelievable functionality.

The Single Handle Articulating Arm Artesso kitchen faucet is truly something to feast your eyes on. Never has a kitchen tap been so chic and sophisticated.

Only for the glamorous

According to Brizo, the RSVP bath collection is as appealing as it is auspicious. With many models featuring Swarovksi crystals, this is a tap that only belongs in the most elegant of bathroom settings.

The Three Hole Roman Tub showcases lines that are as classical as they are contemporary. It’s hard to imagine drawing a bath from such a stately piece and not feeling as though you were transported to a world of lavish luxury.

Art Deco with a modern flair

There are those who say that attempting to improve upon the aura of Art Deco is an exercise in futility. Brizo took this challenge head on and knocked the ball square out of the park with their Virage lavatory faucets.

This tall arching faucet is ideal for creating a refined look when coupled with a handsome vessel sink.

Sensori titillates your senses

The Sensori High Flow Custom Shower System with Vesi trim (image at top) features a malleable design while retaining a firm sculptured feel. Sensori comes in a broad range of finishes that create a look that is just as futuristic as it is classic.

Comfort technologies such as optional H2Okinetic® body sprays and jets work together to create the ultimate shower experience in both pleasure and style.

Can you believe that the average American household uses around 400 gallons of water a day? And nearly 50% of that water usage takes place in the bathroom alone. Imagine, 200 gallons of clean drinking water flowing right down the sink, shower and toilet — every single day!

It’s time for families to start taking a more proactive approach to water conservation.

If you’re ready to get involved in combatting water waste, take a look at these ten very basic strategies for saving water in the kitchen and bath.

1. Double-check those taps

Before you leave the house in the morning or head to bed at night, take a quick whip around and make sure all the taps are turned off properly. This is especially important if you have small kids who often forget to do this.

If you notice a dripping tap in your home, fix it straight away. It can often be as simple as changing a washer.

2. Make simple shifts in your routines

Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving. Wet your toothbrush, brush your teeth and then rinse with water after you’re finished.

When you’re shaving, put a small amount of water in the sink, then use that to shave with and wash off afterwards.

3. Grab a watering can

Try to catch as much shower, sink or bath water in containers when waiting for the water temperature to heat up. Instead of turning on the taps and letting this water wash away you could be using it to water your houseplants.

4. Reuse and recycle

If you live in an area where a gray water system is permitted, consider getting one installed to repurpose sink water into your garden. You’ll have a lush yard year round and cut a chore off the to-do list.

5. Watch your washing machine

Always run your washing machine at the correct setting. If the water level is too high, you’re wasting water. Similarly, if the water level is too low, your items won’t wash properly and you’ll be forced to run the machine again, wasting more water.

If you can’t control the water level on your machine, don’t run it till you have a full load ready to wash.

6. Ditch those Brillo pads

Dishwashers are a water conservation wild card. Many modern machines run at levels that are designed specifically to conserve water and energy. Water is forced up and around inside of the machine and reused until new water is introduced for the final rinse.

Unless you’re mega efficient with a sponge and suds, washing by hand actually uses more water that the modern dishwasher.

7. Fill’er up!

Make sure to fill the machine and run a full load. Running a dishwasher with only a few plates and glasses is a waste of water.

8. Replace older toilets

Almost 30% of household water is being flushed down the toilet, and older toilets can have flush rates as high as 3.5-7 gallons per flush! Modern, post-1992 toilets are required by law to expel no more than 1.6 GPF. If you have a very old toilet in your home, this could be just the excuse you’ve been looking for to update.

9. Upgrade to Dual-Flush Technology

If you’re thinking of replacing your toilet, consider one with an economy setting that allows you to flush using less water for liquid waste and more water for solid waste.

10. Find a wastepaper basket

Don’t use your toilet to flush away tissues or other non-waste products that you could easily put in the trash. This will save you a number of flushes every day.

New Yorkers love pizza! And everyone’s got their most treasured pizzeria. But did you know that it’s easy to create that scrumptious pizzeria flavor right in the comfort of your own home?

Installing a built-in pizza oven as part of your kitchen renovation means your family will never have to watch the big game without feasting on your favorite pie. Before you know it the neighbors will be calling YOU up for delivery!

Here are a few of the details you’ll want to think over before taking the plunge.

Answering the age old question

Just as BBQ gurus squabble over the virtues of gas versus charcoal grills, pizza enthusiasts too can be divided into two camps: wood-fired or gas. Let’s examine the pros and cons of each:

Wood-fired

Pros:
The light, warmth, aroma and atmosphere provided by a wood-fired brick pizza oven take you back to the old world. And while some argue the taste difference is a myth, others will swear that the smoky flavor of a wood-fired pizza makes all the difference.

