Plumbing work is perhaps one of the most important jobs in the home, along with electrical work. Faulty taps and pipes can cause a flood not only for you, but also for all the neighbors below you, which promises huge financial costs. We will help you avoid this by talking about the basic rules for preventing plumbing problems.
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Submitting concept
Whatever you place in your bathroom - sink, bathtub, toilet or shower - everything should be in harmony, not a single element should fall out of the overall concept. The bathroom is the same room that requires a thoughtful approach combined with an original design solution. It’s not for nothing that interior designers are asked to design bathrooms separately. This is the place where you can relax and soak in the streams of water. The most ideal option is if you purchase all the plumbing equipment at one time and in one place. Then you can select all the details in combination with each other. When choosing plumbing fixtures, be sure to consider the materials from which it is made and take into account their features. Easy-to-use and hygienic sanitary products are usually in favor.
Often people are faced with a choice - what is better to buy - a shower cabin or a bathtub? Here you need to rely on your desires, lifestyle and age. If you are an energetic person who saves time on taking water procedures, then you can opt for a shower cabin. It takes up less space than a bathtub and allows you to place more furniture. However, if you like to soak in foamy water without haste and maybe even with pleasant music, then the choice in favor of a bath is obvious. All this is quite easy to determine if you live alone. However, if besides you, someone else lives in the apartment, or even a whole family, you need to take into account the opinion of each of its members.
First, the plan
Any renovation begins with an idea, the path to implementation of which lies through planning.
Without this important step, you can get a disastrous result: there won’t be enough sockets, the shower stall won’t fit, the door won’t open completely, etc. If the bathroom is small, then you should devote maximum time to the design stage. Everything is not as complicated and boring as it might seem. You will have to arm yourself with a tape measure and take measurements of the room, transfer these values onto paper, and mark where the sewer riser and water supply inlets are now located. Then it's a matter of little things:
- We determine what plumbing items are needed : a bathtub or a shower, whether a bidet is needed, etc. Keep in mind that there are quite compact products, so it doesn’t hurt to first study the plumbing market , paying attention to the overall dimensions ;
- we decide whether there will be a washing machine, toilet, furniture , etc. in the bathroom;
- We draw on the plan what will be placed and where. Don’t forget about those parts that will swing open (washing machine hatch, shower door, cabinet, etc.) - you need to provide enough space for them;
- if you need to move a sink, toilet , etc., it is better to consult with specialists in advance to see if this is possible in your bathroom.
Start plumbing work by dismantling old plumbing and water supply systems
Dismantling old plumbing is not a difficult process, but it is a responsible one. When dismantling old apartments, constantly monitor the condition of pipes and valves. When removing old plumbing, there is a high probability of tearing off a worn-out valve or damaging an old rusty pipe.
Advice: If you decide to seriously update your old plumbing, start the repair by replacing the shut-off taps (valves) installed on the inlet water pipes. True, in this case you will have to communicate with local operating organizations. But a quiet life in the future is worth it.
Popular manufacturers
Roca plumbing
The most popular models from well-known plumbing manufacturers.
ROCA
The well-known Spanish brand produces sanitary ware for the bathroom and toilet; prices for products vary depending on the model. The designs are distinguished by their stylish design, ergonomics, convenience, variety of shapes and models, styles and trends. Toilets retain their excellent appearance and quality for a long time.
JACOB DELAFON
The French manufacturer of sanitary ware produces luxury products. The products are distinguished by sophistication and sophistication. Unusual shapes of structures create a unique style. A special coating protects products from scratches and damage. Does not require careful care. The service life is 25 years.
CERSANIT
Popular sanitary ware from Poland, a leader in the middle price segment. It is distinguished by a variety of shapes, models, and designs. Popular materials are used for production: sanitaryware and ceramics. The surface is covered with high-quality glaze. Thanks to this, it is resistant to mechanical stress and cleaning agents. Compact models are available for small bathrooms.
RAVAK
The Czech company produces original sanitary ware of excellent quality. The products are distinguished by their stylish design and long service life. All products are developed in the same line with equipment and accessories. The models are made of cast marble: a strong and reliable material.
