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Tips & Tricks
1. Toilet Suites – Tips and Tricks
There is one major question to have answered before you even start shopping for your new toilet suite. And that question is: are you replacing an existing toilet suite and using the same plumbing?
ANSWER #1: YES. If you are replacing an existing toilet there are a few things you should know before you purchase your new toilet. The first thing you need to check is if you require an S–Trap or P-Trap Toilet Suite. An S-trap toilet is where the waste outlet goes through the floor and a P-trap toilet is where the waste outlet goes through the rear wall (There is also a range to suit circumstances where the plumbing for the pan exits either from the Left or Right hand side which is called a “skew” toilet pan, although this is much less common).
If you have an S-Trap Toilet that you are replacing the next step is to measure the existing hole. The measurement that you need is from the wall to the centre of the outlet which should be somewhere from 80mm to 300mm.
A P-Trap toilet suite has a standard height so measuring the outlet height is not necessary.
It is also very helpful if you can locate and measure the whereabouts of the cistern connection tap (which is where the water comes into the cistern). This is generally located at the top of the cistern (which you can easily see if you lift the cistern lid) or at the bottom right hand side of the toilet. In some, but not all, cases this can limit the range of toilets that you can choose.
ANSWER #2: NO. If you are not using existing plumbing for your new toilet suite chances are it will be a lot easier to choose a toilet as you will probably not be limited to particular units due to the technical specifications. You will still need to double check with your plumber that there are no restrictions that you need to be aware of (e.g. if you want to put in a toilet with an inwall cistern the wall may need to be a particular depth or there might be some reason that the plumber would prefer a p trap suite to an s trap suite).
Toilet Suite Spare Parts:
We often have customers come in for spare parts for their old toilet but have to send them away to get more information before we can sell them anything. Common spare parts such as toilet seats, flushing mechanisms, buttons and cistern lids all vary between different models so before you take the toilet seat off and come to one of our stores for a replacement try to find out what type of toilet suite you have as that information is more helpful to us than the actual seat itself. How old is it? Does it have a brand name on it? Even taking a photo of the toilet will be helpful because we might be able to identify it so that we can make sure we order the right parts for you.
If you have an old toilet suite with a single flush mechanism that requires spare parts then you will find these parts extremely difficult to come by as single flush toilets are no longer available due to water saving legislation. The idea now, is to step up to the new water saving dual or twin flush systems. It’s not as expensive as you might think.
2. Vanity Units – Tips and Tricks
The most popular style of vanity is a floor standing white vanity and there is also a full range of vanity units available that are wall hung. These vanity units are excellent for smaller areas and are also very popular with designers because they add a touch of class to your bathroom. Being able to access underneath the vanity with no obstructions makes cleaning the floor much easier as well as giving the illusion of more space.
When ordering a Vanity Unit be aware that you will need to know what style of tapware you will be using. If you are contemplating a mixer tap range then you will only require 1 tap hole. If you are using the more conventional style of tapware then you would require 3 tap holes.
Most Vanity Units are not supplied with a plug and washer. These are essential items that your plumber will require to complete the installation. There are quite a few available designs from the conventional plug to the spring loaded pop-up variety.
3. Kitchen Sinks – Tips and Tricks
If your old sink is looking a bit tatty and worn but the rest of the kitchen is in quite good shape then a replacement sink may be all that is required. Many people come to us with overall measurements of their current sink. Although this is a handy reference we may, where possible, require the existing measurement for the hole that has been cut out for your sink. This arms you with all of the necessary information to ensure that your selection will fit with no concerns.
Also with either new installations or replacements, we will require knowing which side you would like the bowl or bowls and/or which side you would require the draining board. This decision can be made easier for you if you have a dishwasher or any other obstacles that would obstruct the bowls.
4. Tapware – Tips and Tricks
There are literally hundreds of tap designs to choose from – How do you know which is a good brand or which is not?
Bathwaredirect.com.au only carries reputable brands which hold a genuine warranty and have good service records. With this in mind all you, as a customer, need to worry about is the design that you like and that will be suitable for your bathroom.
The main consideration when choosing tapware is your personal preference of the design and functionality of mixers and conventional three tap sets.
Very rarely you may be limited to particular taps due to the water pressure in the area that you live. Your plumber will be able to advise you on whether this is something that you need to be aware of.
Another issue to keep in mind is that Australia has particular standards that you every tap must adhere to so if you buy your tapware from an international supplier over the internet or when you are overseas they will almost definitely not be legal, they may not work and you will not be able to get them serviced under warranty.
If you are renovating, and you have taken a liking to some of the Single Lever Mixer Taps that are currently available, then you have some questions to answer. If you are having a new Vanity Unit, Vanity Basin, Wall Basin or Vessel of any kind installed then your original plumbing should be adaptable. If you are replacing your old wall taps in the shower and are considering replacing them with the mixer range then there might be a call for the plumbing behind the shower wall or laundry wall to be modified.
It is also important to be aware that your bath and shower mixers will have the body (i.e. the part that goes behind the wall) installed in the wall before the plaster board goes up which means that the plumber will need these mixers before any other bathroom products. It really pays to be organised because your order may take a few days to arrive and you want the taps on site in time for installation.
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