Whether you have a plumbing emergency or are ready to renovate your bathroom, finding the right professionals can make all the difference. Be sure to hire the best. Ask these essential questions before you make your decision: 

1. Are you licensed and insured?

Always ask plumbing companies if they are licensed to operate in Cincinnati and if their plumbers are licensed, too. You’ll also want to ask about their insurance coverage, including liability insurance and workers’ compensation. 

2. What services do you offer?

Whether you need emergency repairs, installation of new fixtures, or maintenance services, it’s important to know that the plumbing company you’re considering has the expertise and experience to handle your plumbing needs effectively.

3. Can you provide references or customer reviews?

Ask for references from past clients or how to find customer reviews and testimonials. Positive reviews and recommendations from previous customers are a good indicator of reliable service and professionalism. 

However, be wary of plumbing companies with hundreds of five-star reviews and no others. That could be a sign they generate fake reviews (it happens!). 

4. Do you offer emergency services?

Plumbing emergencies can occur at any time, day or night, and it’s crucial to know if the company offers 24/7 emergency response. Knowing that you can get quick help for emergencies can give you peace of mind and help minimize potential damage to your home.

5. What are your rates and pricing structure?

Always know the plumber’s rates and pricing structure upfront to avoid any surprises later on. Ask for an estimate or quote for your required services, including any potential additional charges for materials or unforeseen complications. Look elsewhere if the plumber won’t give you an estimate before the job gets done. 

6. Do you offer warranties or guarantees?

Reputable plumbing companies like Allied Reddi-Rooter are proud of their work. We stand behind our services and offer warranties to protect you against any issues that may arise after completing the job.

7. Are your plumbers experienced and qualified?

Verify that the plumbers are trained, licensed professionals with experience in the specific services you require. Experienced plumbers continuously learning about their trade are more likely to deliver high-quality workmanship, perform the job quickly, and get it right the first time. 

8. Do you use high-quality materials and products?

It’s not a question that gets often, but the plumbing materials a company uses matter. We always use high-quality materials and products for installations and repairs because using poor, lesser-quality materials can lead to costly repairs. 

9. How do you handle clean-up and disposal?

After completing the job, ask about the plumbing company’s policies regarding clean-up and disposal of debris. Your plumber should leave your property clean and tidy and responsibly dispose of waste materials. 

10. Can you provide a written agreement or contract?

Always request a written agreement or contract outlining the project scope, timeline, costs, and other essential details. A written contract protects both you and the plumbing company and provides recourse in case of any disputes.

Researching and vetting potential plumbing companies ensures quality workmanship, reliable service, and peace of mind for your home or business. Better yet, contact Allied Reddi-Rooter when you need a Cincinnati plumbing company with experience and a reputation for doing a job well done every time.

If you’re ready to purchase a new water heater, you may be wondering which is best for your home. The answer depends on a few things, including the size of your household, the energy source you’ll be using to heat the water, and how energy efficient the water heater you have in mind really is. 

It’s no doubt a big decision, so to help you feel confident you’re purchasing the best water heater for your home, we’ve put together a guide. Take a look below to learn which type of water heater you should purchase, and how to make sure it’s the right size to keep those hot showers from running cold. 

Types of hot water heaters 

It’s best to first understand the types of water heaters available today and how they differ for one another. 

Most homeowners are familiar with conventional hot water heaters. These feature a cylinder-shaped tank, typically found in the basement, that serves as a reservoir of hot water, ready for use. 

The tankless water heater (sometimes called “on-demand” water heaters) doesn’t store water. Instead, it heats water when it’s turned on. Many homeowners prefer this type of water heater because it saves space and can help conserve water. 

While heat pump water heaters are less common in Cincinnati area homes, they earn high marks for being extremely energy efficient. Like tankless water heaters, these do not use a tank, making them a good option if space in your home is at a premium. 

Solar water heaters. Looking for a green water heater to reduce your carbon footprint? If so, take a closer look at solar water heaters that use the sun’s energy to power the tank and heat the water. 

Which type of water heater is best for my home? 

Deciding what water heater to purchase can be daunting, considering there are hundreds to choose from. To keep it simple, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of the two most common types of waters heaters – conventional and tankless. 

