Great Steps to Get More Energy Efficient Windows

Replacing your current window with energy-efficient windows can be so costly. Though the windows share about 30 % of heat loss for a typical home, you can do something to enhance your home’s comfort and reduce your energy bills. You can try sealing air leaks, investing in better insulation and repairing windows. You may also try the following simple steps to make your windows even more energy efficient.

Preparing Your Existing Windows

To decide if it’s necessary to add storm windows or not, examine every existing window to make sure that there’s no rotting wood, missing or broken glass or air and water leakage. Weatherization and rehab would be necessary if you see evident leaks around the windows frame prior installation of the storm windows.

Install High Efficiency Low-E Coating Storm Windows

If you’re still concerned regarding the comfort, air leakage and heat loss, you may set a low-e storm window as the existing window’s exterior attachment. All kinds of storm windows which are constructed and installed properly, whether it’s coated or not, can decrease air infiltration through the window. But, low-e coating lessens more radiation and conduction heat losses as well as improving overall energy savings by 10-15% over standard storm windows with no coating.

Where to Find Low-E Storm Windows

Several big-box retailers store storm window of standard sizes. To make sure that the storm windows could fit well to your existing windows, it should be custom ordered. Low-e storm windows have to be customized too and are available for order from big-box retailers and independent window dealers.

If you have issues with water leakage aside from your windows, you can go to any plumbing shop in Australia.

For more information, kindly visit us at info@youplumbing.com.au.

We’ll be glad to help you.

Safety Tips While Using Your Bathroom

In 2008, according to the CDCP or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s report, there are about 234,000 nonfatal bathroom injuries among people 15 and above happened in the U.S. Many people have attributed it to bathroom’s hard and slippery surface making it one of the danger zones in your home.

To protect you and your family for further unnecessary accidents, here are the following safety measures.

• The top cause of household falls is your slippery floor coverings. In case you can’t place your bathroom at a distance from the bathroom, you can put the loose rugs in a permanent place by using double-faced tape, or slip-resistant backings.
• For preventing falls in your tub or shower install strips, mats or tiles. To avoid tripping make sure secure mat’s loose corners.
• Clean your tub regularly to get rid of slippery soap film or mold.
• Maintain a dry bathroom floor; Use a weighted shower curtain to lessen water leaks on the floor.
• Install rails or grab bars around the shower, bathtub and toilet. Properly installed bars and rails assist you to balance when you stand or sit and in case you accidentally slip, you got something to hold. You can find bars and rails in different lengths, styles and textures.
• There should be enough lighting in your bathroom during the day. For night time, install a nightlight on the way going to the bathroom, and within the bathroom.
• In case your toilet seat is low, it’s good to buy a toilet with a higher seat or a toilet seat extender. Using them will help you get up safely and easy.
• Install a handheld or adjustable shower head for your shower. You may maneuver it easily in any way you want to that will minimize your movement in the shower causing less chances for accidents. Moreover, you can use it as well while you are sitting safely on a bath seat or a bench. You may find some of them in any plumbing shop in Australia.

For more details about keeping safe in your bathroom, please visit us at  https://www.youplumbing.com.au

Seven tips for a successful bathroom renovation

 image source: www.diy.com

Bathroom renovations can add value to your home. But refurbishing it shouldn’t cost you much if you carefully plan the renovation. Here are seven tips to successfully renovate your bathroom.

1. Choose tried and tested performers
   
   Darker tiles on the flooring with white tiles on the wall can never go wrong in enhancing the face value of your bathroom. You can also add a vertical strip of decorative tiles of your choice to finish off the new look.
2. Maintain old plumbing line
   
   If you plan to replace everything inside your bathroom, keep the plumbing line in place. Moving your sink, toilet, shower and bath will cost you a lot and might take longer than you expect. To meet your timeline, chose to keep plumbing line in their usual place and replace other things inside the bathroom. If in the process of your renovation you would find that there is a need to replace the old plumbing line, you can contact us at You Plumbing and we’ll be glad to assist you with your plumbing concerns.
3. Utilize frames
   
   Frames make it easier to screw on an additional towel rails and hooks. Without them there is nothing behind the plaster for the rails and hooks to adhere to.
4. Resurface your bath
   
   Renovation doesn’t necessarily mean replacement. In the case of your bath you can give it a fresh new look by resurfacing it.
5. Do the repairs right
   
   Previous water damage in your bathroom may necessitate you to re-sheet the walls with water-resistant boards before you even begin tiling. This will help reduce the further problems caused by the previous water damage.
6. Create a unique ambiance for your bathroom
   
