ADA-Compliant Restrooms And Their Features

ADA Compliant Restroom for the handicap article by Leone Plumbing One way to create a healthy community is by being inclusive to all individuals, especially to people with disabilities (PWD). It’s good to know that there are ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) that help in creating inclusive facilities for the handicapped. This guideline sets the standard for establishments to comply with technical requirements that aid the needs of individuals with disabilities. An ADA-compliant establishment provides safe and accessible facilities such as restrooms for PWD.

What Is An ADA-Compliant Restroom?

The standards set by ADA apply to both public and employee restrooms. An ADA-compliant restroom contains features that are stated by the ADA Accessibility Guidelines. The ADA guidelines are set up for the needs and well-being of PWDs. Here are some of the key features of an ADA-compliant restroom.
Sink Areas
Everybody needs full access to sinks for washing and hygienic purposes. However, a PWD can become prone to accidents if a sink is too low or too high. According to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, a sink should have a knee and toe clearance of 27 inches high. To provide enough mobility, it should also be between 11 and 25 inches deep.
Faucets and Operable Parts
Toilet fixtures such as faucet controls, soap dispensers, and other components that require manual operation should be designed for one-hand use. It should be easy to grasp and not too tight when operated. It is recommended to install motion-activated or touch-free faucets and dispensers which are convenient not only for PWDs but also for other users.
Grab Bars
An ADA-compliant restroom should have grab bars that are mounted on the walls beside and behind the water closet. Grab bars can have circular or non-circular cross-sections but must have rounded edges. The 1½ inches clearance between the grab bar and wall is not a minimum but an absolute dimension to prevent entrapment. Grab bars cannot rotate within fittings. The structural strength of grab bars must withstand a vertical or horizontal force of 250 lbs. at any point on the grab bar, fastener, mounting device, or supporting structure.
Toilet Paper Dispensers
An ADA-compliant restroom should have toilet paper dispensers that are within reach of the water closet. It must allow continuous paper flow and cannot control delivery.
Stalls
According to the ADA toilet requirements, toilets and urinals both need to be at least 56 inches deep for wall-hung toilets and at least 59 inches deep for floor-mounted toilets. Measuring from the right angle of the sidewall, the width must be at least 60 inches.
Doors
To comply with the ADA requirements, doors should be easily opened with a single hand. Maneuvering clearance is required at doors based on the approach and swing.   ADA Compliant Restroom layout for the handicap

Does Your Restroom Comply With The ADA Guidelines?

You need to ensure that your restroom provides comfort, accessibility, and safety for the handicapped. That is what the ADA guidelines are all about. If you need assistance with upgrading your restroom to be ADA-compliant, contact us and we are here to help.
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The Types and Proper Ways Of Using A Bidet

Using A Bidet The Proper Way By Leone PlumbingSome homes and business establishments have a bidet in their bathrooms. Bidets are much more common outside of the U.S. Over time, their designs have evolved to suit the needs of every home and business. Regardless of how it has evolved, using a bidet can be strange to anyone and not all people know how to use them properly. In this article, we will get to know more about bidets and how to properly use them.

Common Types of Bidets

The proper way of using a bidet can be achieved if you are aware of its design, mechanism, and function. Let’s review the common types of bidets to get familiar with each of them.
Handheld Type
A handheld bidet is directly attached to the toilet or bathroom wall. It has a handheld sprayer that allows you to control the stream of water. Handheld types are flexible, versatile, and less intimidating to use. It’s not only used for cleaning or rinsing your private area but it can also be used to clean the toilet and even cloth diapers.
  • Tip: Take your time until you get the right water pressure before you get comfortable using a handheld bidet. Lightly squeeze the trigger on the nozzle and do not press it too hard.
Toilet Seat Type
You don’t need to shuffle around the bathroom to clean your bottom with a toilet seat bidet. While sitting on the toilet, a nozzle extends beneath you, spraying water to clean your bottom. It then retracts once you are done cleaning. Some toilet seat bidet feature integrated water heaters for those who prefer warm water for cleaning.
  • Tip: If you are planning to install a toilet seat type, be sure to pick the right size or shape for your toilet bowl. An oval-shaped toilet seat bidet is perfect if you have an elongated toilet bowl. For a round toilet bowl, it should be circular. To ensure that you pick the right size, measure the dimensions of your existing toilet seat.
Freestanding Type
A freestanding bidet usually stands next to the toilet. It looks like a sink and people may mistake it as a sink for hand washing. After using the toilet, you can sit, straddle, hover, or squat on it depending on the area you want the water jet to hit.
  • Tip: If you are not used to it, it’s better that you straddle facing the nozzle so you can control the jet settings conveniently.

The Benefits Of Having A Bidet

Installing a bidet is good for both sustainability and health reasons. It can save 54 gallons of water per week by reducing the use of toilet paper. Also, the excessive use of toilet paper in cleaning your bottom can cause a sore bum. Rinsing with water is less irritating than using paper wipes or toilet paper.

