Avoiding The Common Mistakes Of Installing New Drain In Sink

Leone plumbing installing drain in sink service. Have you been exploring DIY? There are many DIY resources available online. You can fix things at your own time and convenience… and at your own risk! Though doing DIY is a fun thing to do, there is always a risk involved especially with plumbing jobs. There are things that an amateur cannot do that a professional plumber can do! But if you are settled with DIY solutions, then you need to know the common mistakes to avoid when installing a drain in the sink.

What Are The Common Mistakes Of Installing A Drain In The Sink?

Doing things DIY is an accomplishment when done right. However if not done correctly, it can lead to serious plumbing repairs which cost too much time and money. To avoid common mistakes in installing a drain in the sink, we listed some of the things that you need to avoid when working with DIY drain installation.
Avoid Low-Quality Materials
Quality indeed comes with a cost. However, it is more costly to pay for yearly (sometimes monthly) repairs using low-quality materials. Even if you do DIY sink installation right, it can be a failure when joints become loose causing drains to leak. If you are concerned with your budget, there is always a place to look for low-cost and quality materials. You can visit any Habitat for Humanity store near you. Here, you can find gently used home improvement materials that fit your budget. Installing a new drain in the sink can be budget-friendly without compromising quality.
Over Usage of Plumber’s Putty
A plumber’s putty is a flexible sealant that is used when installing a drain in the sink. It can provide a leak-proof seal for a long time when applied correctly. Too much plumber’s putty can make your drain installation project look sloppy. It can also damage other parts of your sink’s plumbing if overly done due to improper fixtures.
Applying Less Than The Required Amount Of Plumber’s Putty
If overusage of plumbers’ putty is bad, it’s the same if you apply less than the required amount. Applying a very small amount of plumber’s putty can leave air pockets or spaces that allow water to leak through. This can also impact the durability of the sink since parts are not firmly fixed. Make it a habit to read the manufacturer’s instructions to know the exact amount of putty to apply.
Avoid Using Corrosive Cleaning Agents In the Sink Drain
Most people rely on acid cleaning agents for a quick cleaning result. However, using acid to clean the drain can be damaging due to its corrosive properties. You can instead switch to eco-friendly products that are safe for the environment and also for your drains (old or new).

What To Do With Persistent Drain Issues?

Installing a new drain in the sink is a quick way to resolve drain issues. But what if plumbing issues are still occurring? If your DIY install attempt fails, then it’s time to get help from a professional plumber. Contact Rochester New York’s best plumbers right now to schedule an appointment. Leone plumbing sink drain installation
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Budget Friendly Home Remodeling Tips

Leone Plumbing Home Remodelling GuideHome remodeling involves upgrading outdated residential structures to make them more functional or look pleasing aesthetically. The purpose of home remodeling may vary depending on the owner’s objectives. Some homeowners renovate their homes to maintain and beautify them or to make them more attractive for house buyers. Regardless of the objectives, one important aspect to look at when it comes to remodeling a house is budget. But what can you do if you have a minimal budget?

Home Remodeling On A Small Budget

Your budget may indeed impact your decisions when it comes to renovating your home. However, if you are resourceful and creative enough, you will be surprised how your minimal budget can go! Here are a few tips that we can share if you are renovating your home on a small budget.
Start Decluttering
Before you move forward with your home remodeling project, clean up and declutter your home first. In this way, you would identify which part of your home needs to be upgraded the most. The clutters inside the home are those things that you rarely use, or don’t use at all! Keep them and arrange them accordingly in one place. Otherwise, give them away or sell them and use the proceeds to add to your home remodeling budget.
Search For Low-Cost Materials
You can find low-cost materials for your home remodeling project at any Habitat for Humanity store. They have a “ReStore” where you can find gently used home improvement products and building materials. These gently used materials are donated by generous people and local businesses and are sold to the public. The proceeds of this initiative support the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity projects.
Repaint Your Old Door And Walls With Simple Colors Home Remodelling Tips From Leone Plumbing
Give your old door and walls a fresh look by repainting them. A new coat of paint can transform your home to look updated. If you are on a limited budget, go for a black or white palette for a classic sophisticated look.
Make Your Small Room Look Bigger With Mirrors Home Remodelling ideas by Leone Plumbing
If you have a small space, you can make your home look bigger with mirrors. Using mirrors is an inexpensive way to achieve that spacious look for your home as they create an illusion of bigger space. Adding beautiful light fixtures can also add to the spacious appeal of a small room.
Maximize Storage Space
You can maximize your storage space by optimizing your furniture design. You don’t have to buy new furniture as it will add to your home renovation cost. For example, you can use the space under the bed and cabinets to add low baseboard drawers for extra storage.

Ask The Home Remodeling Experts

You can collaborate with a professional to help you with your low-cost home renovation project. Our team of professionals is here to help you! Contact us anytime for your home remodeling needs.
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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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