   You can do this by simply making the shower bigger. This change will exude a glamorous look to your bathroom. Double-sized shower is something that property inspectors will always remember, adding more value to your estate.
7. Aim for simplicity
   
   If your bathroom size is relatively good already and both your shower and bath are in good condition, but just feels like outdated for your modern taste, you can go ahead and replace just the vanity and keeping the rest in place. You can choose the latest version and install some fancy taps along with bigger shower heads.  Despite minimal spending you will still achieve the modern look that you want for your bathroom. Plumbing services in Australia

These are the 7 simple tips you can follow to upgrade your bathroom. If you need some professional advice for some plumbing needs or services you might require while doing the renovation you can contact through their website at http://www.youplumbing.com.au or send an e-mail via info@youplumbing.com.au

Resources-Saving Measures for your Bathroom

As time goes by, surface water resources are getting scarce. Currently, an average family consumes up to 240,000 litres of water every year. A significant portion of this is being accounted for the bathroom, with up to 40% water usage. With this, it is just right to look for sustainable solutions for your bathroom. In Australia, it is being reflected in a growing regulatory trend that promotes sustainability in the home. They now have water efficiency labeling scheme (WELS) which requires a number of products to be registered and marked with their water efficiency based on national standards.

On the other hand, there are a lot of things that you can do in order to maximise the energyefficiency of your home as well as minimize the impact it has on the environment. There are several benefits from these such as saving water, energy and money without impacting on your lifestyle.

The following are some simple yet effective water and energy saving measures that you can implement in your bathroom:

- When showering, try to limit it to four minutes. Take note that in every minute, you are using around 20-30 litres of water. It is also a good practice to turn off the shower off while you lather.

- When brushing your teeth, don’t let the tap running unnecessarily. On average, it uses around 5 litres of water.

- With regards to your flush, try to install a dual-flush toilet. You can also put a brick in your cistern to lessen the amount of water being utilized. Every flush may consume 5 to 10 litres of water.

- Fix leaks and drips as soon as possible. They are not only nuisance, they could also cost you money.

- Choose those products that have three or more stars. The new Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme (WELS) now gives products a star rating from one to six, including items like shower heads and taps.

- Try to have some advice from an accredited green plumber as they are trained to use water or energy-efficient appliances.

- The waste water from the household showers and baths can be used for washing your car or watering your lawn. You can also re-use water from your shower and bath. Online plumbing supplies Australia

If you are in Australia, opt for one of the best plumbing services in Sydney to install the necessary items to save water and energy effectively.

You can visit this site at http://www.youplumbing.com.au. They  have the best plumbers who are trained to provide quality work for all your plumbing needs.

Maximizing Your Bathroom Space with Wall-Hung Items

image source: www.lifehack.org

Despite its importance, the bathroom is usually one of the smallest areas in any home. Thus, it is recommended to maximize space as much as you can. You can achieve this by installing a wall hung. It not only provides you the amenities and storage that you need, it also frees up floor space in order to make your bathroom feel larger and more open.

Wall hung toilet

This is considered as one of the most popular wall hung items in the bathroom. It doesn’t sit on the floor and usually, it has a concealed cistern in the wall while its flush button is visible. All its plumbing is connected through the wall and what you’ll see are the flush button and the bowl itself. It provides that minimal, sleek lines and contemporary appearance. Another advantage of this is it is more hygienic compared to floor-mounted toilets because you are able to clean all the way around the bowl without any problems.

Wall mounted vanity and basin

The vanity and the basin can occupy a lot of space in your bathroom. The best way to deal with this is to wall mount or wall hung these items. As they appear to float in mid air, they help create an illusion of more space. Also, its plumbing is routed through the wall and not placed inside the cabinetry. So, you are still able to make use of the storage space. You can also have drawers and pull out compartments in your vanity to keep your things organized. Plumbing maintenance in Australia

Wall mounted cupboards

When it comes to cupboards, opt for slimline wall-mounted cupboards as it provides you more space for toiletries as well as other bathroom necessities while giving you that ambiance of openness. To increase that illusion of space, select those cupboards with mirrored fronts.

When you are renovating your bathroom and you don't want to flush money down the drain, one of the things that you have to look at closely is the plumbing system. If you are in Australia, consider one of the best plumbing services in Sydney for reliable services. Work it out with us! For more info, visit this site at http://www.youplumbing.com.au.

Effective Bathroom Tips

Effective Bathroom Tips: Drawing Up Your Plan to Scale

 image source: www.soomj.com

One of the most effective ways to look at multiple layout options immediately is to draw up your plan and all of your items to scale. These may include the bath, toilet, shower, vanity, etc. Try to draw your floor plan on one large piece of paper. For the other items, have them drawn on their own separate piece of paper and cut out.

