Bathroom Remodels

February 20, 2023 by Warren Lentz

What are Bath Bombs & How to Utilize Them?

What are Bath Bombs?

Bath bombs are a fun and relaxing addition to any bath routine. They come in a variety of colors, scents, and shapes, and are made from a combination of ingredients that fizz and dissolve when placed in water. Bath bombs are easy to use, but knowing how to prepare and use them properly is important to getting the most out of your bath.

Here are some of the benefits of bath bombs:

RELAXATION AND STRESS RELIEF: Bath bombs are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. The combination of hot water, scents, and essential oils can help calm the mind, relieve tension, and soothe sore muscles.
Skin Care: Bath bombs contain ingredients that can help nourish and hydrate the skin. Some bath bombs contain ingredients like Epsom salts that can help remove dead skin cells and leave skin soft and smooth.
Aromatherapy: Bath bombs often contain essential oils, which can help improve mood and promote relaxation. Different essential oils have different properties, so you may want to choose a bath bomb that contains an oil known for its specific benefits.
FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT: Bath bombs are a fun and entertaining addition to bath time, especially for kids. They come in a variety of colors and scents, and some even include surprises like glitter or toys.

It’s important to note that some people may be allergic to certain ingredients in bath bombs, such as Perfumes or essential oils. If you have sensitive skin or are unsure about using a particular product, it is best to test it on a small patch of skin first.

In summary, bath bombs are a fun, fragrant, and beneficial addition to bath time. They can help you relax, take care of your skin and improve your mood. With a wide range of fragrances, colors and ingredients, there is a bath bomb for everyone.

How do you Use a Bath Bomb?

Step 1: Choose your bath bomb

The first step in using a bath bomb is choosing the right one for you. Bath bombs come in many different scents and colors, so choose the one you like. You can also search for bath bombs that have specific properties, such as: B. moisturizing or exfoliating ingredients if you have specific skin care needs.

Step 2: Prepare your bath

Before using your bath bomb, prepare your bath by filling the tub with lukewarm water. Make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature for you, neither too hot nor too cold. You can also add bubble bath or essential oils to the water if you like.

Step 3: Unpack the bath bomb

Once your bath is ready, it’s time to unwrap your bath bomb. Take the bath bomb out of its packaging, being careful not to break it.

Step 4: Add the bath bomb to the water

With your bath bomb in hand, carefully place it in the water. It’s important to do this carefully, as dropping the bath bomb could cause it to break before you’re ready. Once in the water, the bath bomb will begin to fizz, releasing its scent and color.

Step 5: Enjoy the bath

Now is the time to relax and enjoy your bath. The bath bomb will continue to fizz and release its scent for a few minutes, so take your time and enjoy the experience. You can also use this time to read a book, listen to music or just bathe in hot water.

Step 6: Rinse

When you’ve finished your bath, it’s important to rinse off any remaining bath bomb residue. This will help prevent irritation or dryness to your skin. Just turn on the shower or use a cup to pour water over your body to rinse off the residue.

Step 7: Clean

Finally it’s time to clean up. Drain the bath water and rinse the tub to remove any remaining bath bomb residue. You can also wipe down the tub with a cleaning solution to ensure it’s clean and ready for the next use.

Additional tips:

Store your bath bombs in a cool, dry place to prevent them from getting wet and activating prematurely.
If you have sensitive skin, choose a bath bomb with mild ingredients and test it on a small patch of skin before using it in your bath.
Experiment with different scents and colors to find the bath bombs you like the most.
If you have concerns or questions about using bath bombs, consult a dermatologist or other healthcare professional.

Pros and Cons of Bath Bombs

Bath bombs are popular products that dissolve in water and release various fragrances, colors and other ingredients to create a relaxing and rejuvenating bathing experience. Here are some of the pros and cons of using bath bombs:

Pros:

Relaxation: Bath bombs can help you unwind after a long day by creating a soothing and aromatic atmosphere in your bathroom.
Scent: Bath bombs come in a variety of scents, from lavender and eucalyptus to rose and vanilla, so you can choose the scent that suits your mood and preferences.
Moisturizer: Many bath bombs contain natural oils and butters that can help moisturize your skin and leave it soft and smooth.
Fun: Bath bombs are often colorful and bubbly when they dissolve in water, making them a fun addition to your bath routine.

