Bathroom Buying Guide Archive

Understand water pressure: Find the perfect taps and showers for your bathroom

Not every single tap and shower will suit your bathroom, therefore,  it is advisable to check the water pressure your home has first to identify the suitable taps and showers. In this simple guide, we will go through the common water system that the majority of British households will have in their home.

What is water pressure?

Water pressure is measured in bars and we use water pressure to define the flow strength of water through a pipe.  Different taps or showers will require various water ratings, consequently, this is the reason why we need to understand the water pressure of the house before buying the tap or shower.

Types of Water System

Gravity System

What is water pressure? Water pressure is measured in bars and we use water pressure to define the flow strength of water through a pipe. Different taps or showers will require various water ratings, this is the reason why we need to understand the water pressure of the house before buying the tap or shower. Types of Water System Gravity System

  1. You can normally find the gravity system in an older house.
  2. You can find a cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder.
  3. The gravity system is typically considered as low pressure.
  4. You should be looking at taps and showers operating with minimum 0.2 bar

Pump Assisted: Fit a pump on top of the gravity system

Pump Assisted

Alternately, you can add a pump to boost the flow rate. Then, you will be able to fit any taps or shower you like.

Combination (combi) boiler

Combination (combi) boiler

  1. The boiler is normally installed in the kitchen, it heats water on demand.
  2. Generally, on the front, a reading is available to show you the water pressure.
  3. The combination boiler is considered as medium-high pressure.

Unvented system

Unvented system

  1. The unvented system is commonly referred by the brand “megaflo”. It is often fitted in newer or refurbished properties
  2. The hot water cylinder can be located anywhere, but normally can be found in airing cupboards or garages.
  3. The invented system is considered as high pressure, you can generally choose whichever fitting you like.

If you are still not too sure what water pressure you have, the best way is always to get your plumber to provide you with the accurate figure.

When you are looking taps or showers on UK Bathrooms website, the specifications section will show you the required pressure to operate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toilet buying guide: Toilet types and options for your bathroom

With so many types of toilets, so many options, it could be pretty confusing when you are buying a toilet. Therefore, here is a simple toilet buying guide that will go through different types of toilets to give you a bit more direction.

 

Before you start

Have a good idea of your plumbing before you choose your new toilet. Especially the connection between your soil pipe and spigot. If your soil pipe and spigot are different heights, use a flexible pan connector to join them!

Note: The spigot is the spherical pipe at the end of your toilet pan that joins it to the soil pipe. All British toilets include spigots that are parallel to the floor. Depending on the toilet, this can either be connected to the soil pipe vertically or to the left or right.

Types of Toilets

A toilet is definitely essential for any bathroom, no matter it is big or small. Fortunately, nowadays a toilet can look stylish and be a design statement for your bathroom as well as perform their functional purpose.

Close Coupled Toilets

These type of toilets comes with a cistern that fits on top of the pan. It usually has a dual flush button on the top, or you can choose to go with a lever handle. UK Bathrooms also offer options where you can adjust the flow of water. The main benefits of close coupled toilets are that it is normally much affordable and easier to install compared to other types of toilets.

Low-Level Toilets

The cistern is mounted on the wall and connected to the pan via an exposed metal flush pipe. If you are creating a traditional or Victorian style bathroom, this will be your top choice.  Burlington Bathrooms and Imperial Bathrooms offer a wide range of traditional style toilets. In addition, you can choose the toilet seat colour to match your bathroom colour scheme.

High-Level Toilets

High-Level toilets are similar to low-level toilets, but with the cistern sitting high up on the wall and with a very long exposed metal flush pipe. You can achieve an iconic periodic look effortlessly with high-level toilets. Furthermore, we offer matching basin and furniture pieces for your high-level toilets.

