Bathroom Faucet Leaks

Faucet leaks can waste more water than you think. Have you ever put a cup or bowl underneath a leaky faucet and actually seen how much water is wasted. Leaky faucets should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the waste of water in your home. Water is a precious resource and should be used wisely.

One slow drip from the faucet can waste over 5 gallons of water per day. If you think that's not a big deal, let me put it in perspective for you. 5 gallons of water per day equals 35 gallons per week, times 52 weeks in a year, that equals over 1800 gallons of water, and that's a lot of water.

The problem with a faucet leak isn't just the amount of water it waste, it will soon start to deteriorate your sinks, bathtubs and showers and could damage other sections of the home, like the wood framing. I've seen a water drip in a steel kitchen sink, in just a few years, wear a hole right through it. Keep in mind water and wind formed the Grand Canyon, water can be extremely erosive.

Faucet leaks can attract house pests, like mice, flies, ants and a wide variety of other insects.

Most faucets can usually be repaired for under $20. Most of the time the problem will be in the valves or handles that turn the water on and on. If you're not familiar with plumbing parts, you could pick up a do-it-yourself home repair manual or go online and look up the manufacturer of your faucet, for more information.

Usually the manufacturer has a diagram of the faucet, broken down into sections and you could get a pretty good idea, what parts you will need to remove, in order to replace the damaged part or parts that are creating the water leak.

Calling a plumber seems to be most homeowners last resort. They only do it if they absolutely have to. If you don't understand how a faucet works and have no desire to learn how, I would suggest you call a plumber or contact someone who can help you with your faucet leak, but get the faucet leak fixed and quit wasting water.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more bathroom remodeling or home building ideas.

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Bathroom Tiles - How They Totally Renovate Your Bathroom on the Cheap

If you're currently thinking about updating or redecorating your bathroom there are tons of bathroom tile designs that you can look at that will compliment your bathroom well. Some people go for a total overhaul in their bathroom to give it a new look. You don't always need to go that far though. Sometimes just laying new tile and adding some new or fresh bathroom accessories can make your bathroom have a totally new feel to it.

The days of "hospital white" tiles in all bathrooms are far behind us. Today, you have many bathroom tile design ideas in a wide variety of colors and textures to create many different effects - regardless of the size or shape of your bathroom. You will need to take extra time to decide on the exact ambiance you want in your new bathroom in order to narrow your choices down to the point of perfection.

You can either tile the entire bathroom, or just a partial area. The tile and design that you choose will ultimately change the entire look of your bathroom. When making your selection, take into consideration the cost of installation and maintenance. You want to have bathroom tile that is pleasant to the eye, long-lasting, and is safe for you and your family to walk on. Some stores sell wall tile as discounted floor tile. You won't know the difference until you step on it and take a hard fall on the floor.

Bathroom tiles come in ceramic, natural stone, porcelain, and terracotta. Prices will vary based on the design, type and manufacturer, so do your homework before making a selection. You will want to make your selection based on your budget and desire. You will want to ensure that all of the tiles have come from the same batch, avoiding a difference in sizes, texture or quality of the tiles you're buying.

It is a good idea to order a few samples before buying so that you can make sure your selection will fit into your overall design scheme. What looks great in the store may not look quite as good when it's laying flat on your floor. Colors and décor can clash more than you'd imagine.

Once you have determined the type of tile, selecting the color is the next really important decision to make. Your color selection defines the space and mood of your bathroom. If you want to create a calming and cheerful atmosphere, select pale and pastel colors, allowing for a few bright accents. Lighter colors also give the appearance of more open areas which can do wonders if you have a very small bathroom.

Blend colors, patterns and shapes if you want something that is more than just a basic block color. Colorful tile accents and murals can create interesting focal points in your bathroom. Just remember: less is more. If the design does not add to your bathroom design, don't buy it.

Coming up with bathroom tile design ideas goes as far as your imagination can stretch. Looking at magazine photos can help to stimulate ideas. Have fun with stamping your own unique personality into the bathroom and the heart of your home.

