Consolidated Plumbing Blog

Rearranging the layout for a bathroom overhaul isn’t a simple task, and drastic changes to infrastructure can lead to renovation sticker shock.

Contractors might try to point out expensive alterations you’ve added to the plans, but follow these simple tips and you’ll minimize “behind the wall” costs for your bathroom makeover.

Dealing with antiquated or aging pipes

In older homes, ripping out the shower, toilet and sink may necessitate the replacement of corroded or outdated piping – even if you do not plan to rearrange the location of your fixtures.

Always plan for the worst and allocate funds to pay for a full overhaul should it be required.

Pro Tip: Even if your contractor says the old pipes are “OK”, it’s often a smart move to upgrade anyway. Just because your pipes aren’t in dire need of replacement now doesn’t mean they won’t be 5 years down the road.

Installing a complete walk-in shower experience

From dual shower heads to body jets, massagers, misters and more, modern fixture technology can convert your shower into a spa-like experience. However, all this good stuff requires water pressure within the 30-80psi range.

While installing a water pressure tank is a reasonably easy fix for a low flow home, it is an additional expense. The good news is that most municipal water supplies provide around 60psi so this is generally a non-issue.

Along the same lines, if your new setup requires substantially more water you may consider replacing ½ inch pipes with ¾ inch for peak performance.

The big soak

Luxurious stand-alone tubs and whirlpools are an excellent addition to any bathroom but an extra-large tub might also require a larger water heater to meet your needs.

Note that additional usage in the bathroom could lead to availability issues for simultaneous hot water usage in the kitchen or laundry room.

Then again, this could be a great time to upgrade to an energy-saving on-demand system!

Your ace in the hole

An alternative solution to low pressure or hot water shortage is to install efficient WaterSense fixtures and toilets.

Just look for the WaterSense label and you’ll be doing your part for the environment while lowering your water bill and reducing the risk of unforeseen renovation expenses.

A spare bathroom in your basement area provides a boost in property value and an improvement to quality of life, but dealing with plumbing requires a host of special considerations.

When you’re ready to take the remodeling plunge, here are a few guidelines to contemplate.

Check the depth of your sewer lines

If your basement is already plumbed for a washer and utility sink there’s a good chance that your drain lines are deep enough to easily add in an extra sink, toilet and shower.

If not, you may need to install an additional pump to properly dispose of wastewater and create enough “fall.”

Pro Tip: Be sure to double-check local building codes. Bathrooms below ground level must generally abide by a special set of regulations.

Measure pipe size

Particularly in an older home, sewer lines may be too narrow to handle an extra bathroom without augmenting the size of your pipes.

Replace drains with larger pipes if need be.

Plan to work around present infrastructure

Mapping out your new bathroom to align new fixtures with existing supply and drain lines can make a world of difference in labor and material costs when laying out the new pipe. The same goes for electrical wiring.

The better you can fit your scheme in with current infrastructure the sooner your project will be finished.

Consider a powder-room or ½ bath

Renovation costs escalate quickly with the addition of a tub or shower. Evaluate your needs honestly to determine how often the room will be used for bathing.

If the spare bathroom is meant to work in conjunction with a downstairs guest room, then go for it but if all you require is an extra toilet & sink you can save a lot of stress and money.

Don’t skimp on ventilation

The architect who originally designed your home probably didn’t plan for all that extra H2O in the basement. If you don’t extract the moisture properly, you could wind up with mold, mildew and water damage.

A heavy-duty extractor fan is an easy fix but be sure to purchase a large enough model. Ventilation fans are generally rated by how much air they can cycle through in an hour. Measure your room’s dimensions and shop accordingly.

Consider a pressure-assisted toilet

Talk to your plumber about whether a pressure-assisted toilet like the Kohler Highline Classic is needed to increase flush strength.

The added oomph can provide extra protection against clogs for basement toilets installed above shallow sewer lines. Even if your “fall” is sufficient on paper, the extra security will help keep the plunger at bay!

Try to work in natural lighting

Even below-ground basements are rarely 100% beneath grade. Consider installing glass blocks into the foundation wall or a small window to let natural light into the space.

Virtually all new-build homes these days feature the coveted convenience of a Master Bath, but homes built prior to the mid-90’s often lack what’s now seen as a standard feature.

