Even if you only play the scenario in your head, a burst pipe seems like a huge problem. It’s a major inconvenience that can cause vast damage to your house. This guide focuses on what you should know about dealing with a broken pipe in your home. It’ll also reveal some tips on preventing pipe bursting since it would be best to stop this from even happening. Here’s what you should know about pipe bursts!

What Causes Pipes to Burst?

Here are the main causes of a pipe burst in the house:

• Freezing. Low temperatures can lead to many problems that require home improvement work. Keep in mind that 32F is the magic limit. If the temperature goes lower than that, the water will freeze. The pipe bonds weaken, and when the heat increases, it breaks.
• High Pressure. It’s not necessary for water to freeze to face increased water pressure. Municipal supply could be at a higher pressure than your pipes can handle. 
• Old Pipes. Nothing lasts forever, and pipes aren’t an exception. Their durability depends on maintenance, age, and other factors. If the water pressure bursts pipes, the reason could lie in how old they are.
• Clogs. Soap scum, hair, food, and other residue lead to clogs in your plumbing system. The first indicator is poor draining of your showers and sinks.
• Roots. You see a tree growing but don’t have a clue what’s happening underground. Roots expand toward moisture, making trees in the vicinity of pipes a threat.

How Do You Know If Your Pipes in House Burst?

You can try to locate the leak based on the following signs:

• Water pressure changes. A leak disrupts the paths of water through the pipes. If you notice you can’t get the pressure to the desired level, it could be a sign of a busted tube under the house or inside the property.
• Watermarks. Water damage on walls and ceiling indicates a pipe burst in the house.
• Standing water. If you have exposed pipes, you might even notice puddles on the floor.
• Water discoloration and odors. Does the water you use smell weird? Is it not clear, but has other colors? It could point to rust or a burst pipe. It’s best to avoid drinking it until you resolve the issue.
• Strange sounds associated with water use. Do you hear something weird when you turn on the faucets?
• High water bills. If there’s no reason your bills would be higher than usual, it’s a sure sign of a leak. 

How to Tell If a Pipe Burst Underground?

It’s harder to identify underground water leaks. However, some signs are similar, and here’s what to consider:

• Water pressure decrease
• Noticeable holes in the ground
• Cracked pavement sections
• Increased water bills and overall use
• Dirt in the water in your plumbing system

If you suspect a burst pipe underground, you need to contact plumbing professionals. Best plumbers in Las Vegas have specialized equipment to identify potential leak spots.

What to Do If Pipes Burst?

You confirmed that you are dealing with cracked pipes, but what’s the next step? Here is what you need to do:

• Turn off the main water supply. You don’t want to cause a bigger problem and risk that the pressure bursts pipes in other areas. Turning off the main supply also makes the problem easier to solve since you only have to deal with the water in the system. 
• Call a plumber. It’s always better to call a professional. They can locate a busted pipe under the house and resolve the issue before it turns into a bigger problem.
• Clean the water. If it’s possible, remove excess water from any unwanted locations. Cracked pipes will cause some damage, but try to keep it minimal. You can contact construction professionals for any repairs once you fix the pipes.
• Drain faucets. The next step is to eliminate the water in the supply. That includes turning on the faucets, flushing the water in toilets, and deactivating the water heater.
• Let in warm air. Are frozen pipes your problem? You need to heat them gradually, and you can begin by using your AC to increase the temperature. Hairdryers are also a common method to heat the pipes.
• Keep doors open. This is another way to boost warm air circulation and heat the pipes.
• Repair sleeve. You can use sleeves on holes to secure a temporary fix. It ensures you can use the water until the plumber comes, but it’s not a long-term solution.
• Rubber, wood piece, and clamp. It’s the alternative method of fixing the issue, but make sure to replace the pipe as soon as possible.

