Plumbing
Bathtub Styles
By: Danielle McVicar
A bathtub is one of the key components of any bathroom, and choosing one deserves a great deal of consideration and thought. There are many different styles of bathtubs available, each offering different benefits. Determine your budget, size requirements and how you want to use your tub before examining the following styles further.
Alcove- This style of bathtub is only exposed in the front, being surrounded by walls on its three other sides. This is by far the most popular kind of tub. They tend to include a shower and are relatively shallow.
Tub and shower- This type of bathtub combines both a tub and shower to conserve space. Although any kind of tub can have a shower added, this style almost always refers to an alcove bath. The walls of the shower are usually lined with tile or other water resistant material. This kind of bathtub is perfect for small bathrooms where space is limited.
Whirlpool- This kind of bathtub incorporates electric pumps and jets to circulate water and provide the user with a relaxing massage. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors and tend to be on the pricier side. This type of tub will add a touch of luxury and a spa-like feel to your bathroom.
Soaking- This style includes Roman, Garden and Japanese bathtubs. Soaking tubs are categorized by their depth and size. You are able to completely immerse yourself in this style of tub and soak, hence the name.
Corner- This style of tub is designed to fit into the corner of a room. A corner tub creates an attractive focal point for a bathroom and adds a contemporary, modern touch. This type of bathtub can come with or without a shower, depending on your personal preference.
Freestanding- This is perhaps the oldest style of bathtub, reminiscent of the old clawfoot tubs of the past. Freestanding tubs come in a variety of colors and sizes. A freestanding bathtub can add both character and elegance to your bathroom. However, keep in mind that this type of tub will require pipes to be in sight; make sure that your décor will allow it.
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DIY Plumbing: Unclogging Drains
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
You may have learned some natural cleaning methods from your parents, but when it comes to bathroom plumbing most people don’t know that there are some effective techniques that you can use. The clogged drain is a problem which persists in any household, especially in those with long-haired occupants. To clear an obstructed pipe you don’t need to purchase toxic gels, instead you can use household products for an eco-friendly approach.
If you ever went to an elementary or middle school science fair you saw at least one exploding volcano project at the science fair. Typically those are constructed using a simple combination of baking soda and vinegar. These two ingredients make a great explosive volcanic eruption, but they also work equally as well for drain cleaning. Don’t worry, your pipes won’t explode with magma. Here’s how to do it.
Try running hot water down the drain to clear out as much of the clog as possible. Once you’ve done an initial cleanse and if the clog persists then pour about ½ – 1 cup of baking soda down your drain. Follow with 1-2 cups of vinegar. You must immediately seal off the drain, by either using the plug or a towel. Just as the volcano erupts upward, you want a similar eruption to occur, but in the opposite direction. The force of the chemical reaction will take out the clog. Keep the pipe sealed off for 15-30 minutes. Boil some water in the meantime, and pour the water down the drain once the time has elapsed.
This should cure your clogged drain. If not, try the process one or two more times, the clog might be very persistent. To avoid extensive clogs, perform this about once a month to flush out any debris that may be building up.
