Getting new faucets in Phoenix, AZ, especially to set off a new or refinished tub or shower, is an easy way to update the look of your home at relatively minimal expense. But it’s not as simple as rushing to the hardware store and grabbing the first and cheapest option you spot.
Choosing the right metal
As tempting as it might be to go with a cheaper model, if you’re looking for something that will last, you’ll need to go for at least a mid-priced option. While cheaper finishes might look nice initially, they can flake and bubble, making them difficult to keep clean for very long.
Solid brass faucets are the most expensive, but they’re also the most durable. If you have hard water, a solid brass faucet won’t corrode as quickly as other metals. The next best choice is die-cast zinc alloy, but be aware that eventually it will corrode and the plating will wear off.
Generally, plastic and other similar materials are a bad choice for faucets, even if the low prices seem tempting. The finish doesn’t bond to the base as well as it does with brass or zinc, and they can break far easier.
Sink faucets
If you’re only replacing your faucet in Phoenix, AZ, it’s important to measure the existing holes for the sink to make sure your replacement will fit properly. Generally, stick with the basic style you already have (double handled, single handled, etc.).
You’ll also want to choose between valves. Compression valves are easy to access and repair if there’s a leak, whereas ceramic disk valves are considered the best option if possible. Sleeve cartridge valves are the easiest to repair, while ball valves are more complex (although still an inexpensive repair overall). The warranty is often the best indication of how long you can expect your sink valve to last.
Bathtub and shower faucets
Finally, bathtub and shower faucets should also stick with the same general layout you already have. Depending on the type of tub you have, the faucets and handles may be installed in the tub itself, on the rim or mounted on the wall.
There are many options to choose from, including multiple showerheads, detachable heads and hoses and even adjustable-height showerheads. Many manufacturers make options where two heads come from the spout, but if you want separate jets, you’ll have to add more plumbing lines.
Finally, look for temperature shock options that keep you from getting blasted with cold water when someone flushes the toilet.
Get new faucets in Phoenix, AZ
Why get new faucets when the rest of your bathroom fixtures look old and dingy? A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. repairs and refinishes tubs, tiles, sinks and vanities so that your fixtures will look as great as your new faucets in Phoenix, AZ, all for a fraction of the cost of what it would be to replace everything. With over 40 years of experience, we’re sure to be able to handle your improvements. Get in touch with us today to find out more about what we can do for you,.
Refinishing your bathtub and shower is a low-cost way to enhance the beauty of your bathroom, but like any remodeling project, it takes time and care to get the job done right. That includes drying and curing time, which can have a massive effect on the quality of your results. The number one question our team gets after a bathtub refinishing project is, “How long will it be before I can use my bathtub or shower again?” Read on to learn more about bathtub refinishing and the duration of time you’ll have to wait before enjoying your Phoenix, AZ investment.
Preparing for refinishing
When you decide to refinish your bathroom fixtures, call your contractor as soon as possible to get on their schedule—expect at least a seven- to 10-day wait period. During that time, clean your bathroom as much as possible to minimize dirt and debris that may fall during the refinishing process.
How long to wait afterwards
A typical bathtub refinishing project only takes a few hours to complete. Your bathtub contractor will strip the current finish and address any deeper damage that may be present. At that point, it will be ready for the reglazing process.
After bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ, most contractors will tell you that it’s okay to use your tub within 24 to 48 hours. This is because the glaze needs enough time to dry fully, so standing or sitting in the tub won’t ruin the smooth surface or allow any debris to lodge itself into the glaze. However, the glaze itself won’t fully cure (harden) for seven to 10 days. That means it’s imperative that you prevent objects like bottles, razors and bath toys from falling into the tub or dropping them while you’re in the shower—it could permanently damage your brand-new finish.
After seven to 10 days, the glaze will be fully hardened and you’ll be able to use your tub normally, although it’s advisable to exercise the same level of caution anyway.
