Bathroom Renovations and Repairs

Archive for October, 2008

Bath faucets all share the same purpose, which is to regulate the flow of water. However, did you know that there are different kinds of bath faucets in the market today? Each bath faucet has its own unique design that gives a bathroom its individual style.

There are a variety of bath faucets to choose from. When choosing a bath faucet, there are different things to consider like size, functionality, finish, spigot or handles. However, the most important  consideration must be that it is built to last and reasonably priced.

Selecting bath faucets is easy

When you decide to buy a bath faucet, you need to consider a number of things:  the different types of faucets available in the market, whether the design matches other bath products in the room, and how it will be utilized in your sink or basin.

One way to decide which bath faucet to purchase among the many types available is by checking the material it is made of. A popular choice would be bath faucets made of stainless steel and chrome. Its design is both beautiful and modern. To clean them, they may be polished to a shiny surface. If you prefer a more traditional or classic look, you would be delighted to discover that nickel and brass bath faucets are available to give your bath environment an antique style.

Choosing faucets based on design and functionality

Based on its working mechanism, bath faucets fall under two basic types: the compression faucets and the mixing faucets. Compression faucets are composed of two controls — one for hot water and the other for cold water. When the handle is turned off, washers block water flow through the faucet. 

The mixing faucet has a different mechanism. It is composed of  a single  knob or control, which regulates both the temperature and pressure. Although all bath faucets are built to last, the mixing faucet is considered more durable. Despite this quality, compression faucets are still the more popular choice due to its modern and polished look.

Another type of faucet is the Spigot, which has opulent features and attractive design.  The Gooseneck is the latest design in this line. It is called such due to its long, fluid, curvaceous silhouette, which allows taller containers such as tubs or mugs to be filled easily. In addition, it includes pull out sprayers that offer mobility and versatility. Its flexible plastic hose and adjustable nozzle provide a greater reach over the basin.

The versatility of the bath faucet

Apart from the bath faucet’s main purpose of regulating the flow of water, its new styles and additional functions merge modern technology with artistic design, bringing  functionality and elegance to any area. There are different types of spigots available. There are those that are adjusted to provide nearly but not quite boiling water, filtered water or dish/hand washing liquid from a vessel underneath the counter. This just goes to show that the array of features and designs of faucets are there to satisfy the individual tastes and needs of even the most discerning customer.

If you notice your bath tub has cracks, is tarnished and rusty — in other words, it’s showing its age — you may feel that it’s time to buy a replacement. However, before spending money on a new tub or on hiring a professional to do the job for you, there is one solution that is a cheaper and fuss-free way to make your old bath look new, and that is through doing bath restoration yourself.

Pointers to Keep In Mind Before Proceeding with Bath Restoration

The job may seem daunting at first, but with the right hardware, materials and skill set, it will be easy to achieve results that are almost or at par with having it professionally done. Hiring a professional to do the job for you may be much more expensive than doing it yourself. To make the task easier, refinishing kits are available in the market in different colors and materials compatible with majority of bath types.

If doing bath restoration yourself still seems like a difficult task for you, you may opt to purchase a bath liner. A bath liner is an acrylic shell placed over your bath tub. It should be made of superior craftsmanship to keep you from having to deal with more problems such as leaking, which in turn, results to molds and mildew. However, a bath liner is not the best solution for a tub that is deteriorating and in need of major repair. Its greatest benefit, though, is that it is easy to install, fuss-free and readily available in the market. 

How to Prolong the Life of a Restored Tub

There are a number of tips to keep in mind to ensure that your restored tub remains sturdy for years to come. The number of years a restored tub will last is determined by the kind of product used in refinishing it, and after doing the restoration, how much care is given in protecting the tub from harsh elements.

One way to lengthen a restored tub’s life is to dry it after every use. A bath that has been well-restored and given the proper care can last for as long as 10 to 15 years. The materials used in refinishing the bath must be of superior quality for you to achieve the desired results. 

Before buying a repair and restoration kit always check if the ingredients of the kit contain strong acids and harsh chemicals as they may not be compatible with certain bath materials and thus give you bad results. Another factor that determines if the restoration kit is of good quality is by checking if a finishing gloss may be placed on the restored tub and if the kit comes with a guarantee. If the restoration kit passes these standards then it is worth purchasing as it will surely prolong your bath’s durability and give your bath a new look once again.

Nowadays, if your bathroom needs repair or a leak simply needs to be fixed, there is no need for you to call a plumber. Do-It-Yourself tips and instructions, which you can easily follow, are readily available, thereby saving yourself the cost of hiring a professional to do it for you.

A typical problem encountered when it comes to bath repairs is repairing scratches in the bath. Its cause must first be identified. Scratches in the bath are caused by the harsh, harmful ingredients of almost all bath cleaners. The abrasive substance found in bath cleaners can damage acrylic surfaces. Thus, you must be careful in purchasing a bath cleaner that has the best quality ingredients and is perfectly compatible with your bath.

Easy Bath Repair Solutions for Typical Concerns

A typical problem for home owners is how to repair scratches in the bath. The solution would be to purchase a cleaner formulated specifically for your bath. To remove lime deposits, discoloration and stubborn debris, a polishing paste will do the job as well as remove the scratches. You must keep in mind that a low quality cleaner has a disagreeable smell. Thus, to keep your bath smelling pleasant, never scrimp on spending a little more on a high quality cleaner. 

To clean acrylic baths, the procedure is easy to follow. To start, shake the tube of polishing paste. Using a soft and damp cloth or sponge, place the paste on the surface of the bath and rub it. Finally, wash off the paste using warm water. On the other hand, to resurface plastic baths, there are kits that may be easily purchased, which are effective in repairing and improving the sturdiness of the bath. These kits are composed of a two-part coating that is epoxy-based. The kit is effective in removing discolorations and stubborn stains on surfaces. This is a practical way to minimize expenses and avoid the hassle of shopping for a new bath.

The Ease and Convenience of Bath Repairs

A bath refinishing kit helps you perform bath repairs easily with results comparable to those done by professionals. To repair enamel baths, you simply need to use a kit to clean and sand the bath with sand paper until its enamel surface becomes coarse. The dust must then be wiped off. Depending on the instructions specified in the kit, the base of replacement should then be spread on the surface. As a finishing touch, apply lacquer. Homeowners will be pleased to find a kit suitable for every type of bath.