Modern day Tapware Trends

The beauty of tapware is that when you find the right one, it becomes an element that accents the space; it accessorizes an otherwise mundane room – the bathroom.  Nowadays, taps are more than a plumbing hardware, the designs and the technologies that have been used to add beauty and efficiency into the tap is overwhelming.  Here is a good look into modern tapware.

It is quite amazing how the tap has evolved from something simply utilitarian to a well designed ecofriendly device – the outcome of creative minds and engineering prowess.

Wall or Basin Tap Mixers

There was a time when hot and cold water came from two separate taps but since the invention of the mixer taps in 1880, the mixer tap has been very popular.  For baths and showers, mixer taps frequently has pressure balancing feature so that the mixture of hot and cold water ratio will not be affected by changes in water pressure on either side of the water supply.  Single handle mixers have been more popular lately and the mixer tapware designs have gone from the typical knob and spout to more modern, tubular or cleaner look.  The knobs are replaced by levers and the iron or brass finish is replaced by the more modern chrome.  Most of Sydney’s bathroom showcase stores carry lines of these exquisitely designed tapware.

Electronic Sensor Taps or Auto Taps

Did you know that electronic sensor tapware save water to up to 70%?  They may cost way above regular taps but you cannot put a price tag on saving the planet.  These taps uses an electric switch (called solenoid switch) that open and close a valve using magnets.   The solenoid valve is initially energized to start the water flow; the plunger is driven into the range of a permanent magnet which in turn holds the plunger in the “open” position.  In order to close the tap, it is once again energized but by reverse polarity.  The solenoid switch is driven by infrared sensors.  The presence of an object in the infrared’s line of site signals the solenoid switch to turn on.  The signal is terminated again just after a few seconds.

Digital Taps

These types of tapware have taken the technology even further by giving you the option to tailor the water temperature to your liking.  The icons on the digital control panel can be pre-programmed with your preferred combination of temperature, flow rate and duration.  These taps are available as wall mounted or basin mounted taps.

How to Replace Your Old Toilet

Most homeowners who have purchased a pre-owned home would love to renovate the bedroom and most leave bathroom alone.   But it does not have to be that way.  You can change the look of the bathroom by replacing the fixtures in it.  And you can save money if you do it yourself. So here is how to install a toilet bowl.

It may look daunting but toilets are made to be installed without so much fuss.  The steps are simple. The only thing you must pay careful attention to is aligning the bowl with the wax ring to the flange.  This step will require some assistance. But before we get to that, we must first figure out which bowls to buy.

Buying the Right Sized Toilet for your bathroom.

You will need to measure the distance between the walls behind the toilet tank to the closet bolt. These are the bolts that hold the toilet bowl in place on the bathroom floor.  The measurement of your new toilet bowl and tank set should not exceed that of the old one.

There are available toilets that come in one piece with the tank but the most are separate.  Remember that these toilets are porcelain and must be handled carefully. The kind of toilet set you purchase will also determine the difficulty in installation.

Installing the toilet bowl with little assistance.

You will need an adjustable wrench, putty knife and screw driver.  Make sure you have the new toilet set, wax ring, closet bolts, nuts and silicone caulk.  You will also need a sponge, disposable rag gloves and a plunger.

First turn off your stop valve found under the old tank. With an adjustable wrench, detach the water supply line from the tank.  Flush the toilet to remove water from the tank and use a plunger to force flush remaining water from the toilet bowl.  Use the sponge to remove excess water from the tank.

Locate the bolts in the tank that fastens it to the toilet bowl and remove them. Carefully remove the tank.  Remove closet bolts from the sides of the toilet bowl and gently rock the toilet bowl from side to side to dislodge it. Once it is out, remove the old wax ring from the floor using a putty knife. Wipe all remaining wax from the floor revealing the flange.  Inspect the flange for damage and use a super flange if need be.

How you remove is toilet installation on reverse.

Bring in the new toilet bowl and place it on its side on a padded floor. Attach the new wax ring on the bottom of the bowl.  For the next step, you will need some help.  Slowly place and align the toilet bowl to the bolts on the floor and press until you feel the wax squeeze into place.  Be careful how to install a toilet bowl on the floor without breaking the wax ring.   Once the wax ring breaks, you’ll have problems with leaks.  Once you are sure, secure the bolt with rubber washers and nuts. 