As you draw each item, include the minimum circulation space for that particular stuff. Take note also that you don’t have to be an artist to do this task. Before we discuss further matters, remember also that when having a bathroom renovation or creating a new one, check beforehand with a builder or plumber to find out if there are things that can’t be moved. A toilet for example may only be placed on one or two of the four walls because of its waste requirements.

With regards to your floor plan, see to it that you include notes of any windows or doors.These will determine later on where the various items can and cannot be placed. For instance, if you outline a basic 3m x 3m floor plan having a single entry door and try to play around with various layouts, you have to keep in mind as well that circulation spaces can overlap given the minimum distance is maintained. Plumbing company services Australia

After you’ve completed such task, you are now able to see that these items fit without the need to sketch up multiple choices. By doing this, you can also check if you have to decrease the size of a few things or the likelihood to make it bigger. Moreover, it is a way to see other opportunities. For instance, you might discover that there is space enough to construct a small privacy partition that will hide the toilet.

On the other hand, if you have any problem with your plumbing, visit http://www.youplumbing.com.au. We provide prompt and reliable home renovation services. The You Plumbing Team aims to give high quality services at reasonable costs.

Cool Ways to Clean Your Bathroom

 image source: www.clean-organized-family-home.com

Cleaning the bathroom is probably the most exhausting chore of all chores. You know the function of it is to be dirty in purpose and the thought of constantly maintaining it can take a toll on your commitment and budget. But fear not, for You Plumbing has found uncanny ways to clean your bathroom better.

Wood: Olive & Salt

Wood is a delicate material – it’ll be distinctly marked and can easily lose its color if treated with harsh chemicals. The olive and salt mixtures provides a way out of that dilemma. This method takes longer than most cleaning approaches; all you have to do is to leave the solution on the stain for hours. It will not damage the wood and when you wipe it off, it would be clean again.

Silver: Toothpaste

Silver is quite expensive and you might want the professional kind of remedy. But there is a way around it via the good old toothpaste. It’s been apparently used frequently to bring back luster way more than publicized.

Grease: Baby oil

Baby oil breaks down grease faster than most chemical sprays do. Not only does it saves you time, it’ll also leave your bathroom smelling good.

Mirror: Coffee Filter

Paper towels are the go-to choice for lint-free wipes but when you run out, it’s good to have an alternative. Here is where coffee filters come in place.

Grout: Electric Toothbrush

We know that the toothbrush is a better choice because its bristles are smaller and flexible than most floor brushes. Are you willing to scrub every line of grout for hours? Use an electric toothbrush as an alternative.

Tiles: Car Wax

To make your tiles last longer once cleaned, try waxing it with a car wax. It shines your tiles and makes grime build up slower because it cannot stick on the surface as it normally can. This can save you intervals between cleaning schedules.

Drains: Baking Soda & Vinegar

This is good for any small blockages in your drain pipes by blasting away the grimes with the chemical reaction that happens when these two combine, so better cover the drain and stand back too.

Toilet: Denture Tablet

The toilet is the dirtiest place in the bathroom and you may want to keep your hands off as much as you can. Throw in a denture tablet on your toilet and let the reaction clean the toilet bowl for you for a few minutes and then scrub away with ease.

Shower Curtain Tips

Bacteria will usually camp on shower curtain and chances are, if you have mold on the curtain, then there will be mold everywhere because that thing spreads fast. Throw it in your washing machine weekly, it’s cheaper than buying a new one when it gets too helpless to clean. Plumbing maintenance Australia

Remember that the material and style of your bathroom makes up the complexity of the maintenance of it. For more bathroom ideas, visit at http://www.youplumbing.com.au or email at info@youplumbing.com.au

Choosing the Right Mirror for Your Bathroom

Whether you think about functionality and aesthetics, the mirror is an essential part of your bathroom. But in terms of your options, there are a lot to choose from. Here are some guides that will help you to opt for the right one:

How big the mirror is
This is the first factor that you have to consider. But generally, it should be large enough for you to see your whole face. Take note that you need a mirror in your daily hygiene such as brushing your teeth, shaving, applying makeup, fixing your hair, etc. However, some people choose larger mirrors that will accommodate more people using it. Large mirrors also reflect more of the bathroom that will eventually make it look bigger. With these, it is important that you measure the physical area in your bathroom for perfect fit.

