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<title>Direct Plumbing Supply: Blog Posts</title>
<link>http://directplumbingsupply.com</link>
<pubDate>2012-05-19</pubDate>
<description>List of Latest Blog Posts at Direct Plumbing Supply</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<isc:store_name><![CDATA[Direct Plumbing Supply]]></isc:store_name>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Cleaning Hard Water Stains - Part II]]></title>
<link>http://directplumbingsupply.com/Cleaning-Hard-Water-Stains--Part-II_b_58.html</link>
<pubDate>2012-05-18</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ For those of you who already read through our previous blog post about cleaning hard water stains, you might find this pretty interesting -- it's a little bit of a scientific explanation of why vinegar works so well on those pesky hard water spots! ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://directplumbingsupply.com/Cleaning-Hard-Water-Stains--Part-II_b_58.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[For those of you who already read through our previous blog post about cleaning hard water stains, you might find this pretty interesting -- it's a little bit of a scientific explanation of why vinegar works so well on those pesky hard water spots!]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[You don't need much... just a sponge, some vinegar, and maybe a few paper towels!A few days ago, I posted an article about cleaning hard water stains on a stainless steel sink. I'm not sure if any of you are interested, but it might be worth it to explain exactly what causes hard water deposits in the first place.If you leave standing water in your sink -- even just a few drops, you'll probably end up with some nasty little white stains in a couple hours. That's because your water carries with it a relatively small amount of dissolved minerals (the most common of which are calcium and magnesium). As the water evaporates, these minerals are left behind, and they form what most people lovingly refer to as hard water stains.I don't mean to get too scientific here, but both calcium and magnesium are alkaline, or basic. And although this might be taking you back to your 7th grade science class, when you mix an acid with a base, you end up triggering a chemical reaction. This reaction breaks down the original substances and produces something new.Now, if you're still following me, let me put this in terms of cleaning a kitchen sink: Since we know that most hard water deposits are made up of calcium and magnesium (which are basic), all we need to do is introduce them to something acidic (like vinegar). This will cause a chemical reaction which will break down the hard water stains. Pretty cool, huh? And just in case you're wondering what is produced from this chemical reaction -- don't worry, it's just a little CO2.So anyway, now you know why vinegar is great for cleaning hard water stains from a stainless steel kitchen sink. And if you have any other nifty home cleaning remedies, let me know!]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[58]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Nathan Lott]]></isc:author>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[How to Clean Hard Water Stains]]></title>
<link>http://directplumbingsupply.com/How-to-Clean-Hard-Water-Stains_b_57.html</link>
<pubDate>2012-05-15</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ One of the major complaints against stainless steel sinks is the fact that they are prone to showing hard water spots. Well, here's a simple trick to clean your hard water stains in no time! ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://directplumbingsupply.com/How-to-Clean-Hard-Water-Stains_b_57.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[One of the major complaints against stainless steel sinks is the fact that they are prone to showing hard water spots. Well, here's a simple trick to clean your hard water stains in no time!]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[There sure aren't any Hard Water Stains here!Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks are great! Their sleek, clean look can update the style of any kitchen -- but oftentimes, the shine and appeal of a stainless steel sink is hampered by hard water stains. It seems like no matter how hard you scrub at them, those hard water spots just won' budge! Well, I've got an easy trick that'll help you restore the shine to your sink, no matter how pronounced your hard water deposits are...HOW-TO:   First of all, you'll need some white vinegar and a sponge -- possibly even a paper towel. To begin, just dip the sponge in vinegar and start scrubbing.If the hard water stains still aren't coming off, you might want to bring in the big guns! Simply soak a paper towel in the vinegar, then lay the paper towel on top of the stains. Leave the saturated paper towel there for a few minutes and try scrubbing again. The hard water stains should come right off.Always remember to rinse your sink off thoroughly with water after using vinegar (or any cleaner) as it could damage the stainless steel itself -- then be sure to wipe your sink dry or you'll end up with more hard water spots!   It's been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and when it comes to stainless steel kitchen sinks, they're absolutely right! It might seem like a bit of a pain, but if you really want to keep your stainless steel sink in pristine condition, the best thing you can do is take the time to wipe it out each time you use it.Personally, I wash a lot of dishes by hand -- and although I may not wipe my kitchen sink after every use, I do try to make it a point to wipe it dry every time I wash the dishes. It's simple, easy, and best of all: ever since I got in the habit of wiping my sink dry after doing the dishes, I've never had any trouble with hard water spots! NOTE: Be sure to check with your sink manufacturer's Care & Cleaning recommendations before using any type of cleaner. Most sink manufacturers will provide a clear list of DO's and DON'Ts when it comes to cleaning your sink -- and you should always follow those closely. Failure to do so could void the warranty on your sink.]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[57]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Nathan Lott]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Thread Tape -- It's a Life Saver!]]></title>
