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.
Read More

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!
Read More

Proper Maintenance Of Public Toilets

Proper Public Toilet Maintenance Tips by Leone PlumbingIn businesses such as restaurants, malls, and airports, the number of people visiting public toilets is increasing daily. Therefore, it is critical that the public toilets are properly maintained for employees and customers. In a time when we are greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, public toilet maintenance should be a priority to keep your employees and customers safe and healthy.

Why Is It Important To Maintain And Keep Public Toilets Clean?

Clients and visitors can be easily disgusted if the restroom is not properly maintained. A study conducted by GP PRO says that unclean public toilets can turn away customers which leaves a negative image for the business. That means your public restroom plays a great role in a customer’s first impression of your business. A well-maintained bathroom can create a professional image, while a filthy bathroom can bring the opposite. Also with the onslaught of COVID-19, it is important to implement a high level of toilet maintenance. The spread of viruses and bacteria that causes illnesses can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance of public restrooms.

How To Maintain A Public Restroom?

Your business should practice proper maintenance of public restrooms. Here are some of the steps on how to keep your public toilets clean and well-maintained regularly.
1. Monitor Your Toilets And Urinals Every Day
You need to check every day to see if the toilets and urinals are clean and sanitized. Make sure that they are clog-free, properly working, and with adequate water supply. If you identified any plumbing concerns, contact a professional plumber immediately to take action!
2. Replenish Restroom Supplies
Make sure that your public toilet has enough supply all throughout the day. A lack of tissue, paper towels, and soap in a restroom can easily upset customers and employees. You need to replenish toilet supplies when needed.
3. Empty Trash Bins
A well-maintained public restroom should have enough trash bins and should be emptied regularly before it gets full.
4. Mop The Floor Frequently
A dirty floor can be a habitat for germs that can cause diseases. It is one of the restroom surfaces that you should keep clean and sanitized. To avoid safety hazards, consider mopping the floors after business hours. Leone Plumbing Public Toilet Maintenance

Make Public Toilet Maintenance A Priority For Your Business

Proper maintenance of public toilets is one of the keys to a successful business. A clean and well-maintained restroom can leave a positive impression on your customers and employees. But a dirty restroom with a dripping faucet, broken toilet handle, or leaking toilets can be a nightmare not only for your customers but also for your business! If you encounter any of these plumbing issues, contact us anytime! Let us help you achieve your toilet maintenance goals.
Read More

Top Reasons For A Business Establishment To Upgrade To A Smart Restroom

Smart Restroom Innovation By Leone PlumbingThe restroom experience of a customer can impact the overall image of a business. That is why a company should see to it that they satisfy the restroom experience of a customer. GP PRO conducted a study and according to their research, a customer most likely never returns to a restaurant with unclean toilets which leaves a negative image. This is not only a concern for restaurants but also for other industries. One way to achieve that quality restroom experience is by upgrading to a smart restroom.

What Is Interesting About A Smart Restroom?

A system called IoT or the “internet of things” is one interesting innovation used by a smart restroom. This system is the heart of smart restrooms which makes it very innovative, safe, and convenient. The system connects physical items through sensors to a user interface on internet-enabled devices. This feature allows a business to conveniently monitor and manage the business with minimal human intervention. For example, the maintenance staff can be notified through their smartphone when supplies are running out. Also, potential leaks can be treated immediately by the staff since they can remotely monitor the water supply.

Why Should A Business Establishment Upgrade To A Smart Restroom?

Upgrading to smart technology can benefit not only the business owner but also the staff and the building maintenance. Here are the reasons why a business should consider upgrading to a smart restroom.
  • Enhances Hygiene Practices
Through automated alerts, the staff can replenish or stock tissue, paper towels, sanitizer, and soap when needed. Thus, the customers can sanitize and wash their hands properly.
  • Promotes Good Customer Experience
The remote monitoring feature of smart toilets allows the staff to adequately stock supplies. The technology can also alert the facilities to treat clogs, leaks, and defective flush valves which minimizes toilet disruptions. A customer will surely have a positive experience with a well-maintained toilet.
  • Advances Sustainability
The technology alerts the staff to replenish supplies only when needed to reduce product waste. Smart technology can monitor faucets and valves to operate optimally to reduce water usage.
  • Minimizes Staff Burnout
Smart technology reduces human interference through automation. For instance, staff can monitor the supplies remotely so they don’t need to go back and forth to the toilet. Everything is automated from checklists, task alerts, and monitoring of performance which saves a lot of effort for the staff.
  • Accurate Monitoring
Through accurate monitoring of smart technology, the business can have an organized and systematic approach to maintaining the facilities including the toilet. Cleaning and maintenance are monitored in real-time so business owners are confident that the establishment is well-maintained.

Explore More About Smart Restrooms!

If you want to upgrade your restroom with smart technology, talk to us anytime! Let us know what you think about this trending technology.
Read More

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.
Read More

The Importance of A Clean Shower Drain

Importance of A Clean Shower Drain By Leone Plumbing A clean shower drain is important for a healthy and efficient plumbing system. If you disregard any small clogs or pile up such as hair, it will accumulate and can become a serious plumbing concern to deal with. A clogged shower drain can disrupt the balance of the pressure in your plumbing system which causes the pipes to rupture. The obvious sign of a clogged shower drain is the presence of murky standing water pooling on your ankles. To maintain a clean shower drain, you need to identify the culprits that can clog your drain.

The Culprits That Causes Shower Drain Clogs

There are many culprits that can clog your shower drain. Hair is the most common cause of drain clog. Normally, people may shed 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. Hair can wrap itself with other items that can intensify the clog issue. When you shower, it produces soap scum which flows to the shower drain. Soap scum is a binder that holds together hair and other items in the drain. Aside from hair, other causes are loose towel thread, plastic fibers, and small toys (this can happen if you have a toddler) that could be washed down the drain and cause a clog.

Simple Preventive Methods For A Clean Shower Drain

Achieving that goal of having a clean shower drain is easy with preventive measures. Here are the suggested methods to prevent your shower drain from getting clogged.
  1. A Drain Cover Can Help
Small items and hair can easily get through your drain every time you shower. A drain cover can stop small items and hair to enter your drain. Leone Plumbing Clean Shower Drain Tips
  1. Minimize Oil And Grease Usage
Most shower and bath products contain oil and grease that can cause clogs. The residues from oil and grease every time you shower can build up on your drain over time. We suggest using these occasionally to avoid oil or grease getting into your drain.
  1. Routine Rinsing
If you see visible small items and hair, clear them out immediately and don’t wait for them to accumulate. Once you are done showering, you can let the hot shower water run for a few minutes.
  1. Baking Soda And Vinegar
These are natural alternatives that are less corrosive than chemical cleaners. They contain properties that can dissolve clogs. Regularly pour vinegar into the drain and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. After that, flush the drain with hot water. It’s also the same with baking soda. Pour some baking soda into the drain with hot running water. This can help clear the drain and stop odors.

For Persisting Shower Drain Clog Concerns, Consult An Expert

Do not tolerate a slowly draining shower. This can be a sign of serious plumbing concern. Call us for professional help! Contact us today.      

| Photo Credits: From FreeImages – Csaba J. Szabo, PexelsKsenia Chernaya

 
Read More