If you’ve been considering making room for an en suite bathroom, this might just be the post to push you over the edge.

Make it yours

Sharing a bathroom with children requires a special set of considerations. You can forget about that ultra-luxurious bath mat and it’s best you put away those expensive lotions and creams lest one of the kids empties the bottles out when they’re short on shampoo.

Having an en suite allows you to decorate as you wish and not stress over leaving things out that you wouldn’t want company to see.

Sometimes the option to leave the bathroom a cluttered mess is quite the luxury, too!

The ultimate privacy

Face it, there are no candle-lit bubble baths in a shared bathroom.

Whether you’re filling the tub for one (or two), why not rest assured knowing there won’t be a knock on the door while you’re trying to unwind after a long day.

No competition

No more standing in line to get ready for work. Homeowners with teenagers know what we’re talking about.

Not only will you appreciate the additional shower – everyone else in your house will, too.

An added bonus of skipping the queue is that you won’t tick anyone off by indulging in an extra-long piping hot shower.

Upgrade to modern technologies

If your home is old enough to not have a Master Bath, there’s a good chance your sink, toilet and showerhead are outmoded and antiquated.

Renovating to include an en suite provides the perfect opportunity to upgrade to a bathroom that truly provides a luxury spa-like experience.

Dual sinks. Walk-in shower with rainwater head and body sprays. Eco-friendly WaterSense toilet. Dedicated free-standing tub. All this and more can be yours.

Late night rendezvous

No more finding your bathroom to stroll down the hallway late at night when nature calls. With your brand new en suite you can roll out of bed and straight to the loo, even if you’re wearing your birthday suit!

Increase resale value

Selling a home without a Master Bath in today’s market can be an uphill battle. Adding a Master Bath to the listing makes it more attractive to buyers and increases your overall property value.

Even if you’re not in the market for listing your property today, you’ll be glad you added those extra selling features when you had the chance if you do!

Choosing the ideal kitchen faucet is a big deal, with thousands of style/finish/functionality combinations on the market.

Picking one is a long term investment that can be stressful if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Here’s a guide to help you through the process, with suggestions based on your personality.

Easy-going & low-maintenance

You’re the type to leave pots in the sink until you get around to them and you give the kids free rein in the kitchen. You want a nice space but know it won’t be immaculate 24/7 – and it better be easy to keep clean.

Stick with a streamlined faucet. Less ornate means fewer nooks and crannies to clean with a toothpick.

Stay away from vintage styles or any finish that requires special care.

Solid contenders are the Trinsic Collection from Delta, Brizo’s Solna line or Sensate Touchless by Kohler.

Meticulous & fastidious

You’re not ashamed to say you’re picky. In fact, you take pride in it.

Everything in its place – a kitchen ought to be organized.

When everything else in the space is “just perfect” you’ll want to go all-out on pure luxury when it comes to a faucet.

Splash out on a Parq 2-hole deck mounted bridge-style faucet for a true centerpiece to the room or work a sleek contemporary vibe with Evoke.

Artistic & introspective

You’re the square peg who has long since stopped trying to fit into a round hole. You’ve got your own style, and if nobody else gets it you couldn’t care less.

Go funky with virtually any of Kohler’s Artifacts Collection but in particular their wall-mounted pot filler.

It may not always be the most practical, but every visitor to your home will spot this unique beauty.

Another option is sticking with a more traditional faucet but playing around with alternative finishes such as matte black and Venetian bronze. Delta’s Fuse comes in stainless steel and chili pepper!

Old fashioned & mild-tempered

Painted “Home Sweet Home” sign on the door to the pantry? Yeah, that’s you.

There’s something soothing and comforting about the classic farmhouse kitchen. Apron-front sink, open-display spice rack, knitted pot holders and Great Grandma’s china in the cupboards.

Kohler’s Fairfax line of simple and elegant faucets combines timeless antique flair with a touch of modernity to pull yesteryear into tomorrow.

Sometimes the kitchen you’ve got just isn’t the kitchen you need. Here’s a handy questionnaire to help you determine whether it’s time for an overhaul or just a few tweaks.

There are no right or wrong answers here. This is simply a guide to focus your discussion and determine whether or not your current kitchen matches your lifestyle.

