Whirlpool bathtubs have been around since the 1960s and until recently have remained unchanged. Although the basic concept of the whirlpool bathtub has remained the same, today’s jetted bathtubs are filled with innovative features and designed to be as aesthetically pleasing as they are comfortable and relaxing.
The basic jetted tub comes in two different forms: the drop in bathtub which has been around since the 1960’s and the free standing jetted bathtub a new innovation that came along in the late 90’s. The free standing bathtub has revolutionized the way people install Jacuzzi style bathtubs. Free standing bathtubs are not technically considered a fixture; the free standing bathtub installation has more in common with a washing machine then a recessed bathtub. They are built atop a stainless steel tubular frame which gives the unit added stability and elevates the unit so it can utilize any existing drain the sits beneath the base. Just based on ease of installation, free standing whirlpool bathtubs have become more popular than their old fashion drop in cousins. Your Oklahoma City plumber can install your free standing whirlpool bathtub easily and efficiently and have you up and running in no time.
Since free standing jetted bathtubs are supported by a tubular frame there is also additional room for features that until recently couldn’t be found in any bathtub. Chromo therapy lighting, FM radio, speakers and waterproof televisions are just a few extras that can be found in today’s free standing jetted bathtubs. Although they may not appeal to everyone, these new futuristic bathtubs have made quite a splash with the tech and gadget crowd.
Technically savvy bathers are not the only ones who gravitate towards the new self-supporting tubs. Oklahoma City interior designers and builders alike favor them for their ease of installation, low cost and wide variety of designs and styles. Unlike drop in Jacuzzi bathtubs, free standing units don’t just come in a few standard sizes; there are literally thousands of styles ranging from claw foot antique style jetted bathtubs to units inspired by our favorite aquatic life.
Compared to a standard whirlpool bath installation, a free standing jetted bathtub only takes a small fraction of the time, and they are designed for quick and easy remodels. The tubular frame has adjustable feet so the tubs can always be leveled even if your floor is not. The drain stub is also elevated and if there is an existing drain sitting underneath the base of the tub it can be attached easily with a Fernco connection. The water lines are connected via metal braided hoses ( ½” hot and cold). The electrical on free standing bathtubs ranges from unit to unit but many of them can simply be plugged into a standard outlet. The standard installation time for a prepped free standing whirlpool bath is around 15 minutes to an hour.
Overall if you are in the market for a whirlpool jetted bathtub for your Oklahoma City home, you might want to consider a free standing model. You will save money along virtually every part of the process as well as time and frustration. You will also find the selection of models, styles and colors to be superior to the traditional style bathtub.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_D_Jones
Designing your Oklahoma City bathroom can be a fun enterprise. People have so much fun putting the major pieces together that they often forget about the little things. These can fall by the wayside and make a bathroom really difficult to enjoy once it’s done. Whatever you do, you need to make sure that you never make these mistakes in your own bathroom remodel.
When you build your shower stall, you need to make sure that your Oklahoma City plumber builds the floor in such a way that it slopes towards the drain, wherever that might be. As difficult as it is to believe, the person who plans for where the drain should be isn’t the same person who plans the floor. When these two don’t talk to each other, the floor in the shower stall can end up sloping away from the drain, and you can end up standing in your own dirty water when you take a shower. You need to make sure that everyone talks to one other so that this doesn’t happen.
It’s easy to plan for where the sink should go, where the toilet should go and where the shower stall should go. Who is it again that’s responsible for where the power outlets go? You’ll need to think carefully about where everyone will want to use appliances in the bathroom - shavers, hair dryers, even bathroom entertainment units and “massage devices” need to be plugged in somewhere. Even if you don’t plan on all of this going on in your bathroom, someone who wants to buy your Oklahoma City home one day may. It can be a very unpleasant inconvenience to put up all the tiles and the stone on the wall and then to realize that there isn’t a power outlet where you need one. Make sure that no one ever comes to curse your Oklahoma City bathroom remodel designers for not thinking ahead.
