Author Archive
Roof Rats – Are they even rats?
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We have all heard the term “roof rat” but what are they really and how did they come to be? I have always thought these were an Arizona myth until I saw one scampering across my backyard one night.
Roof rats first appeared in Arizona back in 2002 and are still a major problem today. There are a few species of rats known, varying in size (13-18in from head to tail) and color (brown, gray, black). They prefer to nest in high places such as trees and attics, but will burrow under plants, buildings, basements and even sewers.
A ½” hole in a house is just enough for a roof rat to climb into, turning your home into a new breeding place. They are best known for getting into the structure of the house, eating through electrical wires, and causing other destructive damage within the house. They also have been known to ruin citrus crops. Although these can lead to extensive repair bills, the worst is when they die in your house and start to decay, leaving a “lovely” smell throughout your ventilation system.
This can all be prevented by calling Qualtire Plumbing & Construction to come out and secure all holes and make sure the rats won’t be getting into the house as well as going into the attic and checking for existing rats. Other actions can be beneficial as well such as keeping your yard well kept, picking up excess fruit, and disposing garbage properly. You want to make sure you do not use D-Con to kill the rats because that could potentially kill your pets or other animals as well.
Always remember that Qualtire Plumbing & Construction has been your Phoenix plumber and remodeler since 1964, and we are always just a phone call away.
In the eyes of a Plumber’s son
~Andrew Ryne~
Kitchen Countertop Make-Over
Posted by: | CommentsThe focal point of any house is usually the kitchen and if you have ugly, outdated countertops, this will hurt you lots. Lucky for you, there is a wide-variety of choices for countertops to fit any budget! The possibilities are endless but make sure you do your homework before you install for some countertops will suit different people’s needs.
Avonite – this is an inexpensive way to update the tops yet give the appearance of stone. You can get this is a variety of colors and shades that will match any style of kitchen.
Pros: inexpensive, variety of colors/shades to choose from
Cons: not heat-resistant; can warp when heat is applied
Granite – This is the most popular of them all, this stone will come in many colors and shades as well, it is also heat-resistant.
Pros: heat-resistant, reasonable prices, durability
Cons: Have to reseal often for water will ruin stone; if heavy object drops onto it, can chip or crack
Tile – elegant, while still maintaining a budget, tile will come in all shapes, shades, and colors, which some can tolerate applied heat.
Pros: huge selection to choose from, maintainable budget, durability
Cons: Can crack of chip if something drops onto it, harder to change or replace
Glass – very sleek design, more for looks rather than usage
Pros: very different look, variety of colors
Cons: more for looks than use, can easily break
Wood – Another innovative top, easy to maintain
Pros: the overall look, some heat resistant usage, easily manageable
Cons: can become pricy, can set on fire if intense heat is applied
Metal – a very modern design for countertops, comes in a variety of metals, will last a long time
Pros: durability, overall look
Cons: scratches/dents easily, harder to maintain, pricy
Cement – This is becoming popular in today’s kitchens, you can tint/color the cement to any color.
Pros: sleek look, durability, long-lasting
Cons: Pricy, harder to change, repair
What ever you choose, you will be upgrading your kitchen countertops immensely! We, at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction will work with you in coming up with the perfect countertop that fits your needs and desires! After this small improvement, you will want to show off your new kitchen to everyone!
Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures for a Hot Day
Posted by: | CommentsWe’ve been fortunate to have this lovely weather these past few weeks, but let’s face it…the heat will be here before we know it. With that in mind, everything will increase in price as well. We’re already paying high prices for gas so let’s invest in some new plumbing features to help reduce costs!
I know everyone is on a budget so if you cannot invest in a whole bathroom remodel, then just focus on the little things such as an upgraded faucet or a new toilet. When selecting a new faucet keep in mind a few things. It’s better to go with American-made brands rather than foreign-made because if the faucet needs to be repaired, it is much easier to get a part for the American-made faucet. Foreign parts may require to be shipped from that country which could take a while and cost a fortune. Plus, they may not make that particular faucet anymore so the part may not be found. Prices also affect the quality. You are what you’re getting when you buy certain faucets: the cheaper ones will not last as long and may break often, while the more expensive ones will last longer (I’m not saying go out and buy a $500 faucet, but don’t go out and buy a $20 faucet either).