Cons:

Sensitivity: Some people may be allergic or sensitive to ingredients in bath bombs, such as essential oils or fragrances, which can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
Stains: Some bath bombs contain dyes or dyes that can stain your bathtub or towels, so it’s important to rinse your bathtub thoroughly after use.
Residue: Some bath bombs can leave a residue on your skin or tub that can be difficult to clean.
Environmental Impact: Some bath bombs contain non-biodegradable ingredients that can harm the environment if washed down the drain.

Are Bath Bombs Good for Plumbing?

Bath bombs can be harmful to your plumbing if used improperly. While some bath bombs are designed to completely dissolve in water, others may contain materials like glitter, flower petals, or other non-dissolvable elements that can clog your drain or pipes.

When using bath bombs, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and make sure the bomb is completely dissolved before emptying the tub. If you have a septic tank, you also need to be careful about the types of bath bombs you use, as some ingredients can upset the natural balance of the system.

To protect your plumbing and avoid costly repairs, it’s a good idea to avoid using bath bombs with non-soluble materials and to clean your drain and pipes regularly to prevent buildup. In addition, you should consider using a drain strainer to catch small particles that could cause clogs.

In Conclusion, using a bath bomb is an easy and enjoyable way to enhance your bathing experience. By choosing the right bath bomb for your needs and following these simple steps, you can create a relaxing and enjoyable bath routine that you look forward to every time.

December 19, 2022 by Warren Lentz

What Causes the Overflow in My Toilet?

Haven’t we all been in this situation before? You expect the bowl to empty after you flush the toilet, as has happened many times before. This time the water does not flow completely. Nothing can stop its upward movement. Your toilet overflows out of nowhere, leaving a mess on the bathroom floor.

Plumbing problems can be a big problem for any household. However, it can be a nightmare when you have to deal with an overflowing toilet. The most used object in our homes is the toilet. Although they don’t usually act, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent major water damage to your property and damage to drain pipes.

What Causes of a Toilet Overflow?

If your toilet is overflowing, you probably have a drain clog. A clog usually causes a sudden overflow when the toilet is flushed. You can sometimes spot a clog before you flush by noticing how quickly water enters the toilet bowl after you flush. If your toilet tends to clog, it’s best to keep an eye on it after each flush and listen for gurgling noises.

Typical causes for a toilet clog include:

Too much rubbish and/or toilet paper thrown out at once.
Using the toilet to dispose of bathroom waste that cannot be flushed away, including towels, tampons, cotton balls, paper, dental floss, or diapers.
Flush kitchen waste such as cooking oil, fruit and vegetable peelings, leftover meat, etc. down the toilet.
Get rid of pet waste like dog poop bags and clumps of cat litter. Even items marketed as flushable can have problems given the right circumstances.
Constipation can develop and worsen over time due to inadequate or ineffective flushing. Toilets with float or flap problems in the tank, as well as older, low-flow toilets can be to blame in this case.
Leave small children unattended in the toilet. It remains to be seen what they enjoy doing the dishes.

Keep in mind that the clog may not just be in your toilet line. This can be the main sewer line to your home or building. Check the other toilets in the row to see if this is possible.

How can I quickly prevent a toilet from overflowing?

Whatever the cause of the seizure, there are certain quick steps you should take to get it under control.

Toilet Shutoff Valve

Start by cutting off the toilet’s water source. At the rear of the toilet, locate a silver knob in the shape of a football and counterclockwise turn it. This will prevent any further water from entering the toilet and worsening the condition. When water is seen dripping from a toilet and onto a floor, homeowners frequently become agitated. Just keep in mind that turning off the water supply will stop water from running into the toilet and all over your bathroom mat.

