Plumbing Repairs That Should Not Be Done DIY
March 30, 2023 Plumbing, Sewer Lines, Sump Pumps, Toilets, Water Heaters No comments yet
Professional plumbing repairs solution by Leone PlumbingWater damage caused by a failing plumbing system is probably the worst scenario your house may encounter. It’s destructive, time-consuming, and disrupts your household activities. But thanks to social media and the internet! An average person can now do plumbing repairs with step-by-step procedures provided online. However, we can’t avoid repairs that are beyond our basic knowledge and experience. There are complex plumbing works that have to be dealt with by a professional plumber.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs That Shouldn’t Be DIY

Burst Pipes

Broken pipes usually happen during the winter. Extreme cold weather can make the pipes brittle and then burst when water pressure comes in, leaving your home flooded. A burst pipe is a complex repair issue that should be fixed quickly. This has to be dealt with by a professional plumber. A professional makes sure that the pipes are fixed and prevent future leaks and pipe rupture.

Water Heater Malfunction

A water heater can be a dangerous house appliance when it fails. You should NOT resort to DIY solutions as it requires a professional hand to fix the water heater parts. If your water heater makes an unusual sound, leaks, and smells (leaking gas), these are the signs that it’s failing and you need to seek help from a professional plumber.

Clogged Sewer Line

Clog issues caused by tree root invasion or other obstructions are a mess when done DIY. Issues with clogging pipes require professional attention and expertise. A professional has the necessary tools and equipment to get rid of roots invading your lines and also those hard obstructions such as rags, small toys, hairs, and accumulated oils.

Sump Pump Failure

This is another plumbing appliance that is often overlooked until a failure happens. A sump pump failure may happen during heavy rain or snow which causes basement flooding. There are many factors why a sump pump may fail. The most common issues are clogs and other obstructions in the sump pit, leaking pipes, and even the loss of a power source. A professional plumber knows what is best in dealing with these kinds of plumbing issues in the sump pump.

DIY Repair or Call a Professional Plumber?

Plumbing repairs are made easy nowadays and anyone can be an “expert” in their own right. Thanks to the DIY solutions available online everyone can search on the internet! DIY solutions are helpful especially during emergency repair situations. Though DIY plumbing can be adequate, there are still repairs that need to be done by a professional. If you feel you lack the experience and knowledge in handling plumbing repairs by yourself, it is the best solution to contact a professional. You can always contact us and our team of professionals can help you with your emergency plumbing repairs.
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ADA-Compliant Restrooms And Their Features
March 16, 2023 Bathroom Remodeling, Toilets No comments yet
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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DIY Emergency Solutions: How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger?
February 28, 2023 Drains, Sewer Lines, Toilets No comments yet
how to unclog a toilet without a plunger by Leone plumbingUnexpected situations can happen anytime. It may stress us but also push us to become resourceful in resolving a problem. Take it as an example if you deal with a clogged toilet without a plunger. Dealing with a clogged toilet without any tool on hand can be a nightmare! So how to unclog a toilet without a plunger? In this article, we will discuss other resources you can find at home which you can use to deal with a clogged toilet.

How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger Using These 5 DIY Solutions Found At Home

Pour Hot Water
If you have a bucket (or any large containers), fill it up with hot water. Do not use boiling water or else it may crack the porcelain toilet. From the waist level, pour the hot water into the toilet bowl. As you pour the hot water, its pressure and heat can dislodge whatever is clogging your toilet.
Use A Dish Soap
Your kitchen has an available solution on how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. You can use dish soap as a quick remedy! If pouring hot water doesn’t work, add about half-cup of dish soap into the toilet. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes then flush it again with hot water. Its lubricating property can help the clogged debris to flow down easily.
Baking Soda And Vinegar
Another popular DIY solution is using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar in the clogged toilet. What you need to do is add a cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl. Next, slowly pour the vinegar into the toilet until it bubbles. The fizz may dissipate the clog through the pipe as you flush.
DIY Drain Snake Using A Wire Hanger
You can turn a wire hanger into a DIY drain snake. To do so, straighten out the wire hanger. Then, push it down and prob whatever is clogging the toilet. Though this can be effective, we do not recommend this approach as it may scratch the porcelain (do this approach at your own risk).
Use A 2-Liter Plastic Bottle
Fill the plastic bottle with warm water. You should wear rubber hand gloves when doing this since you’ll get your hands into the bowl. Once you fit the top end of the bottle into the toilet bowl, place your thumb over it and squeeze to shoot out warm water. The water pressure that it makes should displace the clog.

What To Do If The Toilet Is Still Clogged?

There are many resourceful ways how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. But there are times when DIY solutions may not do well in our favor. There might be a serious clogged issue on your toilet that needs to be dealt with by a professional. If this happens, contact us and we will be glad to help you!
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The Types and Proper Ways Of Using A Bidet
February 16, 2023 Bathroom Remodeling, Toilets No comments yet
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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Aging-In-Place Bathroom Renovation Ideas For Senior Citizens
October 28, 2022 Bathroom Remodeling, Toilets No comments yet
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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Your Toilet Bowl Parts: How Do They Work?
February 28, 2022 Toilets No comments yet
Leone Plumbing Toilet Bowl Parts Maintenance ServiceThe toilet is one of the busiest appliances in a home and business. A toilet gets multiple uses every single day which makes it a heavy-duty appliance. As a household or a business owner, it is very important to keep your toilet clean and working. Speaking of maintenance, how well do you know the toilet bowl parts?

The Importance Of Knowing The Different Toilet Bowl Parts

Knowing the different parts of your toilet will help you diagnose issues such as leaks, clogs, and running toilets. Sometimes, waiting for a plumber is not necessary. Thus, it is important for you to know the different toilet bowl parts and their functions. Toilet Bowl Parts Diagram By Leone Plumbing

The Toilet Bowl Parts And Their Functions

Toilet Bowl
It is a large vessel below the toilet seat that holds the water and is connected to the drain for waste disposal.  
Tank
The toilet tank is found behind the bowl which holds the water that is used for flushing. The water gets released when the toilet is flushed.
Handle
Also known as a “flush handle”, it is a lever that can be found on the upper left or right side of the tank. It triggers the water to be released when flushing.
Floor Flange
This is a pipe fitting that attaches the toilet to the floor. The job of the floor flange is not only to connect but to secure the toilet to the drain pipe.
Float
It is a device that permits the water to fill the tank and also prevents the water from overflowing.
Chain
Is a metal chain that connects the toilet lever to the toilet flapper. It allows the flapper to remain open a bit longer to allow more water to get in the bowl for better flushing.
Flapper
The toilet flapper is made of rubber which controls the volume of the water released. It also serves as a seal for the flush valve.
Wax Seal
It is a sticky wax ring that helps to form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet bowl and the sewer pipe.
Refill Tube
The refill tube manages the water going into the bowl. When the toilet is refilling, it trickles the water into the bowl.
Water Supply Shut-off Valve
This is a part of the toilet that controls and directs the water into the toilet. It helps to isolate and repair toilet leaks without shutting off the water supply.
Tank O-Ring Seal
It is a rubber gasket that fits between the toilet tank and bowl. It serves as a seal to prevent leaks.

Are You Having Issues With Any Of These Parts?

Fixing a toilet can be tough. When in doubt, a professional plumber can help. Contact us today for your urgent toilet maintenance needs.
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