Pros of conventional water heaters 

There are a few good reasons conventional water heaters are the most popular choice for Cincinnati areas homeowners. 

Affordability. These water heaters are often the least expensive, when compared to tankless water heaters, for example. The upfront costs are low, and since there are numerous makes and models to choose from, there’s a good chance you can find one that’s within (or even below) your budget. 

Easy to install. Conventional water heaters can be installed quickly by a qualified technician. This only adds to their affordability. 

Low maintenance. These water heaters are very easy to maintain and require only yearly maintenance by a technician. In the event that your conventional water heater needs repaired, parts can be found quickly, and repairs are usually easy to make. 

Pros of tankless water heaters 

Limitless hot water. One of the biggest benefits of a tankless water heater has to be that they offer an endless supply of hot water. This means never having to worry if there’s enough hot water for your shower – even after you’ve done a million loads of laundry. 

Space saving. Since there is no tank to house, you’ll have more space for storage. Tankless waters are especially ideal for those looking to refinish the basement and turn it into living space. 

Longer lifespan. In general, a tankless water heater lasts about 15 years longer than a conventional water heater. Most have a lifespan of about 20 years. 

What size water heater do I need?

If you choose a conventional water heater, you’ll need to determine what size you’ll need. As a general rule, a 40-gallon tank will be enough for a home with one to four people, a 50 gallon tank is best for 4 to 6 people, and anything higher is ideal for homes with 6 people or more. 

As you probably have guessed, the larger the hot water heater, the higher your energy costs will likely be, so choose wisely. You’ll also want to make sure that the water heater you choose is compatible with your plumbing system, as moving to a larger tank in the future can get complicated. 

If you’re thinking about replacing your water heater, the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter can help. We’ve been repairing and maintaining water heaters all across Cincinnati for decades and can help you decide which is best for your home.

Cincinnati’s hilly terrain is ground-zero for hard working sump pumps. Your home’s sump pump has a very important job to do. It protects your basement from flooding when water creeps in from heavy rainfall or after a snowstorm. If it isn’t working properly, by drawing water in as it pools on the basement floor, the water can settle. This can lead to wood rot, mold and even foundation problems.

Luckily, it doesn’t take much time or effort to keep your sump pump working at its best. As long as you schedule regular maintenance from an experienced plumber and know what to do – and what not to do – for your sump pump, it will help keep your basement dry for years to come.

Take a look at our list below of sump pump do’s and don’ts. We recommend having this list handy and taking a peek at it every so often to make sure you’re doing what you need to keep your sump pump purring.

Sump Pump “Do’s”

Do hire a professional plumber to install your sump pump (Allied Reddi-Rooter). While some homeowners choose to install a sump pump they buy at the local home improvement store on their own, we do not recommend going this route. Installing a sump pump incorrectly can lead to a pump failure which can keep your home’s water at its lowest level. This, in turn, can cause major damage.

Do listen to the motor. We recommend taking time to listen to the sump pump motor on a regular basis. If it’s working properly, you should hear the motor hum and the occasional sloshing of water. If you start hearing new noises, it’s time to call the plumber.

Do install a battery backup system. Sump pumps run on electricity. But what if your power goes out during a storm and your sump pump stops working, just when you need it the most? This scenario is precisely why we recommend installing a battery backup system.

Do regularly clean the pipes. Make a point of routinely checking the drainage pipes to make sure there’s no debris that could cause a blockage. It’s important to also clean the area around the sump pump to make sure debris from the floor doesn’t get pushed into the pump during a storm.

Do schedule routine maintenance. Sump pumps are extremely reliable and durable. Still, it’s important that you have a plumbing professional check it every year to make sure it’s working properly. If it isn’t, they can make the necessary repairs to get it back up and running quickly.

Sump Pump Don’ts

Don’t flush products that aren’t biodegradable down drains. This includes paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or face wipes – no matter how “flushable” it says they are on the packaging.

Don’t pour chemicals in the sump pump. Paints, most cleaning products, floor wax and acids should never be put in the sump pump. If you try to flush these chemicals down the sump pump, they can end up in the city water supply and cause contamination.

Don’t ever try to lift the sump pump out of the ground. Or try to repair your sump pump on your own.

