North Leeds Plumbing & Heating – Home Improvement and DIY Advice

Archive for the ‘Bathroom Fittings’ Category

Whether you have a traditional or electric showerhead, you must still take proper steps to keep this important part of your shower clean.  Repeated use can lead to bacteria growth, mineral deposits, and other issues that may lessen your showerhead’s efficiency and the water pressure you have during a shower.

Beyond clogging problems, a showerhead is riddled with nooks and crannies perfect for growing bacteria and harmful microbes.  For those with immune system problems, a clean showerhead is important.  For others, a clean showerhead is still a good idea.

Metal showerheads and shower accessories are easier to keep free of bacteria growth.  A filtering showerhead is also a smart choice, since it allows you to remove and replace the filter, thus keeping your water clean and flowing at full volume.  Otherwise, removing the showerhead and soaking it in bleach is the best option.

To clean an electric showerhead, you will need to take special precautions.  The electrical source must first be switched off on the circuit breaker, and then the showerhead twisted free.  It is not safe to remove the showerhead with the power still running, so be careful.   Once the showerhead has been removed, soak it in vinegar to dislodge the mineral deposits.  The entire head must be submerged for this to be effective.  Rinse the showerhead in cold water, and then reassemble.

Keeping your shower cubicle and shower accessories clean is very important, so take steps to maintain your showerhead’s cleanliness and effectiveness.

Because the toilet seat is raised and lowered so often the hinges can wear out.  When they do, it is not necessary to replace the entire toilet seat, only the hinges need replacing.

Removing the Hinges

First, the hinges that secure the toilet seat must be removed.  This is simply done by lifting the seat and removing the screws that hold the lid on; the lid may then be removed.  Using a flathead screwdriver, pry the protective caps off of the hinges and beneath you will find the bolts that attach them to the toilet.  Remove the bolts and the hinges and take them to your local DIY store to find suitable replacements.  It is important to take the old ones to ensure the new ones will fit.

Installing New Hinges

The new hinges have to be taken from the packing and the protective caps put to one side. The hinges are then aligned with the holes in the toilet.  The nuts, bolts and washers should be used to attach the hinges to the base of the toilet.  This is done by putting the bolt and washer through the hinge and the toilet from the top and then screwing the nut on from the bottom of the hole in the toilet.  The whole assembly is then tightened so that the hinge will not move.  Finally, the toilet seat is screwed onto the hinges and the protective caps clipped on. 

With the new models of rain shower heads, you may find yourself humming “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” every time you take a shower. Today’s technology has created a rain shower head designed to create a water stream as close as possible to the way rain falls. Rain shower heads have a larger flow but less pressure than a traditional shower head.

While pricey, rain shower heads are high-end and run the gambit of different styles and designs. One popular method is multi-shower heads mounted at different levels for a full massage effect, another is a ceiling mounted head for a full rain effect, and others are part of a spa system, where the shower converts to a sauna.

However, because of their size and extraordinary features, rain shower heads require more room than a traditional shower head. If you’re looking for a LED light experience or a mix of rain and air in the shower, there needs to be approximately 32 inches allowed for the shower head.

For a decadent shower, consider the arm mounted rain shower head which can be mounted anywhere. Then the arm is positioned for the greatest freedom of adjustability. However, arm mounted rain shower heads are better suited for those who like an exposed industrial design in the bathroom. 

For more function and versatility in design, a ceiling mount recessed into the ceiling creates a more traditional or classic look.

A rain shower head is not just an appliance, it is an experience. It may just make you hum every time you shower.

What defines your perfect bathroom? Is it the space or the items it contains? Many of us can’t change the amount of space within our homes, but we can make the space we have more pleasant and usable with just a few updates. For example, your shower may be old and use too much water. Replace it with something light, sleek and contemporary, with a showerhead that saves water and has designer touches. Partner that new shower with some matching bathroom accessories and you’re not only saving yourself money on your water bill, but starting your day off with a new outlook.

