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Blog

The Bay Plumbing Supply blog will give information on BPS news, products, tips and how-tos.

Plumbing Remedies Downloads

DOWNLOAD: Low Flow Remedies for 25.5 two handle, in-wall mixers

This guide has been printed to help the installing contractor or homeowner to clean dirt out of this Grohe valve.

DOWNLOAD: Correct problems with restricted flow rate through Grohe Europlus, Eurowing, Ladyluxs Plus and Ladylux Cafe kitchen faucets

This guide is to help the homeowner or installing contractor correct a problem with restricted flow rate through GROHE Europlus, Eurowing, Ladylux Plus, and Ladylux Cafe kitchen faucets. In all cases, the flow restriction is environmentally caused: Debris from the existing piping system becomes lodged in the faucet. GROHE doesn't make pre-plugged-up faucets. There are three locations where debris can get caught...follow the steps in pdf in order.

DOWNLOAD: EuroPlus and LadyLux - low-flow remedies (pre-1996)

This guide is to help the homeowner or installing contractor correct a problem with restricted flow rate through the Europlus (33.853) and Ladylux (33.790) Grohe faucets. In all cases, the flow restriction is environmentally caused. Read the pdf for solutions.

DOWNLOAD: Toilet Tank Fill Valve Instructions

In this pdf, learn Fill Valve Service Instructions for Toto Cyclone, Dual-Max, E-Max, G-Max and Power Gravity Fill Valves

DOWNLOAD: Grohe Cartridges

In this pdf, see images and item numbers for commonly needed Grohe Cartridges

How to Create a Shower System

Master Advice from the "Shower Experts" - hansgrohe

Creating a shower system will be made easier and more enjoyable with thorough planning prior to installation. By exploring all the options first, you can have a pleasant experience in the design and specification of your system as well as in using it!

What elements do I need to create a shower system?

  • Showerhead
  • Handshower
  • Wall Outlet
  • Bodyspray
  • Wallbar
  • Thermostatic Valve w/Volume Control
  • Thermostatic Valve w/Volume Control and Diverter
  • Trio 2-Way Diverter
  • Quattro 3-Way Diverter

Read more: How to Create a Shower System

How to Clean and Care for Stainless Steel, Composite, Fireclay, Copper, Natural Stone, Cast Iron, and Glass Sinks

Stainless Steel Sinks

Satin Stainless Finish

For day to day cleaning, non-abrasive cleaners are safe. Stains and light scratches will require a mildly aggressive cleaner such as Flitz or Shiny Sinks Plus. For stubborn stains and noticeable scratches, more aggressive cleaners are suggested such as Bar Keepers Friend, Zud, Ajax, Comet or Never Dull.

High Gloss Mirror Finish

Use only mild liquid dish washing detergent with a soft sponge. Do not use any abrasive cleansers or Scotch-bright pads or permanent scratching will result.

Towel drying the surface after cleaning will minimize water spotting.

Composite Sinks

Daily cleaning can be done with any non-abrasive cleaner such as liquid dish washing detergent. For normal stains, a mild abrasive is suggested like Soft Scrub with bleach or Bar Keepers Friend. After every use rinse and wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth. Darker finishes will need to be rinsed with hot water. Stubborn calcium spots can be removed with Lime Away or CLR.

Read more: How to Clean and Care for Stainless Steel, Composite, Fireclay, Copper, Natural Stone, Cast Iron,...

Green Design

golowflow logo5Green design is the way of the future and Bay Plumbing Supply & Showroom is a strong supporter of the green movement. Products are chosen with an emphasis on their environmentally friendly qualities. These qualities include: reduced toxicity, reusability, energy efficiency, eco-responsible packaging, recycled packaging, recycled content, manufactured with minimal environmental impact, and minimal or no artificial materials. Bottled water will not be found because the showroom offers yummy filtered city water in cups made from 100% compostable and biodegradable plant-based and renewable resources. The accounting department offers statements on-line instead of printing and mailing. The warehouse recycles cardboard, pallets, brass and copper, packing materials and plastics.

The United States, with 4% of the world's population, is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, emitting almost 25% of the global carbon dioxide a year.

The water industry estimates that an average person uses 3,000 gallons of water monthly, so as a family of 4 would use 12,000 gallons for bathing, cooking, washing, recreation and watering.

In households not using water-efficient fixtures, toilets used the most water on a daily basis (20 gallons a person a day) and showers used (13.3 gallons per person per day).

Minor changes at home can add up to real benefits for the planet.

Read more: Green Design

How to Fix a Running Toilet

So your toilet is running. You know you are wasting water. You look in the tank but aren't sure what the problem is or how to fix it.

Here are some helpful hints on how to diagnose a running toilet and resolve the problem.

First, ask yourself - is the toilet running continuously or occasionally?

Read more: How to Fix a Running Toilet

How to Shop for a Stainless Steel Sink

Shopping for a stainless steel sink can be a daunting task. How do you know the best sink for you and the way you need to use it?

Stainless steel sinks have different sizes and gauges. They have polished or brushed finishes. There are also different price points. With all these options, you may be wondering if price point is a marker of quality or what is the marker of quality?

Here are some key points to remember that will keep your head from swimming while choosing a stainless steel sink. Keep these things in mind when you come in to Bay Plumbing Supply to select your sink.

Quality stainless steel sinks have high chrome/nickel content. 304 grade stainless is comprised of 18% chrome and 10% nickel. This high content is what keeps the steel in stainless steel from rusting.

Read more: How to Shop for a Stainless Steel Sink