Posted on Leave a comment

How to choose a tap?

Taps may seen like a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to bathrooms. They are an essential element of any bathroom, not just functionally but visually they can make or break a bathroom design. It’s a small item but makes a big difference. So how should we select the right taps for our washbasin?

About Styles

When selecting a design, consider the other elements of your bathroom. Rounded basins, baths and bathroom accessories look great paired with taps that have curved spouts and rounded handles. Likewise, taps that have a square and angular design will complement a bathroom with straighter lines. Generally, a three-piece taps set provides a traditional look and a mixer provides more contemporary look.If you’re retrofitting an existing bathroom and updating only cosmetic details, you’ll need to stick with what you already have – unless you’re prepared to re-plumb the in-wall components and re-tile the area. Remember the design is equally as important to hold and feel the taps you are considering to be sure they feel comfortable and easy to use.

It’s best to select your basin and taps in conjunction with one another as either item raises considerations for the other. For instance, a taller tap or a wall-mounted design may be required to suit an above-counter basin. A longer spout may be required to extend across a deeper inset basin.

Also, the taps can be classified into Pillar tap, Monobloc basin taps, Basin mixer taps, Wall mounted basin taps.

Pillar taps (traditional basin pillar taps)

Available in modern and traditional designs, pillar taps are supplied as a pair, and consist of one tap for the cold water and another for the hot water. They can feature cross-head or lever handles, and are for use with a basin that has two tap-holes.

Monobloc basin taps (modern basin tap)

Monoblock basin taps are designed for use with sinks that have a single tap hole. They feature a single spout that delivers a mixture of cold and hot water. The flow and temperature of the water is controlled by an easy to use single lever handle. This type of tap is available in a variety of modern designs.

Basin mixer taps (traditional basin mixer tap)

A basin mixer tap is similar to a monobloc tap; it delivers a mixture of hot and cold water through a single spout, but has separate controls instead of a single handle. This type is available in both modern and traditional designs.

Wall mounted basin taps

A wall mounted basin tap is a great option for creating a neat, streamlined look. This type of tap is mainly used with a countertop basin that does not have any tap holes. Wall mounted taps are difficult to install compared to a monobloc tap, so hire a plumber if you lack the DIY skills.

About color & Finishing

While the majority of taps are available in a chrome finish, there is now a growing range of alternative finishes available, from black, white, gold, graphite and copper. However, changing taps is not something you want to be doing often, so we advise clients to make timeless decisions with taps that is less likely to date. Choose a finish that you love and that will suit the overall colour scheme and style of your bathroom. Remember to consider matching the finish of other elements, such as the shower set and bathroom accessories such as towel rails, toilet roll holders and shower frames.

  • Chrome

Chrome is the most popular finish for bathroom taps – the vast majority of taps on the market are finished in this way. Chrome-plated taps are resistant to corrosion and scratches while their shiny, reflective finish is easy to clean and creates a clean, modern look.

  • Gold

Gold taps have always been a popular choice in period style bathrooms, although they have gained a reputation for peeling and tarnishing as the gold finish was only plated-on rather than dipped. However an increasing number of new taps feature a finish known as “Antique Gold” a lighter, shinier chrome-gold which is more robust as it has been dipped. Be aware of the colour difference between the old darker gold and new Antique Gold taps if you are looking to replace like-for-like.    

  • Nickel

Another relatively new finish which is increasing in popularity is nickel, using it to give their taps a high class finish. A nickel finish combines strength and durability with a lustrous light gun metal look but it also comes with a premium price tag.

  • Stainless-steel

This kind of taps aren’t as shiny as chrome, but they’ll still look smart and pristine. They’re easy to clean and hard wearing, so will look good for many years to come.

About Functionality

Remember to consider what your taps will be used for and the type of basin the water will flow into. Do you need a taller tap or a wall-mounted version to fit over an inset or above counter basin?

About material

  • Solid brass

Where possible choose taps made of solid brass as they are extremely resistant to corrosion. While recycled brass is most often used, there are models on the market from luxury tap manufacturer that are made of pure ‘virgin’ brass. This metal contains no impurities and means that the water doesn’t have the usual strange taste normally found from regular bathroom taps.