Toilet Tank Flapper

Shutoff valves can become stuck because they are routinely ignored and left open for long periods of time. The next option is inside the toilet tank if your valve is clogged or you can’t get there for some other reason. Find your flap by lifting the top of your toilet lid. The bottom of the tank hole is covered with a rubber washer. It is possible that even with the valve slightly open, water will still flow into the bowl. To prevent water from spilling, simply press the valve with your fingertips. More importantly, it’s not a long-term solution; you probably need to replace the valve. The toilets still need to be cleaned.

Toilet Tank Float Ball

If water is still flowing at this point, you need to locate the floating ball in the socket. The floating sphere appears in the toilet tank as a large sphere attached to a pole. This ball signals the toilet to stop filling with water after flushing if the water level in the tank is high. Raise the float ball as high as possible to trick your toilet into thinking the tank is full of water. As you clean the bathroom floor and unclog the drain, find something to support the rod and use it to levitate the ball.

Should I call a plumber if my toilet overflows?

If you can diagnose a problem with your tank valve or float yourself, you can usually fix them yourself by going to your local hardware store and buying replacement parts. If you suspect your drain pipe is clogged, try clearing the drain yourself with a plunger or drain spiral.

There can be other reasons for your toilet overflowing, which can be much more serious.

These are situations that are best left to a professional plumber who can clear the worst of the clogs and also check for less common causes of clogs, such as: If clogging is a common problem in your home, we may be able to recommend a solution, from installing a new toilet to video sewer inspection and pipe repair.

If you think your toilet or drain needs immediate repairs, locate Wisler Plumbing & Air location near you to book an appointment online right now!

March 26, 2021 by James Wisler

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

Here are some toilet features that you might not know about already, but which are useful enough that you’ll wonder how you ever did without them. (I hope that some of this information will serve to enhance your repertoire of potty jokes.)

Most people don’t think about the water surface area in the toilet bowl itself, but I always bring it up during a conversation about replacing a toilet. If you go to your grandma’s house and use her restroom, generally speaking, it’s going to have an older toilet. You’ll notice that there’s a ton of water in the bowl. When you flush it, it’ll seem like the water swirls around forever until it finally clears down. Those two characteristics (lots of water and long flush time) are very useful in bowl cleanliness.

If you look at a new toilet (especially if it’s on the cheaper side), the bowl will often get dirty and stay dirty fairly easily. It’s not surprising, because a greater surface of water would protect the actual porcelain from getting dirty. New toilets also have government regulations requiring only 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Thats why they are engineered not to swirl as much as the older toilets do, and the water just goes straight out of them. The sudden, direct movement leads to a dirtier bowl.

You don’t usually think about how silent a toilet is when it flushes, which is another noticeable characteristic of older toilets. Older toilets tend to be fairly quiet, while newer ones can get very loud. It’s not uncommon for bathrooms attached to the master bedroom to get regular nighttime use. Having a quieter toilet would definitely be beneficial in that case.

These next two features are fairly commonly known, but if you’ve never experienced them yourself, you don’t know what you’re missing. You won’t ever want to go back to a regular toilet once you get used to them. The first pertains to the shape of the bowl: toilets either come with a round shape or an oval/elongated shape. The elongated shape is much, much easier and more comfortable to use.

Next pertains to the height of the actual bowl that you sit on: it’s either standard height or slightly elevated. If you’ve ever used a handicap accessible public toilet, you might have noticed that it’s higher than the toilets in other stalls. It’s not a big enough difference for you to spot at a glance (about two inches), but it’s definitely noticeable in terms of how close to the floor you are while seated. I like to call them comfort height toilets because the higher position is just more comfortable to use.

To most people, a toilet is just a toilet. But in our world, there are definitely characteristics we look at when selecting the products we offer to our clients. It may surprise someone when we discuss these things, but these are definitely features with noticeable benefits. If it’s almost time to replace your toilet and you have any questions, just contact us today or give us a call at 540-483-9382.

October 30, 2018 by James Wisler

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

How much does a typical bathroom remodel cost?

The investment will vary greatly depending on what selections you make to put into your bathroom. Keep in mind, a complete turnkey bathroom remodel will probably not cost less than $10,000. With a budget of less than $10,000 in mind, it wouldn’t be enough for an entire bathroom remodel—instead, it might just be something like the tub/shower.