Tips on Preventing Pipe Bursting

Prevention is the best medicine, so here are the tips to preventing pipe bursting from happening:

• Make sure the water faucets are running. If it’s freezing outside, keep a single faucet running on low pressure. The movement of water is what might reduce the risk of freezing.
• Check if cold areas receive enough warm air. You need to secure warm air circulation to prevent pipes from freezing. A copper pipe is particularly sensitive to cold temperatures.
• Don’t close your cabinet doors. This can help heat the pipes below the sink during the winter.
• Remove the hose from that faucet in the garden. The water in the hose will get frozen first, rendering it unusable.
• Place heat tape. It’s a unique product that helps keep the pipes warm during the winter.
• Identify cold air leaks and seal them. If you notice cold air is coming into your house, seal those gaps. It helps keep your home warm during cold days.
• Maintain optimal temperature. You don’t want the temperature level to go under 32F in any area.
• Contact an expert plumber. Professionals use a pipe cutter and all other necessary tools to identify and fix the leak.

Do you suspect a pipe leak? You can contact Las Vegas general contractors to help fix the issue and ensure everything looks as good as new!

A kitchen backsplash can be amazing for keeping your walls safe from spills, splashes and other kitchen messes. It is also a great design function. There are plenty of materials that can be used for a kitchen backsplash and some are far better than others. If it is time for kitchen remodeling then there’s every chance you’re wondering what the best backsplash materials are. We’ve explored some kitchen backsplash options in this article to help you out.

Why Do You Need a Backsplash For Your Kitchen?

Pretty much every kitchen will use some sort of backsplash as it just makes sense. You can get backsplash installed easily with the help of a professional contractor. A backsplash is primarily in place to stop things like liquids from splattering and spilling onto the wall. This is why you often find a backsplash next to a counter or behind a sink.

A backsplash can be used behind a cooktop, too. If you’ve ever tried to clean grease off of a wall then you will know exactly why this is a useful installation. Kitchen backsplash is much easier to wipe clean than the wall and keep the wall itself fully protected.

Different Types of Backsplashes?

Backsplash is a statement piece in your kitchen. It compliments the overall design in the kitchen and should be nicely paired with countertops and kitchen cabinets. Of course there are other features to consider besides matching the pieces in your kitchen such as price, quality and how easy is the installation and maintenance process. That’s why the best kitchen backsplash materials are somewhat subjective. Naturally you want something that will protect the walls and be easy to clean.

Let’s explore some of the top materials and start with the most popular options.

• Ceramic or Porcelain tiles are the most widely used backsplash material for kitchens. They are in demand because of their durability, versatility and easy maintenance. There are loads of options available. You will find a large array of colors, shapes and sizes. Get creative, mix and match different shapes and styles to get a stunning design. Glazed porcelain or ceramic tiles are also great for coping with water which makes them ideal to put behind a sink. And you also don’t need much effort to get rid of the food spillages and stains.
• Glass tiles can give a modern look to your kitchen but they can also be a little bit less hard-wearing as compared to ceramic. And still this is a good choice to add some lightness to your kitchen design. The reflective surface returns the light and makes your kitchen look more luminous.
• Metal tiles such as steel or brass are often used as a backsplash material. These tiles are gaining popularity now. And yet they give a bit more of a commercial feel, the kind of thing you may see behind a counter in a pro chef’s kitchen. Nevertheless they’re affordable, easy to keep clean and come in a variety of textures. If you pair it right with the other elements in your kitchen they might give it a rich and luxurious look.
• Natural stone such as travertine or marble can be another option for kitchen backsplash. Marble is great for a more sophisticated look and travertine brings in the classy old look and adds warmth to the area. However, natural stone has its downsides too as it is expensive and demands regular care. All the same don’t hesitate to choose this option if you don’t mind shelling out a little bit more money.
• Thermoplastic tiles are the most low cost and easy installed option of all. They’re often designed to simulate the look of other tiling such as a mosaic look. They are sometimes sticky so that a whole panel can easily be attached to the wall with minimal effort. The downside is that these may not last as long as some of the other options, and they don’t feel as good on the wall.
• As you can see, there is a lot to choose from on the current market. It will boil down to decisions on whether you’d like to spend a lot of money on your backsplash, and also what design functions you are looking for. If you need an easy-clean, simple installation then ceramic and porcelain might be your best option.