Do you want to learn how to design a bathroom? It's not as complicated as you might think and just following some simple tips can make your design and decorating project so much easier. Article source -> http://www.bathroomcentral.com

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Shopping Online For Your Bathroom Vanity

Shopping online for bathroom vanities and vanity cabinets can be a smart way to remodel your bathroom. Not only will you be able to find more choices than you might in a regular supply store, but you will also be able to compare prices to see if you're getting the best deal possible. However, with these benefits come responsibility on your part to know what you're choosing and whether it's the right fit for you. Here's a primer that will help you find the best cabinet or vanity for your needs - at a great price.

Know your size

The first thing you will want to do is measure the distance from the wall to where you want the front of your vanity to be. Most bathroom vanities can be found in widths of under thirty inches to up to six feet. While you might want bathroom vanities to be larger in order to store more things, this can also cause your bathroom to appear cramped and much smaller than it really is. To help you with your measurement, you may want to find a cardboard box that can simulate the various sizes of bathroom cabinets online in order to get a clear mental picture of what your bathroom might look like once it's installed.

Know the wood color and texture

Just as there are hundreds of bathroom vanities, there are dozens of colors that you can choose from in terms of vanities. Some of the more traditional colors include wood veneers like cherry, maple, oak, and walnut. You can also find natural woods that are merely covered with a shiny sealant. Or you may opt for a glass cabinet or shelving system. You might also want to choose a particular color that falls in line with a theme that you have picked out. No matter what color you choose, you will want to ask for a clear picture of the cabinet first before you actually purchase it. A computer screen can sometimes distort the color that you see on the website.

Know the type of cabinet you want

While it seems fairly obvious what vanity cabinets are, bathroom vanities can range in size, shape, and purpose so you will want to know what's out there before you start shopping. Some of the common types of cabinets include:

" Shelving - This can be open, recessed, surface mounted or be placed in a corner. Choosing shelving means that any items that are stored here will be in plain view of anyone in the bathroom.

" Cabinets - Just like the name, these bathroom cabinets will be fully enclosed with doors of wood, glass or another material.

" Countertops - What type of countertop do you want

" Sink - The vanity that you choose may be determined partly by the type of sink that you want. If you want a vessel sink, you must find a vanity that accommodates that type of sink. If you want an undermount sink, then you should narrow your search to those vanities that have that type of sink.

When you're online

Knowing what the descriptions mean when you're shopping online for websites will allow you to pick the best fit for your needs as well as receive the cabinets that you really wanted. Most online retailers of bathroom vanities and vanity cabinets will have a customer service phone number that you should utilize if you have any questions.

For a site that's as helpful as they are stocked with the cabinets you need and want, go to http://www.discountbathroomvanities.com

Dave Robert is a district sales manager at Discount Bathroom Vanities Publishing, and an avid fixer-upper who's been restoring old houses for more than twenty years. Readers can tap into Dave's knowledge about home remodeling, and kitchen and bathroom design, at: http://www.DiscountBathroomVanities.com

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Green Bathroom Renovation on a Budget

As the global economy reels, and foreclosure rates continue to set new records across the country, more Americans are using green bathroom renovation to save water and energy use as well as a reduction in sewage and gas production. Contrary to the belief by some that green remodeling is expensive. The initial cost may be expensive, but the savings in water and energy bills are immediate and the benefits, lasting. Here are tips on how to create your next eco-friendly bathroom on a budget.

Save money by installing a low-flush toilet
Think of this this dirty estimate. According to the EPA, about 4.8 billion gallons of water are flushed down the toilet every day. To break it down for your share of the billions of water going down the drain everyday, American Water Works Association, an average household uses 20-28 gallons per day just to flush the toilet. Therefore, toilets are the singular and most important way that water goes down the drain. That's why in 1999 the Energy Act, mandated residential toilets to use only 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared to 3.5-5 gallons of water per flush toilets. Cut back by installing an ultra-low-flush toilet.

Dual-Flush Toilets save water bills
As the name implies dual flush toilets offer two types of flushing modes, one mode for number one and the other mode for number two. One of the modes uses only 0 .8 - 1.1 gallons of water per flush.

