Close Coupled WC

A Statement Close Coupled WC

The close coupled toilet design is one of the most popular options, and is available in contemporary and traditional designs. From curvaceous, to angular or vintage, you can be sure that this style will suit any bathroom. These toilets are also available as corner varieties.

Key things to look out for:

Soft close toilet seats:This will protect both the seat and the toilet itself from harsh knocks or scratches.

Water Inlet: As some toilets have a dedicated left or right sided inlet only, make sure you consider this when planning the placement of the toilet in your bathroom. Other designs allow an inlet on both sides, leaving more freedom at the planning stage.

Overflow: The majority of cisterns now have an internal overflow tube. All BathEmpire toilets feature this as standard.

Back to Wall WC

This toilet is designed to be installed in conjunction with a backing cabinet. In addition to the backing furniture, you will also have to purchase a concealed cistern (or internal flush system). This is to replace the traditional connected cistern, and is smartly located within the furniture unit.

For bathrooms with more space, you can install matching furniture units. For space saving designs, combined vanity furniture featuring a back to wall toilet is available is a great option.

The Wall Hung WC
The wall hung WC is similar to a back to wall toilet, except that the pan is designed to have no contact with the floor. By having all pipework concealed within a minimalist unit, these designs create an upmarket, modern look.

Key things to look out for:

Dual Flush Technology:Water saving is all the rage these days, and this will allow you to conserve water by choosing a smaller (c. 3 litre) or larger (c. 6 litre) flush.

Low Level WC and High Level WC

Another option available from other retailers are low and high level toilets. The cistern is placed at a higher level than with close coupled toilets, and connected to the main pan by a flush pipe. The High Level toilets are usually operated by a chain flush, while the Low Level varieties feature the standard lever.

With High Level WCs, as the cistern is installed nearer to ceiling height, the bathroom must therefore be of a fair size to take advantage of such a presence. Nevertheless, these styles are ideal if a traditional look is to be created.

There are a range of chemical cleaners available on the market; however there are concerns about their negative impact on the quality of indoor air. The use of these cleaners can cause skin irritation, and unfortunately carcinogens – any substance directly involved in causing cancer – can constitute some of the key ingredients.

In addition to this, with some makes of shower enclosure (such as the EasyClean cubicles) it is not advisable to use chemical cleaners. This is because they damage the special cleaning coating, and the extended use of such cleaners will ensure that you will not see the benefit of the expensive nanotechnology.

The cleanliness of the enclosure can also be dependent on the type of water which you have in your area. For example, soap doesn’t lather as well in hard water, and it can leave behind a light scum on the shower surfaces. And not only will the shower enclosure glass need cleaning, but the tiles, grout and drains may also need some attention. Below, if you follow our steps, you can make a multi-purpose cleaner in a matter of minutes.

Walk-In Shower Enclosure for Alcove, with a special EasyClean coating, from BathEmpire

The Easy Single Solution

1. Mix the above ingredients, with two parts of baking soda, with one part vinegar; lemon juice can be used as an alternative to vinegar.

2. Mix this into a thick paste, and apply with a damp, warm cloth. This mixture can be used on shower doors, sinks, as well as tiles and grout; to apply to grout, rub in with a toothbrush.

3. Leave on all affected surfaces for at least 10 minutes, then rub with a sponge. As you rinse this off, the benefit will pass to the drains.

This is a quick, simple solution that will let you cross commercial cleaners off your shopping list permanently!

Preparation:

So, you should have your shower tray fitted completely. It should be installed flush with the floor and wall, fully sealed, and the waste should drain water away
without issue. If required, your concealed shower can also be installed at this stage, as you can have better access to the cavity behind the plaster wall. The walls should be tiled, or if you haven’t chosen tiling, then cladded using an appropriate waterproof material.

Step 1: Fit the Wall Edge Compensators

Place the wall edge compensators against the wall, and mark where you need to drill the two screws into the metal.

Next, place the wall channels on the tray, and using a spirit level, mark where you would need to drill the tile, avoiding tile edges.

Complete all drilling, and affix the compensators firmly to the wall.

Step 2: Assembly

The enclosure doors come fully assembled, so only require the handles to be screwed into the glass.

Most enclosures are reversible, but there are some styles such as the sliding shower enclosures, in which the placement of the door is fixed for either left or right hand opening. In these cases, take care to install the handles on the correct side of the glass!

Step 3: Simply Slot the Enclosure Together

Fit all the glass panels and doors into place. The side edge compensators allow you to align the doors to be perfectly straight, as the side walls may not form a 90 degree angle with the floor.

Once you’ve checked and are happy that all the panels are aligned evenly, slot and screw into place, starting at the bottom.

Sliding Shower Enclosure with EasyClean Glass, from BathEmpire

Stage 4: Complete the Finishing Touches

You can now add chrome dome caps to hide the screws, and attach the central covering to the top of the enclosure.

