Creating a Bathroom Shower Built for Two

December 7th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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One the more popular features in many new master baths is the shower built for two. These spacious showers offer showerheads and controls on two opposite walls, allowing two people to comfortably shower at the same time. When both of you are trying to get ready to leave the house at the same time, having the ability to both take a shower at the same time can be a real time saver.

Having a dual shower in the master bath, means that you also have the convenience of not leaving the master suite to shower in the main bathroom or guest bathroom, which may be needed by other members of the family or your guests. It also allows for his and hers shower toiletries to be separated to their respective ends of the shower, instead of all being crammed into one shower caddy.

When you’re designing the shower space, be sure to leave plenty of room for movement within the shower, so that the two individuals aren’t bumping into each other as they shower. Built-in shelves on each side of the shower for the shower toiletries is also a good choice.

If the shower area is large enough, some couples design the shower to incorporate a large overhead rain showerhead in the center of the shower for those times when you’re seeking a more relaxing shower experience. Adding a built-in seat or bench to the shower can make it much easier for the lady who shaves her legs in the shower.

Your  plumber can help you design and install a dual shower for your new home or for a bathroom remodeling project.   Convenience and comfortable enjoyment are the two main reasons people give for choosing to include a shower built for two in their master bath design.

 

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The Latest in Bathroom Vanity Designs

November 22nd, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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The bathroom vanity is often the focal point of a bathroom and sets the theme for the entire room.  Here are some suggestions for design ideas if you are planning a bathroom remodeling to update your bathroom from practical to pizazz.

Since single vanities use less material in them, you can afford to be a little fancier with the design for the price.  Light marble countertop on a dark wood body adds a look of sophistication to a room.  You can also repurpose an old wooden table as a vanity with a sink set in the table and the faucet and handles placed in the wall to conserve sink space.  You would have to work with your plumber to relocate the pipes but it can give the bathroom a trendy look with practicality.

You can also attach the entire vanity to the wall in a floating design as opposed to just the faucet.  This can open up a small room and provide an unusual look.  If you’re not afraid to sacrifice storage in your bathroom, you can also choose a pedestal sink or single countertop with no vanity underneath.  This makes the room feel bigger, but you lose additional storage.

Color is also important when selecting your new vanity.  If you have a small bathroom, avoid dark colors or bold patterns that can seem busy.  Instead opt for light tones or neutral colors to open up the room.

When you select the vanity that is perfect for your bathroom, contact your local plumber to help you get it installed.  They can address any plumbing changes required while helping you update the look of your bathroom.

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Choosing the Right Faucet for Your Shower

November 20th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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If you are upgrading your bathroom or are in the process of bathroom remodeling, you will want to pay special attention to the fixtures since they can add to the design of the room or just look out of place.  Besides the design, you will have to think about function with the shower faucet.  Here are some tips to help you decide on the right shower faucet for your new bathroom.

The Finish

You have several finishes to choose from with the fixtures.  Besides the traditional chrome or stainless steel, you also have bronze, nickel, and brass.  Select one that will fit in with the rest of your décor; also look for high-end options to prevent scratches.

The Water Flow

No longer do you have to get that unpleasant burst of cold water in the middle of your shower.  Today’s faucet has controls that affect both the water flow and the temperature for a more precise, comfortable shower.  Another benefit is that they often have scald protection for safety with children or the elderly.  You can also purchase an energy efficient low flow shower head and faucet that uses less water and will save you money on your water bill and on your energy bill.

Other Options

You can choose from a fixed showerhead or one that is hand-held.  The hand-held kind can also function as a fixed head with the option to hold for bathing children.  Another decision is if you want one control for hot and cold water or two.  This is a personal decision as to which you prefer.

When you select a shower faucet, you need to know what size to buy to fit your current pipes.  Installation of a new shower faucet is usually beyond the skills of the homeowner.   For best results, ask your plumber to help you with your selection and to install the faucet for you.

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Jetted Tubs: Air Jets Vs. Water Jets

November 7th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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Nothing beats climbing into a hot bathtub that has pulsating water to soothe away the stress of the day. Both air and water jetted tubs can give you wonderful massaging benefits, but there is a big difference in how they work and need to be maintained.  

Air Jets

The air jet tubs are a great option for families with small children and for those who want a tub with less maintenance. Although they do not give as vigorous of a massage and can be noisier than their water jet counterparts, they do have other benefits. 

  • Less maintenance. Air jets do not need extra cleaning as often, as they come with an automatic blow dry function that removes moisture.
  • Safety. Air jets do not use suction so small toys and even your hair will not get pulled into the system. You can also have a small amount of water in the tub and not worry about damage to the system if you need it to bathe a small child.
  • Bath Oils. You can use bath oils and salts with most air jet tubs. 