<link>http://directplumbingsupply.com/Thread-Tape--Its-a-Life-Saver_b_56.html</link>
<pubDate>2012-05-10</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ If you've done any kind of plumbing installation or repair project, you've probably run into this stuff before -- but if you haven't had much experience with Thread Tape (or if you just need a bit of a refresher on exactly HOW it should be used), we're here for you!Check It Out! ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://directplumbingsupply.com/Thread-Tape--Its-a-Life-Saver_b_56.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[If you've done any kind of plumbing installation or repair project, you've probably run into this stuff before -- but if you haven't had much experience with Thread Tape (or if you just need a bit of a refresher on exactly HOW it should be used), we're here for you!Check It Out!]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[If you've done any kind of plumbing installation or repair project, you've probably run into this stuff before -- but if you haven't had much experience with Thread Tape (or if you just need a bit of a refresher on exactly HOW it should be used), we're here for you!Thread Seal Tape, otherwise known as plumber's tape, tape dope, or PTFE tape is an integral part of a successful plumbing job. When used properly, thread tape simultaneously lubricates pipe threads and seals joints to improve water-tightness.Think about it this way: when you screw a pipe into a fitting, it doesn't matter how tight you wrench it -- the threads just aren't going to be coupled close enough to one another to lock out all the water. There's just no way to make those two bare pieces of metal or plastic become watertight on their own. As soon as water starts flowing through your pipes, it's going to work its way through the threads of your joint. And even if you are lucky enough to avoid water leaking all over the place, there's still the danger that this unwanted leaking will corrode the threads of your joint together, making it very difficult to take things apart again -- or even worse, it could cause your fitting to fail entirely. And it can happen much sooner than you think!That's where Thread Seal Tape comes in...Thread Seal Tape is a very thin white tape made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) -- aka Teflon -- and is wrapped around the exposed male threads of a pipe before it is screwed into place. Depending on the depth and spacing of the pipe thread, a layer of PTFE Tape about two wraps thick should do the job. Because the tape is so malleable, when the threads are screwed together, the tape is squished and distorted to the point that it fills in the microscopic variances of the threads -- making the joint completely leak-free (hopefully).When using Thread Seal Tape, remember the following points: Never let the Thread Seal Tape lap over the end of the pipe -- Little bits of tape sticking out into the joint can result in reduced water pressure. It can also cause clogs a little later down the road. Always wrap in the direction of the threads -- Usually this means wrapping in a clockwise motion. Wrapping the tape in the wrong direction could cause the Thread Tape to come loose when tightening the fittings, thus defeating the purpose of taping it in the first place! Always replace old Thread Seal Tape when doing a repair job -- Most of the time, recycling is the thing to do -- but not when it comes to Thread Seal Tape! If you are doing a repair job, throw the old Thread Tape away and use some new stuff. Trust me; it'll be well worth it. Always inspect your connections for leaks BEFORE sealing them from access -- Using Thread Seal Tape doesn't guarantee that your joint is going to be watertight. You should always perform a careful inspection of your connection with water pressure BEFORE sealing it up with sheetrock or paneling, for obvious reasons...It's been said that plumbing projects are like a roll of tape -- sometimes you just can't see the end. But remember, we're here to help!]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[56]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Nathan Lott]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[What are PVD Finishes?]]></title>
<link>http://directplumbingsupply.com/What-are-PVD-Finishes_b_55.html</link>
<pubDate>2012-05-08</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Products with PVD Finishes are everywhere! PVD is used on faucets, golf clubs, watches, OEM wheels, door hardware -- even the space shuttle! This article helps explain exactly what a PVD finish is, and whether or not you should even consider it. ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://directplumbingsupply.com/What-are-PVD-Finishes_b_55.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Products with PVD Finishes are everywhere! PVD is used on faucets, golf clubs, watches, OEM wheels, door hardware -- even the space shuttle! This article helps explain exactly what a PVD finish is, and whether or not you should even consider it.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Moen Integra -- shown in the LifeShine&reg; Classic Stainless PVD Finish.If you've done much shopping for kitchen faucets lately, you've probably come across a few that offer PVD finishes. In fact, PVD finishes seem to be popping up just about everywhere! In addition to faucets with PVD finishes, you'll find that there are PVD finishes available for anything from golf clubs and wrist watches, to OEM wheels and door hardware -- they are even used on NASA's space shuttles.But what exactly is a PVD finish?I don't mean to get too scientific here, but PVD is an acronym for Physical Vapor Deposition. It’s a bit of a mouthful, I know, but it's actually a really cool concept.Basically, you start out with your base material (if you’re talking about faucets, it'll probably be either cast brass or tubular brass), and you’ll also have the finish material. The finish material is completely vaporized, using purely physical processes. And when I say purely physical processes, I