North Leeds Plumbing & Heating – Home Improvement and DIY Advice

Archive for the ‘Radiators’ Category

Most central heating systems rely on a constant flow of water around the house, from radiator to radiator. This usually works very well but sometimes one or two radiators remain cold, or only heat up on the bottom half, while the rest of the house is nice and warm.

The reason for this is usually a pocket of air that has got trapped in the radiator, and that can easily be released by using a special key to ‘bleed’ the air out. Air usually gets into the central heating system naturally, through the action of the boiler pump.

Never bleed radiators when the heating is on, as you may end up with more air being pumped into the system. Once it is switched off, take the radiator key, a dry cloth and an empty bowl to deal with any drips. Open the valve at the top of the radiator and let the air out before tightening it up again. It is best to check the boiler’s water pressure indicator afterwards, as the pressure may have dropped and need topping up.

What do you picture when you think of radiators?  Most people think of functional metal fitments designed to be as inconspicuous as possible.

However, the tide of radiator design is turning, especially when it come to radiators for bathrooms. Designer radiators are becoming a more and more popular choice for those hoping to stamp their own personality on their bathroom space.

Whereas in the past the best a homeowner could hope from their radiator was to choose an unremarkable design in a colour that would blend well with their selected palette, these days the interior design enthusiast can opt for one of a wide range of eye catching designer radiators that have been created with an emphasis on the aesthetic.

Designer radiators can be bought in ready-made off the shelf styles, or those who are seeking a truly unique style statement can engage the services of a personal designer to help them create a bespoke piece for their room.

Homeowners can choose from a range of styles – horizontal and vertical designer radiators intended for wall mounting are available from a number of retailers, while those with a little more spacious bathroom may wish to opt for a freestanding piece that creates a sculpture-style focal point in their space.

For those who like to combine style and functionality, it is possible to find a number of designer radiator styles which incorporate useful features such as towel hanging spaces – great for warming towels before use and drying them after.

Radiators are a quiet efficient way to gently heat a space like a bathroom, especially if you have a newer model. Some of the older ones are not at all efficient and make odd noises and clangs when you least expect it. If you’re considering updating your bathroom with a new radiator, consider one of the designer models that not only work well, but also make a style statement at the same time. 

Many of today’s new bathroom radiators are sleek and stylish, barely protruding from the wall. They are smooth and can really update the living space, as well as brighten it, since they reflect so much light. Many of the radiators are available in satin and full polish finishes, whichever you prefer. For a really ultra-modern look, go for the full polish finish, while for a slightly softer, more contemporary look, the satin finish is the perfect choice.

Another option is to find a designer or design company that suits your tastes. MHS have an ultra-modern look, while The Radiator Company provides everything from classic-look bathroom radiators to bench radiators. After deciding on the model for you, check to see what radiator valves are available for it. You may find more than one alternative, which may provide the perfect finishing touch.

On the other hand, you may want a designer radiator in a particular shape or pattern. Surfboard shapes, circles, quadrangles and even spiral shapes make quite a fashion and design statement. For smaller bathrooms, look for designer radiators that lie flush with the wall and don’t use any floor space. No matter which you choose, though, a designer radiator will instantly update your bathroom space.

Large bathrooms can be ideal places for additional storage room. Items such as laundry baskets fit perfectly into a large bathroom as there is plenty of floor space to utilize. Free standing bathroom cabinets can also be placed in a large bathroom without making the room look too cluttered. These are perfect places to keep towels, flannels and spare toiletries so that they are easily accessible when needed.

Designer radiators and old hospital style cast iron radiators can be used in a larger bathroom without fear of taking up too much floor space; they make a lovely feature in the home.  Salvage yards are an ideal place to buy such items that look great in an older style house.

If it is a modern look that you are trying to achieve, then ceramic bathroom tiles from floor to ceiling help to give a clean finish to the room. The larger the bathroom tiles the smaller the room will look, so taking tile samples of various colour and size home to test is a good idea.