Choosing the right theme for your kitchen can be challenging, especially if this is your first time remodeling. You can hire a design consultant for aesthetics advice, plus a kitchen contractor to help you find the best material for kitchen countertops.

The look of your kitchen should be cohesive and organized. You don’t want colors to clash or accessories that add clutter. Putting your kitchen together starts with choosing the right materials in coordinating colors. Your countertops, cupboards, flooring, appliances, and décor should blend together to show off your style and enhance kitchen functionality.

To create the perfect kitchen for you, let’s talk about the material, colors, and styling.

Material

There are plenty of countertop materials and cupboard choices.

For cabinets, the most common material is wood. If you want to paint your cupboards, choose a type of wood with even texture. Woods with knots do not absorb paint well. Oak, cherry, birch, hickory, walnut, and pine are very popular. For those who do not like traditional wood, veneer and laminate are great options.

For countertops, the selection is much more diverse. Common options are soapstone, ceramic tile, slate, granite, marble, engineered stone, laminate, butcher block, concrete, and stainless steel.

Selecting the best material for kitchen countertops and cabinets can be crucial to the overall quality of your kitchen.

Color

Color impacts the final look of your kitchen. You can build something fun, modern or elegant with the right combination of hues.

The Color Wheel

Start by looking at samples of different color schemes. You can see which colors complement each other by using a color wheel or color chart. Shades of black, gray, brown, and white are neutral – great for a calming effect. Blue and yellow are complementary colors, while orange and yellow are analogous.

Choose two dominant colors and one accent color. The dominant shades must be complementary, while the accent color ties them all up together.

How to mix and match colors

Contrast can bring your kitchen to life. White cabinets with dark countertops are a popular combination as they alternate light and dark hues. Shiny stainless-steel tops and backsplash look great when paired with bold colors such as lime green. If you have a granite countertop, choose one of the fleck colors to pair with your cabinets.

Even if you opt to go monochromatic, mixing several shades of your chosen color can add flair. Try two or three shades of beige and add a brown or white to create a cohesive look.

Style

Your cabinets and countertops for the kitchen should match your decorating style, existing appliances, and family lifestyle.

If you have a big family, make sure that your countertops are heavy-duty and that your cabinets provide ample storage space. If you have small children, you want them to be able to reach into cabinets and drawers without climbing on a stool or stepladder. Wall cabinets are great for saving floor space.

Look around your home and blend the styling of your cabinets and countertops with existing décor. If your dining room and living room are traditional country style, you might want to hold off going modern in your kitchen.

How to Match Your Cabinets with Countertops for Kitchen

When it comes to remodeling, many homeowners choose the color of their cabinets first. It makes sense as cabinet doors take up about 80% of the visible space. We do, however, recommend that you choose your countertop first as this is one of the most expensive items in your project.

Countertops also come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and styles. Individual patterns make it easier to match your cabinets to the countertop instead of the other way around.

Here are three basic steps in pairing cabinets with countertops for the kitchen.

Pick your countertop

Bring a sample of your countertop design when you look for cabinet options. Create a look that blends your countertop and cabinetry with the floor color for a consistent texture.

Figure out your color palette

Keep your dominant colors simple and choose a third accent color that brings attitude and character. Black-and-white schemes are popular in modern kitchens, while warm and neutral colors are often seen in farmhouse styles.

If you want to make your kitchen island your focal point, pick a different color for the island cabinet to create contrast with the countertop and perimeter cabinetry.

Finish with accessories

Accessorizing should be the last step in remodeling your kitchen. Highlight small decorative pieces with bold colors. Brighten up your kitchen space with metallic hues such as chrome fixtures or brass accessories. Think about completing the design: You can add also carpets and rugs that will make such a big difference in your kitchen. You may also line your countertop with gold or silver accents.