Bathrooms are places with complicated plumbing. One time or another, something or the other is bound to go wrong. When that happens, nothing will seem as important as an easy way to access the plumbing, on demand. Every bathroom remodel should have plumbing access panels to all working parts of the shower, the hot tub or anything else. Anything that needs to be maintained with periodic cleaning or possible plumbing repairs needs to have its access panel within easy reach.
In the end, make sure that your Oklahoma City bathroom has enough lighting, everywhere that people will stand or sit. Having a single light at one point spreading its light all over the place just won’t do. Not in a bathroom for today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Olga_Fogleman
A few decades ago, it you wanted to soak in a hot tub, take a dip in the pool, or sweat it out in a sauna, you had to either join a gym or stay at a luxury hotel. But with new technological advances and more affordable prices, a lot of this equipment can now be installed in your Oklahoma City home. However, what if you want to have a combination of all these fixtures? What if you want to have a soak, a sweat, and a bath all at once? Then you may want to look into steam showers when planning your bathroom remodel. A steam shower will provide all three capabilities and more.
Controlled Condensation
Steam showers are a traditional stall with regular heads and fixtures. And though you can take a regular bath within the enclosure, you also have the ability to turn this space into a steamy sauna. A generator heats the water to a boil and then this hot water vapor is pushed out through jets that line the walls and ceiling. The surfaces are constructed of specialized material made to withstand the extreme heat without damage (the surrounding temperature can range anywhere from 90-115 degrees). Plus, the unit is thoroughly sealed so moisture cannot enter your Oklahoma City bathroom to ruin wallpaper, paint, or drywall.
Curative Powers
You may be wondering: Besides the obvious extravagance, why would you want to invest in these contraptions? First off, they’re very relaxing, which is great after a long day of work. But relaxation also has many health benefits as well.
Increased Circulation: Hot air helps thin the blood and enhance the body’s circulation, which alleviates arthritis, fatigue, and soreness.
Humidity Therapy: Moist air raises the metabolism and improves the respiratory system. Plus, it works up a sweat which helps to remove toxins from the body.
Hydro-Acupuncture: The jets can work together to provide a body massage in order to relax, rejuvenate, and relieve muscle aches. You can even get a foot massager installed to help rub down those doggies after a long day.
Aromatherapy: You can also add essential oils and scents to the water vapor to create a relaxing atmosphere. It helps to reduce stress, calm the body, and lift your mood.
Luxury Accessories
Steam showers aren’t just functional; they’re also luxurious, decadent, and completely comfortable. It’s supposed to create the feel of a spa, retreat, or resort. Therefore they come with all kinds of fun features to make the experience more enjoyable and tranquil. The options range from simple to splendid depending on your budget and personality. You could simply install a timer to control the length of a soak. Or put in a bench seat: this straight-forward installation goes a long way in terms of relaxation. But there are also high-end innovations, such as television, telephone, and audio/video jacks (you can even have inputs for your iPod). Something you may want to consider is an emergency button: it’s not a luxury as much as a necessity. These call for help in case of a fall, or they notify customer service if you need help with something. You can discuss any and all of these features with your Oklahoma City plumbing contractor prior to making a decision about the steam shower perfect for your household.
Read more: http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Steam-Showers-Can-Massage-Away-Your-Worry.14493.html#ixzz1tdD5gdr1
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City bathroom remodeling contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
What is an Upflush Toilet?
The upflush toilet is a great addition to any Oklahoma City home. It is also more cost effective compared to a standard toilet in terms of the amount of flushing water it uses. When the upflush toilet is flushed, the water level will be pressured so that it rises into the treatment tank. In the treatment tank, the grinder motor cuts the feces automatically so that it becomes macerated. The rotating blades will grind the contents in 3 - 4 seconds. The finely ground feces is pumped into a standard pipe which measures 0.75 to 1 inch in diameter. After that, the tank becomes empty so that the system can be reused.
The upflush toilet is designed to solve the problem of a standard toilet. The important feature in an upflush toilet is the macerator pump and small diameter pipe. The powerful macerator contains a sharp blade which can effectively shred the feces and toilet paper so that they become liquefied in the water. Once it is mixed with water, it can easily be flushed into the upward pipe.