Bidet Installation

Contact us if you need help with bidet installation. We are here standing by and ready to accommodate you!
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How To Deal With Plumbing Issues In An Old House

Leone plumbing old house maintenance service. The good old days always bring nostalgic memories. Memories that are worth remembering especially if they happened in an old house. Older homes usually treasure cherished moments with family and friends. That is why for someone who owns an old house, it is very important to maintain each aspect of its structure including the plumbing system.

Plumbing Problems In Old Homes

Old homes are charming with their classic and rustic appeal. Attractive as it seems, the plumbing inside an old home can be as old as the structure itself which can lead to plumbing issues. But do not let these plumbing issues diminish the charm of your old house! Here are the common plumbing issues you may experience in an old house and how you can resolve them.
Obsolete Pipelines
Vintage houses constructed over 3 decades ago may contain piping materials that are considered outdated today.  The common piping material used back then was lead which was initially restricted during the 1920s and was totally banned by 1986. It was then replaced by galvanized steel pipes that became a popular option until the 60s. However, galvanized steel is prone to extensive corrosion that causes rust contamination in the water supply. Thus, polybutylene pipes became a popular choice during the 70s to the 90s. Later, it was found that polybutylene pipes have a high risk of bursting and leaking. For obsolete pipes, we recommend upgrading old plumbing to PEX piping which is more durable and can last longer. Leone Plumbing Water Piping Solution
Bellied Pipes
Over time, encased or underground pipes can be affected by the gradual movement of the house. The pipes underneath may begin to slope or “belly” which restricts water flow and creates puddles that accumulate waste. This can result in toxic wastewater seeping into your home. If left unresolved, pipe bellies may cause blockages or leaks over the course of time. Depending on the circumstance, trenchless pipe repair can be the best solution.
Old Plumbing Fixtures
Accumulation of limescale on old plumbing fixtures is common in an old house. Also, old fixtures and connections tend to fall apart causing leaks and flooding. To minimize the amount of limescale, we recommend installing a water softener system. Toilet repair and replacement are also recommended.
Root Invasion
Old sewer lines are prone to root invasion that causes severe clogs and sediment build-up. In this case, snaking the line using several snake machine tips is recommended. Trenchless pipe repair can be done if the situation calls for it.
Improper Repairs
For old homes that are standing for many decades, it’s possible that plumbing repairs weren’t done right. DIY is an affordable solution but at the same time risky. It would be best that you contact a professional plumber to assess your plumbing system for proper treatment.

Your Old Home Needs A Professional Touch!

Give yourself peace of mind while reminiscing the good old days. We are here to provide the professional touch that your old house needs! Contact us now.
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Aging-In-Place Bathroom Renovation Ideas For Senior Citizens

Senior Citizens Bathroom Renovation by Leone PlumbingIt is important for senior citizens to live in a place where they are safe, healthy, and well taken care of. Many seniors are now preferring to remain in their homes and continue living in their own communities. The so-called aging-in-place renovations are now becoming popular which makes safe and friendlier homes for baby boomers. In this blog, we will look specifically at aging-in-place bathroom renovation ideas for elderly people.

Why Do Baby Boomers Have To Upgrade Their Bathroom?

Most senior citizens live in homes that were built more than decades ago and this is where they lived most of their adult lives. Houses back then were not built or designed specifically to aid the need of the elderly people. That means home modification is needed particularly in the bathroom.

Aging-In-Place Ideas For Bathroom Renovation

Senior citizens need to be in comfortable and familiar surroundings as they age. They are prone to slip and falling in the bathroom so it has to be modified for a safe and accessible space. The following are some bathroom remodel ideas for senior citizens that you can apply.
Grab Bars
Seniors would naturally reach out for balance in the bathroom to shower or when they use the toilet. Installing Grab bars will help the elders access and navigate the bathroom safely. The grab bars have to be slip resistant and securely mounted to the wall. Bathroom Renovation by Leone Plumbing for Senior Citizens
Vanity Height And Installation
Adjusting the vanity height is a big help for seniors in a wheelchair. According to the ADA (The Americans with Disabilities Act), the ideal vanity height for people in a wheelchair is 34″ or shorter. Adjusting the vanity height prevents injuries as elders move about the bathroom. For senior citizens who use a walker on wheels, it is suggested to install a floating vanity to allow easier accessibility.
Non-Slip Solutions For Floors
There are several non-slip floor solutions available such as, applying anti-slip treads or stickers, rubber flooring, and adding non-slip rugs. Installing smaller tiles can also help create more grip than bigger tiles. For a seamless look, you can also upgrade to anti-slip tiles.
Elevated Toilets
Adding extra height to the toilet is another helpful bathroom design idea for the elderly. Going in and off the toilet makes it easier for senior citizens if you add extra height. The ideal toilet height for the elderly is three to five inches higher than the standard toilet.
Upgrade To Wide Doors
Widening the bathroom doors allows easier access for seniors on a walker or wheelchairs. The recommended door width is 36 inches to provide enough space to navigate going in and out of the bathroom.
Zero-Threshold Showers
Upgrading to curbless showers eliminates trip hazards since the threshold is eliminated and there is no need to step over.