A wide variety of shapes are offered: classic, teardrop-shaped, corner products. For rooms of any size. Various installation options are used.
Criterias of choice
First of all, the level of comfort and reliability is taken into account. What is important is the combination of details, the unity of style and image.
Has the meaning:
- what material are the products made of;
- installation and connection methods;
- ease of use and care.
The plumbing fixtures are selected to be of high quality and durable.
When purchasing, take into account the manufacturer's brand: the more famous the brand, the more reliable the product. Check if there is a warranty on the product. They look at the appearance of the plumbing fixtures to ensure there are no chips or defects. The coating should be smooth and beautiful.
Repair features
To carry out competent bathroom plumbing repairs, you need to choose the right building materials, from bolts to sealants.
Qualified repairs also imply the peculiarities of the bathroom - high humidity, small area, as well as the material of plumbing products.
To carry out repair work related to plumbing, it is best to use the services of professionals who know all the nuances of work in this area.
High-quality plumbing fixtures for a cast-iron bathtub or made from any other material will last a very long time and will not require frequent repairs.
Types of breakdowns
Over time, any plumbing fixture breaks down. Chips and scratches appear on the surface of the bathtub or sink, and the enamel deteriorates. Such problems can be eliminated using a special product, glue, acrylic. Defects are cleaned, the surface is degreased, and a layer of acrylic is applied.
Mixers and taps are repaired in case of problems. In case of leaks, the gaskets are changed, and a new valve axle is installed in the valve taps. If the model has an aerator, remove the filter and rinse it under running water. The ceramic cartridge is completely replaced.
Modern plumbing is distinguished by functionality, reliability, and quality. Correctly selected models will become a real decoration of any room.
Installation and fastening
Bath installation
You can install plumbing in your home yourself. First, determine the location of each part in the room. The bathtub and sink are installed next to the water supply risers. If the area allows, the structure is placed in the middle of the room.
The bathtub is placed on legs. Steel and acrylic products are filled with polyurethane foam for reliability or a stand is used. They are attached to the wall and the seams are filled with sealant.
The sink is mounted on a stand or on a cabinet. The mortise model is built into the countertop.
Using flexible hoses, the devices are connected to the water supply system. Install mixers and siphons according to the instructions.
What are sanitary ware made from?
Before we move on to studying the nuances of choosing different types of plumbing fixtures, we will decide on the material of its execution - this is a common parameter for almost all plumbing items ( toilet, sink, bidet ).
- Earthenware is one of the most affordable materials and has a decent appearance. Fired earthenware is covered with a thick layer of glaze on top, which protects it and ensures its appearance. However, even despite the presence of glaze, earthenware remains more porous than other materials, and when the glaze begins to wear off, earthenware absorbs moisture, thereby reducing the strength of the product. The durability of earthenware plumbing is about 15 years.
- Porcelain is a more expensive and durable analogue of earthenware. The basis, as in the case of earthenware, is white clay, but additives from feldspar and quartz reduce the porosity of the products. Porcelain plumbing fixtures are also glazed and are often indistinguishable from earthenware in appearance, but last for decades, which is why they are more expensive. The disadvantage of earthenware and porcelain is the appearance of chips and cracks due to strong impacts.
- Artificial stone and composite materials make it possible to create incredibly beautiful plumbing fixtures that have solid durability and mechanical strength. Such products are easy to clean; plaque and dirt do not stick to them. The downside is the high price.
- Marble is an expensive material, but it is more exclusive than a solution for the mass market. Despite their beauty and high cost, such products are difficult to care for, as they are highly porous, and the material can even be painted.
- Glass plumbing is beautiful, but often turns into a complete headache. Only sinks are usually made of glass. There is no need to worry about durability - it is comparable to products made from porcelain and earthenware, but in terms of care it is worse. Stains, drips and dirt will be very noticeable, so you will have to wipe the sink every day, or even several times a day.
- Metal is not used so often; many immediately associate it with public restrooms and toilets on trains, but we are talking about designer products. Metal is strong, durable, easy to maintain, and resistant to mechanical damage, but it is not cheap, and not everyone likes it.