Many times, homeowners will hear people (like HGTV hosts) who provide inaccurate or unrealistic information about someone’s actual real-world investment. They might portray a full remodel as costing only a few thousand dollars, when it isn’t that simple in reality. A master bath suite can even go as high as $30,000-$40,000. We can discuss your options to calculate an accurate figure, and the amount will depend on the kind of room. Keep in mind, complete bathroom remodeling can get expensive in a hurry, depending on what you want to do.

Can you give a timeline of how long it generally takes, from start to finish?

Just like the investment, the time also varies greatly based on the size of the project and the scope of the work. Generally, a complete bathroom remodel can be done in as little as 8-10 days. It doesn’t have to take a terribly long time, but depending on how extensive the remodel is, it could possibly take up to 20-25 days.

How much help can we get when it comes to selecting the items for our bathroom remodel? Do we have to pick everything ourselves, or will somebody assist us?

One of the great things about our process is that we help with the design as well. The selection process can be very intimidating, especially when it comes to picking all the colors and different types of materials. Our design consultant will help with all of that. During the shopping days, we’ll go select the colors and make sure everything is going to match up. That way, how you imagine your bathroom looking will end up being fully realized.

Can I do the painting myself?

Absolutely! We have various pieces of our project separated out. Clients commonly decide to do the painting of the bathroom themselves. If they want to do this, we can simply take the painting portion out of our list of tasks and the client can do it during the project schedule at the appropriate time.

If someone has a bad experience remodeling, the whole ordeal can be extremely stressful. What sets Wisler Plumbing and Air apart from other companies? How do you make the remodel go smoothly?

Remodeling can be very challenging due to unforeseen circumstances. Some companies are competent in one area, but they end up opening a whole other can of worms under the floor. Just make sure that you hire someone competent and professional in the bathroom remodeling industry.

Wisler Plumbing and Air specializes in bathroom remodels. In fact, we’ve done hundreds of bathrooms over the years. We’re familiar with the different circumstances someone might run into during the course of a remodel. We differentiate ourselves by doing the best we can to ensure we’re respectful and careful in our clients’ home. We try to set up clear parameters and lay down the protection necessary for completely effective dust control, for instance. We also carefully vet the personnel who are entrusted with your home’s care. Finally, we differentiate ourselves by making it a point to be upfront with all of our costs. Sometimes other contractors will lowball the job. All of a sudden, the cost ends up ballooning to many times what was originally promised. We, on the other hand, are very upfront and use change orders extremely sparingly.

If you are entering the remodeling phase and your bathroom is next on the list, make sure to reach out to the experienced team at Wisler Plumbing and Air. Contact us online or give us a call at 540-483-9382.

August 29, 2017 by James Wisler

Some homeowners in the area don’t know that we do bathroom and kitchen remodeling. We actually do quite a bit of these kinds of projects (around 90 a year). Let’s highlight some of what’s involved in the process that we take from start to finish.

We start off with a remodeling specialist, Cyndi, who comes to the home. She’s actually a certified interior designer as well, so she’s very much in tune with the aesthetics of what makes a home look nice. When she comes over for the first time, she does what we call a discovery visit. This is when she gathers information about the needs and wants of the client. (We wouldn’t want to jump right out of the gate and start giving recommendations because it’s very important that we listen to our client first.) At that initial meeting, we would schedule a return visit to come back and present several different options that fit the needs and wants of the client.

When it comes to remodeling, sometimes a husband and wife might have different ideas about what they want. We try to blend options together and make the best of both worlds if there are different people involved. We would want to bring back drawings or sketches to give a visual representation of what the options look like. There would also be a preliminary contract or budget set, and we would hope that the client would be able to narrow their choices down to one option along with some small changes.

After narrowing the choices down and giving a commitment to one of those options, we like to follow through with a selection day. This is where Cyndi would go out with the client to pick out colors and materials. It would be the time to select cabinets, plumbing fixtures, tile, paint, etc., and Cyndi is immensely helpful in this area. Then we’ll do our final project layout, which is where we finalize the contract and proposal, making sure that we have the final drawings completed. We’ll come back to the client’s home and present these items, making sure that there’s nothing missing and everyone is on the same page about the project.