Wall Hung Toilets

Wall hung toilets are a clever creation which is efficient to install. They help you get a clean and clutter free bathroom space. It doesn’t touch the floor, therefore, it gives the illusion of more space. This also makes your cleaning process much easier.  A wall hung toilet requires a wall mounting frame. This can deliver the best comfort as it allows you to hang the pan at your desired height (within reason). There is no worry of aftercare, as you can reach the cistern through the flush plate after the toilet is installed.

Back to Wall Toilets

Back to wall toilets are visually minimal and modern. This type of toilets is a standard toilet pan that stands on the floor, with a hidden cistern in the wall or furniture unit. They are a great compromise for those who may not be able to install a wall hung pan, but still prefer the invisible cistern.

Shower Toilets

Freshness and comfort. With the developing of technology, the clever, innovative shower toilets are created! With a refreshing shower spray, shower toilets deliver the best hygiene for your personal care. From start to finish without the need of toilet paper, you can experience the pure cleanness of water that refreshes you.

 

Bath Buying Guide

A bathtub is an important investment to consider when planning your new bathroom. As a bath is one of the primary elements of the bathroom, it can also be the centrepiece and focal point when you are entering your bathroom. In this guide, we will provide you with some ideas to help you choose the perfect bath.

Before selecting the bath you like…

Make sure you have already measured the size of your bathroom and work out the shape of you’re the space the bath will be in. This will help you to find the perfect tub that fit well in your bathroom design.

For more information about how to measure your bathroom, read more here.

Types of Baths

A bath is not only simply somewhere to have a wash, it also creates a stylish statement for your bathroom.  You can find a wide range of baths at UK Bathrooms.

Single Ended inset Baths

This style of the bath is usually created for a single person. The taps and shower valve can be fitted to the wall directly. Single-ended baths can also be used as shower baths and often have the taps and waste at one short end.

Double Ended inset Baths

Both ends of the bath have a gentle slope. The largest sizes can accommodate two. The waste and taps are normally in the centre along the long side or fitted to the wall. You can also choose a freestanding bath tap to go with it.

Freestanding Baths

Inspired by traditional style cast iron tubs, a freestanding bath is a good option when you are creating a classic, luxury bathroom. At UK Bathrooms you can find a freestanding bath from a traditional Victorian style through to a minimalist look for a contemporary bathroom design.

Shower Baths

If you don’t have sufficient space in your bathroom, a shower bath is a clever space-saver.

Whirlpool & Spa Baths

Hydrotherapy has been known to deliver substantial health benefits directing to a progressed quality life. After a long hard day, getting home and enjoying a relaxing massage, it doesn’t get much better than this!

Easy Access Bath

Having difficulty raising your legs to get into the bath? This is the best solution for you!
Providing an easy access function to bathe and relax in comfort, the bath is fitted with a low-level door for you to enter the bath. Accessible products can look stylish and beautiful, too.

Simple Bathroom measurement guide

Before you start to plan your dream bathroom, one of the most important things is to get the size of the room right! This is a simple bathroom measurement guide for you to measure your correct bathroom size.

Preparation

Prepare a piece of paper (if you have the graph paper is even better), a pen and most importantly a tape measure or a laser measuring tool.

Taking the Measurement

  1. Indicate where your door and window(s) are.
  2. Measure the door or window(s) from one outside edge of the trim to the other outside edge.
  3. Double check your measurements by measuring the entire wall length from wall to wall and comparing it to your individual measurements.
    For example AB+BC+CD=AD or AE+EF+FG=AG

Things to consider

Ceiling Height

If you’re wishing to sneak a bathroom into that area under the stairs or fit one into loft area, you need to make sure you check the ceiling height.

You should be especially aware of the area that you are intending to place a shower enclosure! You will need to bear in mind that if your enclosure is going to sit on a tray your 2-meter enclosure might be a lot taller on your chosen tray. We do offer shorter models and slim trays, just get in touch with our sales team for advice! Furthermore, make sure the awkward space has been taken note of and marked up in the plan.

Door position

Remember to note whether your door goes inward or outward! This will be affecting your space planning process.

We will keep publishing more guides and tips to help you plan your dream bathroom! Stay tuned!