Seek Professional Help With Aging-In-Place Bathroom Renovation

Renovating a bathroom for your elderly loved ones requires a professional touch. It is our goal to build a safe bathroom for you and your family. So contact us today and let’s talk!
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Sustainable Eco-Friendly Solutions For Bathroom Drains

Leone Plumbing Eco-Friendly Bathroom DrainsAnother important aspect to consider when building or renovating a bathroom is sustainability. We can achieve sustainability in our projects by considering eco-friendly solutions available in the market. Going green is doable by using sustainable building products such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), porcelain, reclaimed wood, and bamboo flooring. These materials are very popular because they are durable and can last for many years. But today, we will highlight one interesting shower solution that is eco-friendly that meets the standards when it comes to quality sustainable products.

Why Should We Go For Eco-Friendly Solutions For Our Bathroom?

Savoring the good things that life has to offer doesn’t always come with ease. Carbon dioxide emissions are one thing that has a negative impact on the environment around us. In the United States, residential and commercial establishments contribute almost 40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. But we can lessen the percentage by going for eco-friendly solutions for bathroom renovation. One successful eco-friendly innovation is the QuickDrain complete shower solution!

The QuickDrain Complete Shower Solution Is An Eco-Friendly And Time-Efficient Option

The QuickDrain shower solution has taken one step towards sustainability from the time of production. Since 2015, the brand has repurposed 19 million plastic bottles into thousands of pre-sloped and tile-ready shower pan systems. For every QuickDrain shower pan system installed, 450 plastic bottles are recycled! The product is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles which makes it the best eco-friendly product you can find. It’s not only friendly to the environment it’s time efficient too. Its interlocking design can be quickly and easily modified directly on-site into any size or shape. Another perk of installing the product is it offers the chance to earn LEED certification points. Eco-Friendly Bathroom Drains Solution

What are LEED points?

LEED is — Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design— points from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). USGBC is an organization that promotes and advocates greener and sustainable building design, construction, and operation. It is the most widely used green rating system in the world. LEED-certified homes utilize less energy and few resources which promotes healthy and safe homes.

Go Green With Sustainable Bathroom Drains

It’s a “green choice” to install sustainable bathroom drain systems such as the QuickDrain complete shower solution. Using sustainable materials for your bathroom renovation is a wise contribution you can make to the environment. Let your bathroom renovation go green! Contact us and let’s talk about sustainability for your bathroom renovation needs.
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Time-Efficient Rough-In Kit For Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom Renovation By Leone PlumbingBathroom renovation is an exciting endeavor. It’s thrilling but at the same time, it can be time-consuming for a homeowner, especially for the contractor! One challenge that a contractor might encounter is bath waste and overflow installations. But thanks to pre-assembled components such as the True Blue Bath Waste Rough-In Kits that help contractors overcome the challenges when installing bathtub waste and overflows. The product’s pre-assembled components are quick to install and you can even go from box to testing.

Key Features of the True Blue Bath Waste Rough-In Kit

  • Test plugs install with a 1/4 turn and are approved for testing up to 40ft of head. Makes testing fast and reliable.
  • Foamed rubber overflow gasket provides better compression and memory, creating a better and more reliable seal to prevent leaks.
  • The locking drain gasket is designed with a softer durometer and will not fall off at tricky angles. Reduces installation frustrations while creating a better seal.
  • Pre-assembled components make installation quicker, so you can go from box to test faster.

How Do Pre-assembled Components Make Installation So Easy?

The bath waste and overflow system is a very important component of your bathtub. This component both has a stoppable drain and an “overflow” which drains away water before it overflows. This is also one of the most difficult components to install during bathroom renovations. The pre-assembled True Blue Bath Waste Rough-In Kits is one innovative product that makes the contractor’s job more convenient. The product has integrated locking features which reduce the number of tools needed during installation. Sure enough, it reduces frustration and time. Its integrated locking bath shoe gasket keeps it from moving at difficult angles while the drain spud is installed. The overflow and drain test plugs can be installed with a simple quarter turn which makes testing much more reliable and efficient. Time Efficient Bathroom Renovation By Leone Plumbing  

Fewer Tools, Less Trouble!

With a product such as the True Blue Bath Waste Rough-In Kits, you don’t need more tools. The product has an overflow cover that can be locked with a simple clockwise turn. You don’t have to trouble yourself bringing extra screws or tools. Leakage is not a problem because the overflow gasket is made of high-quality foamed rubber material. Unlike other products, the True Blue Bath Waste Rough-In Kit has a round trim that doesn’t require perfect alignment. Other products have lines that look crooked when they are not lined up.

Maximize Time Efficiency With Innovative Products

Remodeling your bathroom can be time efficient with the help of innovative products like the True Blue Bath Waste Rough-In Kit. As the bathroom remodeling market continues to be in demand, it’s important to find time-efficient ways to complete a project. Of course, time efficiency should not affect or compromise the quality of the service. That is why it’s crucial to look for high-quality products that can make installation quicker. Time-efficient bathroom renovation is possible. Contact us TODAY to find out more!  
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