Tag Archives: bathroom

Home Improvement

Finding A Throne Fit For Your Home: Choosing A Toilet That’s Right For You


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Toilet DiagramThe porcelain throne. The royal office. The can. The loo. The john. The WC. Mrs. Murphy. Known by many names, the toilet is a central component of any home. However, in spite of its frequent use and functionality, many homeowners overlook this necessary appliance in their bathroom renovations.

Rather than running to the nearest hardware or plumbing outlet for a toilet right off the line, consider taking more care in your toilet purchases. After all, not all toilets are created equal. There are makes and models to fit anyone’s style, taste, and preferences. From the whimsical to the eco-friendly, there is a throne fit for your home.

Conservative

Traditional Toilets:

For the conservative homeowners, there are two main types of toilets to choose from: gravity flushing and vacuum flushing.

The former relies on gravity—surprise, surprise—to power each flush. The pressure from the water tank works to push the water through a complete cycle. That is why you can flush a toilet even when the power is out as long as you have water to refill the tank.

Modern Toilets:

Modern varieties, on the other hand, create a vacuum to pull—rather than push—the water from the bowl through the pipes. This type of toilet provides a more powerful and cleaner flush, but is also a more expensive choice than the gravity-flushing commode.

Of these two, you have a variety of types and looks to choose from. From one-piece to two-piece sets, compare both function and style to find a throne fit for a king—or at least good enough for the rest of your family.

Green

Eco-Friendly Toilets

Low-flow Toilets:

Like a traditional toilet,  low-flow toilets use gravity to power each flush, but require less water to do so. That’s good from a water saving viewpoint, but bad if you tend to have heavier loads to deposit. It makes for more frequent plunging, and a greater chance of insanitary (and frankly obnoxious) overflowing.

Dual flushing:

Dual flushing toilets have been around for a while, but are only recently becoming popular on this side of the pond. They feature two settings: half-volume and full-volume flushes. The half-volume button uses half the water typically expended in one flush for lighter loads. The full-volume setting utilizes more water for heavier loads that may require more forceful cleaning. For the eco-minded consumer, equipping a toilet with two different settings enables greater conservation and reduced waste.

Composting Toilets:

About 90% of our waste is made up of water. Composting toilets take advantage of this in a system of evaporation that converts the remaining solid waste into rich fertilizing soil. Additionally, the system is odor-free, and sanitary—using special processes to eliminate any viruses or pathogens in the waste so that it is safe to use and recycle.

A word of advice: Composting toilets do require some special plumbing adjustments and specifications. Therefore, before you invest time and money to install one, it would be wise to have a drain inspection and evaluation from a certified plumbing professional.

Paperless Toilets:

Paperless toilets are another trend that is gaining popularity in the green movement. Many people are installing separate bidets in their bathrooms, or all-in-one toilets that reduce the amount of paper consumed. It does use more water though, so for many it is a “lesser of two evils” issue.

Waterless:

Finally, for those set on eliminating water waste, waterless toilets are a great option. Some use jets of air to flush waste, and others incinerate it. They can use electricity, propane, natural gas, and even diesel fuel in a variety of methods that reduce waste into sterile ash.

Personalized/Unique

Novelty toilets:

If you can imagine a crazy shape for a toilet, it probably exists. There are toilets in a variety of shapes and colors, from people to teapots, to your favorite TV characters. These novelty toilets are not for the conservative bathroom. Whether you have a quirky home in general, or simply enjoy adding unique accents to your décor, you can likely find a toilet to fit your personal tastes—however whimsical they may be.

Luxury toilets:

For those of you who are just rolling in the dough, you can find toilets that truly resemble the thrones for which they are nicknamed. Looking to impress your wife? A diamond encrusted seat cover is just the ticket. Prefer a little more comfort? Pick up a model with heated seats, a foot warmer, and even a built-in sound system. With a commode like that, “restroom” may no longer be just a euphemism!

Specialty toilets:

But, personalization isn’t just for the quirky and rich out there. Many households require special features and accommodations. For example, for elderly customers or those with disabilities, there are various specialty toilets available to meet their specific needs. So, whether you wish to indulge a whim or accommodate special needs, there are multiple options available to suit every type and personality.