Does cleaning feel like an insurmountable task?

From countertops and cupboards to sinks, faucets and flooring, diverse materials require different types of care.

If keeping up with cleanliness and upkeep is a never-ending chore, you might be happier with a more simplistic setup featuring low-maintenance materials.

Does the space inspire your inner chef?

When you walk into the kitchen, do you feel like whipping up dinner or ordering pizza? The kitchen of your dreams is fun to cook in, not laborious.

Do you feel like you’ve got room to move?

Modern kitchen design involves plenty of open space and room to breathe. Often times the kitchen in an older home can feel cramped, even when you’re the only cook in the room. If you love to bake but need to borrow the dining room table to roll out dough, it’s time to consider an expansion.

Are guests allowed to see the kitchen?

When visitors come to your home, are they given free rein to explore the kitchen area—or is this part of the house off-limits?

If you answer the latter, it’s unlikely that your kitchen style jives with your personality.

How’s the lighting?

Does your kitchen feel sunny and warm or dark and dreary?

Opening up the space, brightening the color palette and maybe even cutting in a skylight can work wonders to improve the mood of the space.

Does the space feel cluttered?

Is there sufficient storage to house all the gadgets required that piece together your day? If your countertops are so full that it looks like you’re having a garage sale, you might be in the market for a remodel…or at the very least…a garage sale!

How often do you cook?

Are you preparing three meals per day or three meals per week?

How greatly a renovation will improve your quality of life is directly proportionate to the frequency in which you use the space.

Is your kitchen an entertainment zone?

Are more meals eaten at the island than at the dinner table? Does the oven literally represent the center of your home around which everything else revolves?

Some homeowners prefer a secret kitchen hideaway—a quiet place to prepare food away from visitors. Others favor an open-plan room where the island acts as a bridge between chef and party.

The end all be all

Determining whether or not your current kitchen fits your needs is all about figuring out how you use the space and how it makes you feel.

When you’re ready to take the plunge and dig in to design the kitchen of your dreams, stop by the Consolidated Plumbing showroom to browse an endless array of possibilities.

Three out of every four Americans get their tap water from a community water system. So when it comes to protecting our clean water supply, we’re all in this together.

Part of preventing water contamination is reducing the level of pollution flowing out of your home back into the environment. With an estimated five trillion liters of industrial & household sewage dumped annually in the United States, every little bit helps. Here are nine simple tips to help you make a difference.

1. Start a fat jar

Following fat, grease and cooking oil down the drain with hot water isn’t good enough. Instead of pouring these pipe-killing substances down the drain and back into our lakes and rivers, empty grease from pans into a fat jar to be tossed in the trash once the fat solidifies.

2. Don’t flush trash

The damage caused by flushing items that don’t belong in the toilet reaches far beyond blockages in your sewage system.

When trash reaches treatment plants it impedes the process of breaking down sewage and eventually makes it way to local beaches and river banks.

3. Follow instructions on detergent, bleach and soap bottles

Excessive use of cleaning agents when doing laundry or washing dishes is a waste of money and bad for the environment. If you like to double down on soap usage, consider purchasing eco-friendly brands.

4. Install a low-flush toilet and Watersense faucets & showerheads

The Watersense qualified toilets listed on Kolher’s Flush & Done website reduce your water usage by at least 20% with every flush!

Double down on water conservation by replacing outmoded fixtures with new energy efficient models. Most major manufacturers, such as Delta Faucet, list a number of products meeting or beating the EPA standards for inclusion in the program.

5. Leave hazardous materials to the pros

Dispose of harsh chemicals, paint and solvents directly through the sanitation department.

Many communities offer bi-annual removal programs where you can drop off these dangerous substances for free. Contact your City Hall or public works department for more information.

6. Practice responsible auto maintenance

Motor oil, antifreeze and other car related liquids can wreak havoc on local fish runs when washed down storm drains and into creeks and streams.

Fix leaky gaskets or other worn vehicle parts the moment you see splotches appear in your parking space.

7. Go au naturale in the garden

Minimize the application of herbicides and pesticides when maintaining your lawn and garden. Practice organic gardening techniques to the best of your ability and incorporate plants native to your area to allow for lush gardens without chemical fertilizers.