Having a larger bathroom also means that the owner of the home can be much more creative with decorative pieces. Large vases with flower sprays or lush green plants help to give a bathroom a roomier feel as it brings the outside feel into the room.

Additionally, light fittings can be more ostentatious especially if the room has high ceilings. For older homes, chandelier style light fittings work well, but for a more modern look spotlights are a good solution to most lighting needs.

If your home has gas central heating, then you are likely to have an unsightly radiator taking up valuable floor space in your bathroom.  Thankfully, bathroom radiators no longer need be ugly and cumbersome.  There is a wide range of designer radiators available to help transform your bathroom into a pleasant, inviting space.

Designer radiators come in a variety of styles and materials.  Cast iron, aluminium, stainless steel, brushed or powder coated metal, etched or painted glass, and mirrored finishes are all popular choices.  Each of these bathroom radiators has a unique look, complimenting any decor.

Bathroom radiators can be placed virtually anywhere in your washroom to maximize space and functionality.  Mount one horizontally on the wall or set a tall vertical unit in a tight corner to leave plenty of room for bathroom furniture and accessories.  Designer radiators also come in various shapes and sizes that further compliment your bathroom.

Another popular bathroom radiator option is the tubular models that double as towel bars.  These units provide ample hanging storage for towels or clothes while gently warming them and quietly radiating heat throughout the bathroom.  They can be wall mounted or installed on the floor.  Some models even have timers that let you set a warming or drying programme.

With so many different bathroom radiator options available, there’s no reason why you should suffer an unattractive radiator any longer.  Give your bathroom a fresh update with a designer radiator, and you’re sure to create a warm, comfortable environment in your bathroom.

Mirrored heaters are the epitome of style and elegance. It must therefore come as no surprise that Zehnder Radiators are at the forefront of this design evolution with their Yucca range. There are many colours, sizes and finishes within this range but their mirrored heater is by far one of the stand-out pieces.

Mirrors are always a staple feature of any bathroom. Obviously there is a practical necessity but they are also stylish and serve to reflect light in rooms that are often lacking in light sources.

Now, most people also want their bathroom to be warm, cosy and luxurious and it can sometimes be difficult to combine all of these factors…well, not any longer. The Yukka mirrored heater is stylish but practical too. This design-led radiator is made from extending stainless steel tubes. It can be installed through your existing central heating system so there is no need for any major upheaval to achieve such an elegant finish in your bathroom.

It is also worth mentioning some of the other products in the Zehnder Yucca range, in particular the Asymmetrical and Symmetrical radiators. Again, as we have all come to expect from Zehnder, the design is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. In fact, the options for use are so expansive that it is truly accessible to all; from an oil filled radiator to installation on an existing central heating system. If you want a white or chrome radiator to merge with your existing accessories then the Zehnder Yucca range has a radiator for you; and if you want a pop of colour you can achieve this with a stunning, design-led radiator.

Bathroom radiators are a necessity but now individuals are trying to incorporate this necessary element into the design of their bathroom as a whole. Of course, it stands to reason that manufacturers have cottoned on to this trend and are now producing sleek, design-led bathroom radiators which will assist their customers in creating a contemporary space.

One such company is Aeon. They create designer radiators from stainless steel; therefore you can be assured you are buying quality alongside luxury. In fact, all Aeon radiators come with a twenty year guarantee which means that you are also purchasing piece of mind.

Aeon’s Cat Ladder Polished Steel Towel Rail is one of their most popular designs. While towel rails are often considered a practical element within a bathroom, Aeon has managed to combine this factor with effortless style. As with all of their radiators the entire unit, inclusive of fixtures and fittings, is constructed from stainless steel. There are three available sizes which mean that this bathroom radiator should be suitable for any sized room. This radiator is guaranteed to enhance the aesthetic of your bathroom. It will not take up a lot of room, with a depth of just 34mm.