mean that they use things like high temperatures and vacuum conditions to cause evaporation -- not chemical processes which could produce harmful by-products. At any rate, once the finish material has been vaporized, it is then deposited through physical condensation onto the base material, hence the term Physical Vapor Deposition.To give you a real life example, my parents just purchased the Moen Integra&reg; Kitchen Faucet in the LifeShine&reg;Classic Stainless PVD finish. I’m exactly not sure what process Moen uses to vaporize their finishes (they could use anything from high power electric arc discharges or pulsed lasers, to electron beams or glow plasma discharges), but according to Moen, it is an intense, high-tech procedure, [in which] the finish forms a permanent bond with the faucet, rather than a simple coating over the faucet body. I have to say, I'm quite impressed with it. My parents haven't had their faucet for very long, but it certainly looks great -- and the finish seems durable enough to hold up under all kinds of abuse.If you're interested in faucets with PVD Finishes, I'd suggest looking at Moen's LifeShine&reg;, Kohler's Vibrant&reg;, or American Standard's PVD options. Let us know if you have any questions!]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[55]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Nathan Lott]]></isc:author>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Thinking About Calling A Plumber?]]></title>
<link>http://directplumbingsupply.com/Thinking-About-Calling-A-Plumber_b_54.html</link>
<pubDate>2012-05-03</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Is your water heater acting up on you? Thinking about calling a plumber? Here's an interesting article about some real-life plumbing repair companies in the Milwaukee area. It might make you think twice about who you call... ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://directplumbingsupply.com/Thinking-About-Calling-A-Plumber_b_54.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Is your water heater acting up on you? Thinking about calling a plumber? Here's an interesting article about some real-life plumbing repair companies in the Milwaukee area. It might make you think twice about who you call...]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[24 Thermocouple -- $2.59 from EZ-FLOI saw a news article a couple of days ago and couldn't help but share it. Apparently, the folks at Milwaukee's Fox News Station set up a bit of a sting operation for several well-known local plumbing companies -- and the results were actually a bit surprising...Basically, the FOX6 team hired a master plumber to deliberately sabotage a water heater. Not a major case of sabotage; just a little tweaking -- really, all he did was disconnect the thermocouple (a very basic part which ensures that the pilot light stays lit).According to the master plumber, fixing the problem should cost around $150.And here's where the story got interesting.......After the thermocouple was disconnected, two FOX6 employees called up several local plumbing companies to request a quote for repairing the water heater. The results ranged from $51.74 all the way up to $1,100!Doesn't do much to instill confidence in the average plumber, does it?Now, to be fair, it sounds like most of the companies reviewed were very professional -- and pretty much in line with FOX6's master plumber. There were only a few quotes that were really out there, But it just goes to show that you probably shouldn't go into plumbing projects blindly. It's especially sobering when you realize that you can purchase a brand new thermocouple yourself for less than $5.At any rate, you should definitely ask around when it comes time to calling a plumber...]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[54]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Nathan Lott]]></isc:author>
</item>
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<title><![CDATA[Hello World!]]></title>
<link>http://directplumbingsupply.com/Hello-World_b_53.html</link>
<pubDate>2012-05-01</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Direct Plumbing Supply is revamping its blog! Check in often to find the latest news in the decorative plumbing industry -- not to mention: plumbing-related stories, tips, how-to's, and product reviews.You really ought to Check It Out! ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://directplumbingsupply.com/Hello-World_b_53.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Direct Plumbing Supply is revamping its blog! Check in often to find the latest news in the decorative plumbing industry -- not to mention: plumbing-related stories, tips, how-to's, and product reviews.You really ought to Check It Out!]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Hey y'all!If you look at the dates of our last few blog-entries, you'll probably notice that it's been over a year since our last post... We're very sorry about the delay; we've been working our tails off lately -- trying to get our website a bit more user-friendly. Hopefully you noticed.That being said, we're gonna try and be a little more diligent with our plumbing supply blog. We understand that it can be tough finding the right faucet or sink; sometimes you need a little help with various installation and maintenance techniques; and sometimes you just want to know how a particular sink or faucet compares -- and that's where we come in!At Direct Plumbing Supply, we're committed to giving you the help you need and the service you deserve. And our blog is no exception! So check in often to find out about the Latest News in the plumbing fixture industry, DIY Plumbing Tips &amp; Techniques, Product Reviews, and more!And feel free to leave a comment or two -- we always love to hear feedback! Check It Out!]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[53]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Nathan Lott]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[The Seaworthy Grohe Talia Faucet]]></title>
