An all-time favorite which gives your room a vintage look.

Advantages: Easy to find and sharp looking.  It is really durable and matches other fixtures.

Disadvantages:  More expensive than other finishes, such as chrome and brushed nickel.

Styles it works with: Looks great and appears to be coming back.  Great in modern, traditional and eclectic settings.

OIL-RUBBED BRONZE

Traditional.  Looks great.  Different from other stuff.

Advantages: Easy to clean and durable and you can find it in plenty of show rooms.  It doesnt really show spots and fingerprints.

Disadvantages: It is more expensive than other finishes, like chrome and brushed nickel.

Styles it works with: It really looks nice in traditional homes or those of Mediterranean style.

COPPER FINISH

Want to make a statement ?  Copper makes things look rich.

Advantages: Copper has natural antibacterial properties. Many showrooms carry it.  Scratches will blend into the rich patina.

Disadvantages: Copper takes some time to age and develop its beautiful patina.  it is not as durable as other finishes.  You arelly have to let it age.  It may require more maintenance.  It shows spots.

Styles it works with: Tuscan and farmhouse.

SATIN BRONZE

This is a finish that is sort of like copper and sort of like bronze.

Advantages: Durable, easy to clean and maintain, this is a great alternative to copper and a lighter option than oil-rubbed bronze. Water spots and fingerprints won’t show.

Disadvantages: We think it is a tad hard to find and it is pricey.  . It’s hard to match accessories and other fixtures to satin bronze.

Styles it works with: Traditional, eclectic and Mediterranean.

POLISHED NICKEL

This is popular. Many like the shiny finish that si smooth.  It is a tad draker than chrome.

Advantages: Easy to clean. Durable finish. A great alternative to brushed nickel.

Disadvantages: More expensive. It’s hard to find matching accessories or fixtures for it. Be sure that all the fixtures are from the same company.

MATTE BLACK FINISH

Black is striking!   We are seeing it in more bathrooms.  It really makes a classy statement.

Advantages: Easy to clean and it does not show dirt, fingerprints or water spots. It’s easy to coordinate a matte black faucet with bathroom accessories. We like the options.

Disadvantages: Sometimes it is hard to find fixtures to match.  So, try to get them all at once at the same supply house.  

Styles it works with: Modern and eclectic.

BRUSHED NICKEL

Brushed nickel is the #1 finish we install for faucets.

Advantages: It is really durable.  It seems to last longer than bronze and chrome.  It doesnt show water sports and fingerprints.  It is available everywhere and is easy to clean.

Disadvantages: In a kitchen it is not going to match with your stainless steel refrigertor and dishwasher… it will not be as striking as other finishes. 

Styles it works with: Every style

CHROME FINISH

It appears to be the most popular because it goes with everything!

Advantages: It’s generally the most inexpensive finish. It’s a very easy finish to clean and maintain. It’s durable, easy to find and easy to match with accessories and other fixtures.

Disadvantages: Shows water spots and fingerprints.

Styles it works with: Almost every style.

CALL E.W. TOMPKINS PLUMBING HEATING COOLING AT 518-462-6577 FOR YOUR FAUCET   IINSTALLATION

Kallista faucets are Elegant!

When you are looking for sleek lines and great form you may want to explore the luxurious Kallista faucets line for your next faucet installation.

Kallista in Greek means “most beautiful”. They use the best materials.

Kallista offers simplicity and great elegance for your home! E.W. Tompkins Plumbing Heating Cooling does faucet installations in the Albany – Schenectady and Troy areas.

Kallista sports a wonderful collection of faucets, sinks, and amazing claw foot tubs.

If you want something special in your home check their line locally at Security Supply’s Bath Expression showroom on Central Avenue in Albany.  Check out the Youtube on this page from Bath Expressions at Security Supply.  They are very helpful and solve problems.

Make your remodeling dreams come true with Kallista faucets, fixtures and accessories.

If you need an faucet or toilet installation in Loudonville, East Greenbush, Colonie, Rexford, Niskayuna, Slingerlands, Saratoga Springs and anywhere in between, please contact us at E.W. Tompkins Plumbing Heating Cooling

518-462-6577

What is the best toilet height when doing new toilet installations in the Capital Region ?

We always get asked, at E.W. Tompkins Plumbing Heating Cooling, “what the best toilet height?

In general you want to be able to sit down and stand up with comfort.  You want to be able to have two feet on the floor when you are seated on the toilet.  So, the answer comes down to how tall you are, your physical needs and if you are getting up standing or transferring yourself into a wheelchair.

If you are tall then the 15-16 inches of a regular toilet will be uncomfortable.  You might want to look for a “ADA” or a “comfort height” unit.  They will range from 17-19 inches when you measure from the floor to the top of the new seat.

Remember that you have the option of a round or elongated toilet these days.  Elongated units are far more popular when we do toilet installations in the Albany, Troy, Schenectady areas.

Did you know that the seats have changed ?  When we do toilet installations we suggest the “quiet close” toilet seats because they do not make that slamming down noise.

If you are on the shorter side and are interested in a toilet installation in the Capital Region, you might regret purchasing the taller “comfort height”.

We suggest going to a bath showroom like Security Supply on Central Avenue in Albany and sit on a few units.  They have one of the nicest showrooms in the Capital Region.   Tell them you are working with E.W. Tompkins.

 Check out their video on this page!!!

If you are in a wheelchair and you transfer laterally on to the toilet, it is uaually best to stick with a toilet that has about the same height as your chair.

Adults – 17-19 inches

Kids tyically at ages 3/4 can use a 11-12 inch

Kids 5-8 – 12-15 inches

Children 9-15 – 15-18 inches

A.O. SMITH TANKLESS WATER HEATERS IN THE CAPITAL REGION INSTALLED BY E.W. TOMPKINS PLUMBING HEATING COOLING

ProLine^® XE Tankless

When considering tankless water heater units in the Capital Region of New York, consider high efficiency tankless water heaters from innovative A.O. Smith.  No one comes close to matching their expertise.  The ProLine XE tankless units have high efficience ratings and great new desins.  The ProLine XE tankless heaters feature non condensing and condensing technology.

• All condensing models are ENERGY STAR® qualified
• Ultra-Low NOx options are available

Contact E.W. Tompkins Plumbing Heating Cooling serving Saratoga, Rexford, Niskayuna, East Greenbush, Clifton Park, Slingerlands, Voorheesville and more in the Capital Region.  

Since 1921 we have been doing plumbing in the Capital Region. 518-462-6577

E.W. Tompkins Plumbing Heating Cooling Installs Weil-McLain Boilers.

From single-family homes to large-scale apartment complexes, the Weil-McLain name is synonymous with warmth and comfort. Their energy-efficient, high-quality gas and oil-fired boilers can be designed to fit the tightest spaces, with boiler controls and zone controllers tailored to any size residential application.

E.W. Tompkins installs a variety of Weil-McLain boilers in the Capital Region.  

Call E.W. Tompkins Plumbing Heating Cooling for an estimate.  518-462-6577