Saturday, November 26, 2011

Hansgrohe All in One Shower Valve

!±8± Hansgrohe All in One Shower Valve

Let's start out with the first thing you'll notice, other than the valves Hulk green valve case (we'll get to that in a second) the four full 3/4" ports. Two (2) inlet ports on the left and right, one (1) outlet port for the shower and one (1) for the tub spout. This is significant because most valve companies offer their valves in both 1/2" and 3/4" version depending on the piping size of the home or the volume of water needed for the shower.

What if the water piping is 1/2"? Do I have to buy extra fittings to accommodate the valve? Nope, the 3/4" x 1/2" bushings are included in the box.

You'll notice that at every port there is a black rubber seal. This valve itself is protected against leaking at all its connection points in fact the entire valve is sealed by the green enclosure. If there is a leak within the valve or the connection points the valve will leak into the box and exit through a weep hole on the front of the trim kit.

The next point of interest are the valve's integral stops. Having integral stops on a tub/shower valve allows you to change the valve cartridge or change trim without shutting the water down in the entire house, or close an isolation valve in your home or condominium, if you're lucky enough to have them. Having integral stops sounds like a logical feature to have on every tub/shower valve right? Valves are cheaper to build without integral stops. Hansgrohe doesn't give you a choice anymore and for good reason, they've made the rough-in valve affordable enough to remove the option. You get them standard whether you like it or not.

There are other benefits that we will list but by far the greatest feature is the valves flexibility. It is a pressure balanced shower only valve (the plug for the tub is included in the box), it is a pressure balanced tub/shower valve, it is a thermostatic valve with volume control for a shower, a thermostatic valve for a tub/shower and thermostatic valve with volume control with a diverter to control two shower functions.

How and the heck can one valve to handle all these features? With the trim and cartridge. It is literally a "plug and play" valve. You can get a trim that is simple and affordable or opt for a fairly complex trim set with a full line of styles and finishes. If you wanted to install an affordable trim set but wanted to upgrade at a later date the install is quick and easy.

The significance this valve has on the home/condominium market is profound. Picture a spec housing subdivision or a high rise condominium complex. There has to be a building rough standard. Now the builder or GC can install this rough-in valve with a certain measure of confidence, that they can offer a trim set with a style, features and finishes that can accommodate the majority of their prospective customers. In the past the GC and plumbing contractor would have a standard set of plumbing rough and trim. On many occasions the buyer of the home or condominium would choose something completely different and the plumbing contractor would have to tear out what was installed. This happens more on high end residential but this valve takes those headaches out of the equation.

Here are several other features that make this valve a truly unique product.

The iBox valve can handle water from 6 GPM to 16 GPM. So the need to upsize the valve to accommodate a couple body sprays is not necessary.

Because of the valve configuration and its pre-installed test and flushing plug the water piping can be tested and flushed without the trim being installed. (We'll explain this further and insert a picture of the valve without a trim cartridge to make this more clear)

The valve housing has multiple mounting options. The valve enclosure has leveling points to make sure the rough is level in both directions

Depending on the plumbing wall thickness the valve enclosure can easily cut to accommodate. The next time you are in the market for a shower valve give this one a look.


Hansgrohe All in One Shower Valve

Precor 546 Efx Elliptical On Sale Catalog Progressive Sr22 Bdf451 Makita Free Shipping

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

7 Tips For a Bathroom Facelift

!±8± 7 Tips For a Bathroom Facelift

Every few years a bathroom just needs a facelift. If your bathroom is in good condition for the most part, but just needs some sprucing up, here are some tips.

1. Paint your bathroom. Painting the walls with a new shade can give the whole room a major lift, but do it right. Start with a primer. It adds just a few dollars to the cost, but not only will your paint hold up better, but it will make for a much more even coat.

Use a good enamel paint. There are many top brands that are water based for easy clean-up, and hold up very well. Use satin or eggshell if you like a low gloss.

2. Consider sanding your cabinetry and giving it a good stain. You can select a wood tone, or one of many color stains that are now available.

You may be tempted to just paint the cabinetry, but paint will tend to chip where stain is embedded in the wood and will hold up over time, if you do the job right. This takes a little elbow grease, but will make a dramatic change to your bathroom.

Buy some new knobs and your bathroom cabinets will have a new and different look.

3. Updating your lighting can also produce great results. Well thought out lighting just where you need it can definitely brighten up a bathroom.

Choosing attractive fixtures can make a stunning improvement in the decor of your bathroom. Lighting fixtures are not only functional, they lend much to the overall decor of your bath.

4. Replace your vanity top if it is showing signs of wear. A new vanity top and sink are a great way to update your bathroom. This is the most seen area of most bathrooms, and often gets the most use.

Consider adding a new countertop sink instead of the standard bathroom basin. There are hundreds to choose from and they will give your bath a new and trendy appearance.

5. If a new vanity top and a countertop sink is one of your choices, go the extra mile and invest in a new faucet. Here again, there are many to choose from in many styles and finishes.

Chrome was the old standby for decades, but these days you can have oil rubbed finishes, bronzed finishes, a variety of brushed finishes, or very shiny finishes. Handles and spouts offer many options in style as well. Longer necked spouts have become very popular for the bathroom and provide an interesting look.

6. while you're giving your bath a refresher course, this is a good time to re-grout around the tub. If your shower door is looking well past it's time, this may be the time to replace it.

7. And, it goes without saying, that new linens will always perk up your bath. If you have painted your bath a new color, this may be the time to replace at least the linens that get seen on a daily basis.

This is not to suggest that you undertake all of these suggestions. Choose one or two that will do the most to perk up and give your bathroom a fresh look.


7 Tips For a Bathroom Facelift

Diaper Genie Refill Coupon Sale Purchasing Sphynx Cat Rescue Garden Tillers This Instant


Twitter Facebook Flickr RSS



Français Deutsch Italiano Português
Español 日本語 한국의 中国简体。







Sponsor Links