It’s important to note that during the 24- to 48-hour drying time, you must not clean your bathtub. The chemicals from bathtub cleaners as well as the act of scrubbing could damage the finish, requiring you to start the entire process over again.
When you have a bathtub or shower refinished, your technician will leave you with a set of care instructions designed specifically for the finish and fixtures you chose. Be sure to follow them to the letter to maximize your results. Of course, if you have any questions about the procedure, be sure to ask your contractor. They’ll be happy to help, and you’ll minimize any potential damage.
Bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ
A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. is your source for bathroom, shower and vanity refinishing in Phoenix, AZ. Instead of replacing your bathroom fixtures, refinish your porcelain or fiberglass so it looks as good as new. We can help you extend the lifespan of your bathroom for a fraction of the cost. Let us put our 45 years of experience to use when you call us for a refinishing quote today.
If you’ve ever stepped into your shower or bath only to notice that a crack is developing along the floor, you might be tempted to ignore it. However, overlooking this problem could lead to much worse damage down the line. Whether you’re noticing fiberglass cracks or another type of shower base is cracking in Phoenix, AZ, you should consider calling for professional repair as soon as possible.
Why your shower or bathtub is cracking
Showers and baths are commonly made of either porcelain or fiberglass. Fiberglass is a highly porous and flexible material that can bend over time, especially if you stand in the same place to shower each day. Porcelain is more prone to cracking from heavy objects being dropped on its surface, or the use of heavy-duty abrasive cleaners. You should pay careful attention to any dings or divots in your porcelain tub, as they can degrade over time into full-on cracks.
There are two types of cracks: stress fractures and hairline cracks. Stress fractures develop when you drop a heavy object on your bathtub or shower floor, whereas hairline cracks are from repeated abuse over time. Both are simple enough to patch if you catch them in time, typically with premade kits from your local hardware store.
Professional repair or DIY?
When should you turn to the pros for your shower and bathtub repair? When your shower or bathtub is showing signs of heavy wear, including multiple cracks, it’s smart to either replace your tub or call in a professional shower and tub refinisher, like A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. The service will cost more than a simple DIY job, but it comes with the added benefits of professional expertise as well as advice on how to properly maintain your bathtub and shower in the future.
Professional repair and refinishing should be able to return your tub to a “like-new” condition, depending on the extent of the damage. If your bathroom’s appearance is important to you or if you need to be absolutely sure your bathtub won’t further crack and leak, then you should opt for a professional repair.
DIY kits can get the job done, too. They come with an agent to seal and fill the crack, or repaint the surface. However, you do run the risk of a poor color match or mistakes in application, as with any DIY repair project. We recommend using DIY kits if you can catch small cracks fast, but anything bigger should be left to the pros.
Repair your fiberglass shower cracks in Phoenix, AZ
The team at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. can repair and refinish your bathtub, shower, sink, vanity and tiles so your bathroom looks brand-new—with no messy demolition and expensive replacement work required. For over 40 years, we have worked hard to restore our customers’ bathtubs and showers so they look like new. Call us today to discuss your refinishing needs and to get a quote. We look forward to assisting you soon.
Replacing your bathroom fixtures can be a costly and messy experience, to say nothing of the time it takes to pick out, demolish, install and clean up after a replacement process. However, there’s another great option that many homeowners love: refinishing.
Refinishing your fixtures isn’t just about getting a nicer-looking bathroom in less time, for a lower cost—there are other great bathtub and shower refinishing benefits in Phoenix, AZ:
It’s cheaper than replacing your fixtures: Not only is picking out new fixtures, removing and disposing of the old ones and installing the new fixtures a time-consuming process, but it’s more expensive. When you factor in the cost of a plumber and replacement of surrounding tiles or other surfaces, it gets downright costly. Plus, if you have to take time out of your valuable workday or weekend to oversee or complete the project, you might be losing more than you realize. Refinishing is much faster (some projects may only take a single day to complete) and less expensive, plus it produces far less product waste.