Storage
For a lot of people, they need more storage space in the bathroom. If you’re one of these people, what you might need is a mirror fronted cabinet. While it looks like a smooth expanse of mirror, it has also narrow cabinetry which is ideal for storing toiletries, extra cleaning supplies and even medications.

Do you want bells and whistles
Meanwhile, you might also ask if you want some bells and whistles in your new bathroom. These days, bathroom mirrors are getting fancier with things like fog free mirrors and TVs. Another extra that’s getting a hot trend is to have lights all around the mirror like a Hollywood style. Moreover, you can also have frameless mirrors for ultra smoothalso pick simple or ornate frames depending on your taste. Plumbing fittings online Australia

When installing certain components in your bathroom, you sometimes need some plumbing services in Sydney. If you need more advice from the experts who will do a reliable job for you, contact at http://www.youplumbing.com.au or email at info@youplumbing.com.au.

Bathroom Strategies for Special People

Designing a bathroom for the physically impaired is a challenge. That’s why here in YouPlumbing,
we take it our sense of duty to be learned and versed in this specialized need. With the right skill and the assortment for the right equipments, these difficulties can be overcome and reduced.

It is taken into account that physical impairment contrives an efficient system for limited mobility. This system must asses and accommodate the personal need.

Here are some few ways you can take note of:

Mild Impairments – strategic positions of grab rails in the shower or bath and toilet. Consider also
how slippery the floor can be.

Severe Physical Impairments – Install amenities depending on the specific need. This may vary in many ways and consult a specialist for recommendations.

Wheelchair-bound Individuals - Make sure the accessibility and the mobility inside the bathroom
are taken into top consideration. Make certain that essential products can be reached too.

Bathtub
Installing sturdy handrails might not be enough for some so take their feedback into account to
improve the situation. Raise one leg high to get into the tub to enter and exit with lesser difficulty.
Some struggles in bending down and standing up, something to deliberate if you have a tub.
Specially designed bathtubs provides therapeutic benefits and comfort without the need of
assistance. Here are some more tips you might have missed:

• Low-level baths are 100mm lower than standard tubs. Combined with slip-free handrails,entering and exiting the tub can be safer and easier.
• Some special bathtubs have a water-tight door that can be removed or replaced. Having this would not have to require the physically impaired to lift a leg.
• Deep walk-in tubs can be considered, some even have built-in seating. The depth allows afull immersion even when seated. Some of these have therapeutic spa jets.

Shower

The major challenge in showers is maintaining balance entering and exiting the stall. A solution 

most builders and designers formulate is to mete out the shower enclosure all in all and turn the 

whole bathroom into a wet room. 

Wet rooms are lightweight and portable seating can be available when needed. Modifications for 

better assistance are movable shower head for a seated or stood up shower and reachable soap 

dishes for either of these positions.  A thermostatically controlled mixer taps can help those with 

impaired dexterity adjust the temperature. It is ideal for the wheelchair-bounded individuals.

Wheelchair

Addition to the grab rails is an accessible lower sink and enough room to maneuver the wheelchair 

around the room.

We can consult together with a qualified physiotherapist to help you fine-tune the ideal bathroom 

for those specific needs. It will cost more but it’s worth it compared to the possibilities that may 

occur if not. Online plumbing supplies Australia

For more bathroom ideas, visit at http://www.youplumbing.com.au or email at

info@youplumbing.com.au

A Quick Guide to Bathroom Heater Installations

Do you ever hate that moment when you step out of a comforting warm bath or shower only to be greeted with a chilly bathroom environment down from the soles of your feet to the breeze on your
cheeks? When you finally decided that enough is enough and install a heater, there are some things
you need to know before you make that impulsive step. One wrong step will take you a plunge of inconvenience and waste of money.

Leafing through various wall heaters in the market, the price might throw you off guard and installing a cheaper generic model for any kind of wall could be a tempting alternative. This is where you should be informed that bathroom heaters are priced that way for a reason. Bathroom wall heaters are designed for wet and steamy environments. It outlasts the generic model that corrodes quickly on such conditions. Plumbing company services australia

Here are some popular options you can opt for:

• Radiant Heater – suitable for small bathrooms.
• Exhaust-Heater Fan – unless you already have an exhaust fan installed, this is a good option. It also reduces any steam accumulated in the air.
• Forced-air Heater – like a radiant heater but has a fan that spreads heat throughout the room.
• Portable Heater - this is the cheapest and easiest of all.  Make certain that the model you’ll have complies with Australian Standards for bathroom heaters. Look also for a label of ALCI or Appliance Leakage Current Interrupter, to prevent electrocution. Never put this on the floor but on a safe shelf free from the possibility of being knocked over.
• Infrared Heater – mounted on either the ceiling or the wall, infrared heaters imitate the sunlight. It helps elevate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the wintry months.