Bring in the tank this time and set it on its side while you attach the rubber gasket on the bottom of the tank and insert the shanks from the inside of the bowl.  The shanks fasten the tank to the bowl. Carefully insert shanks onto the holes provided for it on the bowl. Alternately tighten the shanks until the bottom of the tank touches the toilet bowl. 

Reattach the water supply line and the toilet seats. How to install a toilet seat should be in a manual that came with the package.   Open the stop valve and you’re done!

Bathroom Renovation Tips

Bathrooms are one of the spaces in the home that are overlooked probably because it can be very expensive to replace all the fixtures and sometimes simply replacing mats and curtains will do the trick.  But if you are ready for a complete overhaul, here are a few things you might need to keep in mind.

·         Decide on a budget and always have a minimum and a maximum amount.  If your budget is very limited, make sure you are ready to skip certain aspects of the renovations, for example, skipping the tiling or extra cabinets or even foregoing the bath tub.  This is because you may find plumbing or leak problems when the workers start to removes tiles and fixtures.  Bathroom renovations almost always come with repairs here and there.

·         Create a Checklist of things you want to retain or replace. This goes hand in hand with your budgeting.  There are key items/fixtures that need to be in that checklist: shower, bathtub, toilet, bidet, sink, tapware, shower doors, cabinets, drawer pulls, towel/tissue holders etc. It would be less of a hassle for you if you could get all these fixtures from one bathroom store or distributor.

·         Aesthetics and over-all look is important but when it comes to fixtures, sturdiness, durability and reliability should be top priority.  Most of what you put in the bathroom is relatively permanent so you have to choose wisely.  And if there is any aspect in the renovation that you can’t possibly budget cut, it’s the tapware.  There are so many “nice looking” taps available at a very affordable price but it might not last you very long.  Choosing design over durability may cost you more in repairs than if you go for the best the store has to offer. 

·         Think it over before buying the tub.  When you are out shopping for tubs, it’s okay to sit in there and get the “feel” of it.  And when it comes to tubs, bigger is not usually better.  Assess the angled back and lip for comfort and neck support. You wouldn’t want to float all over the place when the tub is finally filled with water.  If your bathroom space would only allow a small tub, get the extra deep one. It’s also a good idea to ask for maintenance issues regarding the finish. 

·         Follow a top to bottom sequence.  Whether your bathroom renovations are minimal or a complete overhaul, always start from the top – ceilings, walls then the floor. This will save you clean up time and it ensures that you don’t ruin a finished job.

The Custom Furniture – Sydney Buying Tips

There is something about buying furniture in Sydney that is both exciting and a bit taxing.  This is because there are a lot of designs, styles and materials to choose from.  This is why it is best to do your homework first before you set out to buy.  If you do not have a specific design in mind yet, have a general checklist that states the color (and shade) and style (modern, traditional, classic).

If you have been to every furniture shop in Sydney and still are not able to find the right one, you can try buying custom furniture.  Now we are not talking about bespoke furniture which means every single detail is custom made from framework, to feet and rollers to the fabric and finish.  This is different from the custom furniture widely available in Sydney wherein customization only goes as far as fabric and foam or suspension.

Custom Furniture is for homeowners who want to personalize or customize the size, color and comfort options and leaves the over-all look and style to the furniture shop expert.  When it comes to custom furniture, you’ll want to converse with sales people you can easily talk to.

Sydney’s custom furniture shops have ready-to-purchase sofas, lounges, beds and other furniture you can inspect to gauge the workmanship. Look over available seating options, frames, and fabric or leather upholstery selections.  When you are shopping for custom furniture it is quite alright to be a bit more inquisitive and to take time to window shop.   If you have friends who made recent custom furniture purchases, it would be wise to ask them too.

Look for a furniture shop that is accommodating and are happy to answer your questions. Who have sales people that appear to have extensive knowledge and experience in furniture making – this is a big plus for you.  So take advantage and ask away. 

When you are ready to place your order, make sure that all the details you prefer is listed out or enumerated on the invoice.  Custom furniture is not like buying pre-fabricated ones that is pre-described and referred to as a code number.  The last thing you want is customized furniture that is not made exactly as you pictured it to look.  So, make sure that you have listed the right size, design, framework material and construction, fabric (make sure you have a sample swatch) and finish (for wood or metal parts).