Water Jets

For adults that want a deeper massage, water jets are the way to go. However, there are some drawbacks. They do need to be cleaned every two to three weeks with a jet cleaner and you cannot use bath oils or salts with these tubs. They also use suction, which can pull small items into their system. But they do have some great benefits: 

  • Hydrotherapy. These are the types of tubs that would be used in hydrotherapy by a physical therapist, making them wonderful if you have regular aches and pains.
  • Quiet time. Water jet tubs are not as noisy and have less splashing then air jets, making it a more relaxing experience. 

Once you decide on the tub that is the best option for your home, a professional plumber can help you with your bathroom remodeling and install the tub for you. Then get out your rubber ducky and enjoy your water massage!

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The Master Bath of Your Dreams

November 7th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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If you are planning a bathroom remodel for your master bath, take the time to look at your options when it comes to the focal point of a “bath” room, your tub and shower. There are so many phenomenal products out there to help you achieve the master bath of your dreams!

Showers 

If this is the bath of your dreams and you have the room, creating a separate shower and bathtub is optimal. A large shower with room to move, even to sit down, can make your morning shower a delight! Consider these options for your new shower: 

  • Rain showerheads. These large showerheads can be situated off the wall or even directly above you, giving you the sensation of a waterfall coming down upon you. Their large water pattern encompasses all of you, not just a small cone of spray.
  • Multiple-spray. Get clean from all angles with the new multi-spray designs. These have water heads coming from above, each side and even below to give you a full body cleansing.
  • Benches. Adding a small seat into your shower is not just for those who have disabilities. Being able to sit and relax in your shower can be a great experience for anybody.

Bathtubs

Having a wonderful shower is one thing, but most dream master baths would not be complete without the ultimate bathtub. Whatever your tastes and preferences, there are many to choose from.

  • Claw foot. The deep, beautiful claw foot tub is always a favorite.
  • Jetted. Having the duel sensation of hot water and a massage can soothe away any aches, pains or stress.
  • Garden. The large garden tubs are fantastic to stretch out and enjoy a relaxing soak.

Your dream master bath can only be limited by your imagination, and of course, your budget and space. Discuss what options you can do within your space with your plumbing contractor to make the most of all three.

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Replacing a Tub with a Walk-in Shower

October 16th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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Some homeowners like to update their bathrooms and replace a tub they no longer use with a spa shower that they will appreciate.  They may think about selling their home and want to add to the home’s value or a spa shower may simply appeal to them.

If your bathroom remodeling project includes a spa shower, keep in mind a few things.  First, you will want to use a glass panel instead of a solid wall if you have a small to medium size bathroom.  This will allow the room to look bigger even with the addition of a shower.

It is also recommended that you skip the shower door and leave one end open to also make the room seem bigger unless you plan to install a steam generator.  Using the same tiles in the shower that are on the floor of the rest of the bathroom will extend the room into the shower.

The finishing touches are important, too with high-end fixtures and a rain showerhead adding a unique touch to the new shower.

If you decide to renovate your bath area, you do not need to call a general contractor to do the work.  You can hire your local plumber to remove your old tub and install the new shower.  They can even advise you on the best designs and ensure you get the right size for your room.  Whether you are adding a touch of luxury to your space or getting your home ready to sell, a spa shower can be the perfect addition to your bathroom.

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Low Flow vs. WaterSense

June 14th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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If you have been shopping for new plumbing fixtures for your bathroom remodeling, you may have noticed the WaterSense label on many faucets, toilets, showerheads, and other bathroom fixtures.  If you assumed that WaterSense products were water efficient products, you were right!  But there is more to the WaterSense label than just water conservation.

Since the 1990s, government regulations have set standards for water usage for a wide variety of plumbing fixtures and other products.  Most homeowners are familiar with low flow toilets, showerheads, and other fixtures.  Many of these fixtures earned a well-deserved reputation for poor performance.  Low flow toilets in particular earned the ire of homeowners because they performed so poorly that they often had to be flushed twice which defeated the purpose of a low flow toilet in the first place.

Since then, plumbing fixture manufacturers have redesigned their products to meet federal standards while performing far better than older low-flow products.  To encourage manufacturers to take it to the next level, the WaterSense program was developed.  Before it can display the WaterSense label, the product must be certified to perform as well as its counterparts while using 20 percent less water.

What this means for consumers is that they can enjoy even greater water efficiency without sacrificing performance.  WaterSense products are tested by independent third party labs so consumers can depend on the results and easily identify high-performing water efficient products.