Save water bills by installing low-flow shower heads
The next water guzzler after toilets and washing machines, are showers heads. By installing new low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators homeowners are reducing their consumption by as much as 50%. In addition and equally important is that the cost of the energy that is used in heating the water is also reduced. Reduction in water use benefits the environment and puts quite some green in your wallet.

Be thankful for a tank-less water heater
Here are reasons to be thankful for tank-less water heater after your eco-friendly remodeling.
1. Tank-less water heaters never run out of hot water- you save energy because of not losing heat in the water tank.
2. Immediate and constant flow of hot water
3. Low energy use means low carbon emissions.
4. Besides energy efficiency, tank-less water heaters take up less space, are easy to maintain, and more convenient to operate.

Use skylights or compact fluorescent lighting
Indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. By installing skylights, you enjoy the twin benefits of fresh air and huge savings on energy bills. There are also available today, varieties of electric bulbs or compact fluorescent bulbs that save money and the environment.

Use recycled or recyclable materials
The complaint used to be that recycled and recyclable floor materials or even counter-tops are not available. Bathtub refinishing for instance, saves beautiful antiques, bathtubs and counter-tops from ending up at the landfills. Additionally, bathtub refinishing is about 20% of the cost of tub replacement.

Get greener cleaners
Now that you've taken the time to renovate your bathroom in the most eco-friendly way available, with the resources available to you, don't undermine your environmental gains by using cleaning products containing VOC's. We recommend that after your green remodeling, that your indoor-air quality by using non-toxic organic soaps and cleaners.

Wilson Uche Ukah, is the President of Refinishing Stars, a bathtub refinishing company serving the bathtub reglazing needs of homeowners in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville. Refinishing Stars, refinishes bathtubs, sinks, and countertops for hotels and motels nationwide. He writes regularly on green remodeling. Wilson can be reached at http://www.refinishingstars.com or sales@refinishingstars.com

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Tile a Shower - 3 Tricks You Must Get Right

To tile a shower you must get several steps right to make it work. A tile shower is a thing of beauty. There's just a look and feel of luxury to a well-built ceramic shower. It's not just looks either, these showers are practical and long-lasting too. Unless of course the construction isn't done properly. In that case a shower can be a leaky mess. Installing shower tile may be the most challenging tile project a handy person can tackle, but it can be done. There's one thing you must understand first.

You see a tile floor is not waterproof. Tile will not stop water from passing through. Grout is even worse. Regular masonry grout that covers the joints between tiles is not waterproof at all. Water goes right through the grout. So when you look at a tile shower floor, there's more than meets the eye. The important part of a shower floor is hidden from view.

Part of the hidden part is in the drain itself. You can only see a part of the drain when you look at the floor. The part you can't see is the second drain level that's below the surface. You see the water that leaks through the floor gets routed to the lower drain and then it goes on down the drain. Otherwise that water would go through the shower floor and ruin whatever is underneath the shower. In fact that's just what a "leaky" shower does. It ruins the adjoining areas around the shower. That's expensive.

And how does the water get to the lower drain? That's the actual shower pan itself. If you have a traditional shower pan, the pan is formed from mortar or concrete and is sloped toward the drain. Here's the real trick. The actual shower pan is usually a heavy vinyl sheet which fits around the drain and is glued to the drain. That forms a little pool actually within the shower floor. Any water that gets through the shower floor is caught by the vinyl pool and routed right to the lower drain.

There are several other types of shower pans, but they all have that little secret. The pan is beneath the shower floor. The pan must catch the water that passes through the floor and get it into the drain. Tile setters either get the pan built correctly or the shower leaks.

You can get access to video tutorials showing the professional tricks to tile a shower on our tile website.

Al Bullington invites you to visit http://InstallingCeramicTile.net for answers to your tile questions.

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Bathroom Styling Pointers

Lighting

Bathroom lighting can make a large distinction in a small bathroom or it can be used to make an old bathroom look newer than it is. Bathroom lighting can make a difference in your bath area too, it highlights curves and edges, making your bath look broader than it really is.

