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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Your Toilet Bowl Parts: How Do They Work?

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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Toilet Flapper Replacement

Replacement Of Toilet Flapper by Leone PlumbingEvery household needs a well-functioning toilet. Just imagine the trouble it would bring if the toilet malfunctions! Each part of the toilet plays an important role to keep everything running smoothly. However, some parts may be left unnoticed just like the toilet flapper. The only time that it gets attention is when there are signs that are telling you that it needs replacement. So what are the signs, and how do you go about dealing with toilet flapper replacement?

What causes a toilet flapper to malfunction?

Before we talk about toilet flapper replacement, let’s first discuss what causes a toilet flapper to malfunction. Over time, a toilet flapper may wear out and can cause problems. Aside from age, flappers may deteriorate because of mold or mildew, bacterial growth, and some drop-in bowl cleaners that contain harsh chemicals.

How would you know if the toilet flapper is wearing out?

1. Through Sound
If there is something wrong with your toilet flapper, you will hear the water running continuously in the toilet tank.
2. Slow-Filling Toilet
If the water tank takes a while to fill, then it can be an indication that the flapper is deteriorating.
3. Ghost Flushing
This may sound spooky but there is nothing to be scared of. If the toilet flushes on its own or ghost flushing, it can be a result of a worn-out toilet flapper.

The impact of a failing toilet flapper on a toilet

The toilet flapper regulates the flow of water out of the tank into the bowl whenever you flush. A deteriorating flapper causes water to leak from the tank which in turn can prevent the toilet from flushing properly due to lower water pressure. Less water pressure will cause leaking or running toilets. In effect, this results in wastage of water that increases your water bill. If the signs are evident, don’t wait for the issue to get worse. This calls for a toilet flapper replacement.

Things to look at when doing a toilet flapper replacement

If the flapper is more than 5 years old, then we recommend replacing or keeping an eye on it. If you are going to do the toilet flapper replacement by yourself, make sure that you pick the correct size. If it is less than 5 years old, a simple wiping will slow down the deterioration process. Check the rubber surface and wipe out slime and debris from the bottom and flush valve seat using a clean cloth.

When to seek professional help?

Nowadays, everyone can look at the internet and do the toilet flapper replacement by themselves (DIY). For some, however, it can be uncomfortable and may lead to other toilet issues if the replacement is done improperly. If you are unsure of what to do, contact a professional to do the job! And speaking of professional help, we are here for you. For more details or help with any of your plumbing concerns, contact us today!        

Image Credit | Image by Hatice EROL from Pixabay

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Why is my Toilet Gurgling and Bubbling

Why is my Toilet Gurgling and Bubbling in Rochester, NY?

Frequently I get asked ” when the toilet upstairs is flushed it gurgling or bubbles in toilet downstairs ” There are a couple of things that could cause this to happen. Most of the time this is the beginning of a clogged line, somewhere below the downstairs toilet. In which case the plumbers at Leone Plumbing & Heating would locate the closest cleanout (usually found in basement) to gain entry to snake the line with the appropiate snake or (roto rooter) machine to clear the blockage. If there is not a cleanout then they would pull the first floor toilet to gain entry to the plumbing drain sysytem. In other cases it could be that a venting problem has developed and a Leone Plumbing & Heating technician would need to diagnose a strategic location to install a air admittance valve.
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