The WaterSense program includes faucets, showerheads, and toilets.  It also includes controllers for irrigation systems and plans are in place to add other products such as water softeners.  For the best combination of performance and conservation, look for the WaterSense label.

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Going Green With Green Plumbing

June 14th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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Conserving natural resources is great for the environment and when it comes to plumbing, conserving water and energy for water heating can help you save money too!  Here are just  few of the many ways you can do your part for the environment while putting money back in your wallet with green plumbing:

Low Flow Toilets – According to the EPA, toilets account for about 30 percent of water usage in a typical home.  If your toilets were installed in your home prior to 1992, installing new low flow toilets can cut your toilet water usage by half or more.  Standard low flow toilets use about half the water of older toilets and WaterSense use 20 percent less water than a standard low flow toilet.  The great news is that the performance of modern low flow toilets is far superior to those sold in the late 1990s.

Low Flow Showerheads and Faucets – Replacing your old showerheads and faucets with new low flow fixtures can cut your water usage by more than half and save money on energy costs for water heating as well.  The less hot water you use, the less energy it will take to heat the water.  Save even more with WaterSense fixtures.

Water Heating – There are many ways to save energy on water heating.  Lowering your water heater setting and installing heat traps and an insulation blanket on a storage type water heater can significantly reduce energy consumption for water heating.  Better yet, talk to your plumber about installing a tankless water heating system.  You will not only eliminate standby heat loss, but you will also enjoy an endless supply of hot water.

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Comparing Copper and PEX Plumbing

May 10th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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If you are replacing old polybutylene plumbing, upgrading the plumbing, doing a kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel, or have been the victim of copper pipe theft, your plumber has probably given you several options for what type of pipe to install. These days, the two most common types of pipe are traditional copper pipe or modern PEX pipe.  Both have their advantages so the “right” choice depends on your situation and personal preference.

Copper pipe has been used in plumbing for decades.  It has proven to be a very durable, user friendly pipe for hot and cold water distribution lines.  It will last a very long time but like all metals, it will someday corrode.  It is very sturdy and resists punctures and can be installed indoors and outdoors.  The copper in the pipe makes it highly resistant to bacteria growth.

The primary drawback to copper pipe is that it is very expensive.  In addition, the value of copper makes it a prime target for criminals who have been known to cause thousands of dollars in damage to homes by tearing out the copper pipes.  Copper pipe is inflexible and can burst in below freezing weather. Finally, it takes a certain level of skill to work with copper pipe.

PEX is a type of plastic pipe that is very durable and much less expensive than copper pipe.  It is very flexible and comes in long lengths which means that your plumber does not have to install any fittings to make it bend or go around corners.  Fewer fittings means fewer opportunities for leaks to start. It can expand enough that it is far less likely to burst in freezing weather.

The disadvantages of PEX are that it is not recyclable and since it is affected by UV rays, it cannot be used outdoors.  Also, installing PEX requires special tools.  Your plumber can help you decide whether copper or PEX is the best choice for your plumbing project.

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Water Saving Toilet Choices

March 28th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Remodeling
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According to EPA estimates, toilets use almost 30 percent of the water consumed in a typical residential household.  Homeowners can save a lot of water and a lot of money by replacing older, inefficient toilets with new high efficiency toilets.  There are several different options when it comes to modern high efficiency toilets.

Since 1992, all toilets manufactured for sale in the United States use a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water per flush which is about half the amount used by older toilets.  These low flow toilets got a bad reputation for flushing ability, but in recent years advances in toilet design have greatly improved the performance of standard 1.6 gallon per flush toilets.  These make a very good, economical toilet choice.

In fact, in just the past few years most residential toilets have been designed to meet WaterSense certification standards which require that the toilet use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush and perform as well as or better than a standard low flow toilet.  Choosing a WaterSense certified toilet makes a lot of sense since they use even less water than a standard low flow toilet and have been specifically designed to perform well while using only 1.28 gallons of water.  These are an excellent cost-effective solution.

Dual flush toilets are another alternative.  These toilets have two flush modes:  a full 1.6 gallon flush for flushing solid waste and a partial flush (usually about .8 gallon) for flushing liquid waste.  When used properly, these toilets average less than 1.28 gallons of water and most of them qualify for WaterSense certification.  These are a little more expensive than single flush toilets.

Finally, pressure assist toilets use compressed air to assist with flushing performance.  These toilets work well and use the least amount of water, but they can be noisy and are much more expensive than gravity-flow toilets.

Whether you are doing a full bathroom remodel or just replacing a toilet, your plumbing professional can help you choose the right high efficiency toilet for your home.

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