Dolce Basins Are The Bomb
OK, OK, I know the term “The Bomb” is very nineties and a little uncool and really doesn’t do justice to the sleekness and style of the elegant Dolce vanity top basins I’m featuring in today’s post, but I simply couldn’t resist.
Most of our time spent in the bathroom is usually at the basin so it’s an important choice if you’re embarking on renovating. When looking at the range of basins to choose from there is a fairly dramatic price range to say the least, not to mention the extensive range of different shapes and sizes.
When it comes to selecting basins for your new bathroom, there are many different options to choose from and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and confused by what’s on offer. The various basin options include:
• Above Counter Basins
• Drop in Basins
• Semi Recessed Basins
• Under Counter Basins
• Vanity Tops
• Wall Hung
When choosing surfaces and basins for their new bathrooms, a lot of our customers stick with what they know and toy with the standard range of options on offer. A popular (and predictable) choice is always stone benches with either a drop-in or semi-recessed basin.
Dolce Basins Offer a New Alternative
What most of our customers aren’t aware of is the option of a vanity top basin. Our range of Dolce vanity top basins provides the same durability as a stone bench top with one additional benefit and that is a entirely faultless ceramic finish. Dolce products provide an all in one solution through cleverly integrating both the counter top and basin into a completely seamless and stylish option.
Dolce have the market covered when it comes to vanity top basins. They have a very modern and stylish range of ceramic vanity tops that provide an utterly flawless crown to your vanity cabinetry. They are the ultimate in quality and contemporary design and provide the look of clean crisp lines to compliment any modern bathroom.
From a style point of view, your choice of basin is integral to the overall look of your bathroom. It’s important to venture beyond predictable and become familiar with the range of options on offer. This way you can make an informed decision that also complements the overall style statement you’re trying to create.
Modern Bathroom Design with Dolce Basins
Design enthusiasts will be aware that low profile basins with clean lines are becoming increasing popular to help create a modern look and the Dolce range does just that. Also as a special mention for those clean freaks out there, yes you know who you are, the Dolce vanity top basins are the easiest to clean by far. There is no grout, no joins and nowhere for dirt to get trapped, they just need a quick wipe down and viola – just like new.
For more information on basins or the Dolce range, contact Bourne Bathroom and Kitchen Centre.
Replacing your taps is an easy and cost effective way of adding a touch of style to your basin. Here’s a basic guide to replacing taps so you can give your bathroom a makeover, without spending a lot of money.
Here’s What You Need To Do The Job
• A wrench
• New taps
• A bucket
• Plumbers tape
• Utility knife
The Method
1. Before you do anything you need to turn off your water supply at the mains. To make sure all the water is drained from the pipes turn the taps fully on, until the last drops of water run out.
Using your utility knife, break any sealant between the basin and your taps by running the knife around the base of the taps.
2. Grab your wrench and unscrew the nuts that connect the tail of your taps to the water pipe. At this point you might want to place a bucket under the sink. Water will run out of both the tap tail and the water pipe!
3. Under the sink you’ll find the back nut which secures the tap in place. Use your wrench to loosen and remove it. You can twist the tap itself in the opposite direction to get some extra leverage if you need to.
Once this back nut has been removed you’ll be able to lift off the old taps very easily.
4. You should now be left with an empty hole. Take your new tap and put it tail first into the hole. Tighten the back nut (under the sink) to hold your new tap in place. Use the wrench if necessary to get the tightest fit possible.
You don’t want your tap coming loose after a few uses.
5. Get some plumbers tape and wrap it tightly around the joint which comes out of the water pipe. This gives it a water tight seal, and stops any water from leaking onto your floor when the taps are on.
Don’t wrap too much tape around the joint or you won’t be able to connect it to the tail of the new tap.
6. Connect the water pipe to the new tap, and tighten as much as possible using your wrench. It’s vital you make sure this join is as tight as possible as it’s the biggest leak risk.
Also keep an eye out to make sure your nut doesn’t cross thread. This is one the biggest causes of leaks.
7. Turn on your water supply, and test your new taps by turning them on fully. It’s a good idea to test them one at a time, and then together to make sure you’re getting an even distribution of water.
If you’re not, check all connections to make sure they’re secure. You may find you’re losing water.
That’s it!
You’ve now got new taps, and a brand new stylish finish to your bathroom!
Make Sure You’ve Got The Right Fittings
As you can see, replacing your taps is quite a simple job. If you have the right materials it shouldn’t take any more than 45 minutes.
One thing you do need to double check is the size of your new taps. Be sure you’ve brought a pair which fit your current basin. Although most basins will take standard sized taps, some require a specific size and model.