Dos and Don’ts of Pairing Countertops with Kitchen Cabinets

• Mix and match neutral colors
• Do not pair bold cabinets with bold countertops
• Blend your cabinets and countertops with the aesthetic of your home
• Highlight only one part of your kitchen – your cabinets or countertop should be the focal point and not both
• Do not shop for countertops or cabinets without setting a budget
• Stick to your budget
• Learn the advantages and disadvantages of different material options
• Do not purchase countertops or cabinets without looking at samples right in your kitchen

If you have no idea how to start your kitchen remodeling project, it may be wise to bring in an expert. Our design team can help you build your dream kitchen by presenting the best material options at real prices.

When you are trying to choose the right tile for your bathroom you might realize that a huge number of choices are actually available. Tiles come in so many different styles, shapes, sizes, textures and more, whether you want a backsplash tile or larger tiles to create the illusion of one, solid surface.

Tiling is not just something for the walls, either. The floor tiles should be considered, and not getting the right tiles can even mean a slip hazard.

Keep Size in Mind

Size is definitely one of the keys to making the right choice of tile. If you are looking to choose tiles it can be easy to simply assume that you should make the choice based on the size of the room. This isn’t always the same. A large design of tiles in a small bathroom might look fantastic, it can give the impression of a larger, smoother surface.

The bathroom tiles design may be deliberately smaller, for more of a ‘mosaic’ effect. Even in a large bathroom, smaller, compact tiles placed together can sometimes look fantastic, and give more flexibility about which areas are suitable for tiling. You might not be tiling the whole room, instead, one specific feature with smaller tiles might be suitable.

Though some sizes might not be appropriate for your bathroom, size is an opportunity to make a design your own. It is not always about what will be easiest to tile, but what will look best in your opinion!

Balance Different Tile Types

Many people simply choose one design of tile and decide this is the theme for the whole of their bathroom. They may be missing a trick!

Different styles and colors of tile can be a good way to accent your design and give something more interesting to look at. Multiple tiles can create a mosaic look, a geometric pattern or even just a random sense of texture and natural, less clinical feel. For instance, you may wish to use three different shades of blue when tiling the walls, this can give a very interesting look and feels a lot more rustic.

Different tile sizes can be harder to work with, but textures and colors are a good way to create some variety in your design and break up what would otherwise be a huge mass of color.

One of the best ways to ensure that you are creating a quality design which will actually work is to discuss what you need with an excellent local company who know about tiling and how to create long-lasting, well-thought-out designs. If you’re based in Vegas, check out the best Las Vegas Contractors to help you through design and the tiling process.

Don’t Neglect Texture

Texture is definitely something you should think about in terms of design. How smooth should the finish be? Can a little texture give an interesting finish to the look of your tiled walls?

The texture isn’t just a feature relating to the look and design, though. For instance, if you are looking to put floor tiles in place on your bathroom floor, really smooth tiles can create a slip hazard and a little texture gives more to grip. This is especially helpful as your bathroom floor is naturally going to get wet at times.

On the flip side of that coin, a textured wall tile might be harder to clean. Smooth tiles are designed to be easy to wipe down and clean.

It may well be the case that you look for a very different design of floor tile compared to the tiles you end up with on the walls.

Remember, Grout Is the Finishing Touch

Bathroom tiles design maybe your initial focus, and the main decision you make, but grouting is equally important. There is no point in finding the perfect combination of tiles to get installed in your bathroom if you are not going to get the grouting right. Work with professional tile installation contractors to make sure the grouting is carried out properly.

You can get grout in different colors and it can be another great way to break up a design and make your bathroom look that extra bit more interesting. Black grout on white tiles or vice versa can give an interesting contrast.

