Universal Design in the Bathroom: Helping the Elderly

Q. What type of sump pump should I choose?A. There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal (column) pumps. Both are good options. Pedestal pumps tend to be more economical to run because they have less amp draw. The area in which your sump pump will be installed may impact your options. Submersible pumps are cooled by sitting in ground water, while pedestal pumps are cooled by the air that flows around them. In a very small...

If you have a basement, you should have a sump pump. A sump pump keeps water from backing up into your basement and helps to prevent flooding. It keeps your basement clean and dry. Usually, a sump pump runs smoothly for many years. However, like any other appliance in your home, occasionally something goes wrong. If your sump pump doesn’t seem to be working quite right anymore, use this guide to help you troubleshoot your sump pump problems. Installing or...

At some point in time, a drain will clog. When that happens, homeowners can become quite frustrated. The drain could be in the tub, the kitchen and bathroom sink, or even in the dishwasher. Things get stuck in the drain, the drain slows, and then it clogs and overflows. Unfortunately for the worst clogs, plungers will not work. When a clog just will not come out, there are a handful of tools that plumbers can use to get the job...

When you own a home, you are faced with the responsibility of caring for a plumbing system. The odds are good that, at some point, you will have to deal with a clogged pipe. Most clogged pipes are minor. You can plunge a clogged toilet, and things will be back to normal in no time. If your kitchen sink gets clogged, you can flush it out with some baking soda and vinegar, and soon it will draining properly once again....

All homeowners encounter slow or clogged sewers and drains at some point. Materials often get stuck in drains and toilets, while grease, minerals and other debris can build up in your pipes over time. When it comes to slow or clogged lines, there are a number of methods that can be used to fix the problem, but nothing compares to hydro jetting. Hydro jetting involves the use of a high-pressure hose with a special nozzle to blast water through the...