The quiet electric pump generates the pressure for moving the slurry upward in the pipe. The narrow pipe which measure ¾ inch in diameter solves the structural problems in most homes. The finely grinded slurry will be flushed upward through the pipe into the septic tank.
Advantages of the Upflush Toilet
Upflush toilets offer many benefits. With an upflush toilet, the location is not limited to the drainage system. For example, if you have a child with special needs, you can install the toilet beside the bed.
The macerating pump can be installed in areas such as your Oklahoma City attic or basement. Furthermore, the unit is portable and can be moved to a different location. When you want to move the unit, you simply remove the four screws and move it to the desired location.
With Oklahoma City home remodels, there is the problem of the lack of drain line in the location where you want to install the toilet. The upflush toilet solves this problem by simplifying the toilet installation. The installation for the upflush toilet is less time consuming because it does not require you to remove the tiles on the floor of the bathroom. Due to its versatility, upflush toilet is suitable for making temporary toilets, especially for elderly or disabled people.
Conclusion
Upflush toilets cost more than the standard toilet. However, the upflush toilet can be installed anywhere in your Oklahoma City home for less. Compare with the standard toilet which will cost up to a few thousand dollars. If you have already installed the plumb lines, you will not want an upflush toilet. However, if the toilet is unplanned, the up flush design is the most economical option.
The power flush system has a higher cost than the standard system. Although power flush uses dual flush toilets to help the toilet to flush efficiently, the extra pressure is unnecessary. In addition, power flush systems cannot flush everything that the upflush system can handle.
When buying upflushing toilets, you can purchase unit that is specifically designed for your Oklahoma City bathroom. This allows all the waters in the unit in the bathroom to be plumbed through a single pipe. If you want to add a sink or shower in the room, this unit is the best option.
Consult with your Oklahoma City plumber if you are considering an upflush toilet for your home.
Article Source: http://www.squidoo.com/Upflush-Toilet
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City bathroom remodeling contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Even though you can’t buy the Hang Fung gold toilet for your master bath, there are plenty of other fancy fixtures available to accent your Oklahoma City bathroom. But you’re going to have to shell out big bucks for them.
The Neorest 600 certainly falls into this category. The Neorest takes the cake as the most expensive commode available for purchase in the home. Produced by bathroom fixture manufacturer Toto, the Neorest 600 is a tankless, one-piece toilet. It may not be gold, but you could call it green: It’s a low-flow toilet, conserving water by sending only 1.6 gallons down the drain per flush. But you’ll be too busy sitting in awe of the Neorest to yearn for the water-frivolous days of the full-flow toilet. It’s also a bathroom dynamo, doing all of the work your old toilet used to make you do.
When the Neorest senses your approach, the toilet lifts its lid, inviting you to have a seat. Once you do your thing, a gentle blast of warm water cleans your bottom. This is followed by the toilet’s air-dry function. And after you get up, the toilet flushes the ionized, self-cleaning bowl and deodorizes the air [source: Toto]. With all of these features, maybe the $5,800 retail price for the Neorest 600 isn’t so much, relatively speaking [source: Forbes]. Plus, you can find them for sale as low as $3,159 [source: Buy Plumbing]. Of course, you can get a regular residential toilet in the U.S. and Canada for around $150, but these certainly don’t come with the bells and whistles the Neorest offers.
If you’re going to remodel your Oklahoma City bathroom, why not go all the way? How about some gold leaf inlay in the counter’s backsplash? And what about Italian marble tile for the bathroom’s floor?
Be sure to install the big fixtures first. There’s the Idrolux “L” shower, which retails for around $24,000. This freestanding shower includes UV panels, designed to give you a healthy, tanned glow while you bathe [source: Idrolux]. If you don’t like standing when you scrub down, you can opt to rest easy in 21 inches of warm water in Kohler’s Kallista Archeo bathtub. Before you sink into the tub, check the price tag: This freestanding copper bathtub goes for more than $66,000 [source: Forbes].