Constructing a small compost box for yard waste and kitchen scraps will reduce household waste while building a renewable supply of nutrient-rich soil for your plants.

8. Keep dog waste out of storm drains

Clean up after your dog and dilute feces with a garden hose to wash waste down into the roots of your lawn before heavy rains can carry this toxic material into nearby storm drains.

9. Replace corroded piping

Your household plumbing system won’t necessarily last the life of your home. When pipes rust they release contamination into the environment and are more likely to leak over time.

Replacing corroded pipes sooner rather than later is both environmentally responsible and smart preventative maintenance to prevent unwanted flooding from burst pipes.

Plumbing repairs are expensive. You can save a lot of money just by taking good care of your pipes. Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make that lead to major problems.

Forgetting to turn off the water before digging in

If you’re going to attempt to fix small problems yourself, you need to do it right. Failure to close the shutoff valve can lead to a big mess and potential water damage. If you’re only working on a sink or toilet you can simply close the local valve. For work on supply lines you’ll need to shut down the main outside your house.

Using the wrong tools

If a job calls for a tool that you don’t own, head to the hardware store and pick one up. Attempting a repair with the wrong tool can lead to broken fixtures, damaged fittings and personal injury, not to mention a lot of frustration.

Mixing and matching pipes

Joining copper tubing with galvanized pipes is a job to be left for a professional plumber. It’s not always a good idea to mix & match materials, so leave the decision to someone with more experience.

Refusing to throw in the towel

The most expensive damage you’ll ever do is generally 1 or 2 hours after you should have given up and called in for backup.

It’s OK to admit when you’ve tackled a DIY project above your skill level. Don’t wait until it’s too later to elicit the help of a certified tradesman.

Ignoring the risk of frozen pipes

Most of your plumbing is protected by your home’s heating system in the winter, but exposed pipes under the house need to be insulated. Investing in high-grade pipe insulators is the best way to avoid costly burst pipes.

Do you wish you could infuse some Parisian style into your home? With stunning fixtures from Kohler and our design tips, you can make every trip to la salle de bains feel like a luxurious weekend getaway to the City of Lights.

Romancing the tub

Look to the Paris of Hemingway with a striking freestanding bathtub for supreme relaxation. Go full vintage with an Iron Works claw-toothed or mix classic with chic with the Abrazo line.

Complete the look (and opulence) with a sleek floor-mounted Loure bath filler & handshower. It’s everything you need for a nice hot soak and to dream of cobblestone streets and hidden alleyways. Magnifique!

Some things ARE black and white

Black and white checkered floor tiles with a distinctive black Kathryn toilet create a timeless European feel that easily blends in with the contemporary American home.

Add classy art-deco inspired floor and ceiling trim and paint with a solid neutral tone such as beige, cream, taupe or ecru. Choose matte or semi-matte to minimize gloss.

Less is more

Many Parisian bathrooms opt to forego the massive vanity and cabinetry for a simple pedestal sink and baroque wrought-iron mirror.

For those who simply can’t go without the storage, the Leaf Vessel Sink perched atop a gorgeous slab of marble is an ideal replacement. Consider complementing this unique vessel basin with a wall-mounted tap such at the Antique Cross.

A million sparkling jewels

Augment focal lighting with a lavish crystal chandelier, ideally hung just slightly outside the foot end of the tub. Choose a model that is sufficiently ornate but reasonably easy to clean and maintain. Accompany this idyllic centerpiece with a crystal soap dispenser and crystal accessories. Voila!

Creative accessories

From framed black and white prints to frosted decorative mirrors, Monet-inspired oil paintings and more, let your inner artiste run wild with imaginative ways to fill your space with art and visual treasures.

Maintain an air of simplicity and minimalism by selecting a few powerful pieces and avoiding clutter. A refurbished antique chair in the corner can provide ambience, seating and a makeshift rack for your bathrobe.

The icing on the cake

Bath salts, potpourri, essential oils and other fragrances complete the “ooh la la” experience. Parfum has played an important role in French culture for centuries and adding aroma to your bath time is essential.

Flickering candles. A bottle of your favorite vin. Soothing French music.

Lay back. Relax. Enjoy La Vie en Rose in your new Parisian inspired bathroom. Don’t forget to lock the door and shut the world away.