  • Ceramic discs

Taps that contain ceramic discs rather than traditional rubber washers are much more hardwearing and resilient to wear and tear, making them a longer lasting option. The majority of ceramic disc taps require only a 90 degree turn to go from being off to being on which makes them easier to use.

About water pressure

As a general rule, low pressure is up to 0.5 bar, 0.5 bar to 1.0 bar is medium pressure and anything above 1.0 bar is high pressure. To get a decent flow of water from your taps it is vital that you choose ones that are appropriate for the water pressure in your home. If you have a gravity-fed system it means you have low pressure while a combination boiler system means yours is medium to high pressure. As a general rule most single-lever mixers, floor standing and wall mounted taps will need high water pressure to function effectively, while taps with two handles and pillar taps can function efficiently with low pressure.

A low pressure tap will work well with high pressure system, however using a high pressure tap in a low pressure system will result in a slow water flow, meaning that it will take more time to fill a basin and even longer to fill a bath. Always check that the tap you want is suitable for your water system, otherwise when you want a bath you could end up waiting for half an hour for your tub to be filled.

As you can see, there is an array of options when choosing your bathroom taps. Your tap needs to be able to stand up to constant use and still look good in years to come because bathrooms are a heavy use area. Ultimately, it comes down to you finding the right mix of design, functionality and durability. Hope above mentioned points can help you easily find your perfect taps.

Posted on

How to choose a bathroom sink?

Bathroom sinks come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Not only the appearance, but also the material affect the style & practicability of your bathroom. What your bathroom sink is made of can affect its maintenance, durability, and, of course, style. From clay to woods to glass, understand the benefits of the different types of materials available for your bathroom sinks.

Ceramic:

Ceramic is a type of pottery made of clay and hardened by heat. They are normally made by taking mixtures of clay, powders, and water, shaping them into form and firing in a high temperature oven, or Kiln. Features Extremely strong surface that is resistant to scratching, chipping and impacts , which makes them able to withstand the rigors of everyday use. Maintenance & Clear Ceramic is particularly hard, smooth, and completely sealed. Therefore, dirt is unable to penetrate the surface of the sink. This makes cleaning and maintenance extremely easy; simply wiping off dirt and dust with a soft dry cloth is adequate for daily cleaning. For a more thorough cleaning, we recommend using a gentle all-purpose cleaning product and a soft sponge or cloth. If you have a hand-painted or glazed ceramic sink, clean with a non-abrasive cleaner. Do not use bristle brushes or abrasive sponges, as they may damage the decorative surface. Do not let cleaners soak on the surface of your sink. Rinse and wipe with a soft dry cloth after use and cleaning to prevent soap buildup.

Natural Stone

Stone sinks are carved from a single block of stone. Each block of stone has its own distinctive traits including color variation, veining, minor pits, and flecks of minerals. Some sinks are completely shaped and polished, while other stone sinks are left with unfinished features for dramatic contrast. Features Each stone sink is created under natural conditions, making it entirely unique and be individual works of art. Natural stone sinks range in color and characteristics, which add upscale feeling to your bathroom design. Maintenance & Clear Because most stone is porous, it is important to take special care of your sink to protect against harmful substances. Upon receiving your sink, seal with Sealer. To retain your sink’s natural shine, reseal your sink once or twice a year. When installing your sink, carefully use silicone to seal the drain and use extra caution to keep the silicone away from the exposed sink area. Oil-based sealers or plumber’s putty should never be used on a natural stone sink. These products will stain the stone if applied near the surface of the polished basin. We recommend that you regularly clean your natural stone sink with a mild dish detergent or stone cleaner. After each use, wipe the basin dry with a soft cloth. Do not allow mineral deposits such as iron, salt, lime, or soap to build up on your sink. Refrain from using acidic household cleaners, wipes with harsh chemicals, or abrasives, as these will damage stone

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel resists bacteria and germs, and are able to withstand the tough scrubbing. Additionally, this type of sink can be paired with most countertop materials because of its sleek color and look.

Features :

Stainless steel sinks are handcrafted from heavy gauge stainless steel and are extremely durable, resistant to corrosion and staining, but can be scratched or scuffed when not cared for properly.