How about a nice sink, too? The Italbrass Mezz’aria dual basin sink might look nice reflecting the blue UV glow of your tanning shower — the wall-mounted floating sink is stainless steel. The nearly $7,500 price tag doesn’t include the complementary mirror to go above it, but you’ll want a mirror from another company anyway [source: Quality Bath]. Seura offers wall-mounted, over-the-sink mirrors as large as 45 inches wide that feature an LCD television embedded inside. You can get ready and watch the news at the same time. When turned off, the TV disappears, and the fixture looks like a normal mirror [source: Seura]. The mirrors and their frames can be customized per order, and they fetch around $5,000 for the 45-inch model [source: Home Annex].
Still, starting your day off in your Oklahoma City bathroom with all of these luxury features would probably put a pretty good spin on things. And who can put a price on that feeling?
If you do purchase a Toto, your Oklahoma City plumber will happily handle the toilet installation for you. Meanwhile, be sure to contact your plumber for any other plumbing repairs you may need help with. You may just find yourself in need of toilet repair services for your regular old Oklahoma City bathroom fixture.
Article Source: http://home.howstuffworks.com/most-expensive-toilet-in-world1.htm
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City bathroom remodeling contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Tile ready shower pans are a modern alternative to traditionally built shower pan liners for ceramic tile showers. Traditional pans require masonry skills and some art for several of the construction steps. Tile ready pans require skill too, but not as much skill. Also the newer designs go in faster since there is no cure time for masonry liners. Your Oklahoma City plumber is capable of installing either and will gladly advise on which is better suited to your needs.
The new design shower pans are ready for ceramic tile setting as soon as they are installed. The drain is built in to the base pan and the slope is built into the pan. Check Oklahoma City building codes for approval of whatever system you choose.
The traditional shower methods work great if done properly and are especially suited for custom sizes. But the newer systems are perfect for custom sizes too and are especially good for multi-unit installations like apartments or hospitals. The disadvantage of tile ready showers is cost. Installation is faster but cost is consistently higher. In most cases you can get a traditional shower pan built for just the cost of the ready-made shower pan material. So look carefully at cost.
Consider these three systems.
The Tile Redi system includes a polyurethane pan with a built-in drain. Standard pan sizes come with built in curbs and side shields. The pan sets in a mortar base supplied by the builder. Level the unit and attach all the pieces and it’s ready for tile installation. Check the prices!
The Schluter system has a pan with material for foam curbs and sealing material for the shower wall plus matching adhesives. The Schluter also includes a matching drain. This system is better suited for odd size locations and has the large advantage of sealing the entire wall. The pan sets in a mortar base and after installation is ready for tile.
Lastly, the Wedi system from Germany uses foam panels with adhesive to build any size shower. Foam boards make up the walls for a completely waterproof shower. The pan is set in a mortar base and is ready for tiling the morning after installation in your Oklahoma City bathroom.
Conventional masonry construction of shower pans builds ceramic tile showers that will last for decades at a reasonable cost. Tile ready shower pans do have advantages in some situations.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Bullington
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City bathroom remodeling contractor, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Yellow page advertisements shout that Oklahoma City plumbers can do almost anything in the way of repair and replacements. Their range of services is always extremely impressive, but we usually only think to call in a crisis. It should be noted that the fellows who work diligently under our sinks and in and around the crawl spaces beneath the house, are really skilled, highly trained, and technologically savvy experts in their field. We are all familiar with the traditional plumbing services they provide, like bathroom plumbing, toilet repair and replacement, faucets, sinks, garbage disposals, drains, gas connections, waterlines, stoves, dryers, and gas and electric hot water heaters.
More than Pipes and Fixtures
In addition to all the things we expect, there are plumbing contractors who are adding new technologies and methodologies that allow them to extend their services to offer greater value to their customers. Due to technological innovation and this new diversity, it will pay the savvy homeowner or business owner to research a plumbing company’s areas of expertise and additional service capabilities.
It should also be remembered that it literally takes years for a plumbing contractor to become expert in installing and maintaining fixtures for residential, commercial and industrial clients. Water is always the key word and that element is studied with intensity. Knowing how to fix drainage problems is a vital skill, and of course, their studies do not end there. Many concentrate on the interactive ties between plumbing and hygiene and become highly qualified in the ins and outs (pun intended) of waste removal systems.