Storage

A large bathroom could use the storage space offered by a cupboard outside of the bathroom. But if you have the space then an internal storage area is often much more useful, when stocking up on toiletries etc. In general a stylish bathroom requires adequate lighting, good aeration, fitting and fixtures that are attractive, and plenty of storage space. For items that will stay on ledges and shelves, its always a good idea to find ornamental storage items to enhance the furnishings. Use turntables to lessen storage for tall bottles of toiletry ware.

Safety or Style?

Well hopefully we won't lose either but converting a bathroom into a safer place without losing style is difficult. Even a small chair would be a nice addition to a bathroom, but is it safe in a bathroom? Any piece of furniture will help to diminish the space of a practical bathroom and add fashion, colour, and affection. Many people spend time going over the latest styles on basins, countertop materials, and trying to find the perfect colours, without taking into consideration aspects of safety. This is the way it really should be, the idea is to make your bathroom look great without worrying about red-tape and rules. But it's always an idea to give safety a small proportion of thought.
Styles and Tones

Traditional or Contemporary?

Traditionally styled fixtures and fittings scare people often because there associated with being "old". However old is not always bad, the traditional ranges are often featured in a wide range of prices so it's possible to accomplish a high-end appearance without paying a fortune. Traditional styles have withstood the test of time. Contemporary designs are classed as fresh and clean while still informal and elegant, contemporary decorating balances a "new" look with traditional styles.

For more information on finding suitable bathroom items visit Bathrooms Cheaper.

Lee Tyrrell of Bathrooms Cheaper

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Romantic Bathroom Ideas

Creating Romantic bathroom more often than not requires the Master Bathroom of the property to be transformed with a masculine touch, whilst keeping in mind that two people share the bathroom space and one of them may have more masculine tastes in decorating. Romantic usually comes hand in hand with old world decorating accessories and decorates, when placed in an old world style bedroom or master bath, exaggerate the room's comfort while crafting ambience, drama and style. Consider framed art, wall tapestry and iron work when decorating a romantic bathroom.

Like all rooms in your home, choice of wall colour and accessories determines the decorating style. Enhance a bathroom's romantic look by including scrolled iron wall art in your bathroom decorating equation. Enjoy casual romantic bathroom decorating by choosing storage and display accessories that compliment European classical and in particular french interior design. Moen's Kingsley line of bathroom solutions, including faucets and shower faucets, are sure to have the finish to match your decorating flare. Meeting the expectations of the couple desiring a romantic ambience in their master bath is challenging, but coming to the rescue are the Mediterranean Italian - French decorating styles. Create a beautifully well designed bath by decorating the walls. Decorating French Style with Italian Ceramics and Scrolled Iron.

Today, wall mounted bathroom accessories are fashionable and practical, and can be suited to compliment both contemporary and classic styles. Add a ledge of candles or a romantic French style wall sconce to provide ambience and luxurious style to your powder room. If you are looking for beautiful coloured reflections, in classic Mediterranean style the Celice oval mirror is a widely acclaimed choice.

For more bathroom accessories ideas, please visit bathrooms cheaper

Lee Tyrrell of Bathrooms Cheaper

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Current Trends in Bathroom Remodeling

Like fashion or furniture, remodeling bathroom follows trends. Functionality and innovation in style sweep the nation. Trends keep changing within weeks or months rather than a year or two as they used to. This hardly gives trend conscious homeowners who are planning to start a bathroom remodeling project, the time to catch their breath. So what's new now? What's in, and what's out?

Homeowners prefer a more comfortable and personalized home. They would rather remodel their house than shift to a new one. In earlier days, remodeling was done only to improve the resale value. Now, people remodel their home for their comfort rather than thinking what a potential buyer would like. Main reason for bathroom remodeling project these days, is to increase value of the house and desire to make the home more modern.

Market trends

Compared to the last decade, average bathroom has tripled in size. Current trends in remodeling bathroom include cabinet holding sinks, which are taking on the look of furniture. Radius cabinets are increasing by the day. They add a subtle finish to the room. Wall hung cabinets are common. Shallow drawers are more useful for storage.

