Plumb Crazy

By Billy Aldridge

There’s an old saying that plumbers spend most of their time in the bathroom. I suppose the humor in that old saying is true, but keep in mind it’s usually someone else’s bathroom that we’re in.  Unclogging sinks, toilets, and tubs or fixing leaks has always been our primary reason for being called out, but not anymore. With today’s cutting edge technology gradually making its way into the bathroom, plumbers have to brush up on their engineering. That’s right folks, technology has found its way into the bathroom and you will be amazed at some of the things that I have found. In today’s blog I will tell you about some of the latest gadgets that can take any bathroom makeover to a whole new level.

GO GO GADGETS

Well for starters let’s start off with a singing showerhead called the Moxie by Kohler. It’s wireless, so this sound system in a showerhead runs off batteries and can be programmed through your Bluetooth. Since water doesn’t mix well with electricity, the unit is both wireless and rechargeable.  This unit has gotten rave reviews for sound quality and durability. What a great birthday present for your teenager or for anyone that loves singing in the shower.

Movie anyone?

Relaxing in the tub takes on a whole new meaning when you can watch a movie while you soak.   Called Mirrorvue Mirror Television, this product can be installed as a vanity mirror or in the shower-bathtub enclosure. Now I know what you’re thinking…”Bathrooms get kind of steamy.”  Well the folks at Mirrorvue have taken this factor into consideration.  Their screen is guaranteed not to fog, so you’ll receive a crystal clear picture no matter how hot you like your water.  Of course, soaking in the tub for a couple of hours while you watch your favorite flick might leave your fingers a bit pruny.  So far there’s still no cure for that.  

Tired of stepping from a warm bed onto a cold tile floor?

You no longer have to with the advent of thermostatic touch button controlled heated flooring. That’s right, you will never have to walk on a cold bathroom floor in the middle of the night. Thanks to the folks at Laticrete, a complete floor warming kit, including LATICRETE® Floor Warming mat, LATICRETE Floor Warming Thermostat and LATICRETE Wire Fault Indicator is not only easy to install, it is virtually undetectable beneath tile and stone floors.  Controlled by a digital, programmable thermostat such as the one used on your home’s heating system, the system is designed for both comfort and energy efficiency. 

Can Commodes Go Tech?

Think toilets can’t go hi-tech?  Think again, because the people at Kohler have come up with the ultimate commode.  Called Nuni, this Cadillac of crappers comes complete with a self-opening and closing lid, a self-cleaning bidet with adjustable controls for temperature and water pressure, a self-heating seat, a built-in speaker system, and a deodorization system that sucks air from the bowl through a charcoal filter. It even has a touch panel remote that you can use to program the system to your requirements.  Of course, Nuni also comes with a Cadillac price tag of $6,653.

PEACE OF MIND

For you and your family’s safety, before you start any major electrical upgrade in your bathroom, be sure to check with your plumber first. Especially if you’re planning a major overhaul, pipes may need to be relocated or walls may need to be torn out to make room for your new tub toys. A professional plumber can tell you what would be involved in order to make any major changes. He may also have suggestions that may make more sense and make it a lot easier on your wallet. Also keep in mind that anytime you run electrical wires near water, you should always seek the advice of a plumber and an electrician just to be on the safe side.

SUMMARY

I hope you have enjoyed this week’s blog. Feel free to post comments or tell me about other hi-tech bathroom gadgets that you have come across. Along with the rest of our world, bathrooms have finally joined the Technology Age.  However, bathroom tech is still in its infancy.   In the next ten years I can only imagine what is to come. The possibilities are endless.  In the meantime, have a seat on your hi-tech toilet and enjoy the ride.  

Billy Aldridge is one of the Doctor’s of Plumbology at Aldridge and Sons Plumbing in Jacksonville, Florida.  For more helpful hints and how-to videos, go to http://plumbers-jacksonville-fl.com