Stage 5: Silicone Sealant

Using a good quality silicone sealant, all that is left to do is to seal the edge of the enclosure; if you can, try to maintain an unbroken flow of sealant.

EasyClean Sliding Door Enclosure for Alcove, 1100mm (Left Entrance)

Nancy Chrome Curved Towel Rail Radiator, 1450x600mm

With free delivery on all orders over £199, and a free 10 year warranty, make sure you get yourself over to BathEmpire, and grab your bargain today.

Happy Shopping!

A contemporary enclosure, freshly tiled and fully sealed.

Having read our previous entries, you should now be well on your way to having chosen your shower enclosure. Hinged, bi-fold, or quadrant…whatever your style, you now know the design most suited for you.

But before you storm ahead to install your shower enclosure, there may be some preparation that you need to undertake, to make sure that installing the final enclosure is a breeze.

Prevent Leaks

The first item that must be installed correctly is the shower tray, as this is the base upon which the shower enclosure will rest.

Have you ever known a soggy downstairs ceiling and been confused as to the cause of the problem? Well, the most common cause of such an issue is a leak originating from the shower tray. An incorrectly installed shower tray will ultimately result in leaks. Most modern stone trays feature a core stone layer which is then capped with a layer of white acrylic. These trays are significantly stronger than previous incarnations which featured a fibreglass resin core.

Wear and tear is often the reason that the once pristine seals break down or split. The easiest way to replace the sealant is to purchase a silicone sealant remover, which would be available from most DIY stores. This will take away the bulk of the old sealant, and simply leave you to replace, preferably using a single bead of sealant.

If you want further details, you can check out our shower tray installation guide, dedicated to installing BathEmpire shower trays.

Ensure the Tray is Level

Over time, the shower tray can subside and sit at an angle, so take a spirit level and check the tray. It is better to get a level tray now to ensure that the enclosure will stand straight.

Also take the opportunity to ensure that all waste fittings are correctly screwed in and fully watertight. Also check that a slight angle remains in the shower waste so the water will flow away without issue.

Check The Tiling

Once the tray is secure, feel free to tile the remaining walls; it is always advisable to tile after the installation of the tray. If you are keeping the existing tiles, then check for holes in the grout. Water and steam can penetrate these areas, and cause damp problems to the plaster wall behind. Not only would such damage warrant a large amount money to fix, but also your health will be harmed when breathing in the mould spores caused by the humid conditions. Do not hesitate to re-grout your tiles; if you need more information, see our blog post on how to re-grout your tiles.

You can grab yourself a new bathroom at significantly discounted prices for the next 3 days only!

Because, we’ve just knocked a further 5% off all our prices (in addition to the 60% existing discount).

This brilliant bathroom sale will continue for three days only, and the last day available for you to place an order will be Friday 23rd March 2012.

Take a look and see how much you could save.

So, visit BathEmpire today, and make sure you grab your bargain.

Happy Shopping!

Folding Door: (Bi-Fold)
In these enclosures, the door folds in the middle and slides to the side, always opening inwards; these provide a great space saving option.

Sliding Door: (Sliding, Quadrant)
The sliding shower doors provide complete ease of opening. While the Quadrant styles are ideally placed to make the most of the corner of rooms, because generally the doors open from a central position. The Sliding styles are designed for slightly larger bathrooms (the largest enclosure extends to 1400mm in width).

Hinged Door: (Pivot)
The hinged door provides a sturdy, wide opening to the enclosure.

No Door: (Wet Room, Walk-In)
With no moving parts, these enclosures provide an open finish. The Walk-In enclosure can be installed with a tray, or installed as an alternative to the Wet Room.

Corner or Alcove?
You also have two options when installing a new enclosure. You can install a corner enclosure, which features the door and side panel in any corner of your bathroom.

Alternatively, with just a door panel, you can convert any bathroom alcove into an enclosure. Instead of using these areas for storage, purchase a tray to fit the space, and let the single door panel cover the length completely. Should you wish to add an alcove in an existing bathroom, simply construct a stud wall in the desired location.

A Bi-Fold Shower Enclosure, installed in an alcove.

These are some key things to look out for when buying a shower enclosure:

Quality of the glass – Always look out for tempered shower glass, as the manufacturing process heats and cools the glass several times. This provides an incredibly strong safety glass which should meet BS6202 standards.

Quality fittings – Molten metal is forced into a cavity at high pressure, and this is known as solid die casting. When this is done in a single mould, a quality fitting is produced as there is less chance of breakage.

Metal rollers – Too many shower enclosures have a single roller attachment. However, problems can occur if the roller detaches itself. A better solution is to have both rollers attach themselves on the top and bottom of the door to prevent such accidents.