Make everything look its best at the same time: Refinishing your bathroom fixtures doesn’t just mean the shower and bathtub—you can also get your sinks, vanities and other fixtures refinished at the same time, so that everything looks shiny and brand new.
Avoid lead poisoning: If your porcelain bathtub was manufactured and installed before 1984, you could be experiencing the harmful effects of lead. Instead of throwing the baby out with the bathwater (and the tub itself), getting your tub refinished and reglazed can provide a safe and effective barrier between you and the lead content.
Save the environment: Reducing waste is a simple way you can show you care about the environment and keep the world a safer place for future generations. If your bathroom fixtures aren’t broken—just dingy, stained or chipped—then refinishing will help keep them out of the landfill while saving you time and money.
Extend the life of your fixtures: Even if you install a new fixture, that’s no guarantee that it will stay pristine forever. Ultimately, there comes a time where every fixture suffers damage, and you’ll need to consider whether it’s worth it to replace it. When you choose refinishing, however, you can add years onto their life. In fact, they can last up to 10 to 15 years longer, so your small investment now will pay off for over a decade.
When you’re ready to revitalize your bathroom fixtures, be sure to call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C.
Discover more shower and bathtub refinishing benefits in Phoenix, AZ
At A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C., we have been providing beautiful shower and bathtub refinishing services for over 30 years. We make sure to always provide superior service, from your first call to the final fixture polish. Our technicians are trained and prepared to take on all aspects of your repair or refinishing project. Call us today to get your bathroom fixture refinishing project started!
Giant showers might be all the rage these days, but do you still need to have a bathtub to successfully sell your home at a profit? Like any home fixture, they are subject to the trends of the day. (Remember the whirlpool tubs of the 1980s?) It might not make or break your house sale, but knowing what buyers are looking for always helps. Some buyers don’t mind getting what they consider “fixer uppers,” but some will balk at needing to add new fixtures after the sale.
Real estate agents and home appraisers are torn on whether you need at least one bathtub in your home. Regardless of what you decide, when you need home or bathtub upgrades in Phoenix, AZ, be sure to call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. to handle the job. We can help you repair or refinish your home fixtures so your house will be ready to sell.
Pros of having a bathtub
The more amenities, the better: When you’re selling a home, the home with the most amenities wins, and that includes tubs. When you give a buyer more options, there’s less of a chance that one fixture will make or break a sale.
Appeal to families: Naturally, families with small children will want a bathtub—it just makes it easier to bathe children without making a mess. If you’re living in a neighborhood that has plenty of family appeal, having a bathtub is going to make your home far more attractive to prospective buyers with young families.
Appeal to luxury homeowners: Of course, if you have a home with multiple or large bathrooms, you’ll also appeal to luxury homeowners. Many people consider bathtubs a great source of relaxation and self-care, so bathtubs will be expected in these types of homes.
Cons of having a bathtub
Your bathroom is too small: Sometimes your bathroom is just too small for a tub, and you have to make a choice. We see this often in condos and small apartments—there’s no sense in having a tub if it makes the bathroom impractical to use. That will turn a buyer off, too.
You might rarely use it: Family-oriented neighborhoods practically require bathtubs, but what about living in apartments or condos downtown? These neighborhoods usually cater to adults, so your home sale may not depend on whether your place has a tub.
Whatever you decide, it’s most important that your shower or tub is beautiful and inviting. If your fixtures look dull and dingy, consider having them refinished or repaired.
Get help with home upgrades in Phoenix, AZ
For over 40 years, A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. has offered a wide variety of repair and refinishing services. We work on all the fixtures in your bathroom, from tubs and showers to sinks and tile. You’ll get our quality work and excellent customer service no matter the size of the job. Call us today to schedule your bathtub upgrade or learn more about any of our other services.
