PISCATAWAY, N.J., July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- More women are taking bath and kitchen projects into their own hands -- literally. To help these growing numbers of women do-it-yourselfers and homeowners, American Standard, the world's leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath products, has created a new "for women only" guide to planning and tackling plumbing-related projects. The free guide includes kitchen and bath planning, designing, remodeling and plumbing tips from plumber and interior designer Lori Sardinha-Costa, recently named "America's Sexiest Plumber" in American Standard's contest to find the nation's No. 1 plumber based on looks, personality and dedication to the plumbing profession.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050720/NYWFNS2 )
"American Standard helps empower women to do it themselves," says Sardinha-Costa. "Few things add as much value and enjoyment as a bathroom or kitchen remodel in which you do all or part of the work yourself. Even a simple fix-up, such as installing a new faucet, can make your home a better place while adding to your own sense of accomplishment."
Woman-to-Woman DIY Advice
The special 12-page guide -- called Refresh: For Women Only -- features kitchen and bath design ideas and inspirations for choosing and installing faucets, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, whirlpools and shower/spas. Research shows that nearly 80 percent of women are responsible for selecting the style and color for the materials of their bathroom and kitchen remodels. Additionally, more than 60 percent of women purchase the actual materials needed for their bathroom and kitchen remodels.*
"As more women make decisions about home improvements and take the lead in areas from planning and designing to fixing and installing, American Standard is pleased to provide smart, simple and manageable do-it-yourself kitchen and bath solutions from trusted experts," says Jeannette Long, director, marketing communications, American Standard.
Refresh: For Women Only includes Sardinha-Costa's "Tips of the Trade for Women DIYers," featuring her own common-sense solutions to typical plumbing problems. It also provides American Standard bath and kitchen product solutions to make life easier. For example, women who are tired of tinkering with toilet repairs will find information on the virtually clog-free Champion(R) flushing system, a new technology that allows them to toss out their plungers for good. Other solutions include installing the new Reliant+(TM) EasyTouch(TM) faucet, which has an innovative light touch button that won't wear out and a smooth WhisperGlide(TM) hose for quiet operation.
To receive a free copy of Refresh: For Women Only, consumers can call 800-899-2614 ext. 1887 or complete a simple application on http://www.americanstandard-us.com/. Site visitors will also find do-it-yourself information including design ideas, information on various American Standard plumbing fixtures, recommended tools for specific installation projects and answers to frequently asked plumbing questions.
About America's Sexiest Plumber
As the only female in a family of plumbers, as well as an interior designer, hardworking wife and proud mom, Sardinha-Costa offers a unique perspective on do-it-yourself projects. She was declared the winner of American Standard's "America's Sexiest Plumber" contest and her photograph is featured in the month of July in the 2005 America's Sexiest Plumber calendar. The only woman among 13 plumber finalists whose portraits and profiles were posted on American Standard's Web site, she received the most votes when Americans were asked to choose their favorite plumber.
Sardinha-Costa's father, brothers, uncles and cousins were plumbers, but she is the only female in the family to pursue the occupation. She currently works at M. Sardinha & Sons Plumbing and Heating, which is owned by her father and located in Fall River, Mass. After working for the company in an administrative role and later pursuing a career in interior design, she decided to become a plumber two years ago. She now hopes to continue her family's legacy and one day run their plumbing business.
For more information on American Standard products, please call 800-899-2614 or visit http://www.americanstandard-us.com/.
* 2005 Home Improvement Research Institute Survey
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