Next time you are in the market for a new commode, don’t just go for the same old toilet everyone else has; find one that fits your needs and your style, and never have a boring bathroom time ever again!

Michael David is a freelance journalist and blogger living in New York City. Michael loves writing about DIY projects, home improvement, and garden-related topics.

Home Improvement

Budget Bathroom Makeovers


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Have you been putting off remodeling your bathroom due to budget issues? The cost of bathroom remodeling can be high given the traditionally high prices of essential fittings (faucets, bathtubs etc), but there are still ways in which you can give your bathroom a fresh lease of life without emptying out your bank account.

Bathroom Decoration and Design

Refresh the paint

The very first element of an effective makeover is a coat of fresh paint. Clean your bathroom out – remove everything that can be moved and cover/tape-off everything that cannot. If your bathroom is small like most bathrooms, choose a light shade of paint. It isn’t necessary to always paint your bathroom white. You could try some other pale pastel shades like pale blue, pink, yellow, lavender and even pale green.

Get a great vanity

A stylish vanity goes a long way in rejuvenating a bathroom. You don’t have to throw out the entire set and get a new one, but you could make small changes like getting a new mirror, painting the vanity in a new color (black is a popular choice for contemporary styles) or even adding some colorful glass or ceramic tiles to it. You can use the same techniques on bathroom cabinets. Even something as simple as replacing old knobs and handles with contemporary metal ones can freshen up your bathroom’s appearance.

New flooring

Consider adding new flooring to complement the new paint in your bathroom. Vinyl and ceramic tile flooring are most popular because they’re cheap, easy to clean and water-resistant. If your existing bathroom flooring is in good shape and just needs a dash of something new, consider getting new bathroom rugs. These rugs are available in a variety of materials, designs, shapes and colors, and are usually quite inexpensive.

Change fixtures & storage

Changing bathroom fixtures (lights, faucets, shower-heads, towel racks etc.) can do wonders for your bathroom renovation without burning a hole in your pocket. Similarly, adding innovative storage solutions like trendy steel shower caddies and using glass shelves can add a chic, modern look to your bathroom.

Accessorize

The right accessories can transform the look of any place for the better, and your bathroom is no exception. You can either choose to make it personal (for example, a small bookshelf with your favorite reads or a small rack for favorite pictures) or nature friendly (a small potted plant next to the sink) or even just a new set of bamboo blinds for the window, if any. Remember to avoid clutter at all costs and keep only the things you really need in your bathroom. This not only makes your bathroom easier to clean and maintain, but also makes it a more relaxing space overall.

Remember that it isn’t always necessary to shell out large sums of money to have a pleasing, comfortable bathroom. Work with what is already there and add small changes or improvements. Following some or all of the ideas listed above can make your bathroom remodeling a creative experience that you can have a lot of fun with!

This article has been written by Denis who loves to share tips on home improvement. You can have a look at his site on water fountains if you want to learn more on him.

Home Improvement

Do You Have An Exploding Toilet?


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The last thing you want when nature calls is to be worried about your toilet exploding on you, or under you, as it were, but that’s exactly what happened to three hundred and four people using toilets with a flushing mechanism built by Flushmate.

The problem is that this flusher actually pushes water down out of the tank and into the bowl to flush, where a normal toilet lets gravity do the work. The result is a sudden pressure that the porcelain can’t handle, leading to an explosion.

Thankfully, there have been no fatalities reported in relation to the issue, but fourteen serious injuries have resulted, including lacerations requiring stitches.

You can spot these toilets by checking your brand and when your toilet was built. American Standard, Crane, Eljer, Gerber, Mansfield and Kohler have all released toilets with Flushmate mechanisms, so open your toilet up if it’s made by one of those manufacturers and check the date. The code goes MMDDYY, for month, day, year. Anything between October 14, 1997 and Feb 29, 2008 may qualify you for a recall.

Exploding Toilet Infographic

This graphic was brought to you by Spartan Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. Spartan has been serving the DC area for almost half a century, sending the “spartan man” whenever you are in need of plumbing repair. 

Interior Decorating

Five Things That Are New In Bathroom Designs


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Today, the trend in home décor is the bathroom and the newest and exciting things that are available. The bathroom has to become a place of refuge and sanctity. It is here that a person can experience true luxury surrounded by beauty and style. A person could make some powerful decisions and develop strategies while soaking in a hot tub or sitting on the throne.