After that, we do our handoff meeting, which is where Cyndi hands everything off to our project manager, Tom. They will meet onsite at the customer’s home, walk through the proposed project with the homeowner, and make sure that all the details are covered. This is when the project’s execution happens and the project manager completes the entire remodel. Then there’s a completion walkthrough that Cyndi will perform after the project to make sure that everyone is satisfied with the overall results. The project should have met the expectations that the client and designer had in the beginning.

Homeowners experience a significant benefit by doing remodeling projects with a plumbing company. It allows you to get some peace of mind in knowing that all the components added to your home will fit together. A big part of a bathroom or kitchen is water and electrical. Being able to do the project with a trade-based company can be very advantageous. If you’re thinking about doing some remodeling in your home and you want to work with an experienced team, reach out to Wisler Plumbing and Air by contacting us online or giving us a call at 540-483-9382.

August 15, 2017 by James Wisler

Here are 10 things that you can do to spruce up your kitchen or bathroom without breaking the bank. Of course, breaking the bank is different for each family. When I think of low-cost items, they are priced at around $500 and under. Compared to a full-blown bathroom remodel which will probably run you about $8,000 plus, that’s quite a bit less.

1. Faucets

Replacing a bathroom or kitchen faucet can really spice up the area. When it comes to the bathroom, you can replace a polished chrome faucet with a brushed nickel faucet, which is much more common today than it was ten years ago. In the kitchen, a nice pull-out spray really adds a nice look.

2. Toilets

Most people think that a toilet is just a toilet. But a lot of times you don’t realize how dingy and grungy a toilet can get until you put a new one in its place. It really makes a big difference. Some larger toilets start to look faded, and putting in a brighter toilet can really spice up a bathroom quickly.

3. Accessories

Accessories could be items like a toilet paper holder, a hand towel ring, or a hand towel bar. Those types of things can be installed very easily into most homes. You might also want to get them with a finish that matches the decor that you have in the bathroom (e.g., brushed nickel).

4. Framed Mirror

In some bathrooms, there’s a plain mirror that’s stuck to the wall. If that mirror was removed and a framed mirror was put in its place, it could add another item that complements the decor in the room.

5. Cabinets

Cabinets don’t always have to be removed or replaced. Sometimes (if you take your time and really work through the process) you can paint the cabinets along with the rest of the bathroom.

6. Countertops

Kitchen countertops do get a little bit more expensive, but bathroom countertops really aren’t that costly. You can get a cultured marble countertop that already has a sink in it with many different finishes and colors to choose from. They aren’t only available in the marbly look that was very common around ten to fifteen years ago. In my house, for example, we have a brownish speckled honed cultured marble countertop that isn’t shiny. It looks really nice and it’s actually way more economical than most people would think.

7. Kitchen Drains

People often use the kitchen sink more than two or three times a day. As a result, the drains get worn and they just don’t look very nice after a while. Replacing those drains can be an economical way to spice up that kitchen sink area.

8. Tile Backsplash

In the kitchen or bathroom, you could put in a tile backsplash. It would only be four or six inches tall in the bathroom, but you could use decorative tile there. In the kitchen, the backsplash would take up the distance between the countertop and the upper cabinets. It can really set off the kitchen, especially with a little bit of painting. The cost will depend on how large your area is or what kind of material you use for the backsplash.

9. Appliances

Some appliances, like a refrigerator or stove, are really expensive. Dishwashers sometimes aren’t as expensive and might be a somewhat economical choice to improve the look of the kitchen. If the dishwasher is old and grungy from being used often, putting in a new one might be a great option.

10. Lights

Lights can set off any area, whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. One of the neat things about lighting is that you can really brighten up the room by shining light into a darker corner. You could also put recessed can lighting in a bathroom or kitchen and light up areas around the cabinets. Adding new lights can drastically improve the overall look of the room.

Schedule Online
or call (540) 483-9382

What are Bath Bombs & How to Utilize Them?