We’re all accustomed to the bout of New Year resolutions, the promises to better yourself, to live healthier, to work harder. But what about a change that you CAN stick to!
Check out our home improvements for the New Year, which are easier than you think…
Heated towel rails are no longer a hotel luxury!
Replacing a radiator with a heated towel can be an easy swap provided you select a rail that is the same size as your existing radiator. If you choose a different size towel rail you may have to either add or reduce your existing pipework prior to installing.
For the most part, towel rails hang on the wall and the pipework supplying the water will either come through the wall or the floor. If you are fitting a towel rail that has the same width as your old radiator you will not need to drain your entire system, or remove flooring. All you have to do it turn off your heating and isolate your old radiator using the shut off valves. Finally remove the radiator, brackets and fill the fixing holes (It is also a good idea to check the wall and your new fittings are strong enough to withstand the weight of the new rail).
Fitting your new towel rail in three easy steps:
Step 1 – Fit telescopic extending tails to the towel rail inlets and outlets.
Step 2 – Add a compression elbow joint to the tail on the inlet then cut a piece of pipe which will run from the new elbow to the existing valve. If you have decided not to replace the valve it is often still possible to unscrew the head and replace it with a new one that is more in keeping with the new rail.
Step 3 – Mount your new radiator. Use a compression fitting to attach the towel rail’s outlet to the pipework on the opposite side of the valve. Hold off on tightening the connections fully till you have checked that all the pipework is fitted correctly so you can make any changes. When you are happy, tighten each fitting carefully. Make sure not to over tighten it.
You now have a fancy new towel rail! You can even purchase a chrome effect pipe cover to hide the existing pipework and match it to your new rail. A New Year, a new bathroom!
Indulgent showers need not be just for the SPA!
Choosing your new shower will depend on system you currently have. If you have a system with a hot water cylinder and a cold water storage in your loft then you have the most options however if you have a combi boiler you are limited to a mixer or and electric shower.
Shower types:
Electric – These showers have an element which heats the water as it passes through. The temperature can be altered by changing the rate the water passes over the element. This You tube video is a great aid for DIY fitters.
Thermostatic mixer – This type of shower can be installed with or without a pump but either way it will need a supply of hot and cold water from your plumbing system. In a gravity –fed system you may need to raise the cold water tank prior to fitting the shower as the hot and cold water pressure is determined by the height of the cold water tank above your shower. Without a pump you will need at least a metre between the bottom of your water tank and the head of the shower. Handy hints for installation can be found here.
Remember a change doesn’t always need to be a big one. Want to make a room look different? Try painting a feature wall or perhaps adding some colour to your tiles. Paint, such as Ronseal one coat tile paint, allows you to make a big change without dismantling your rooms.
Don’t wait till tomorrow for the new you!