Category Archives: Bathrooms

Pro Tip: Water Softeners Can Help Keep Your Bathroom Looking Clean and Fresh

A water softener system can help keep your bathroom faucets, surfaces, and other household appliances looking clean. The “scale” (made up of calcium and magnesium ions) found in hard water from wells or municipal sources can gradually clog pipes and leaves a residue on surfaces such as counter tops and shower doors. A water softener removes these harmful ions from your water.

The diagram below is from Waterfall Systems, a brand of water softeners we regularly install for our customers. It shows the major components of a water softener system.

 

All water flowing into your house goes through the mineral tank. Small beads in the mineral tank stick to passing calcium or magnesium ion, trapping them in the mineral tank.

Periodically these beads are regenerated with salt water, also known as “brine”, which is stored in the brine tank. Regenerating causes an ionic exchange removing the calcium and magnesium ions from the mineral tank. Many people incorrectly assume the salt from the brine tank will end up in their water supply, but it doesn’t. After flushing the beads it is sent to the drain and does not go to the rest of your house. The brine tank requires a regular resupply of salt which we sell in 40lb or 50lb bags.

If you have any questions about your water softener or would like to see about getting a system installed in your home, call us at 717-626-1168 or contact us here.

 

bath barn image

Bath Designers to the Rescue!

Most independent people like to figure things out for myself. It’s a challenge for them as they envision what needs done by creating a plan and then putting it into action!

As I grow older, it gets harder and harder to focus on one plan and see it to completion. My life is busier with family and work. Projects take longer to accomplish than before and a lot more thought. As I think about deciding to remodel my own bath, which should be easier since I help others choose faucets, vanities, toilets every day. But somehow it is not! I know all the choices but how do I find the right choice for me. For bathrooms the possibilities seem endless. Continue reading →

50 Years of Service

Mervin Zimmerman, Inc & The Bath Barn Celebrates 50 Years!

Written by Bonnie Hoover

mervin zimmerman buildingFifty years ago, my dad, Mervin Zimmerman, decided to move to Lititz to start in the plumbing, heating and air conditioning business. I was only 5 years old at the time, so this seemed like quite an adventure to move to a farm house in Lititz. A local bank helped Mervin purchase our small farm just outside Lititz with no down payment. Mervin’s background was in Heating and Air Conditioning and eventually he hired his brother, Lester Zimmerman to help with the plumbing and bath remodeling. The barn became his warehouse as he started out with a little red pickup truck. Mervin’s focus was about serving the needs of a residential customer. He enjoyed problem solving and figuring out how to repair something rather than just replace it. Continue reading →

White is the new trending color in baths

white bathroomYears ago, white was not a popular color. Most people chose color fixtures like Almond, Heron blue, Seafoam Green or Wild Rose in their bathroom. The only time white was chosen is when price was a factor or if it was being used in a commercial bathroom. But now, most people want a bathroom with a lot of white.

So why is white so popular? First, white emotes a sense of cleanness and freshness. It symbolizes a fresh start or new beginning. A bath can be a sanctuary that provides a reprieve from the cares of the world as you soak in a tub or feel the spray of a shower. This leaves you refreshed to begin again. Second, white gives a feeling of peace with its simplicity. Today, we are looking for places in our homes that take us away from the stressful parts of life and calms our cluttered mind. Lastly, white makes a space look larger. It is great as a background or as the main color in a bath design because it creates dimension.

Often clients will say they have a blue or green bath tub and they don’t want that again! Invariably, they choose white, saying that they do not want to be stuck with a color that goes out of style. Continue reading →

close up of sink

Check out our Fall Savings!

20% off all Shower Doors
18% off all Bathroom Sink Tops
15% off Water Heaters

Replacement of shower doors and bathroom sink tops are an easy way to spruce up your bathroom.

I remember growing up with a shower door that had a deep track that would get grimy with soap scum, so much so that it would make the door difficult to slide. But today shower door tracks are flat and much easier to maintain. There are even options for sliding shower doors that are frameless. Less metal and grooves means manageable cleaning. There are also a wide variety of glass and frame finish options that will give your bathroom an updated look.

Bathroom sink tops are another easy way to rejuvenate your bathroom. Bathroom sinks are used hard every day, and eventually they start to wear and lose their shine. Cultured marble tops are the least costly. However, if you wanted your sink top to last longer think about replacing your it with a Corian solid surface top or a Quartz top. Quartz looks like granite but you never have to seal it and Corian solid surface is easily maintained for many years. Corian is the same the whole way through your top so if scratches do happen they can be buffed or sanded to return it to its original luster.

Water Heaters go when you least expect it! Not a fun expense but something we can’t go without. Buy a water heater to install yourself, or have us do it for you.

We want to help you take care of your home. Call us today!