You’ll be amazed at what a difference a fresh coat of paint and a new bathroom mirror can make, too. Paint your bathroom a light colour, then hang a bathroom mirror with a dark or eye-catching frame that contrasts with the wall. Result, instant designer touches.

If your perfect bathroom has everything in its place with no clutter, take a look at some of the bathroom cabinets available today. The storage options are enormous, even for tiny spaces. Drawers with dividers and organisers, bathroom mirrors that slide or open to reveal hidden storage and slide-out shelving that lets you reach even the items at the back are all innovations that can bring your bathroom from drab to delightful.

A new bathroom radiator can make the room warm and welcoming, rather than cold and dreary. Designer radiators are now available that hang on the wall like the works of art they are. Some bathroom radiators can also serve as towel warmers, making great use of your space.

Whatever your idea of the perfect bathroom is, there are products available that can help transform the existing space into a perfect space.

Bathroom accessories are absolutely essential when finishing a bathroom design. It doesn’t matter if you have a budget bathroom suite or a very expensive one, the accessories will turn it into something complete and far better than it would be otherwise.

Bathroom accessories can also give a bathroom more character. Imagine a plain white bathroom with well-chosen and colourful accessories to draw in the eye and make a bold statement. The main thing to remember is that using bathroom accessories in this way can make it possible to keep to a lower budget, without compromising on the ambiance and style of the room.

By far the cheapest bathroom suites are the plain white ones. You can still buy them in varying designs, but you can save money by purchasing a cheap basic white bathroom set and then dressing it with colourful and eye catching accessories.

The other advantage of choosing your bathroom accessories carefully is that you can employ a colour theme for the accessories rather than the bathroom suite itself. Needless to say, it would be much more expensive to replace the bathroom suite when you feel like changing the feel of the room. When it comes to replacing bathroom accessories though, they are as quick and easy to change as a trip to the shops.

This is the main reason why you should focus on using your bathroom accessories to really make an impression in the room. They can lift an otherwise basic and straightforward suite into something really very special. Why not take a fresh look at your bathroom today?

Most people tend to choose a rectangular or square shower tray, thus overlooking a strong new contender in the market. The quadrant shower tray and its close relative, the offset quadrant shower tray, are designed as two squares connected by a curve. The difference between the quadrant and the offset quadrant is that the offset shape is different, being longer than the quadrant tray, with one long curve in the front.

Shower trays form the base of a shower and are an ideal solution for a shower enclosure with odd angles or design. Quadrant and offset trays are widely available and fit in nicely with the minimalist or modern shower design. Another quality that makes them attractive is that they take up less floor space in comparison to regular shower trays, yet compare favourably in cost and quality.

There are other factors to consider with all shower trays. Make sure you choose one with a non-slippery surface. Take careful measurements of the bathroom floor and the height of the bathroom, so that you choose the right size. Quadrant and offset quadrant trays do require a higher drainage system, and if you have opted for a high pressure shower, you must consider the depth of the shower tray before making your purchase.

The quadrant and offset quadrant shower trays will certainly add a distinct and attractive flair to the look of your design. Bathroom suppliers like UK Bathrooms can help you choose the right shower tray for your bathroom.

For those who prefer a more solid option to the shower curtain, shower doors are ideal.  They come in a range of styles and fittings and there is one to suit every bathroom. 

There are numerous advantages to using a shower door instead of a curtain.  They are better designed to keep water away from the bathroom floor and last for a much longer period of time.  They range from a simple partition which can be fixed to the side of a bath in place of a curtain to a full shower enclosure.

Some shower enclosures will come as one unit with the door incorporated.  Some of these will swing open on a hinge while others will slide open or work on a pivot.  There are styles that are bi-fold, so moving neatly out of the way when you do not need to use them. 