Maintenance & Clear :

To maintain the condition of your stainless steel sink, simply clean daily with mild soap and warm water, and wipe the entire surface dry with a dry, clean, soft cloth after each use. Keep sink free of any standing water to prevent the build-up of mineral deposits that can affect the appearance of your sink. Because iron particles often develop rust spots in stainless steel surfaces, do not leave steel cookware or utensils on the surface of the sink for long periods of time. Do not use cleaners containing acids, harsh chemicals, or abrasives. Use a Stainless Steel Scratch-B-Gone Kit to remove minor scratches and maintain the beauty of your stainless steel fixture.

Resin

This stone-like material is made of a poly-resin blend, known as “man-made stone” Resin is solid and consistently colored throughout. Because it can be cast into nearly any form or size, resin sinks and tubs are available

Posted on Leave a comment

Tips of getting good quality vanities!

How is the quality of your vanity shopped online? Tips of getting good quality vanities

1. Appearance

You need to check the appearance of the vanity.

  • Observe the vanity surface. On the upper /lower/left/right sides of the cabinet, black lines, dead knots, scratches, particles, dark spots, broken skin, color difference, wrinkles and other defects should not be allowed.
  • Check the inside of the cabinet with your hands. In principle, there should not be any internal defects. If any minor flaws are found, they can be ignored without affecting normal use.
  • The finish of the bathroom cabinet should be smooth, without particles, roughness, fogging, scratches, pinholes etc.
  • Use a tape measure to check the dimensions of the bathroom vanity to see if it is the same size as the one you ordered.
  • The color of the actual arrival product should very much match the product shown on the product page of the website. Color difference which mainly depends on the color depth error and the color error at the joint. Generally, the color of the entire bathroom vanity should be consistent and there should be no difference.
  • The cabinets cannot be inclined or asymmetrical. Things should not be moved while placed on cabinets.

2. Material

After the surface inspection, look at the material. The quality of the material will decide the service life of the bathroom cabinets. Unfortunately, there are quite few businesses on the market that use inferior materials to impersonate high-quality materials. Therefore, you must pay attention to the inspection of your goods.

  • The consistency of materials. You will not want to have different tones from different batch.
  • No crack is allowed.
  • No insect or decay are allowed
  • The materials used must meet the requirements of environmental protection and cannot contain substances that are harmful to human body.

3. Cabinet Doors, drawers

The gap between the cabinet doors should not be more than 3mm. The left and right door panels should be neat and there should be no visual fluctuations. If it is a push-type drawer, the distance between the edge of the drawer and the cabinet should not exceed 3mm. If the gap is too large, water vapor can easily enter and corrode the cabinet contents. However, the gap should not be too small, otherwise the friction, resulting in poor opening and closing, and will affect the product life. During the inspection, check the guide rails of the drawer. A good guide rails can enter and exit freely after a reasonable load without noise.

The door hinge is also the focus of acceptance. The door hinge should be open and closed freely and should not be too loose or too tight. In addition, pay attention to whether the installation position of the door hinge is reasonable and whether it will affect daily use. Finally, check the door hinge for rust.

4. Washbasins

The washbasin is an important part of the bathroom cabinet and is in contact with water every day, so it is also important to check. The surface of the wash basin should be smooth without scratches, and the glaze is smooth and free of bumps. In addition, the water drain under the basin should also be checked to see if it can be easily taken and put and if it will be easy to block.

5. Legs

To check whether the four legs of the cabinet are stable and whether they are on the same level. If the four legs of the cabinet are not stable, the cabinet body is easily stressed. This not only affects the appearance, but will also seriously affect the service life of the bathroom vanity.

Good luck on choosing a good quality vanity!!!

Posted on Leave a comment

Feel too hard to distinguish good shower enclosures from bad ones? Here are the tips!  

Shower enclosure has been a very common element of contemporary bathroom designs, and it’s getting a more and more popular. Many consumers don’t know how to distinguish good shower enclosures from bad ones, they love shower cubicles, but often were misled by unscrupulous merchants end up with buying inferior products. Do they know how danger a bad shower cubicle can be? Those glass doors from inferior products in your shower can spontaneously explode!

Let me tell you how to know if it is a good one!