Aeon Radiators are designed with ease of installation in mind, therefore when you purchase one of their products it will come complete with all of the fixtures and fittings required for connection. They also use the strongest welding technology so you know your product will be as strong as it is stylish.

The Aeon Gallipoli stainless steel radiator is an ideal choice for incorporating the famous Aeon standard into your stylishly modern bathroom. This radiator is available in three different sizes with an option to suit everyone; no matter what space they have available.

You want your bathroom to be as cosy as possible but the products you use must also be practical and this radiator ticks all of the boxes. The Gallipoli radiator incorporates a stainless steel towel rail. The 914mm model offers the user one towel rail.  There are two towel rails on the 1204mm high radiator and three on the largest model that stands at 1494mm. This product will make the best use of the space in your contemporary bathroom and is one of the most perfect bathroom radiators on the market today.

These designer radiators come in a brushed finish. The depth of the radiator is 170mm and the pipe centres are 320mm. The entire product is constructed from 100% stainless steel that will not become damaged or worn over time. In fact, Aeon is so sure of the quality of their products that they are supplied with a 20-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

The Aeon Radiator range can be used in conjunction with both direct and indirect systems. Valves are not supplied with this product although it does come with the necessary blanking plugs, air vents, wall plugs, fixing screws, brackets and 1/2” connections.

When it comes to designer radiators, there are various designs and styles available ranging from the traditional to the contemporary. Bathroom radiators also come in various sizes including the space-saving radiators which, as the name suggests, take up the least amount of space possible while still doing an effective job.

One of the renowned names in the business of manufacturing bathroom radiators is Bisque. Bisque radiators have been around for more than two and a half decades. The firm has made a name for itself as a leading manufacturer of designer radiators. Designer radiators come in a variety of colours ranging from turquoise to blue to base metal to purple.

One of the models in the Bisque range of radiators is the Deco Therm Radiator which is superbly designed. The Bisque Deco Therm Radiator can be installed in a horizontal plane or a vertical one and comes in a variety of exciting colours. A towel hanging design is one of the exciting features of the Deco Therm Radiator.

The Bisque B2 radiator on the other hand has a contemporary appearance. It comes in various shapes ranging from slim horizontal to slim vertical. There is also a square shape as well. The Bisque B2 Radiator also serves as a towel drying radiator and thus has a towel holder.

The Petrus radiator is basically a central heating radiator that is beautifully designed and is available in various sleek metallic colours. Similarly designed is the Seta radiator. The country of origin for the Seta radiator is Italy. Then there is the Zanzibar radiator which is available in 2 metallic colours – chrome and argenta.

Bisque radiators are elegantly designed to emphasize the clean lines of the modern European bathroom and expertly engineered to steadily heat virtually any towel and any room of the house but provide especial comfort and warmth to the modern domestic bathroom.

Bisque offers over twenty five styles of radiators in thousands of sizes, colours, and finishes so finding one to fit any need, taste, and space won’t ever be a problem. Moreover, Bisque radiators can either be run electrically or via central heating so they can be used in virtually any space.

Bisque has a number of towel radiators, including the waffle-shaped B2; the horizontally-linear, ladder-like Bow Fronted, Deline, Quadrato, and Straight Fronted; the curving, snake-like Cobra-Therm; and the coiling Hot Spring and Mini Hot Spring.

The B2 has precise square proportions and a chrome rail that evokes geometry and fine architecture. The Bow Fronted, Deline, Quadrato, and Straight Fronted all have bars running horizontally across the radiators. The Bow Fronted and Straight Fronted have tightly packed, exposed dowels while the Deline and Quadrato have nested bars.

The Cobra-Therm swishes back and forth in curves of warm, serpentine meanders, making it perfect for warming multiple towels. The Hot Spring and Mini Hot Spring offer the consumer a towering coil of warmth. Both elegant and efficient, the Hot Spring was designed by Priestman Goode for Bisque. The Mini Hot Spring was designed by Paul Priestman for Bisque and stands as a more compact version of the iconic Hot Spring.