Don’t DIY sump pump installation. As we mentioned above, this should only be done by a licensed, experienced plumber.

Need to repair or replace your sump pump? Allied Reddi-Rooter has been Cincinnati’s sump pump experts for decades. We exclusively sell and install  Zoeller sump pumps. They are the absolute best quality product avaialable. Learn more about Allied Redd-Rooter’s sump pump services. Our Cincinnati sump pump reiar team is here to help you in your time of need.

Maybe you’ve noticed a trickle of water coming from your kitchen faucet after you’ve turned it off. Or perhaps your toilet refills with water a little more than it should. Think that extra water isn’t draining your pocketbook? If so, think again. 

Truth is, even a faucet that drips just a little or a toilet with a hairline crack can cause a high water bill. In fact, it’s estimated that most homes in the U.S. waste about 14% of water a day due to leaks and otherwise faulty plumbing. 

If you’re worried about leaks in your plumbing and how you might be pouring your money down the drain, read on. We’ll break down the ways small leaks can cost you big money, and how to find them in the first place. 

How little leaks can cost big money

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks. That’s equivalent to the amount of water needed to wash more than 300 loads of laundry. 

In fact, household leaks can waste approximately nearly 900 billion gallons of water annually nationwide. 

Below are some of the biggest offenders and an estimate of how much it will set you back if they leak or otherwise waste water. 

Toilets.

One of the easiest ways to throw money down the drain is with a leaking toilet. On average, a leaking toilet will lose about 200-250 gallons of water a day and that can set you back up to $70 a month. That’s why it’s important to call a plumber if your toilet runs more than it should, and you can’t pinpoint and fix the problem on your own.   

Showerheads and bathtubs

If your showerhead is leaking water or you notice water around the faucets in your tub, you could be wasting water and money. Caulk around faucets and dry up over time and cause leaks. 

And older showerheads use more water – about 8 gallons per minute – versus newer models that use about 4 gallons a minute. Replacing your showerhead could save you about $20 a month on your water bill. 

Dishwashers

When was the last time you replaced your dishwasher? If you can’t remember, it might be time to purchase a new one. Here’s why: older model dishwashers use about 11 gallons of water per cycle. Newer models use about half of that. This upgrade could save you about $20 a month. 

Washing machines

Older generation washing machines use about 40 gallons per load, which adds up to about $40 a month if you use your washing machine once a week. Newer models use about 4 gallons of water per load. So, investing in a new washing machine can save you money in the long run. 

Make sure to check hoses on both your washing machine and dishwasher. If there’s a small leak in a hose or if you notice significant wear or even cracking on the hose, you’ll want to replace it. 

Sprinkler systems

Outside, we recommend taking a close look at your sprinkler system if you have one. Sprinkler heads can lose about 20 of gallons a minute if not properly secured or installed. And if you have a broken sprinkler head, this can lead to up to 2,400 gallons of water wasted a month. Let that sink in! 

How to detect a leak

More often than not, homeowners don’t know they have a leaking pipe or fixture until they get a water bill with sky high usage and a balance that is much higher than it was in previous months. If this ever happens to you, there are a few things you should do immediately to gauge whether or not the culprit for the high bill is a water leak. 

First, check the water meter

If you go to the water meter box and see that the flow indicator gauge is moving, you have a leak. If it’s not moving, hold on, it’s not time to celebrate yet, because you could still have a small leak inside the home. Instead, write down the numbers on the water meter, then turn off all the water in the home (but make sure that your water heater has time to refill first). 

Wait an hour and check the numbers. If they’ve changed at all, you likely have a small water leak somewhere. This is when it’s important to call a professional plumber. 

Thoroughly inspect your home’s plumbing

Take some time to do a search throughout the home to check for any water leaks. Look underneath sinks in the kitchen and bathroom for water on the floor to make sure there is no water on the floor or cabinetry. 

Inspect the base of toilets and bathtubs, and in the laundry room, inspect hoses to make sure they are not cracked and are properly sealed. 

Check the water heater

Sometimes, the pressure relief valve on the water heater needs to be replaced. And if you haven’t scheduled routine maintenance for the water heater, it might be time to do so. 