Tempered glass of the shower enclosure

The tempered glass is the most important part of the shower enclosure structure. Many unknown shower enclosure manufacturers/trading company use semi-tempered glass or ordinary glass in order to make more profits, which will lead to an explosion of the shower doors, a huge threat to safety! During the purchasing, you should observe whether the glass is transparent, whether there are defects such as impurity pot or bubbles, and whether there is a 3C certification mark on the glass in china, (DOT in US, Emark in EU, JIS in Japan, SAI in Australia) . High-quality shower enclosure should be made of fully tempered glass for automatics with high permeability and tempered hot lines. As this kind of glass is uniform tempered, it is of high safety, even if accidentally broken will not hurt the body.

The aluminum frame of shower enclosure

As the aluminum frame will bear the weight of tempered glass, which can be tens of kilograms or even hundreds of kilograms, the hardness and thickness of the aluminum plate are very important evaluation indicators. When you chose a shower enclosure, pay attention to the smoothness of the surface, chromatic aberration, if any pinholes, then observe what material it was used. Generally, the aluminum used in the high-quality shower enclosure is aerospace aluminum which were sandblasting with oxidation, being resistant to rot and stainless. The thickness should be more than 1.2mm to keep stability.

The hardware of shower enclosure

The hardware is also very important for the durability of the shower enclosure. Most of the poor quality shower enclosures are equipped with the aluminum which used in construction, of which the hardness is between 15-16. This kind of aluminum is of low price and high hardness, but with many impurities and large brittleness, which is very easily deformed during the usage. Quality shower rooms are made of aerospace aluminum and stainless steel fittings. The aluminum are processed into aluminum magnesium titanium alloy, being very excellent in anti-scratching, anti-fading. The hardness is about 14, moderate hardness& toughness and not brittle. The aluminum wall thickness is 1.5-4mm, not easy to deform.

With orton, learn a little bit more about bathroom products!

Must Read:https://ortonbaths.com/understanding-the-concept-of-an-led-mirror/

Must Read:https://ortonbaths.com/comparing-one-piece-and-two-piece-toilet-seats-which-is-the-better-choice/

Posted on Leave a comment

Separating wet and dry areas in bathroom

We all know that bathrooms tend to accumulate moisture, mess and mould—separating wet and dry areas can create a usable room that boosts liveability, while removing the possibility of muck and mildew building up.

The dry zone generally contains a vanity and toilet area. These are the most frequently used areas in the bathroom, so it’s important you keep them dry! But how do we maintain them “dry”???

You need perfectly polished Glass walls.

We place all messy water activities to one side of the room thus to use a glass wall to keep the spaces separate. its a bad idea to use partition walls, because you are darken the space and blocking the light from window. A glass wall shall make your bathroom brighter and looks larger, while aesthetically pleasing results. And Here are the types of glass wall you can choose.

#1 Frameless Glass Partitions

#2 Framed Ones

stylish isn’t it? it also keeps your dry area really “dry”

#3 The Half Glass

A half glass partition creates the perfect walk-in shower, which is basically a waterproofed showering area that has no hinged doors, enabling you to simply ‘walk in’.

Ideally, you don’t want to track water around the dry zone after bathing because the next person/guest who needs to use the toilet or basin….

If you would like more information on this topic, get in touch with one of our professional sales – we’ll be happy to talk through your different options.

Must Visit:https://ortonbaths.com/the-significance-of-wc-in-european-toilet-terminology/

Must Visit:https://ortonbaths.com/examples-of-sanitary-ware-a-comprehensive-overview/

Posted on Leave a comment

Difference between One piece Toilet Vs Two piece Toilet

First thing first , let me explain what a is one piece toilet is and what two piece toilet. The main functionality of both toilets is to flush out the waste from the human body.

A water closet consists of three parts: a bowl , a pedestal, and a tank. The toilet’s pedestal is there to provide the necessary height for the toilet. The toilet bowl’s purpose is to collect waste and flush it down the drain pipeline. The tank is to store the water and provide the required pressure to flush out the waste from the toilet.

One piece toilet are those in which the tank and bowl are melded together seamlessly. It also goes by the name “single piece toilet.”

Two piece toilet have separate tanks and toilets that are connected by fittings. It is also called coupled toilets.