Cons:
With wood-fired you need to plan far in advance as it can take a long time to get the oven hot enough for baking. Clean up and ash removal is also a hassle.

Gas

Pros:
Gas ovens make it possible to flick a switch, set the thermostat and quickly enjoy consistent, constant heat at just the right temperature. No more buying firewood and disposing of ash. What’s more, built-in gas pizza oven models are now available for indoor installation in your kitchen.

Cons:
Well, aficionados will argue that it’s not the real deal.

Calling in the stone mason

If you decide that an outdoor brick oven is just what the doctor ordered, you’ve got a few different options.

DIY: If you’re at all handy, building your own wood-fired oven is actually easier than you might think. You can find instructions online utilizing a wide variety of styles and materials.

Oven kits: Well-known pizza oven manufacturers like Forno Bravo and Mugnaini ship their kits all across the United States.

Hire a specialist: You could find a contractor that specializes in constructing custom wood-fired ovens, but realistically any skilled mason will be able to build you an oven.

Rolling out the propane

Gas pizza ovens come in all shapes and sizes, from tabletop models for easy installation to gourmet modular units that can become the shining star and centerpiece of your kitchen.

The type of oven you choose will depend greatly on the extent of your renovation and the overall size of your kitchen space.

Adding extra goodies

To complete your “Italy” themed kitchen makeover, consider upgrading your kitchen faucet to a luxury European-style Brizo fixture from the Venuto collection along with Kohler’s new Prolific™ under-mount stainless steel sink.

And you can’t go wrong with a classy wine refrigerator to keep all those bottles at just the right temperature so they’re ready to go when the pizza’s piping hot!

When square footage is at a premium in your bathroom, it’s time to strap on your thinking cap and create outside the box space saving solutions. That’s exactly what Kohler did with their new Veil™ wall-hung toilets.

In this post we’ll talk about what makes a Veil™ toilet different and why it might be the perfect choice for adding a little legroom to your bath or powder room.

When every inch counts a foot really matters

When installed, a wall-mounted toilet requires a full 12 inches less floor space compared to the average floor-mounted model. This is over one-third less room that you’ll have to give up in contrast to a traditional toilet.

A foot of extra wiggle room can make a huge difference. Say goodbye to whacking your shins on an open cabinet door, and you just might have enough extra room now for two people to use the bathroom at once.

How does it work? It still needs a tank, right?

The Veil’s tank and mounting hardware are installed out of sight behind the wall with the use of a durable 2″ x 6″ steel frame.

Kohler doesn’t skimp on the steel here, either. The in-wall tank and carrier system can support up to 880 pounds, guaranteeing the same longevity you expect out of any one of Kohler’s top-of-the-line models.

Sleek modern styling and more

Even if your bathroom’s not cramped for space you might want to consider a wall-hung toilet for added benefits.

1.    The hidden tank creates a more polished look and seamless design. With few wall-mounted toilets available on the market your home will feature one-of-a-kind modern flare.

2.    An adjustable bowl allows you to raise or lower the seat at installation to your preferred height. (15 3/8 to 28 ½ inches from the floor)

3.    Since no part of the porcelain touches the ground, cleaning underneath a Veil™ is fast and easy. No more grotty mildew stains where the base meets your flooring!

4.    The interchangeable flush-actuator plate allows you to swap out colors to match any design motif. Removing the plate provides quick and easy access to the tank’s inner-workings.

5.    A compact elongated bowl offers added comfort, and the Veil™ comes standard with Kohler’s Reveal® Quiet-Close™ seat technology.

WaterSense® approved for a cleaner environment

Savvy homeowners these days look for the WaterSense® label when shopping for new or replacement bathroom fixtures.

With a dual-flush actuator that alternates between a 0.8-gallon flush for light waste and a 1.6-gallon flush for bulk waste, your family can save up to 6,000 gallons of water each and every year. Waste not, want not.

For bathrooms big and small Kohler’s new wall-hung toilet technology is an absolute game changer. Check out the Veil™ when you’re ready to take your bath design to a new level.

The dizzying array of paint options available on the market today is enough to make any homeowner’s head spin. It’s no easy task to pick out just the right color to give your kitchen that unique pizzazz and set it apart from the rest.

So instead of focusing all your efforts on tone and hue, turn to adding texture to create your own one-of-a-kind look. Here are seven simple ideas to do just that.

1, An old favorite from the ‘70s

The strongest way to introduce new textures to your kitchen during a renovation is on the walls. But where to begin?