Key remodeling trends

Bathroom sinks have become brighter in the currents trends in remodeling bathroom. Bright colors are believed to brighten up a dull room in the house. One other popular method these days are the addition of acrylic or fiberglass sinks. Tub coverings also help in improving the bathroomís appearance. These are small tips to make the bathroom look good without investing a huge sum in a full bathroom remodel.

Wall papers or paints matching the color scheme of the bathroom are very popular these days. Current trends in remodeling bathroom include vinyl or concrete flooring instead of tile flooring. The concrete can be colored to suit the color scheme of the bathroom. This is particularly good as the there are lot of water exposure in floors and concrete flooring will last longer.

New Fixtures Can Make Fashion Statement

Changing fixtures is one of the current trends in remodeling bathrooms. Changing fixtures with gold and chrome are quite simple and popular these days. Clear plastic and resin handles which were very popular few years ago are out of trend.

Jacuzzi has replaced the regular tubs. Some also go in for a steam shower these days. It makes them feel refreshed and great right in the convenience of their home. Current trends in remodeling bathrooms have created a lot of innovation these days and are getting to be more affordable to a larger segment of homeowners. Many of them also install these items while constructing their house. There is lot more current trends in remodeling bathrooms which are optional and appreciated by few homeowners.

Not all current trends in bathroom remodeling suit everyoneís budget or taste. People who are keen in increasing the home value can consider implementing current trends in bathroom remodeling to increase the value.

If you're looking for more information about bathroom renovation or are looking for bathroom remodeling ideas come visit me at my bathroom remodeling blog.

You will find lots of information about bathroom tile design, shower and tub installation, bathroom remodeling tools, bathroom renovation ideas, bathroom remodeling pictures and even specific information about the topic of this article: bathroom remodeling trends.

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10 Tips For Cheap Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Are you set to remodel your bathroom but the cost is hindering your plans? This article on cheap bathroom remodeling ideas will help you to turn your bathroom into an enchanting delight from a dull one.

We often tend to visualize everything brand new and over look the fact that by simply replacing small fixtures can bring new life to an existing bathroom. Cheap bathroom remodeling ideas are a great for the do-it-yourselfer.

Cheap bathroom remodeling ideas

1. If you are a DIY person, you can save a lot of dollars by refurbishing items like cabinets, varnish, vanities with paint etc.

2. Space is an important factor. Try rearranging the bathroom layout.

3. Gather inspiring ideas from the internet.

4. Get creative and take a tip from your nearest bathroom shop.

5. Paint the wall instead of using wallpapers. Paper wallpapers cannot handle the moisture and will soon peel off.

6. Shower/Bath glass enclosures are easy to install and clean than cloth or plastic curtains. This is also a fashionable way of dressing up your bathroom.

7. Never touch any plumbing or electrical jobs as you may end up paying the plumber/electrician for repairing the damage.

8. Another cheap bathroom remodeling idea is that you can change the toilet seat or a toilet seat cover. With the help of couple of screwdrivers, a toilet seat can be easily changed. This is a very easy task compared to other fixtures in the home. Match the cover to a new rug. This will give a new and an elegant look to your bathroom.

9. Allow your children to display their creativity in the bathroom. Ask them to stick some fancy stickers in the walls. You will be amazed how it adds value to your bathroom. However, do not encourage children to stick them on the mirrors. This would take lot of time to clean and would be tough if you are planning to sell your house.

10. Consider some cheap posters .This will make the area look different and good. You can also cover the areas that are not appealing with posters, if you are not planning to paint currently.

Tips

Take advice from the experts and do some price comparison before purchasing. Remember to bring samples of the necessary items to avoid several trips to the store. Take a picture of your bathroom as this will give you a visual sense, and you will be able to select better. Carry the exact measurements and a floor plan when are you are shopping. Always balance your needs with your budget and try not to stray from your budget.

If you're looking for more information about bathroom renovation or are looking for bathroom remodeling ideas come visit me at my bathroom remodeling blog.

You will find lots of information about bathroom tile design, shower and tub installation, bathroom remodeling tools, bathroom renovation ideas, bathroom remodeling pictures and even specific information about the topic of this article: cheap bathroom remodeling ideas.

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