Find ten types of toilets here.

Now, let’s dive into the comparison.

When we buy anything, the price will be considered a major point. One piece toilet will be much higher price than the two piece toilet. The Production difficulties of producing a piece are much higher than producing a two piece toilet. So the cost of a piece toilet is double that of a two piece toilet. The winner is A piece of the toilet.

One Piece
Two Piece

Design availability

Both toilets often come in comparable designs. As you can see in the two toilet versions below, the style is identical, but you have the option of a single piece or a connected closet. Design-wise, both are identical.

Aesthetic look

When you compare between the coupled closet and single piece toilet based on look, then definitely one piece toilet is a clear winner as the product is made with out any joint or gap between tank and body.

Weight

One piece toilet are designed to hold the ceramic tank during the firing cycle in the production cycle, so in the design itself, the products are higher in weight. Normally, the weight of a single piece toilet is around 40 Kgs(88 Pounds). A two piece toilet weight is around 25Kgs (55 Pounds). So, with solid mass, the winner is a piece of the toilet when comparing weight.

Mounting options

As we have seen before the weight of a one piece toilet is higher when compared to a two piece toilet because the weight of one piece can’t be hanged on the wall. So, for coupled closets you can get wall mount and floor mount models, but for one piece only floor models will be available. So if you are looking for a wall hung model then you have to go for two piece toilet.

Size

One piece toilet and two piece toilets have a very little size difference from one another. However, two pieces may be simpler to move since you may buy the toilet and tank separately. Both toilets are around 400 MM (15.7 Inches) in height.

Functionality

The two toilets’ functionality is independent of the toilet model. It is dependent on the toilet’s flushing system and construction. Therefore, the one-piece and two-piece toilets in this comparison are tied on points.

Installation

We may consider installation from two angles:

1. First, installing a one piece toilet is significantly simpler than installing a two piece toilet since the tank and toilet are already attached and no connecting mechanism is required. Two piece toilet fitting is not much easier than one piece toilet because tank and toilet fitting need to be done carefully to avoid water leakage and proper flush functioning.

2. The second one is moving one piece is much more difficult when compared to two pieces because of the very high weight. But moving a two piece toilet is easier because the toilet and tank can be moved separately.

Maintenance

Due to fewer fittings in the one piece toilet the maintenance is very less. An issue in the tank and toilet junction locations is possible with two-piece toilets.

Because there is no joint and no gap in a one-piece toilet, cleaning is comparably simple. But cleaning has to be taken care of in two piece toilet & tank joint areas.

Other Points

1. Glaze colors depend upon the toilet manufacturer. Normally one piece and two piece toilets are available in white and ivory colors. You must seek toilets produced in China if you want toilets that are double-colored and have diverse hues.

2. You may purchase a seat cover for either the soft-close toilet or the hard-close toilet.

3. Both restrooms may be found in “P” and “S” traps.

Conclusion

When comparing the difference between the one piece toilet and the two piece toilet more points favor the one piece toilet. So if you are OK with spending a little more money then definitely go for one piece toilet.

Must Visit:https://ortonbaths.com/understanding-the-mechanism-of-a-rimless-toilet-how-does-it-work/

Must Visit:https://ortonbaths.com/whats-the-mechanism-behind-a-siphonic-toilets-operation/

Posted on Leave a comment

What is Sanitary ware? Definition & Meaning

Introduction:

Sanitary ware is a division of ceramic wares. It is proven that ceramic sanitaryware wares are cost effective and good for long run. Sanitary wares can with stand more than 400 kg load and excellent resistance to chemical attacks. Sanitaryware items can be easily cleaned because of its glossy surface properties.

What is sanitary ware products?

Sanitaryware items are made up of ceramic ware that used in bathrooms. Some of the sanitary ware products are:

  • Toilets.
  • Washbasins.
  • Pedestals.
  • Bidet.
  • Urinals.
  • Sinks.
  • Bath tubs.

Accessories like:

  • Soap holder/trays.
  • Ash trays.
  • Towel Rod.
  • Toilet paper holder.

And some other products are made by ceramics.

