Adding a basement bathroom adds value to the home, but installing toilets and sinks in a below grade environment takes more than a basic knowledge of drainpipes and sewer lines. Transporting waste to the sewer run is challenging because the gravity assist that works for upstairs waste removal will work against waste flow below grade. Fortunately, there are a number of options that fall into the DIY category. New plumbing must meet code requirements, however, so do some homework and consider a ma …

In your shower, one of the most crucial things to protect yourself from is mold and moisture damage. The CertainTeed Vapor Barrier uses an advanced technology of smart vapor retarder and air barrier film.CertainTeed MembraneOnly waterproofing your shower walls does not stop water vapor from getting behind your backer board and into your wall cavity behind. When you are waterproofing a shower, it stops liquid water from penetrating walls, but not vapor (steam). This looks like fog, and it happ …

Linear drains have been attracting attention in shower and bathroom design of late for their low profile and design flexibility. But with new products come new installation practices. Slope – Traditional center drains require the tricky task of sloping the mortar bed in four directions towards the drain. If you are not careful, you may end up with a flat area that will collect water. Linear drains only require a single and slight (2%) slope in one direction for easier i …

We have come across many people that believe they can put drywall up for their shower walls. This is a common misconception. Other companies advertise that it is safe for drywall to be put up because their shower systems will cover the wall (therefore protecting it), but this is not necessarily always right. Depending on the conditions where you live, you may be able to use drywall, but these conditions do not exist in North America. This photo shows what can happen when using dr …