If using a shower over a bath then it is a good idea to try a bi-fold partition, which can rest flat against the wall while the shower is not being used.  They are usually made from a toughened glass or plastic and are easy to clean and care for.  The traditional shower curtain easily sustains damage, and once dirty is difficult to keep clean. 

As with most other bathroom fixtures and fittings, you can choose from a basic budget brand or a designer name for your shower door, it is easy to choose a style that fits in well with the rest of your bathroom.

When considering bathroom accessories, items that are often overlooked include lighting and window dressings.  Both of these items can be easily chosen to fit in with your existing décor, and yet both are easily changed if need be.

There are several bathroom lighting options.  As the bathroom generally fills with steam when using the bath or shower cubicle, then a light fitting that has been specially designed for a bathroom is a good choice.  If the bathroom is fairly small then it is best to avoid large light fittings such as pendulum lights, which will look as though they are dominating the room.  Opt instead for spot lights which are set in to the ceiling or a modern style bar with several spot lights attached.  You can also opt for a bathroom mirror that has lighting included, though this may not be enough to light the whole room.

It is often difficult to know how best to dress the window in a bathroom. It is important to do so in order to protect your privacy, so most people will opt for a simple blind, either fitted directly in front of the window or to the wall above so it covers the window sill at the same time.   Blinds come in a variety of styles and many people choose the vertical blinds, which look stylish and are easily cleaned.  They also come in a variety of colours, so can be blended easily with your bathroom décor.  If you have chosen patterned bathroom tiles or flooring, then a plain blind will ensure that there is not too much clashing of colours. 

Before you install a new shower system, you will need to determine the type of shower system that works best in your situation. The available water system will play a key part in deciding which one is the right one.

*If water pressure is not an issue, the easiest and cheapest system is a mixer system. A mixer tap is connected to a hose and shower head. Water force and temperature is controlled by hot and cold taps. No additional plumbing is necessary; however available water pressure is a factor.

*A power shower relies on an electric pump to maintain adequate water flow. Power showers don’t work with well with water supplied by a combi-boiler under mains pressure and, due to the fast rate of water flow, they require an adequately-sized drain pipe to ensure water drains properly.

*Electric showers are fitted wall units that are plumbed into the cold water supply with an electrical element heating the water. Because electric showers require an electric circuit, a certified electrician must check your work to ensure it complies with appropriate wiring regulations.

*Manual and thermostatic mixer systems are wall units that use dials to mix hot and cold water and control the water flow.  The thermostatic system includes a built-in stabiliser to prevent too-cold or too-hot water.

*A shower tower combines a thermostatic mixer with adjustable jets. This type of system requires at least 2200 mm of ceiling height to work efficiently.

Bathroom remodelling can be a long, drawn out process that creates chaos in your home. However, there are a number of simple things you can do in just a weekend to improve your bathroom while avoiding the chaos.

It does not take a truck load of money to give your bathroom a new look. All it takes is a bit of organization, new accessories and some fresh colour.

1. Organize Yourself: Remove all items from your bathroom cabinets, ensuring that you throw away that year old make-up or unclaimed toothbrush. Before you begin putting things back have a look at your bathroom furniture and see if a new cabinet or shelf might help control the contents. Clear cosmetic bags and drawer dividers are other great organization assets.

2. New Accessories: Once you have all your bathroom items in their proper place have a look around the bathroom. What do you notice? Is there a particular shower tray or bathroom mirror that is on its last leg and your last nerve? You don’t have to replace everything. Just pick one item that could do with a renewed look and it will make a huge difference. Next year, you can look into replacing the other shower or bathroom accessory that is on the list.

3. Fresh Colour: One of the common reasons people think their bathroom needs a remodel is because they are so used to seeing it multiple times a day – every day. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the bathroom. Using bathroom tiles to decorate the walls or sink counters (that way you don’t have to redo the whole floor) is another option. Even a new, colourful shower curtain or bathroom rug can make a huge difference.