Tiles are a popular flooring option due to their elegant look and versatility. In addition, they are durable and don’t require much effort for maintenance. However, this is the part of the house that needs much attention as it easily becomes victim to muddy trainers, wine stains, and food spillages, as well as all kinds of bacteria from pets, etc.

If you are here, it means you have faced difficulties and are wondering how to clean tile floors. No worries, here we discuss several options for tile and grout cleaning and get your tiles to look spick and span again.

The flooring in your home is one of the key features that your guests will notice when they first walk into your home. If you have a clean tile floor, it will likely set off the rest in your home, that’s why it’s so important to keep it beautiful and well-maintained.

Luckily, you will find it takes half the time to get clean tiles compared to doing a deep cleaning of a carpet or a rug. Also, it is worth mentioning that while there are slight differences between ceramic and porcelain tiles the cleaning tips described below can be used for both types.

With that being said, let’s get into it.

Floor Tiles Cleaning

First of all, we need to get rid of loose dirt, sand, or other debris by vacuuming or sweeping the floors. Next, you can start cleaning the tile surface of any dirt, stains, or bacteria. All you need for this is to get yourself a mop and warm water. You can also use a floor-cleaning solution or add some neutral soap to the water. But be careful with the soap as it may leave a slight film on the tile surface.

One scrub with some warm water is enough to lift off most of the stains. If you are still having trouble, then try adding a little vinegar to the water and give that a try. After, rinse it thoroughly with plain hot water.

Leave it to air dry or better dry it yourself with a clean cloth or towel to prevent water spots.

Tiles Cleaning In The Kitchen and Bathroom

Unsurprisingly, the kitchen and bathroom will need a little more work for tile and grout cleaning. If you want a clean tile floor in these areas, then you will need to put in some real effort.

These are areas of the house that will get the most food stains, moisture-causing mold, and soapy suds trodden into the tiles.

First of all, try to clean the tiles with hot water and soap to get off most of the residue. For the tougher stains that remain, you can use a special stain remover for kitchen and bathroom tiles. If you don’t have that at hand, then a steamer can be useful.

Apply the hot steam to the area and then wipe clean with your soap and water solution.

How To Clean Tile Grout?

These are the lines between the tiles that hold the tiles together, and they just so happen to be the hardest parts to clean. They are usually quite porous and will hold onto a lot of moisture and dirt.

Grout is typically made from latex, different types of plastics, and sometimes sand and cement. The more modern your tiles are, the more likely they are to be made from stain-resistant materials, but if not, don’t worry. Here is how to clean grout.

Grab yourself some hot water and your grout brush if you have one. If not, you can use any firm brush that has stiff bristles to lift up the dirt.

Apply the hot water and get stuck into the grout with some elbow grease. Most of the dirt should come away, given enough time and effort.

Use Steam for the Toughest Stains

Don’t use any other types of cleaner for grout or bleach for the tiles. You will usually do more harm than good. This will damage the materials and can fade the designs/color of the tiles. Water is the best bet as it is has a neutral pH.

If you are having a lot of trouble getting the stains up, then revert to the steam tactic and use soapy water.

How Should I Remove the Mold?

No home should have mold present in it at any time. If you notice your grout has mold in its grooves, then you need to get rid of it. The best way to do this is to buy a special mold remover.

You can get rid of the mold using the methods we have listed above, but as mold can be potentially hazardous to health, it is better to treat it seriously.

Use gloves while cleaning the mold. Try to keep the room less humid in the future, as this is most likely the cause of mold.

Keep On Top of It

If you are considering getting tile flooring then go for it. As you see it is easy to maintain. The best way to keep on top of it is to clean the floor more often. If we leave our tiles for too long, it can seem like a huge job to take on, and it can seem overwhelming.

Take a few minutes out once a week to clean the most used areas of your house and keep the tiles clean before they get too dirty. This is especially important for kitchens and bathrooms. Otherwise, you will need home remodeling contractors to fix it all.

Hopefully, by now, you know how to clean tile flooring. Thanks for reading!