How to Fit Bathroom Taps

Installing a bathroom tap is a rather simple task. However, you should have basic plumbing skills such as knowing how to turn off and turn on the water as and when required. It not only saves you time but also money. As most taps come in the same sizes, it is likely that a good number of them are compatible with most baths.

Tools required;

Taps
Wrenches
Adjustable Spanners
Screwdrivers
Screws
Pliers
Pipe cutters
Gloves

Steps Towards Fitting a Bathroom Tap;

Firstly, remember to switch off the hot and cold water supply and your boiler as well. Then, open the taps and drain out all water from the pipes. After that, disconnect the flexible connectors (if you have one) or cut the supply pipes. Next disconnect the drainage pipes.

Assemble the new taps as directed by the manufacturer. The most important aspect is to ensure that the diameter of the new tap is a perfect fit for the hole of the old tap. Simply, lift out the old taps and lower in the new bath taps while ensuring that the washers are perfectly positioned.

Once the new taps have been fitted into the tap holes, ensure that the pipes are a perfect fit and that the plastic connector that comes with the tap has been tightened well.

Next step is to re-connect the water supply pipes. Use flexible connectors while connecting supply pipes as it comes useful if any adjustment in positions is required in the future. Double check the washer on the flexible connector and also re-connect the drainage pipes to the waste system.

Finally, check for leaks on the flexible connector, as well as the drainage pipes.

Tips;

When you plan to buy bath taps, you ought to consider the design to suit the decor of the bathroom.

It is advisable to fit isolating valves to both hot and cold pipes for maintenance purposes. While switching on your water supply, switch on one isolator at a time so as to check for leaks.

There could be air blocks and dirt packets in the pipe supply and running the water for some time would help release this. Clean it with some soap solution and you are ready to go.

Warnings;

It is very important that a qualified electrician checks your wiring so as to ensure that all copper wiring is earth bonded.

Also try to be careful while tightening screws on any ceramic items. Do not over tighten and always use a hand held screwdriver so as to avoid any damage that a power drill might inflict.

You may have to drill holes into your bath if you plan in fitting a new bath tap and in which case a little more planning may be required.

References;

Changing bath taps
http://www.juliancassell.com/723/changing-bath-taps

How to fit a basin & taps
http://www.focusdiy.co.uk/how-to-fit-a-basin-and-taps

Fitting new taps
http://www.diynot.com/pages/pl/pl007.php

Bathroom tap fitting guide
http://www.splashdirect.com/buying-guides/bg2148.aspx

How to Make a Figurine Made of Styrofoam

Styrofoam is commonly used as packing material and come in a variety of shapes, boards and colors. Styrofoam figurines although solid are very light and can float. They can be purchased at most craft stores or home decorating department stores. The price for these Styrofoam figurines depends on the size and intricacy of the design. If you are creative, you can make Styrofoam figurines from the comfort of your own home and making these are moderately easy. All you need is a few supplies and a steady hand.

Below are a list of the things that you will need;

Styrofoam block
Variety of Styrofoam figurines
Stencil
Pen
Pencil
Paper
Scissors
Pins
Box Cutter
Small utility knife
Toothpicks
Craft glue
Spray paint
Newspaper and painters tape

Step 1
Decide on the figurine that you want to create. If you are unable to get the desired figurines from shops, find a stencil in the desired shape for your Styrofoam figurine and then sketch it out while keeping the figure simple.

Step 2:
Get your Styrofoam figurine and prepare your pieces. You can use plastic stencils, print pictures from your computer.

Step 3
Place your Styrofoam on a hard, flat surface. Then position your stencil on top of the Styrofoam. Adjust the stencil so that it is where you want the figurine to be. A flat surface will help to hold the Styrofoam steady while you are cutting it. Once you start cutting you won't be able to make adjustments.

Step 4
Cut your Styrofoam to the desired size using the utility knife. Clean them before and after using on Styrofoam. Make sure to put some newspapers under the surface where you are cutting so you don't destroy the tabletop or other surface.

Step 4:
Connect the pieces. Smear a thin layer of glue on either side of the two pieces you are going to connect. Then place some glue at the end of a toothpick and stick them between the two sides as an anchor. Keep gluing until each piece is secured. Prop the figure in a safe place to dry thoroughly.

Step 5:
Decorate the pieces. Once the glue is dry, spray paint your figure as desired. Spray paint works well on Styrofoam since it is very porous. Remember to cover those places that you do not want to be painted with newspaper taped with painters tape.

Tips
You can glue on button eyes to give your figure more personality. Spray paint and other adornments can be found at craft stores. You can also go online to find pieces that match the figurines that you need.

Warnings
While spray painting, if you plan to use more than one color, then allow each portion to fully dry.