The ideas that are generated in the bathroom may have impact from the bedroom to the boardroom. The bathroom is the new think tank. So why not make it a place of comfort, sophistication, and style. There are some new and innovative things that can be done to give the bathroom that new spark of color and decor.

Trend #1 Cabinetry:

Gone are the days of a plain old medicine cabinet placed on the wall in the center of the room. Medicine cabinets now are very much incorporated into the surrounding décor. They are doing double duty. Modern medicine cabinets have sleek lines, and serve as more than just a place to put medicine. They are also used to hold beverages and blend in with the décor.

Trend # 2 The Hand Free Faucet:

Bathrooms can be economical and beautiful, as well. One way to save is by installing a hands free faucet. They operate by sensor motion and eliminate wasted water. They are designed to produce a steady stream of water that flows for a set number of seconds.

Trend # 3 Low Flush Toilets:

This is another area where households could see savings. The newer toilets have the same power to flush, but without using a lot of water. The average toilet uses upward of 3.5 gallons of water with every flush. The newer low flush toilet uses 1.6 gallons. This could result in quite a bit of savings over the year.

Trend # 4 Soaking Tubs:

There, is nothing like sinking into a tub for a great soak. It does wonders for the body. Tensions melt away, and you emerge rejuvenated. A few years back there was a run, on Jacuzzis, however, the trend is shifting back toward the soaking tub.

Trend # 5 The Water Closet:

Over the years, the bathroom has become just one large room. It is somewhat refreshing to see a return to the water closet. It adds a little more privacy and dignity to using the throne. Some water closets are surrounded by glass, and some have a separate wall and doorway

No matter how many things have changed one thing remains; the bathroom is providing the user with some exciting new experiences. Take a moment to see what is new in bathroom décor. The bathroom can as luxurious or simple as the owner wants it to be.

Molly considers herself a Do It Yourself expert and loves to blog about it. Fore more bathroom update tips from the designers at SimplyBathtubs.com check out their site.

Uncategorized

The Best Ways To Prioritize Features and En-Suite Design


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en-suite bathroom design

When creating an en suite bathroom, the two most important factors to consider, even before you get into the matter of cost and chosing the suite and furniture, are what room it is going to be an en suite for and what the dimensions of the en suite are.

Why an bathroom en-suite?

Although it may seem a really obvious question, knowing what room you are building an en suite for clearly sets parameters for both design and function. If you are adding it to your own bedroom, then your own taste and needs will prevail. However, if it is going on a child’s bedroom then the practicalities of the room are different. Similarly, a guest room will have different requirements as will an en suite added to boost the sale value of a property.

What goes in it?

Your own bedroom’s en suite will most likely be the bathroom you use first thing in the morning and last thing at night. If space and budget permit, it may also become your main bathroom and the bathroom suite inside will reflect this. Depending on the purpose you need to make sure of good lighting and a great mirror for things like applying make-up, cleansing your face or just performing basic dental hygiene. If space permits you may add a toilet and even a shower or bath.

For children

A child’s bedroom’s en suite will probably place less focus on things like make-up or shaving, but there is still every need for a basin to make sure they have no excuse to avoid brushing their teeth. A toilet is of greater importance here, as children often need to make more frequent trips to the bathroom and it makes things easier for the whole family for them to have one close at hand.

Great investment

A guest bedroom or an en suite purely to boost re-sale value will often be more sterile and seem multi-functional, perhaps at the cost of personality and catering to one particularly need. This is not to say it will be unattractive or poorly thought out, but it will reflect less on the taste and needs of the people who use it.

Maximize space

The size and shape of the room are the most obvious constraints regarding the design of an en suite bathroom. Put simply, if the room is too small you can’t get a bathroom in there. If the shape is awkward you may be looking at placing an unconventionally shaped bath in there. You would have to prioritize which items you want in such a room and make the decision accordingly. Luckily, there are some great corner baths, smaller baths and shower baths to help you maximize function and comfort regardless of the space available. Similarly, a smaller toilet or one with an in-wall cistern can also help to maximise what may only be a very small amount of space.

Emma writes for Liberty Bathrooms a supplier of superior quality cloakroom suites and other bathroom items.