Archive for June, 2011

Easy Install Bath Tap Mixer Kit – an ingenious invention!

June 26th, 2011 by Jilly

Easy Install Bath Mixer Kit

When a bath is installed it can be a very laborious not to mention costly task to remove, this may have to be done if the Bath filler tap malfunctions or the user wants to replace it for some reason.

Predominantly bath taps are installed before the bath is installed, this is due to the fact it is easier to access the back nuts that hold the taps in place. Tapshop321 has sourced a product that makes the job of installing bath taps easy and their removal even easier!

Image showing quick release bath tap fixing set

The kit above is installed in 7 easy steps and allows the bath taps to be installed at the end of a project rather than at the beginning this makes finishing jobs such as siliconing and tiling much easier to do without having to reach around the awkward gap at the back of your taps.

1 Drill the bath using a 42-44mm hole cutter.

2 Fit the long body into the bat and secure with rear lock nut.

3 The securing collar can now be attached to the bath tap

4 Secure collar with rear lock nut.

5 Feed the flexible hoses up through pre drilled holes and attach to the taps.

6 Locate the tap / mixer into the shrouds on the Bath

7 Tighten the grub screw with key provided

Now the mixing kit is the permanent fixture rather than the taps it is far easier to remove. The taps can be replaced by simply loosening the grub screw and removing the flexible hoses. This is considerably less time consuming than removing the tiles, removing the silicone, and removing the bath!!

The product is made by Alliance Sanitary Products Ltd and more detailed fittings instructions can be viewed by clicking this link: http://www.alliancegb.com/Easyaccesspull-outwallfixingkit.html

Please be aware that this kit is only currently available with a round finish, whilst it will fit most taps please note that if used with a square shape tap you will have a round base visible at the base of the tap unit this is purely a superficial issue and will not affect the functioning of the kit.

Tags: bath tap fixing kit, Quick release taps, repairing a bath tap

Posted in DIY Hints & Tips, Reviews | Comments Off

Solar Water Heating For The Home

June 20th, 2011 by steph

For some people the cost of going green is simply too high when it comes to domestic solar water heaters and solar pv panels. Many homeowners are reluctant to invest a lot of money into having them installed as they are unsure of whether they are a worthy investment and have many questions that need answering before making the decision.

Will solar water heaters compromise the appearance of my home?

Solar water heating systems consist of a solar collector and a storage tank. The solar collector is generally 1 square metre in size and is designed to simply look like a skylight rather than a heating device. A solar water collector may simply be a flat panel or consist of a sequence of evacuated tubes. The evacuated tubes arent visible on the rooftop so both solar water heater systems should look the same.

How durable are solar water heaters?

Many people worry that their climate isnt hot enough to use the solar water heater effectively or that it will freeze in the winter. These are both myths, solar water heaters come with a lifetime anti-freeze guarantee to give homeowners peace of mind. Solar water heaters are designed to last as long as a house does with minimal maintenance and repairs required.

Will the temperature of my water be lower in colder months?

Solar water systems dont compromise the water temperature of a home, even though they are less effective in cooler weather. Solar water heaters work in conjunction with the central heating system so that the central heating can be used as a backup when there is not enough heat in the solar powered heater. This ensures that the same temperature comes out of the kitchen and bathroom taps regardless of the strength of the sunlight. This is how solar water heaters help reduce families energy bills; they reduce the amount of central heating usage required to heat your water.

How much can I expect to save with solar water heaters?

On an average year, homeowners can expect to save around 60% in the hotter, sunnier months of the year and around 20% in colder winter months. They could also increase boiler life due to it requiring less usage. Solar water heaters also allegedly increase the equity of a home due to self-sufficient homes being sought after for their financial and eco-friendly benefits.

Are there any downsides to solar water systems?

There are some aspects of solar water heaters that are considered to be negative. The fact the initial cost of installation is higher than that of conventional heating methods can be unattractive to potential buyers who feel it is too much money to invest. Some solar water systems cant be used to heat radiators within the home either, which is one of the major downsides of solar water heaters.

Many people decide to get solar water heaters because of their financial benefits as well as the fact they are sustainable energy sources. Although they cant heat all hot water needed for the average home, they certainly help to reduce energy bills and climate change.

An example of solar water heaters on a roof

Tags: renewable energy review, solar water heater, solar water heaters

Posted in DIY Hints & Tips, General Articles, Reviews | Comments Off

Bathroom Mould How to prevent it

June 7th, 2011 by steph

What is mould?

Mould is a very common and unsightly household problem that can not only cause unpleasant sights and smells; it can also be dangerous to a persons health. A common area for mould growth is the bathroom due to the moist and humid conditions a bathroom often possesses after a shower or bath has been taken.

Mould only breeds where moisture is present. Condensation is a major trigger for mould growth. Condensation is caused when a shower or bath is taken; the steam that is produced hits a cold surface like a window pane or ceramic floor tiles and turns back into water this water is the perfect breeding ground for mould to grow.

How can mould affect my health?

There are 3 different types of mould that generally occur within the home: green, grey and black. Black mould is toxic and can be particularly harmful to children, the elderly and those with a history of respiratory illness and asthma. Continued exposure and inhalation of black mould spores can lead to respiratory problems, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, fungal skin infections and allergic asthma.

How do I remove it?

Preventing and ridding your home of mould can prove to be difficult, due to the fact that mould exists in small quantities everywhere and is vital to the cycle of life. If your bathroom has discoloured patches or smells musky then its time to break the mould.

In many cases mould can be removed with everyday household products such as soap and water. For worse cases a bleach solution can be used to tackle the problem. The solution should be a maximum of one cup of bleach per gallon of water. Avoid mixing bleach with any other household chemicals as this can create a toxic solution. When removing the mould ensure the bathroom is well ventilated and that all doors and windows are open.

Grouting is a common place for mould to grow. Remove mould from grouting with a bathroom cleaner and be prepared to scrub vigorously and persevere.

How to prevent mould growing

Ensure all windows and fans are on whilst taking a bath or shower to avoid steam developing.
Use a dehumidifier, this device absorbs excess moisture within the air and acts as an extractor.
Avoid carpets in bathrooms as they collect and harbour moisture whereas tiles and vinyl flooring can easily be wiped up. Any carpets that have experienced flooding should be removed.
Keep the bathroom clean avoid leaving damp towels on the floor, hang them on a heated towel rail to dry quickly and avoid moisture.
Opt for a shower screen as opposed to a shower curtain. Shower curtains are renowned for becoming mouldy whereas screens can be wiped clean and dry much quicker.
Detect any plumbing problems. If you suspect a leaking bathroom tap you should source and resolve immediately to avoid leaking water causing damp.

Its important to prevent mould developing in rooms as mould is harder to get rid of than prevent. Ensuring the humidity levels of your bathroom are kept under control can reduce the unsightly mould problems. Opening windows slightly whilst having your radiators on to ventilate excessive humidity can reduce the likelihood of mould developing. If mould reoccurs despite efforts to remove and prevent it then call a specialist as there could be an issue with damp coursing.

A severe case of black mould

Tags: bathroom mildew, bathroom mould, black mould

Posted in Bathroom Disasters, DIY Hints & Tips | Comments Off