Oklahoma City Water Treatment Services
Does your tap water smell or taste bad? Is it cloudy or leaving oddly colored stains? Do you suspect impurities? You can now call upon certified water-rights specialists for answers to questions like this. And you guessed it- the specialists are now innovative plumbers who will analyze and optimize the water treatment in your home. In fact, some plumbers actually feature water treatment as a specialty and promote the fact that their unique water treatment systems provide quality solutions to the most challenging water problems.
What’s New in Water Heaters?
If you haven’t heard yet, the standard storage tank water heater is often considered out-dated technology. Plumbers have now been introduced to tankless water heaters, also known as Flash water heaters, many of which qualify for tax credits (since they offer more hot water with less carbon emissions). They are considered instantaneous or on-demand water heaters that only heat when you need it at 89% efficiency with no pilot light.
With such technological advances happening almost faster than we can imagine, there are more alternatives such as high efficiency units that take the flue from the burner and instead of venting it through the top of the heater, return it to the inside of the tank so that heat can be absorbed by the water.
Clogged Drain?
Did you know that your plumber technician can inspect your sewer line with remote video cameras to determine, with confidence, whether a clog is your responsibility or the city’s? He or she can then help you work with your city to get your drain pipe running freely - obviously a utilization of technology that can work to your advantage.
Can Your Oklahoma City Plumber Do This?
The above examples are just a few of the technological advances happening in the plumbing industry. Consider water recycling with new gray water (sink water) technology, rain water harvesting, biofuel and solar technologies and green plumbing innovations.
As you search for quality work at reasonable costs, also remember to look for a plumbing firm with imaginative thinkers who go beyond conventional materials, equipment, and training. These are the individuals who can offer highly effective, innovative solutions to a myriad of problems.
It will pay to do some advance research to determine specific areas of expertise as well as overall capabilities in addressing traditional plumbing issues. And if you have what you think is a unique problem, the question you should ask is, “Can my plumber do this?” The answer may be surprising.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5469735
If you are looking for a professional Oklahoma City plumber, then please call us today at 405-802-7769 or complete our online request form.
Some of the great designs named in Oklahoma City bathroom remodeling that will give you an improved and better space are: the tub is the star, the cantilevered double sink, the bathroom wardrobe, and antique and traditional looks.
Remodeling your Oklahoma City bathroom brings out the best of your bathroom space. This will benefit not just the resale value of your home but also the experience of the people using the space daily. Remodeling according to how you want your bathroom to look, will give you extra credit. Make use of the following bathroom designs to help keep your bathroom remodeling project moving:
The tub is the star
The “tub is the star” design focuses more on the surroundings of the bathroom space. The bathroom is used as a utensil for sight seeing. This type of design makes use of the double-ended tub. It is a type of bath tub that enables you to lie on both sides. You can have a warm bath laying against or facing the window. It is mostly used in houses with a contemporary architectural design.
The cantilevered double sink
A “cantilevered double sink” design provides you the advantage of bigger bathroom space. It makes use of a deep-basin shaped sink. The double sink is placed on a cantilevered bathroom counter. Having two sinks in the bathroom will provide you and your partner the time to brush your teeth or wash your face together. This will also save you time. A cantilevered double sink is generally used in a modern home.
A bathroom wardrobe
The position of the tub in this design is placed in the center of the room with one end of it positioned on the wall. The bath tub will cover the pipe on the wall. However, the person will be facing the wall when he or she uses the bath tub. Place a mirror on the wall adjacent to the bath tub to fix this problem. Wardrobe storage is one of the main components in a bathroom wardrobe as well. This will save space in the other part of the house. It will also allow you to directly change or store clothes after taking a bath.
Antique and traditional look
Antique and traditional looks use a claw-foot tub that is placed diagonally in the bathroom for a more relaxing feeling and position. Use a wainscot wall treatment made of solid wood to help keep the wall dry and protected from moisture. An antique and traditional design is a common and practical bathroom design that is generally used in most homes today.
Properly choose a fitting wall color that will give your Oklahoma City bathroom a refreshing look. Make sure that you arrange the fixtures and furniture in a clear and organized way. This will allow you to enjoy every bath and will make you want to stay in the bath tub longer.