Look outside

Don’t forget that the source of your leak could actually be coming from the outdoors. First make sure that any garden hoses are fitted tightly to the spicket, and when you are finished using the hose, always turn it off from the faucet. 

You’ll also want to make sure that your sprinkler system is working properly and check the yard regularly for wet spots underneath the grass. If you notice any, call a plumber immediately. 

Worried you’re throwing money down the drain from water leaks? If so, give the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call or contact  us. We can inspect your home’s plumbing to make sure it’s in top shape. Fixing even the smallest leaks can help you save big money. Your business depends on it.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service. We’re here to help Cincinnati homeowners with all their plumbing needs.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask questions.  https://www.alliedreddirooter.com/grease-trap-cleaning/

Looking to go a little greener, save money, and elevate the look of your home – all at the same time? If so, consider making small updates to your home’s plumbing. Even little updates, like upgrading your bathroom faucets, can make a big difference – for everything from your water bill to your health. Many home plumbing updates are easy to do yourself, affordable (even if you’re on a tight budget) and take very little time to complete.

Ready to update? Below are our top six home plumbing updates to make this summer.

Install high-tech faucets

Newer faucets not only look fabulous, but they use a lot less water. Did you know that older, traditional faucets can use up to 2.5 gallon of water per minute? High-tech faucets, however, can cut that usage by half. That means that with a newer faucet, you can save water while also giving your bathrooms and kitchen a fresh look. 

Buy a brand-new showerhead

Another easy plumbing update to make is to simply swap out your old showerhead for a new one. Modern showerheads feature all sorts of bells and whistles like LED lights, speakers, and plenty of water settings. And most use less water than older showerheads. It’s also important to note that your old showerhead might harbor harmful bacteria, accumulated over years of use. That’s another great reason to upgrade yours regularly. 

Install a digital leak detection system

Even a small leak in your pipe system can lead to an expensive and extensive repair. That’s why it’s important to monitor your home’s pipes. Luckily now this is easier to do, thanks to digital leak detection systems that can spot leaks and alert you before they become major issues. We like Flo by Moen’s innovative system that can send alerts to your phone. 

Choose a tankless water heater

There are many benefits to installing a tankless water heater in your home. Not only are they energy efficient but they are also extremely easy to maintain. And they’re great for the planet, as they help conserve water. 

Get a water-saving toilet

Wondering what part of your home’s plumbing uses the most water? Look no further than your toilets. Truth is, most traditional, older toilets require a lot of water to work properly. But that’s changing, thanks to newer, eco-friendly models that use up to 60% less water than conventional toilets. 

We recommend investing in toilets with a duel-flush option that lets you choose how much water you need per flush. This, in turn, reduces the amount of water you’ll use and will help you save on your water bill. 

Install a home water softener

Cincinnati has some of the hardest water in the country. Without a water softening system, homeowners in the Queen City run the risk of having drier skin and hair, dishes with stubborn spots, and even plumbing problems, due to mineral build-up. Allied Reddi-Rooter is proud to carry Novo water softeners that use 75% less salt and 64% less water compared to conventional clock models. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a water softener that is cost-effective, efficient and environmentally friendly.

Give us a call or contact  us for a quote. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service. We’re here to help Cincinnati homeowners with all their plumbing needs.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask questions.

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Mold in the home can be a serious problem if it isn’t addressed quickly. Not only can it lead to respiratory issues, but it can exacerbate allergies as well. One of the places mold tends to grow in the home is in the bathroom because it thrives in damp areas. 

If you’re worried about mold growth in your bathroom, below are ways you can stop it in its tracks. And if you’ve discovered mold on your walls or in your shower area don’t panic, we’ve got a quick and easy remedy below. 

How to Prevent Mold Growth in the Bathroom 

Make sure your bathroom is ventilated
Mold thrives in unventilated, humid spaces. It’s extremely easy for it to grow in the bathroom since the walls and shower area are often wet. That’s why it’s important to install a fan in your bathroom that can serve as a dehumidifier. You’ll need to make sure you select the correct size exhaust fan for the room. If it’s too small, it won’t be as effective. 

Repair cracked tile and walls
Often times, water can seep into cracks in bathroom walls or shower tiles. This can be a breeding ground for mold. Once the mold starts to grow underneath tile and walls it can be extremely difficult to eliminate it. That’s why it’s critical to repair cracks in tile and walls as soon as you see them. 

