Bob visits with Ed Zywusko who is undertaking a tricky tile installation in a shower area, and then joins plumber Frank Iadarola in a flashback.

Bob Vila meets with Carlos Leuchtmann from Blue Ridge Plumbing, who shows Bob the shower pan and layout of the new fixtures. Leuchtmann explains that the drain is off center due to structural supports in the floor that cannot be moved. Leuchtmann also points out the anti-scald restrictor and the dual-flow Moen shower fixture, which allows for either an overhead rain-type shower or a body spa with four wall sprayers. Leuchtmann shows Bob a tool for plumbers and electricians called the �stud popper�. The device makes a perfect hole in steel framing for running pipes or electrical wire. Once punched, the stud is fitted with a �pipe tight� that provides a feed for the pipes or wires and keeps them from touching the metal studs. Carlos also explains how sanding the pipe and adding flux creates a bonding surface for the solder to adhere to when sweating pipe.

Tankless hot water heaters provide on-demand hot water without the need to continually store and heat water 24 hours a day. Aaron Siegel from Eemax joins Steve Easley at the EnergyWise House to explain how the company s products supply hot water for applications ranging from hand washing to drench showers, with a sophisticated thermostatic control to ensure precise outlet temperature. Whole-house units are activated by water flow and demand to draw only the energy required to meet hot water demand.

Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. Showers account for more than one-fifth of the water Americans use every day. We can conserve more of this precious resource with a low-flow showerhead. If you re not convinced you need to cut your water flow, put a 2-quart pan under your showerhead and turn it on. If it takes less than 12 seconds to fill the pan, you could conserve. Low-flow showerheads limit flow to 2 and a half gallons per minute or less and cost between $8 and $50. Contrary to popular belief, they do not reduce the water pressure of your shower. Some mix the water with air, others pulse and some are elevated to provide a rain shower effect. For between $70 and $250, you can buy one that will even filter chlorine and other chemicals from your water for a truly clean shower that won t dry out your skin. Take a look at the end of your faucet: Most are threaded to receive an aerator. If your existing aerator has a number greater than 2.75 GPM written on it or there isn t one at all, it s an easy upgrade to install. Remove the old one by turning it to the left. If it s stuck, gently use vice grips or tongue-and-groove pliers. Add a piece of Teflon tape over the faucet threads before screwing on the new one to form a tight seal. Faucet aerators only cost $5 to $10 and will pay for themselves in water savings in only a few months. Installing faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads in your home is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental footprint, and it can save you 50 percent of your water and hot water costs to boot. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

…is a decision you will be happy with for many years to come. You know you can count on Sears to complete your home improvement project with high quality materials, workmanship and installation. And by calling Sears you know you don’t have to worry…

…is a decision you will be happy with for many years to come. You know you can count on Sears to complete your home improvement project with high quality materials, workmanship and installation. And by calling Sears you know you don’t have to…

If you are looking to save some money on a home improvement project this year, consider starting with those old windows. A new federal tax credit can put 30% of what you spend on new energy…

…than the bedrooms that anyone could go. Her home improvement project involved expanding the kitchen and family room…
…inventory problems will delay your project. Any home improvement project, no matter the scale, is going to come with…

With patience and attention to detail, installing a new wooden floor can be an easy home improvement project. Step 1: Check the first course of flooring. If there is a heating register near the wall to work around, you will need…

…of the project, your budget, and time frame if you want them to say yes. Anyone who has embarked upon a home improvement project has heard advice on how to select the right contractor. The emphasis is on finding an honest, competent, professional…