Sanitaryware Meaning

Sanitary – Hygienic and Clean.
Ware – Product / article

Sanitaryware Definition

Sanitaryware is a vitreous China body fired above 1200°C to get the required sanitary model to use for domestic and industrial purpose.

Properties

Some of the essential properties that are required for sanitaryware body. Water absorption should be below 0.5%. Can with stand minimum of 400 Kgs load. Good glossy surface for easy cleaning.

Sanitary Ware is made using three main components.

1) Clay

  •  Ball clay
  • China clay

2) Quartz
3) Feldspar

All this raw materials are mixed in proper position, casted and fired to get final sanitary ware product.  Some of the Sanitary ware products are Wash basins, pedestals, Urinals, Wall hung, one piece toilet, bath tubs and toilet tanks.

Sanitary ware are made in different colors as per the requirement. it can bear heavy load and has good scratch resistance property.

Sanitary ware comes in variety of designs and variety of shape and sizes.

Visit:https://ortonbaths.com/the-one-piece-toilet-in-germany-combining-style-efficiency-and-easy-maintenance/

Visit:https://ortonbaths.com/two-piece-toilets/

Posted on Leave a comment

Proper Maintenance of Ceramic Items in the Bathroom

Ceramic and porcelain accessories are very popular in the bathroom. Ceramic tiling is so popular because it is known that they are easy to clean and take care of, so long as your version of cleaning and taking care of it is the proper way. As for the rest of the fixtures, they can be difficult to take care of, sometimes.

The Flooring

The first step in keeping your bathroom well-maintained and beautiful, is to sweep your floor! As simple as it sounds, it is strangely easy to forget. You should do this every so often so you can avoid grounding in the dirt to the tile and grout. If you have textured tiles, you may face the trouble of them holding more dirt than the normal tiles.

Mopping the floor assists in keeping the tile nice and clean. The water helps keep the tile shiny and brand new. If you use a cleaning product, be sure to follow the directions. You should definitely not use steel wool or sandpaper.

You should be extremely cautious when moving heavy items. If not, you could chip, scratch, and dig into the tiles and/ or grout. Protective pads are strongly recommended to avoid those possible outcomes. It is recommended to get good mats to prevent the spread of dirt or other substances that could get tracked in.

The Countertops

As opposed to the flooring, countertops are not as easy to maintain. You have to immediately and regularly clean the tiles in the occurrence of a spill or stain. A simple wash rag can take care of the daily cleaning, but you should use special tile cleaner once a week just to get the deep clean.

To clean the sink, you should use a typical bathroom to remove dirt. If you have spilled toothpaste, you should use a cleaner with bleach to help sanitize it as well.

Tile Shower

The DIY Network has a few suggestions of how to clean your tile shower/ bathtub. To begin, they tell us to cover the tub area with a layer of bathroom cleaner and allowing it to sit while you clean elsewhere. By letting it sit, the cleaner will more deeply dissolve oils and soaps. While you wait for it to sit, you can use scrubbing pads to get rid of the bathtub rings.

There are specific brushes meant for tile use, which feature a handle that protects the hand from contact with the tub. The brush can be used on grout and makes it easy to reach cracks and corners. You can also use a toothbrush as a substitution – it works just as well.

The Toilet

Although it is gross, it has to be done. You should begin with a liquid toilet bowl cleaner and let it sit to dissolve and kill the germs. You should then take your sturdy bowl brush and give it a good scrub. Disinfecting the toilet is easy enough with a simple disinfecting spray or an all-purpose cleaner. You should spray the toilet rim, seat, lid, tank, and bowl exterior.

What Not To Do

According to the Orton Maintenance Guide, there are five things that you should absolutely not do.

  1. You should not use Steel Wool or abrasive powders if you do not want scratches or dull tiles.
  2. You should not use chemicals with acids, as they can hurt both the finish on the tile as well as the grout.
  3. You should not use bleach or ammonia to clean your tiles. By doing so, you can change the color of the grout (which is probably not preferred).
  4. You should not use an excessive amount of water to clean the tiles. If you use too much or let the water sit for too long, it can (and probably will) hurt the grout and/or underlayment of the floor.
  5. You should not let food or grease sit on tiling for any amount of time. If you let them sit, you could end up causing a stain on the tile.