A decade ago blatantly textured walls screamed outdated, and anyone who has ever lived in a house with the dreaded “popcorn” ceiling knows all about the headache such textures are for cleaning. But modern texturizing products have vastly improved the process and new technologies eliminate much of what made textured walls faux pas.

2. Like a Rock

Textured stone wall tiles introduce a peaceful and raw element to the heart of your home. Choose from smooth pebbles with irregular edges or more rough looking stones.

To keep this look from dominating the room, apply it on one feature wall only. Consider a wall away from the splatter that usually occurs in the kitchen, but close to where people gather. This effect pairs amazingly well with rustic wood cabinetry.

3. Another dimension

Wall coverings have been updated for the next generation with 3D porcelain wall tiles. The effect is captivating and almost any surface can be recreated with this technique.

From textured flowers or protruding coral to geometric shaped tiles at a variety of different angles, the possibilities are truly endless. But remember—the bolder the design you choose, the easier you should go on the rest of the room.

4. A return to ornate cabinetry

For some time now the trend has been to move away from solid wood cabinets and towards a sleeker, more modern look. But if a classic style is what you’re after, the combination of simple wood cabinets with inlays of thin, rectangular, decorative glass panels can really provide a lot of depth to your kitchen’s feel.

5. Simple, traditional, elegant

A rustic floor can transport your kitchen’s motif back in time. Unglazed Spanish tile works great if the rest of the room features a minimalistic but traditional style.

Smooth slate flooring pairs better with a modern look that features stainless steel appliances and shiny taps.

6. A pair of textured countertop options

Concrete countertops are all the rage, and part of their beauty is the added texture they bring to the room. Polished or not, concrete offers a porous feel that is difficult to emulate.

On the other hand, a wood-top bar is an oldie but goodie for adding a grainy aspect to your kitchen. A large naturally contoured slab looks particularly stunning when your kitchen offers an open plan design out to the living room.

7. Accessories, accessories and more accessories

Not every texture needs to stem from a major upgrade. Think simple. Wooden bowls, knives on a stainless steel magnet board, stones in ornate vases, wicker baskets, copper pots… the list goes on and on.

Beware of overdoing it, however. Texture adds great depth to your space, but if in doubt, err on the side of simple.

American homeowners are keeping a watchful eye on the future of our water supply these days. With populations growing and aquifer levels dwindling, the issue of water conservation has become more important than ever.

It’s not just related to saving money, either. It’s about protecting the quality of life we enjoy for our children.

Thankfully, a lot of big companies care about protecting our natural resources too.

Ever since the US Environmental Protection Agency implemented the WaterSense program, Delta Faucet has been at the forefront of developing innovative water saving technologies.

For the 2nd year straight Delta has been recognized as the WaterSense Manufacturer Partner of the Year. Consolidated Plumbing would like to take the time to say congratulations and thank Delta for its ongoing commitment to water efficiency.

What is the WaterSense Manufacturer Partner of the Year Award?

Each year the EPA pinpoints partners that go above and beyond to advance the overall mission of the WaterSense program.

Awards are given to those who display excellence in the water efficiency arena and build awareness of the WaterSense brand. Delta is passionate about increasing consumer knowledge concerning the program, but they also work with designers, contractors, builders, and the media to spread the word across varied audiences.

Delta’s unique product innovations

Staying on top of the game isn’t easy. Here are a few of the specific advancements that have pushed Delta to be experts in the industry:

●      100% Compliance with Toilets & Lavatory Sink Fixtures: Every single toilet and bathroom tap put to market carries the WaterSense label.

●      H2Okinetic® Technology: Provides homeowners with a warmer, more drenching shower while using up to 40% less water. The system works by controlling the movement, speed and droplet size of the water.

●      Touch2O® Kitchen Faucets: Touch2O® technology turns off your kitchen faucet automatically when not in use. The real beauty of the design is that users are able to save water while actually improving their product experience.

●      Delta Multi-Flow™: Multi-Flow™ kitchen faucets feature flow rates of just 1.5 gpm, 32% less than the industry standard. To make such a low flow work, a special toggle switch allows you to temporarily convert to a faster flow for quickly filling large pots.

Additional conservation affiliations

Delta’s work with the WaterSense program is just the beginning. The company is also an active member with the Alliance for Water Efficiency, US Green Building Council and Plumbing Manufacturers International.

They also work closely with the hospitality industry to ensure hotels and restaurants purchase fixtures meeting the same WaterSense standards we strive to reach in our homes.

Water conservation is easy with Delta faucets

When looking to upgrade your bathroom or replace an outdated fixture, consider Delta WaterSense labeled showerheads, faucets or toilets to save money while enjoying max performance with top efficiency.

The more we support companies that work to make our world a better place, the sooner this goal will become a reality.