Few things in life are more frustrating than hopping under a dribbling shower or sink. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix.

Here’s how to diagnose the cause of your water pressure woes and how to implement a solution. And when the problem’s solved, celebrate with a hot new shower fixture from Delta, Kohler or Riobel.

The problem

The first step in assessing the state of your water pressure is to measure flow with a simple hose pressure gauge (available at your local hardware store). Standard household pressure should sit somewhere between 30 and 80 psi.

If the gauge reads within this range but your shower still gives out nothing but drips, you may need to remove mineral deposits from your shower head or replace it entirely. In an older home it’s also possible that buildup in your pipes is blocking the flow, in which case affected pipes will need to be replaced.

If readings are below 30 psi, your pressure will need to be amplified.

The solution

The severity of your problem will determine whether your home needs a pressure tank or a tank-pump combo.

Water pressure tanks are generally installed in homes with well water, but there’s no reason you can’t implement the same technology to increase psi from the municipal supply. It sits between the main shutoff valve and your home, and in most cases installing it is not a DIY job. You’ll need to bring in a plumbing professional.

If the increase in pressure is still insufficient, install a one-way pump with variable psi between the shutoff valve and the tank. Adjust psi accordingly, taking care to not exceed 80 psi. Pressure above this threshold can damage pipes, fittings and fixtures.

Three winning fixtures

A new showerhead is the perfect way to celebrate the end of your pressure problem and get the most out of your new system.

The 6-setting Delta Temp20 is a great choice for those who love a powerful massaging spray. Homeowners with longer hair will love the shampoo rinsing setting, particularly after years of struggling with low flow.

Like to sing in the shower? Rock and roll with the Moxie by Kohler. One of the manufacturer’s most popular new product lines, the Moxie features a Bluetooth enabled wireless speaker that can connect to your phone or another device.

If your pressure tank installation is part of a renovation, consider an upgrade to a fully integrated shower system by Riobel.

An all-out kitchen makeover is a major investment. Keep your new digs looking new for years to come with these easy-to-follow tips!

Keep the clutter under control

Your new kitchen never looks more beautiful than the day your contractor packs up and leaves. Why? Because all your kitchen gadgets, knickknacks and doodads are packed up in boxes in the garage.

While some personalization and function-specific machines are nice, be honest about what you do and don’t need when unpacking those boxes. A minimalist kitchen looks clean and stays clean.

Don’t skimp on storage

Along the same lines, the best way to control clutter down the road is to insert ample storage during the design phase.

Compare maintenance needs of different materials

Granite countertops, a copper sink or wood floors are great for your new kitchen’s aesthetics, but it’s important to consider the long-term maintenance needs of some upper-end materials.

If you’re sure you’ll be diligent about maintenance, then go for it. Otherwise consider laminates and other materials that aren’t as labor intensive.

Choose smudge-resistant paint colors

Some color schemes age better than others. Consider how much mess your kitchen is likely to see in any given week and plan accordingly when picking out paint samples.

Similarly, wall coverings are difficult to touch up should they get stained or water damaged. Painted walls are easier to clean, and the worst case scenario is a fresh coat every 4–5 years to bring back that brand new feel.

Keep up on sealants

If your countertops or floors require chemical sealants in order to remain stain and water resistant, be sure to reseal before the base materials are exposed to potential blemishes.

Do your research

Bleach is a great cleaning product for 100% total sanitation, but some building materials react poorly to the chlorine.

Be sure that all surfaces are bleach compatible to avoid fading or other changes in appearance. Baking soda and vinegar are both excellent all-natural alternatives to bleach.

Clean grout

A tile backsplash is a gorgeous addition to any kitchen design but grout stains are an inevitable side effect. Clean grout regularly to avoid permanent discoloration.

Work hard to avoid scratches

Use cutting boards and potholders and do your best to avoid scratches and dings on sinks and countertops. Over time wear and tear is just a fact of life, but care and foresight can minimize the damage.

Don’t neglect cabinetry

Many homeowners misjudge the longevity of wood cabinets. With proper care your cupboards can last for decades, but too much moisture or harsh chemical cleaners will slowly eat away at the wood and can cause it to rot.

It’s not just cleaners, either. No amount of varnish can protect against an excess of water. Never hang wet cloths from door or drawer handles.