7 Ways to tell whether a Plumber can fix the kitchen sink

You do not need to settle for the stereotypical plumber anymore, and anyone who tells you otherwise is stuck in the Industrial Age (aka. thirty years ago).  There are in fact a number (small though this number may be) of individuals in the plumbing profession whose social skills and cleanliness defy the stereotype. 

I know, who would dare to ask for a man who can fix things and smile while doing so… without tripping on the rug and exposing the proverbial crack?  Well, now you don’t need to settle for anyone you would not invite to tea. 

In order to ensure that the plumber who arrives at your door will be able to wield the variety of tools in his/her belt properly (that is, without marring various surfaces of your home), be sure to use the following checklist:

1)    Did he/she greet you with a smile?
2)    Does said plumbing professional have his/her shirt tucked in?
3)    Does the plumber listen with his/her mouth politely closed?
      (Studies show that plumbers who do not know to close their mouths have difficulties operating monkey    wrenches.)
4)    Does he/she shift their weight uneasily?
5)    Does he/she avoid eye contact?
6)    Do their shoes look old, worn, or in need of cleaning?
7)    Is said plumbing professional wearing a belt?

If he/she fails in any of the following ways, send them back to the shop and demand another, or try a different company!  You deserve better

*The Soft, Sensitive Side of Garbage Disposals – Maintenance Tips

Garbage disposals are completely misunderstood. It is true that they do not deal with the most sanitary materials, nor do they utter exactly pleasant sounds as they complete their labor. OK, so perhaps it is a wise decision to keep them under the sink basin. But they still deserve some respect and TLC to live long and fruitful lives.

The Vulnerabilities of Garbage Disposals – What Not To Feed Them

Some people idealize their disposals and believe that no matter what the chore, lemon rind or chicken bone, the whirring blades will erase it, simply, effectively, thoroughly. Disposals would never admit it themselves, but they cannot handle:

• Hard/sticky materials, such as bones or toffee

• Vegetables containing fiber, such as celery or corn husks

• Any kind of grease or oil, especially in large quantities – instead, discard with the trash, in closed receptacles

Some of these will not pass down the drain, causing harmless odors, while others can erode or jam the blades. But none of these repercussions should even be considered. Remember, your kitchen appliance wants you to care about its feelings, not just weigh the pros and cons of treating it properly.

General Maintenance Tips that Show You Care

While each garbage disposal is unique, there is a short list of dos and don'ts that every, and I do mean every, one of them will respond to:

• Always run cold water when grinding

• Only grind small amounts of food at once

• Every month or so, process a few ice cubes (a handful or two will do)

• Keep them smelling great by running a citrus peel through (whatever you would like the kitchen to smell like)

Make sure that everyone in the household knows how to operate the device, as well, and the disposal will surely enjoy a long, happy life in your kitchen.

Troubleshooting Tips

But even if you do everything right, problems can still occur. If the device stops working or becomes plugged up, for whatever reason, be sure that you do not reach your hand down the drain to unplug it or remove the debris.

If the drain has been clogged with grease, melt the grease by heating the pipes with boiling water. If too much water has already accrued in the sink, remove as much as possible before continuing. Once the clog clears, run hot water for five minutes.

If there is debris covering the opening, use thongs to pull it out, and if the problem persists, contact a professional to fix it.

*Understanding Automatic Faucets – Fad or Future?

Hunkering down in front of an automatic faucet and waiting for the thing to grace me with a slight trickle of water always throws a monkey wrench in my cogs. That is not mentioning the temperature that I never seem to agree with, regardless of whether it is luke/warm or cold.

But I think I am biased. I drive a manual transmission, after all; I turned off Word's autocorrect feature years ago, as well. Machines bug me when they presume to make my decisions for me. After reading about the benefits of automatic faucets, I have had to ask myself: am I in left field here? Please leave a comment at the bottom of this page, the more strongly you feel, the better!

In the meantime, here are all the reasons why my gut reaction could be wrong.

Pros of Automatic Faucets

We are seeing more and more of these devices, particularly in public restrooms, but also in new homes.

• Automatic faucets conserve water, especially in public spaces where anyone can accidentally (or not) leave a tap on. Reports claim that, even in private residences, they conserve up to 70% of tap water use, reducing 3-5% from one's water bill, on average.

• Most do not realize how hygienic tap-less fixtures are. Each person who runs the water of a standard faucet turns the knob before they wash their hands, leaving germs that will rub off on the person after them, and so on.

• Using an automatic faucet for the home is quite different than using one in a public restroom. Temperature and flow strength can be regulated on most, if not all models.

• Elegant design, simple execution. There is a certain technological mastery and progressiveness that automatic faucets promote. Stylistically, their sharp, mechanized, efficient, message pairs well with modern décor.

• Convenient – Using the more recent models, especially on fixtures that heat water quickly, can transform the act of washing hands into a luxurious experience. It really can.

Will We See Automatic Faucets in the Home of Tomorrow?

But the question remains: will we be seeing these devices gain popularity, or fizzle out, as just another fad gone the way of 3D glasses. For these things to really catch on, people will need to see the above, objective pros over the inconvenient cons. I, for one, hope that taking off 3-5% of the water bill would be worth the adjustment for many, and that people from the Bay Area will use George Salet Plumbing to replace their faucets.