For all installations, make sure to hire a professional tradesmen, especially on any electrical work needed. DIY electrical installations are illegal in Australia. It’s dangerous most especially in wet areas.

For more bathroom ideas, visit  http://www.youplumbing.com.au  or email us at info@youplumbing.com.au

A Buyer's Guide to Bathtubs

A bathtub is somehow important to our emotional well-being. However, most of us put

little emphasis on our bathtub when building or renovating. While a standard and

utilitarian bathtub may already accommodate our needs, an aesthetically pleasing or one

that has extra features can make our bathing experience even better. Here’s a buyer's guide

that will introduce you to some bathtubs that you may not have thought of before:

Types of baths

 Built-in baths - also called the drop-in baths. Here, the tub is "dropped in" to a

custom built cavity. Most often, they are being installed into a raised platform but

sometimes, at or near floor level. This type is ideal for bath-shower combinations

with glass shower enclosures. It is also good for spa baths that require hidden

plumbing for water jets.

 Freestanding baths – these are the original bath tubs. Before, they are just oversized

buckets which are designed to be used when needed and then put away. Today,

freestanding baths are back following the ultra modern and period styling trends.

These are stylish and minimalistic alternative to built-in baths. Also, they take up

less space as they stand off the floor and have inwardly curving exteriors.

Factors to consider when buying baths.

There are a number of things to consider when buying baths. These include how often you

use the bath, why will you use it, the space available in your bathroom, the style of bath

that suits your bathroom design, and of course, the cost.

Meanwhile, safety is also another thing to look at. For example, if you have young children,

opt for a bath that makes bathing as safe and easy as possible. If you want to combine your

bath and shower, the style and cost of the shower screen must be taken into consideration

too. Spa baths are ideal if you want an ultimate relaxation. If style is your priority, check out

the latest options of freestanding baths. Plumbing fittings online australia

There is nothing more relaxing than a deep soaking tub that will ease the cares of the day

away. When installing your ideal bathtub, hire one of the best plumbing services in

Sydney. Work it out with us for excellent and reliable service that’s worth your money.

Visit out our site at http://www.youplumbing.com.au for more info.

Bathroom Wonders for Renters

Renting a space means you cannot do major makeovers on your living space – a sad reality

that you have to do what you can with what you have. Your options are constrained on

your lease and terms unless you have a forgiving landlord that lets do you as you please

with your room if it will add value or help with the upkeep, but for the rest, you need

permissions to conduct any renovation and construction work .

So if you are woe over your bathroom, here are some makeover tips you can do when you

are just renting.

Accessorize

Nothing says decorate than accessorizing your space! You’d be astonished at how a little

dash of color and shape could do. Try a toilet mat, a plant or colorful fragrance beads.

Cleanliness

Over time, mildew, water and soap spots will cultivate on the little corners and surfaces of

the bathroom. If you’re not willing to deal with the previous owner’s lingering proof of

residency all over the place, give us a call and our team can work on it right away. Sparkling

and squeaky tiles will make a whole lot of improvement.

Fittings

If your landlord allows you to, you can make a simple shelf or add a towel rack. It’s

functional so you can organize all your necessities in a neatly manner. Plus you can have

the liberty to choose the design and style of it too.

Lightings

The light is your mood setter. If your bathroom bulb a boring white, which apparently also

unflattering to the skin, you can change it to a warmer tone. If you want a better mood

enhancer, try some candles in the mix.

Paint

The basic of all makeovers. A simple paint job can transform a room to a different

atmosphere in an instant. Use lighter shades for a small bathroom to make it seem bigger.

Or you can old bolder colors, accents and patterns on your wall if you want to take it to a

more personal level. Consult us if you want to know what kind of paint is the most suitable

for your bathroom. The humidity and other factors contribute to the quality and life of your

walls over time.

Shower

Chances are, your showers are either dislodge, scratched, or just frustrating. Take note to

look for a WELS-rated unit to keep your water bill in check.

Storage

If you are low on storage space, try some freestanding storage solutions, and like most of

the things listed on this list, you can take these with you when you decide to move out.

Toilet Seat

Adds to the possible condition of the shower is the toilet seat. See if your toilet seat is in

good condition. If not, ask permission from your landlord and give a ring so we could have

it primped back to condition before you finally settle in for good. Online plumbing supplies australia

For more bathroom ideas, visit us at http://www.youplumbing.com.au or email us at

info@youplumbing.com.au