Sliding Shower Enclosure with Dagna Concealed Shower, from BathEmpire

In this new e-series, we are going to take a closer look at the humble shower enclosure. Once shunned for a relaxing bath, the convenience and comfort of the enclosure has seen a fast growth in popularity, with some people even choosing to replace their bath with a new enclosure. Over the next few weeks, we will be covering:

Episode 1: Introduction to Shower Enclosures
We will look at the different types of shower enclosure that are currently available on the market, to allow you to decide the style best suited to your circumstances.

Episode 2: Shower Enclosures – Great Installation Tips
In this episode, we will highlight some key tips for installing a new enclosure, including all the preparation needed for your bathroom.

Episode 3: How to Install an Enclosure
Now that you have all the info and advice, you’ll be ready for a step by step guide to installing your new enclosure.

Episode 4: The Aftermath
With your new shower and enclosure up and running, what are the best ways to keep it clean and sparkling? We will cover the best chemical-free shower cleaners, and offer advice on the newest technology!

Wet Room Glass

Quadrant Shower Enclosure

“38% of the homeowners surveyed believe that renovating their bathroom (main/ en-suite) will add the most financial value to their property.”

(Source: West End Home Week Magazine)

Indeed, it is a room that has really taken off lately. As one of the most frequented rooms in the home, buyers are looking for something stylish, yet functional.

But the secret here is to keep things simple. Here are a few tips that you can implement to add value if you are looking to sell and want to appeal to some buyers:

‘Keep it fully functional’
The most pressing concerns will include the ability to move in immediately, and so most people want a fully functional bathroom. A lot does not have to be done with the existing room, as it is all about the features that are installed. Keep the toilet and bath, but consider adding a glass shower screen with chrome towel rail. A set of new taps, a heated chrome towel rail, a stylish new shower head are three items that you can purchase to add a new spin to the room, and may only cost up to a couple of hundred pounds. Finally, re-grout the tiles to keep the room looking fresh.

‘Increase the area’
Another way to add value is to increase the area of the house. This could take the form of a conservatory, a downstairs extension, or even a loft bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Phil Spencer, from the property television show, believes that:

Glass Shower Screen with Towel Rail (1400mm), by BathEmpire

“a new bathroom puts 2.88 per cent onto the house value”

(Source: The Telegraph).

‘Keep it all white’
Instead of spending tens of thousands of pounds on a revamp, most potential owners would want to stamp on their own mark, should they choose to move in. Dated beige or coloured suites, and lino floor coverings are out, while any contemporary design would update the feel of a whole property, and provide a better return on investment. As Susan Bletchley, the Buying Manager for BHS, commented for the West End Home Week, “Add colourful cushions and towels to a…white bathroom – a low budget makeover with instant style”.

P Shaped Shower Bath, from BathEmpire

Regardless of the actual size of your bathroom, all modern bathroom furniture has been designed not only for a practical implementation, but also to provide stylish options to suit all spaces.

Space is a key issue when planning a new bathroom and it is especially important to maximise the storage room by purchasing the right bathroom furniture. Although this may seem like a daunting task, the first thing to apply some thought, initially, is which pieces would best suit your current lifestyle.

Scenario 1:

Lifestyle: Family.
Bathroom Size: Medium.
Bathroom Units and Design: One tiled P-Shaped Shower Bath; white painted walls.

If you are constantly on the go, and go and have a bustling family commitments, it would be handy for your bathroom to accommodate all the essentials. The P-Shaped or L-Shaped shower baths are great, versatile pieces. Not only can they accommodate an adult 5 minute shower, they are great for the kids as well. Next to this, any basin furniture unit would be ideal. BathEmpire stock a range of counter top basin units, either as cabinets or drawers. The internal shelving provides ample space to stock the essentials. Above the sink, you could also opt for a tall, wall hanging cabinet. To complete the contemporary look, you could also install a back to wall toilet unit, instead of a close coupled toilet.

Scenario 2:

Lifestyle: Urban.
Bathroom Size: Small.
Bathroom Units and Design: One 800mm Quadrant Shower Enclosure; magnolia walls.

As space is limited in most urban developments, it makes sense to opt for a Combined Vanity Furniture. These units combine the basin and toilet into one seamless unit, and provide the best blend of practicality and storage. As the units and walls are of a plain tone, add some personality with the bathroom towels and other decorative items.

Scenario 3:

Lifestyle: Country.
Bathroom Size: Medium.
Bathroom Units and Design: One contemporary freestanding bath; white painted walls and tiled black floor.

Quadrant Shower Enclosure, with centre opening, from BathEmpire

Even though the bath takes most of the space here, it would not suit the style to add any combined vanity units. Along with the bath, it makes sense to add a stylish, modern close coupled toilet and pedestal basin. As there would only be exposed storage here, wall hanging cabinets could be added to store the essentials. Alternatively, consider a stainless steel mirror cabinet, for added functionality.

The same styling can be adapted for traditionally roll top baths. Traditional baths can also combine well with pieces of period styled furniture. Stools and wicker storage baskets come instantly to mind, that can be sourced easily and cheaply, and can transform the look of a room.