We do live in a desert and we are in a drought so when selecting a toilet, keep in mind that there are water-saving toilets. Today’s market the toilet uses 1.28 gal per flush but you can get a 1.6 gal per flush in some models. If your toilet is 10 years or older, it uses 3 gal per flush. With that, it might behoove you to invest in a modern toilet to help save water as well as money. There is a toilet called the Persuade Dual Flush by Kohler. This toilet has a unique feature which allows the user to flush 2 ways, depending on what goes down the toilet. It’s like a urinal and toilet combined. In addition, certain cities will actually reimburse your toilet expenses if you upgrade to a water-saving model!
Another way to save water is through your shower head. These days you can get different heads that will produce 1.25 to 2gal per minute using pressure compensation technology. This allows the user to use less water while maintaining the water pressure that most people desire.
All in all, upgrading your plumbing fixtures will not only recreate your bathroom but will also save you money using water-saving technology.
In the eyes of a plumber’s son,
Andrew Ryne
Saying “I love you” with a Brand New Bathroom Remodel!!
Posted by: | CommentsFebruary is here which means love is among us all…but how do we embrace it? Some say roses or chocolate, but those only last a few days. Don’t you think your love should last longer than just a few days? The nicest way to say “I love you” to your honey that will last a lifetime is with a brand new bathroom remodel!!
Ceiling to floor, bathrooms come in many shapes and sizes so we will customize to your needs. Any couple could want that spacious his-and-her vanity but what about a nice jacuzzi tub for those special nights, especially for a newly couple. Maybe it’s more a contemporary look for a business person with a state-of-the-art custom shower with multiple shower heads jetting from all directions. Or maybe just getting older where it’s all about the comfort and safety within the bathroom so a walk-in shower and comfort level toilet might fit your needs.
Whatever your heart’s desire, we at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction, will work with you to create the perfect romantic getaway you can escape to right in your own home. We will customize to any lifestyle from the retro modern to the traditional Victorian.
This month we are having a lovely special of 15% off your next plumbing, construction, or electrical bill so call today to transform your bathroom into a paradise you and your loved one will enjoy!! Once again, Happy Valentine’s Day to you from all of us here at Qualtire Plumbing & Construction.
New Year’s Resolutions – Let’s Start at the Top
Posted by: | CommentsIt’s that time of the year again when we all make those “over-the-top” resolutions, but let’s face it, we hardly ever stick to the plan. We make these resolutions to better ourselves but what about our foundations? No, I’m not talking about the foundations of our morals, but the foundations that make up your home.
Speaking of foundations, let’s start at the top with the roof. Normally, everyone forgets about the roof until that fateful night of stormy weather when you come home to find a huge leak and water pouring from your ceiling and walls. This damage could have been avoided if you had your roof inspected (and saved you from paying one hefty price, let alone avoiding mold from the water damage).
Winter in Phoenix is the perfect time to devote to the roof. The main reason?…the weather. Let’s face it, no one wants to go outside in this Arizona heat, especially on one’s roof. Trust me, I had to reroof a house last summer and the heat was unbearable times a thousand! Also, cooler weather leads to lower prices, which leads to happier customers.
So having your roof inspected before monsoons (or haboobs) might save you lots of money and agony. If your roof is not up to par, these conditions may lead to extensive damages. Make sure to keep an eye out for roofs 10 years and older as they should be inspected for damages or defects. For flat roofs and shingle roofs, check for wear and damage; and for tile roofs, check for cracked tiles and underlayment condition (that’s the tar paper for those who don’t know).
Leaking or not, this is the perfect time to get your roof inspected…the weather is ideal, it’s free, repair or replacement prices are cheaper, and you’ll be happier in the long run!
Qualtire Plumbing & Construction, your Phoenix plumber and construction company since 1964, is now offering FREE roof inspections through February 2012. Give us a call today at 602-246-0656 to schedule your inspection.
In the eyes of a plumber’s son, Andrew Ryne
