Articles & Ideas | The Basic Bathroom Co.

How Long Does a Septic Tank Last?

To maximize a septic tank’s lifespan, is it recommended to pump a septic tank every 2 to 3 years. As part of the service call, the septic service company should inspect the complete system for potential issues that could require repairs. Identifying and repairing issues quickly can extend the septic tank and system life. It is also recommended to avoid flushing items down the toilet that could harm the septic system and lead to failure. Learn about septic system lifespan, identifying possible septic tank and septic field failures, and how to extend the life of a septic system.

Bathroom Maintenance – The Correct Way to Clean a Shower

Regularly cleaning your bathroom shower removes mold and mildew and soap scum that makes a bathtub or shower look dirty. Not all shower materials are the same, and some cleaners may be harmful to a shower surface. Learn how to clean a shower safely and correctly and the best cleaners for each surface type.

The Cost For Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly wood flooring option that offers a unique look, durability, accepts stain like hardwood, and presents a modern look. Installation costs for bamboo flooring range between $1,500-$15,000 with a national average of $6,000, which calculates to $5-$15 per square foot, including labor and materials. The benefits of using bamboo flooring are many, including ease of installation, durability, it's low maintenance, and it's moisture, mold, and mildew resistant. Learn about the benefits of bamboo flooring and factors that could impact the project cost.

Bathroom Design Ideas – Adding a Water Closet

The water closet - a small, closed room containing a toilet that is part of the bathroom - has been reintroduced in modern-day bathroom design. The benefits of a water closet are additional privacy when multiple people are using the bathroom and improved hygiene as having a toilet in an enclosed space prevents particles from spreading when the toilet is flushed. Learn more about the water closet and why it is popular in modern bathroom designs.

Things to Know About Solid Surface Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops

There are 3 types of solid surface countertops - acrylic-based, polyester-based, and acrylic/polyester-based, each having unique attributes. There are many benefits to using solid surface countertops - they are nonporous, easy to clean, easy to repair, can appear seamless, and can look like granite or marble but cost less and require less maintenance. Learn about options for solid surface countertops and the benefits of each.

Master Bathroom Ideas to Copy in Your Own Space

If you're planning a master bathroom renovation, consider options such as a freestanding or soaker tub, fireplace, double vanity, steam or walk-in shower, bidet, and heated floors to improve the functionality of the space. View ideas and options that you can incorporate into your upcoming master bathroom remodeling project.

Does a Home Warranty Cover Plumbing Systems?

A home warranty is a service plan that provides coverage for service, repair, and replacement of systems and appliances listed in the warranty policy. Warranties can provide different types of coverage, including major home systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing as well as appliances. Plumbing is considered a service, so most warranties provide coverage for indoor pipe and other plumbing repairs. Covered repairs usually include leaks or breaks in pipes, fixing or replacing faucets and valves, fixing or replacing built-in motors and pumps, and basket strainers, and clearing of tub, shower, and toilet blockages and stoppages. Learn about coverage offered by a typical home warranty.

The Cost for Radiant Floor Heating

The cost for radiant floor heating depends on the system installed, but the cost is typically between $1,717-$6,047. Factors impacting cost include floor type and size, type of radiant heating installed, materials, labor, installation location in the home, and site preparation and cleanup. Learn about radiant heating systems and the potential cost for installation.

8 Ways to Fix Common Flooring Issues

While floors and flooring materials might be unique, the issues they cause are not. Learn how you can address common flooring problems - including squeaky floors, popping tiles, buckling floors, chipped tiles, scratched or faded hardwood floors, cracked concrete floors, and more.

What to do if Your GFCI Won’t Reset

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are electrical outlets that shut off when it senses an overload or surge in electricity. The GFCI outlet instantly trips when experiencing a power surge, triggering the breaker to cut the electrical current to reduce the risk of electrocution. Most building codes require the use of a GFCI outlet when installed near a water or moisture source due to the increased risk of an appliance shorting.