Plumber's Helper

The bath fixtures manufacturer, American Standard, has just come out with a free "for women only" guide to DIY plumbing projects.

"American Standard helps empower women to do it themselves," said plumber and interior designer Lori Sardinha-Costa.

While I give kudos to American Standard for recognizing the female DIY market, I am disappointed in their PR methods, which included a contest to find the nation's "Sexiest Plumber." Sardinha-Costa was the winner. Is that the only way they can find to legitimize women in this industry? She was apparently the only woman among 13 finalists for the "honor." The winner was chosen from a web poll--undoubtedly dominated by male respondents.

To get a copy of the free booklet, Refresh: for Women Only, you have to call the company or fill out an application on the American Standard website.

The company's press release, though, sheds little light on how much true DIY information is in the publication. Here's how it describes it:

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® flushing system, a new technology that allows them to toss out their plungers for good. Other solutions include installing the new Reliant+™ EasyTouch™ faucet, which has an innovative light touch button that won’t wear out and a smooth WhisperGlide™ hose for quiet operation.

I don't see any signs of DIY there! Rather, that sounds like it's selling you a product that minimizes your chance of having to do anything! While I shouldn't pass judgment on material that I admittedly haven't read yet, I am dubious about the DIY value this marketing piece holds.

On a lighter note, American Standard has launched yet another contest--this one to find the ugliest bathroom and the oldest American Standard toilet. Prizes include a bathroom makeover with their products. I'm definitely going to enter that one. I dare you to beat me!