<link>http://directplumbingsupply.com/The-Seaworthy-Grohe-Talia-Faucet_b_52.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-03-03</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Grohe Talia lavatory faucet features a smooth curve and cool looking cross handles.  ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://directplumbingsupply.com/The-Seaworthy-Grohe-Talia-Faucet_b_52.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Grohe Talia lavatory faucet features a smooth curve and cool looking cross handles. ]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[The Grohe Talia faucet line is one of my personal favorites. All the hardware is sleek but sturdy. The wideset bathroom faucet is no exception. It has the same smooth curves and soft edges. One of the added bonuses with this particular faucet is the cross handles. They draw the imagination to a the captain's wheel on a ship. It is a fitting addition to your sea themed bathroom. If you are looking for more bathroom supplies that have cross handles then we have you covered. Check out the rest of our cross handle hardware. ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[52]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Jake Lott]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Big American Standard Double Sink]]></title>
<link>http://directplumbingsupply.com/Big-American-Standard-Double-Sink_b_47.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-03-01</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A big sink for a busy kitchen. You can fit lots of dishes in this sink or you could wash a whole bushel of fruit at once.  ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://directplumbingsupply.com/Big-American-Standard-Double-Sink_b_47.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A big sink for a busy kitchen. You can fit lots of dishes in this sink or you could wash a whole bushel of fruit at once. ]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[You have lots of demands when you're at the kitchen sink. You need to prep fruit, add water to your dough, rinse the potatoes, you have to wash the dishes, and the list goes on and on. You need a big sink to keep up with all that work. You will probably even need a double bowl sink. The American Standard Chandler sink is a 36 x 22 double bowl kitchen sink.The sink is a solid design with a porcelain finish that gives it a glossy finish that shimmers in the daylight peeking in through the window. It features bowed sides that give it an elegant look and adds even more area to the bowls. The sink has the possibility of being either a self-rimming sink or an undermount sink. You will love all that you will be able to do with this sink. You can wave goodbye to the flustered days wasted over the kitchen sink. Be organized and happy with the American Standard Chandler sink. ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[47]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Jake Lott]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Moen Rothbury Tub/Shower Combo a Great Option]]></title>
<link>http://directplumbingsupply.com/Moen-Rothbury-TubShower-Combo-a-Great-Option_b_44.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-02-25</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Rothbury line from Moen is a hot option for your bathroom. The Moen Rothbury tub/shower combos have a large shower faucet and long tub spout. They have the same great look as the Rothbury Roman tub filler only with wall mounting. ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://directplumbingsupply.com/Moen-Rothbury-TubShower-Combo-a-Great-Option_b_44.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Rothbury line from Moen is a hot option for your bathroom. The Moen Rothbury tub/shower combos have a large shower faucet and long tub spout. They have the same great look as the Rothbury Roman tub filler only with wall mounting.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Moen has hit a goldmine with the Rothbury bathroom line. We featured the Rothbury Roman tub filler last time and we are looking at the Moen Rothbury Posi-Temp tub/shower combo today. The same basic look is continued with this tub/shower combo. There are lots of long sloping curves that can match a modern design or a more rustic design. It is very versatile in its matching capabilities.The Moen Posi-Temp valve allows you to control both the temperature and pressure of the water so you can have a perfect shower every time. The shower/tub combo has the usual Moen limited lifetime warranty and is ADA compliant. This is a simple answer to your shower/tub replacement.]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[44]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Jake Lott]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Unique Moen Rothbury Roman Tub Filler Eye Catcher]]></title>
<link>http://directplumbingsupply.com/Unique-Moen-Rothbury-Roman-Tub-Filler-Eye-Catcher_b_43.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-02-23</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Moen Rothbury Roman tub faucet is a unique design but that doesn't mean it wouldn't work out in your bathroom. ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://directplumbingsupply.com/Unique-Moen-Rothbury-Roman-Tub-Filler-Eye-Catcher_b_43.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Moen Rothbury Roman tub faucet is a unique design but that doesn't mean it wouldn't work out in your bathroom.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[A lot of times I see things that make me think, Oh wow, that is different. After that initial thought I usually think that it wouldn't be something I would buy personally. It was just something that caught my attention for its uniqueness. The Moen Rothbury Roman tub faucet had me thinking, oh wow, that is different. I kept looking at it and realized that it wouldn't look that bad in my bathroom.The unique design features a simple curve that slopes up and out. The base of both the faucet and the handles has beautiful detailing that reminded me of an antique bell. The faucet comes in four finishes so you really could make it match your bathroom perfectly. Moen is known for having high quality products and this particular has the m-pact valve system for easy installation.]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[43]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Jake Lott]]></isc:author>
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