Keep towels and bathmats dry
Make it a habit to dry towels, bathmats and even the shower curtain after you take a shower or a bath. This way, you can help keep moisture out of the bathroom and stave off mold growth. Wash towels and bathmats often to remove mold spores as well. 

Choose the right paint
Look for paints that feature antimicrobial agents or use a semi-gloss pain that can create a water-resistant surface. 

How to Remove Mold from the Bathroom

Step One: Add one part bleach to two parts water to a bottle and spray down the area 

Step Two: Let the solution permeate the area you sprayed for 10-15 minutes. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub areas with stubborn mold growth. 

Step Three: Rinse the solution away from the area. Moving forward, watch the area to make sure that the mold doesn’t grow back. 

Still worried about mold growth in your bathroom? The team at  Allied Reddi-Rooter has the solution. We’re here to help keep your bathroom safe for you and your family for years to come. Give the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call or Contact us.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.

If you think your pets can’t cause plumbing problems, think again. All it takes is a little too much pet hair in the drain or a hole dug a bit too deep by the pup to warrant a visit from the plumber. Luckily, pets and plumbing can get along just fine, as long as you take a few protective measures. 

Here’s 5 things you should know about pets and plumbing. 

Never flush cat litter. No kitty litter is safe to flush down the toilet. We can’t say this enough. While newer cat litters say they’re flushable, it is never advisable to dispose of it in the toilet. This is an especially important rule to follow if your live in a home with older plumbing. Kitty litter will clog the pipes and create a backup that’s particularly difficult to fix yourself. 

Always close the toilet lid. This is another important thing to remember and a habit you’ll want to master if you have pets. The chemicals used to clean toilets are acidic and toxic to pets. If you have a chemical drain cleaner in your toilet, please keep the lid closed. To help deter your pet from drinking out of the toilet, always make sure that they have plenty of fresh water on hand. And should you see any signs that your pet has ingested something toxic (vomiting, seizures, lethargy, for example) take them to the vet right away. 

Watch where dogs dig. If your pup’s favorite hobby is digging holes deep enough to reach China, you’ll want to limit their digging or give them a better way to occupy their time. The reason you don’t want them digging in the yard is because your sewer lines could be closer to the surface than you think. In fact, sometimes they’re just a foot or so below the ground. Should your dog damage the sewer line, that can be an extensive (and expensive) repair. 

Brush them frequently. It may seem like odd advice coming from a plumber, but we recommend brushing your pet’s coat regularly and for good reason: the more your cat or dog sheds, the more likely that excess hair will end up in the drain. Eventually, it can lead to a clogged drain that requires a visit from the plumber. 

Don’t bathe them in the tub. Ditto for the sink if you’ve got a little one. This goes with the point above about pet hair in drains. Instead, give them a good cleaning outside if it’s warm enough (and they’re comfortable with the hose), take them to a professional groomer, or take advantage of a pet store with a pet washing station.  

If Fido does wreak havoc on your plumbing, give us a call or Contact . Allied Reddi-Rooter has been helping Cincinnati home and pet owners for decades and we are here to help you with yours, too. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.

If you are a restaurant owner, you know how critical it is to have an excellent plumbing system that can go the distance. Restaurant drains, pipes, and faucets work overtime, and when they need repaired, it simply can’t wait – business (not to mention hungry diners) depends on it. To emphasize, you need Cincinnati’s full-service restaurant plumber.  

Restaurant owners in Cincinnati know they can trust Allied Reddi-Rooter with all of their plumbing needs. And we do mean all of them. Take a look at our top plumbing services for restaurants below Learn more in our Restaurant Plumbing pages

Grease trap cleaning and repair
It’s essential for restaurants to have their grease trap and tank serviced regularly so fats, oils and grease don’t clog the pipes, which can lead to a serious problem (and a potentially costly repair). That’s why Allied Reddi-Rooter offers grease trap cleaning for restaurants, dining facilities, and anywhere else there’s a working commercial kitchen. 

When we clean your grease traps, we not only scrape build up from the trap, we also perform an extensive inspection to ensure every aspect of your grease trap is working properly. We also update the service log, so you stay in good status with the health department. 

