Bathroom Renovations

Shower Mixers

A shower mixer will mix the existing hot and cold water, in a special valve, before it is available at the actual shower head / shower rose. Different mixers are suited to different homes depending on whether you are using a low pressure or mains pressure hot water cylinder.

There is vast selection of mixers that you can select and there appropriate use will depend on the plumbing that is in your house.  Most mixers can be installed in the wall cavity but some shower mixers will sit out on the actual wall lining.

The type of mixer and style will be determined by your water pressure and shower design.
To operate correctly both the hot and the cold water need to come from a source operating at the same pressure.

A shower mixer will not increase the flow of water to your system but it can make a huge difference to the pressure that comes out the shower rose.

To get the most out of your shower mixer you may need to contact Certified Plumbing & Gas as it may mean the installation of a special flange in the top of your hot water cylinder. In the case of a mains fed mixer a thermostatic valve is recommended.

Shower Roses

Choosing the correct shower rose is important so that the desired quantity and pressure of water is delivered. There is an enormous selection of shower roses to choose from including both fixed shower roses and sliders.

Sliders are great because you can easily adjust the height of the shower rose and remove the rose altogether for easier cleaning of not only yourself but also cleaning the shower itself.

Baths

When selecting a bath, as with a shower you should consider the quality of the product as inferior baths may chip or crack, especially if the likes of shampoo bottles are dropped on them. What may appear cheap can end up expensive if you have to replace or repair your bath after installation because of poor quality.

Talk to Certified Plumbing & Gas about the best bath for your needs.

The advantage of “plastic” baths is that they heat more quickly, retain heat for longer and are often less expensive. Ceramic / steel baths are still popular depending on the look and feel you are wanting to create.

Also choosing a quality spa bath is important as it has a pump and often a heating unit. Beware of cheap Asian import’s, as often they do not last.

Showers

Some factors you may like to consider when selecting a shower for your home are..

• The size of the shower – is it big enough to comfortably stand in?
• Does the design suit the style or look you want, and will it fit suitably in the bathroom?
• Is the shower designed for easy cleaning?
• Is it designed to keep the water inside the shower?
• What manufacturers warranty is available?

There are a number of different styles to choose from including, square, rectangular, corner and shower over bath. There are actually baths specifically designed to be used as a shower over bath, with a flat bottom at one end with tread to reduce slipping and discomfort.

Along with the obvious look of a shower you may want to consider the existing drainage so that there is sufficient height for water to drain away.

Most good shower units have easy clean wastes that allow you to easily remove unwanted matter that would otherwise eventually block your drains, make sure when purchasing a shower that you get the waste included.

Vanities & Basins

Vanities and hand basins come in free standing, pedestal (basins) and wall mounted.

Again you can choose from Viterous China and plastic composite.

Factors to consider when choosing a basin or vanity are…

• Quality of mouldings – do they fit together easily?
• Construction of cabinetry
• Depth and width of basin
• Look and feel

Another thing you want to consider at the time of choosing a hand basin or bathroom vanity is the type of tap you will use, as some units use only a single mixer whilst others are suited to wall mounted taps.

Bathroom Taps

The majority of bathroom taps are fashioned in brass which is then metal plated with high gloss or matt finishes such as nickel or chrome.

More high end expensive taps are made of solid stainless steel, which is either polished to a high shine or brushed to create a low sheen finish. Although these are more expensive, they tend to last longer than their alternatives which will eventually lose their plated finish.

Water pressure requirements

When selecting the appropriate tap, you should establish the level of water pressure you have in your bathroom. This is because many taps require high pressure to function properly.

Bathroom Tap Styles

There are essentially two styles to choose from, the standard cold and hot water taps with washers or the single lever mixer tap. The single mixer, mixes the hot and cold together prior to it leaving the tap so you can more easily create the ideal temperature.
Lever mixer taps often contain ceramic mixers, which last significantly longer than the traditional tap washer.

Toilets

You may think that a Toilet is just a Toilet however all are not equal.

You may want to consider the size, comfort, height, style, and how well it functions.


Elongated toilet bowls can be more comfortable, however, if you have a smaller bathroom, you may want to consider purchasing a round bowl in order to save space. home of shorter people, taller toilets may not be the best option. Consider all residents before making this important decision.


Toilet Cistern


You must also think about the style that is best for you. The two-piece toilet, in which the cistern bolts on top of the toilet bowl or to the wall, is generally less expensive than a model where the cistern is hidden.

Also the way that your drainage is configured will factor in the type of toilet you purchase as some plumbing runs through the floor whilst other plumbing runs through the wall to the exterior of the building.

Having a large trap way means they are less likely to become blocked, however having a small water spot means they can be difficult to keep clean.

But before having choosing a toilet or getting it installed in your new bathroom, you will want to get in touch with Certified Plumbing & Gas. We will provide you with helpful information on choosing the type and style of toilet for your bathroom needs.