Caring for Stone and Marble Countertops
Stone and marble countertops can greatly enhance the appearance of your kitchen. But as you know they are not cheap, so you will want to care for them. Here are a few thoughts: Use coasters under all glasses, especially those containing alcohol or citrus juices. China, ceramics, silver and other objects can scratch the surface. […]
Buying a Toilet
Consider these facts about the average toilet: The average toilet has a life of 25-50 years. The average toilet is flushed perhaps five times a day. That is 1,825 times a year. Or between 45,000 to 90,000 times in its lifetime Toilets account for about 30% of water consumption in the typical home. At 1.6 […]
Caring for Stainless Steel Fixtures

Stainless steel fixtures are both attractive and durable. The term “stainless” is actually misleading, as anyone who has had a “stainless steel stain” can attest. The more accurate phrase is “corrosion resistant,” because stainless steel contains high amounts of chromium, which prevents corrosion. Want to learn how to clean and care for your stainless steel fixtures […]
Water Shutoff Valves
Do you know where your main water shutoff valve is? If not, you could be headed for trouble. Here’s why. Water damage from pipe leaks can cause extensive damage – in the tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. And it can be so easily avoided – just by knowing where your […]
Benefits from having an Attic Exhaust Fan in your Home
There are several benefits to an attic exhaust fan. They save energy. Attic fans can lower a home’s living area temperature by as much as 10 degrees, reducing cooling expenses by as much as 10%. These fans also need about 10% of the power AC units need. They save wear and tear on your air […]
Caring for Plastic Fixtures
There are many advantages to plastic materials. They are light in weight. They are strong and easy to produce. They are hard to break. For bathroom fixtures, it is important to note they are water resistant. Those are some of the reasons plastic is frequently used for everything from whirlpools, baths and showers to toilet […]
Ravinia Plumbing & Heating Wins Carrier President’s Award
Ravinia Plumbing & Heating has won the 2017 President’s Award from Carrier in recognition of its commitment to quality, leadership and excellence in the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) industry. The President’s Award is given to Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers who demonstrate technical expertise while serving as leaders for the Carrier brand and raising the […]
Caring for Porcelain and Fireclay Fixtures
Porcelain and fireclay fixtures can add beauty to any room in the house, be it the kitchen, the bathroom, or even the laundry room. Fireclay is particularly popular for kitchen, bathroom and laundry room sinks, while porcelain also is desirable for lavatories, toilets and bidets. Porcelain and fireclay are both forms of vitreous china. Porcelain […]
Preventing Sewer Line Back Ups
Last month we discussed several methods for opening and maintaining sewer lines. They included: Rodding Jetting Video inspection Chemicals This month we discuss three more: Sewer cleanout Preventative rodding maintenance Excavations Sewer cleanout is an access point installed in a sewer system to allow access to the system for rodding maintenance. Every home should have […]
Solutions to Aluminum Wiring Problems
Last month we discussed problems with aluminum wiring, and possible ways to detect those problems. This month we offer solutions. Remove “push in” terminals and replace them with screw connection terminals where the wiring is looped around a screw and held in place by the head of the screw. You (or a licensed electrician) can […]