Backflow repair
If you suspect that the water is dirty (anywhere in your restaurant) it’s important to contact a plumbing professional. Allied Reddi-Rooter offers backflow cleaning to make sure there’s no water returning to your pipes which can lead to an unsanitary situation. We can also replace your backflow preventer; a mechanical valve that prevents backflow in the first place. 

Faucet repair
Think about it: restaurant faucets have a big job to do. Not only are they used throughout service in the kitchen to cook food and clean dishes, but they’re used at the bars, service stations, and in the bathrooms. These specialized faucets require equally specialized, professional care on a regular basis. 

We recommend having your restaurant plumbing’s faucet system inspected at least once a year, and in the event that one should need immediate repair, we offer emergency service to keep your business running smoothly. 

Drain cleaning
Restaurant drains to triple duty. Not only must they support sinks, dishwashers, and appliances, but they are in constant use, and should they clog, it can wreak serous havoc on your business, especially during a busy time. 

We recommend having your drains serviced on a regular basis. At that time, we can inspect the pipes, sinks, and make any necessary repairs. Additionally, we encourage restaurant owners to take advantage of our high-definition drain and sewer line cameras to inspect your building’s plumbing. Learn more.

Sewer line inspection
Restaurants generate a lot of solid waste – from food to grease to wastewater. That’s why the sewer line needs to be maintained by a plumbing professional who can ensure that the line is working properly so that it doesn’t affect your business (as well as others in the building). 

Allied Reddi-Rooter is proud to offer restaurant sewer line video inspection, considered the gold standard when it comes to sewer line assessment. 

Gas line inspection 
When you have an issue with your gas line it’s imperative to get it repaired immediately. Waiting to take care of it isn’t just expensive, it can be downright dangerous.  Learn more.

We’re experts when it comes to every aspect of restaurant gas line systems. Give us a call to inspect and service yours. 

Allied Reddi-Rooter has been serving Cincinnati restaurants for all of their plumbing needs for more than seven decades. No matter what plumbing problem arises at your restaurant, we have the solution.

We’re all staying home a lot more these days, but let’s face it, you can only watch so many shows on Hulu and Netflix without getting bored, no matter how interesting they are. If you’re tired of Seinfeld episodes and true crime documentaries and need something to do around the house to be proud of, why not take a weekend and make small updates to the bathroom? 

Not only can one of the smallest rooms in the house be transformed in a matter of days with little effort and elbow grease, but doing updates now may just get you looking forward to the warmer days ahead, when you can focus on getting out and enjoying yourself, knowing that the bathroom updates have already been done. 

Ready to get started? Take a look below at our top seven ways to update your bathroom in a weekend. These little changes can make a big difference!

1. Make it smart. Smart technology can really take your bathroom to the next level. Whether it’s a faucet, mirror, or bathroom mat, nearly every accessory and appliance in your bathroom can utilize smart technology to make living a little easier. 

Take the Mateo smart bathroom mat for example. When you step on the mat, it can give you your weight, body-mass index, and even helpful tips to help you get healthier. The mat can be synched to your phone so you can keep track of its readings. 

There are plenty of smart mirrors out there, like the CareOS Poseidon that offers personalized skin care. Using facial recognition technology, this mirror can customize results for every individual and also features different lighting and a magnifying feature. 

Note that some smart bathroom accessories can be pricy. If you like having the latest and greatest technology but are on a budget, consider a smart showerhead or faucet. 

2. Get organized. Okay, we admit the next two ideas aren’t very fun, but once you finish them, you’ll feel great. The first is organizing the bathroom. Start by tossing out any old products like those half-used mini shampoo bottles you scored at the hotel. 

Then, install shelving for everyday bathroom items like towels. IKEA makes sturdy, affordable bathroom shelving, but you could also check out craft websites like etsy.com for one-of-a-kind shelving that makes a statement. 

3. Do a deep clean. We recommend deep cleaning your bathroom on a regular basis. Use a tried-and-true product like Ajax to clean soap scum from your bathtub and mop your floors by getting down to reach under radiators and behind the toilet and sink. 

