Bathrooms may only represent a small portion of the entire house; however, these are one the most important spaces of a person’s home. As such, it is important to utilize the bathroom space efficiently with practical fixtures that not only have an aesthetic appeal but also offer functional advantages. Essential features of your bathroom should be matched with fittings that complement these features. These include shower screens, taps, electrical fittings, vanity, and towel rails. Paying attention to these small details can help you achieve a cohesive design.
Here is a guide to essential bathroom features:
Bathroom Vanity
When selecting a bathroom vanity, you must ensure that it is not only utilitarian but also matches the interior of your bathroom. Vanities are available in different colors, finishes and features. One popular type is the pedestal sink, a free-standing sink that can be ideal for small bathroom spaces. Pedestal sinks have a modern feel to them and serve their utilitarian purpose at the same time.
Free-standing vanities are another option that combine a pedestal sink and vanity. The vanity provides ample room to store all of your bathroom items whilst the pedestal sink adds aesthetic appeal to any bathroom design.
An option for extremely small bathroom spaces is a wall-mounted sink. Wall-mounted sinks, however, are not suitable for large families as they are less durable and can be damaged easily.
You will also need to decide whether you want to opt for vanity cabinets. These offer additional storage for bathroom items and can really help organize bathroom clutter, especially if you have a large family.
Shower Systems
When selecting a shower system for your bathroom, consider the needs of your family. If you have a large family, then investing in high-end showerheads may be a good idea as they will be used more often. Types of shower systems include electric, thermostatic and digital. Digital shower systems are the latest in shower technology. These digitally adjust the flow of water coming from the showerhead. No plumbing is visible, making them look extra sleek. If you are after something new and exciting for your bathroom, then digital shower systems are a great option.
Toilets
You should compare different options before deciding what will work best in your space. Consider your budget and the features you want. You can find a great deal on a basic toilet for under $100 if cost is your main deciding factor. Toilets with modern features like a low-flow flush, a hidden tank, or a bidet can cost up to $600 or more, according to HomeAdvisor. If your bathroom is small, you might want to consider a wall-mounted model. If you are looking for luxury, don’t be afraid to splurge on a bidet with a functioning wall panel for easy control.
To DIY or Not?
When updating your bathroom, you may be tempted to try your hand at installing new fixtures yourself. Although you are anticipating saving yourself some money, you could potentially make a mess that will be more expensive to repair.
Here some mistakes to avoid:
Over-Tightening
Watching DIY videos on YouTube does not make you an expert in plumbing. No matter how easy it looks, the process is never that simple. One of the main problems novices face is the over-tightening of pipes and fittings, resulting in breaks and leaks.
Improper Tape Usage
Plumbing tape is only meant to be used on threaded pipes. People who are unfamiliar with the process may try to quickly wrap the pipe without paying attention to the method. You must ensure the tape goes on the pipe smoothly without bunching up. You should situate the tape on top of the second thread, wrapping it in the opposite direction in which the pipe turns.
Using Incorrect Parts
For beginners, it can be difficult to decipher between the different plumbing parts. In some cases, DIYers may become frustrated and just choose the part that looks like it will fit. However, each part has its own specific use and should only be utilized when needed. Connecting the wrong pieces could result in code violations and improper plumbing repairs. If you have any doubts, it is best to contact professional plumbers to do the job right.
Not Turning off Water
Before performing any plumbing repairs, you should always turn off the main water supply. This does not amount to simply turning off the water faucet, which will result in a huge mess. Instead, you should locate the main water valve to your home, and use a wrench or other tool to shut it off.
Not Following Code Guidelines
Professional plumbers are familiar with local codes and plumbing guidelines. If you do the job yourself, you risk incurring fees for improper procedures. Additionally, these rules are in place for a reason. Therefore, code violations could put yourself and your family in danger or cause major plumbing issues throughout your home.
Conclusion
When selecting bathroom appliances, it is important to survey all products and keep in mind key features that are essential to you. Speaking to professionals will help clarify things for you if you run into issues. Before attempting to work on your home’s plumbing on your own, you need to make yourself familiar with the tools, pipes, and methods required. Seemingly small mistakes can cost you a lot more money in repairs than you would have initially paid by hiring a plumber.