Everything Old is New Again: Home Cleaning Edition 

4. Think tile. Bathrooms are often the most tiled part of the house – and for good reason. They’re easy to clean, can remain free from harmful bacteria, and can last a lifetime. But they need a little TLC from time to time. 

If you’re looking to update the bathroom, try painting the grout between the tiles. Choose a contrasting color from your tile to really make a statement and avoid white grout so it always looks clean. 

Another great weekend project is to retile (or tile for the first time) the wall behind the sink. The small area is a great place to start if you’re new to tiling. To really make a statement, choose colorful Spanish tile, splurge on tile from Cincinnati’s Rookwood Pottery, or search online for vintage, reclaimed tile.  

5. Give it light. Switching up your light fixtures is a great way to update your bathroom in no time. Install bathroom lights over your vanity, add wall sconces, or even a bathroom chandelier (yes, these are a thing). 

LED lights can help cut costs on your electric bill and four-way lights can create various moods to help enhance whatever you’re doing in the bathroom – from soft light for the hot bath to bright light to floss that hard-to-reach last molar.  

6. Paint the walls. It’s a new year, so why not paint your bathroom a new color? All it takes is a weekend to add a coat of paint (or two) to the bathroom walls. Additionally, painting the bathroom can create a cleaner space as well. Avoid flat or matte paint in this room, instead choose a gloss or a satin paint for easier cleaning. 

7. Replace the vanity or sink. This DIY project is completely doable in a weekend, but it’s a bit more involved than most other projects on the list. Don’t be intimidated, though, because replacing the vanity isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Remember to measure your space before choosing the vanity, have tools on hand, and take advantage of tutorials on YouTube.  

As you update your bathroom, remember that the team at Allied-Reddi Rooter is only a phone call away. We can’t help you paint the walls, but we can help keep your bathroom functioning it’s very best.   We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.

It may be tempting to put off taking care of a plumbing problem, but you shouldn’t. Waiting will only make the plumbing issue worse. Not only can it damage other parts of your home – like your floor and walls – but it will be more expensive to fix the problem later.  

Cincinnati plumbers are considered essential during the coronavirus. That’s because it’s imperative to address plumbing concerns as soon as they arise. Our plumbers are following strict safety guidelines during this difficult time, so don’t put off giving us a call to take care of that small leak that could lead to big problems down the road. 

Not convinced? Here are five reasons you shouldn’t wait to call the plumber: 

A leaky faucet will drain your pocketbook 

If you’re seeing and hearing drips from your faucet long after you’ve turned off the water, it’s time to call the plumber. Even one small drip can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water a year – and that really adds up! If you’ve noticed a higher-than-normal water bill, take a look at your faucets and if you detect a leak, give us a call. 

DIY won’t work 

Tape around a leaking showerhead. Constant use of an over-the-counter drain opener. These solutions may work in the short term but they won’t go the distance. Worse, you could actually do more damage to the problem at hand. Save yourself money and time by getting your plumbing issues fixed by a professional when they arise. 

Slow drains are unhealthy 

We’re all thinking about our health a lot these days, and more specifically about… germs. Of course you can’t catch coronavirus from water, but a slow drain that lets water pool can invite bacteria and cause an unhealthy situation for you and your family. The slow drain could also be caused by a blockage in your sewer line, and that needs to be repaired by a plumber ASAP. 

Water damage is costly 

Leaking pipes can do major damage to your home. As soon as you spot water underneath an exposed pipe, make sure you get it repaired quickly. If you spot any water stains on your wall, in your ceiling, or on the floor, that could be a sign of a leaking or burst pipe, which will cause extensive damage if it isn’t fixed by a plumber immediately. If you wait too long to repair a burst pipe, your home could suffer pretty serious damage. 

Water heaters can stop working 

Jangly, clanging water heaters are more than annoying – they’re also quite possibly signs that your water heater is in need of a repair. Contrary to popular belief, calcium build up in the water tank isn’t the only reason water heaters can get loud. Mineral deposits can lead to dangerous pressure levels, and when this happens, you’ll hear a louder than normal water heater before it simply stops working. 

In need of a plumbing repair? Contact us or give us a call. Allied Reddi-Rooter is happy to serve the Cincinnati community for its all plumbing needs during this time. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.