It would probably be a good idea to remove your old taps before you buy your new ones. That way you can take one of the old ones to the store, and compare it to the ones you’re buying.
It’s early in the morning and you’re running late for work. You run the tap in your basin so you can have a wash when disaster strikes…
The water isn’t going down the drain!
You can’t see anything obvious blocking the plug hole, but no matter how much you prod and poke the water won’t budge. Now you’re late for work!
We’ve all had a blocked basin at one time or another, but are you really clear on the best ways to clear a blockage without causing damage?
Here are the 4 steps you need to follow the next time you’re faced with a basin full of water.
Step 1.
Cover your overflow – One of the main causes of slow draining water in the basin is debris or hair stuck down the plug hole. Grab a screwdriver, and wiggle it around the plug hole.
If the water starts to drain you’ve found the cause of your blockage. You may need to use a stubborn caustic solution to clear a plug hole with a severe build up of debris. If this doesn’t work you’re going to need to grab a plunger.
Step 2.
Plunge and clear – Cover the overflow in your basin so when you use the plunger the water’s forced down the drain and not back up through the overflow. A wet rag or sponge is usually good for the job.
To get the best results from a plunger there needs to be enough water in the sink to fully submerge the rubber part of the tool. Position your plunger over the plug hole and pump it up and down as quickly as possible.
This forces a jet of water down the pipes, and fingers crossed, this should shift whatever’s causing your blockage. When you lift the plunger off the plug hole the water should drain away normally. If that doesn’t work, move on to step 3.
Step 3.
Remove the trap – Grab yourself a bucket and place it beneath the trap under the sink. This is the curved pipe that looks like the handle of an umbrella. Unscrew the collars at either end of the trap and remove.
At this point water will pour into the bucket from either side of the trap. Now you need to thoroughly clean out the trap to ensure there’s no hair or debris in sight. Whilst the trap pipe is disconnected you’ll have a good chance to get up inside the plug hole. Give this a deep clean to clear out anything that might be causing your blockage.
Reconnect the trap, and run some water to see if the problems been fixed. If not, move onto step 4.
Step 4.
Check the drains – You’ll need to head outside for this step. Look for the drain which leads to your basin and remove the cover. If there’s a blockage you’ll be able to spot it very quickly. To clear it you’ll need a drain rod. Head back into the house, and again run some water to see if it flows down the plug hole.
If it does, well done, you’ve unblocked your basin. If not you’re going to have to call in a plumber. It could be there’s a problem with one of the pipes somewhere within your house. A plumber will figure out where the problem is, and fix it safely without doing any damage to your pipes.
The easiest way to keep basins unblocked is to keep them in pristine condition. Clean them after every use, and give them a deep clean at least once a week. Lemon is a great natural cleaner, and helps keep your plug hole working as it should.
Choosing the right basin for your bathroom isn’t as straight forward as you’d expect. With so many basins available, and various mounting styles there are a few things you need to take into consideration before shopping.
Here’s a guide to the different basin mounting types, so you can make a more informed choice about what will suit your bathroom.
Corner Basins
Great bathroom design is about making the best use of the space you have. It’s also about keeping clutter to a minimum, whilst keeping the room functional. The corner basin is ideal for the smaller bathroom, and offers an easy way to be creative within a tighter space.
You have no choice over where you position a corner basin, but there are hundreds of designs to choose from. They’re also available in anything from traditional ceramic, to modern glass.
As the name suggests this type of basin sits on top of a vanity unit, or some other stand alone piece of furniture. Whilst these are more traditional in their heritage, you’ll find them in a whole host of shapes.
From traditional rectangular units, to ovular shaped basins you’re sure to find a countertop basin that goes perfectly with the rest of your bathroom.
Recessed Basins
These are the complete opposite to countertop basins in their design. Rather than sitting on top of a vanity unit, the recessed basin comes immersed within the unit. This gives the impression of more space, and has the additional benefit of keeping all pipe work concealed.
You are also less likely to catch your head on the side of it when bending to fetch something from the vanity unit underneath.
Pedestal Basins
If you do not have a vanity unit then a pedestal basin is a worthy option. These are very basic, affordable, and efficient. You have a plain pedestal bottom which cleverly conceals your pipe work, on top of which sits your basin.
They’re simple to install, and look very neat and tidy. Ideal for smaller spaces, these basins come in different shapes, sizes, and designs.
Wall Hung Basins
If space is at a premium then a wall-hung basin is probably the answer. Perfect for cloakrooms or small second bathrooms, these units attach straight onto a wall. They have no pedestal or vanity unit, meaning the room is left feeling far more open and spacious.
The semi-recessed basin blends in perfectly to most bathroom set-ups. Part hidden, they’ll conceal your pipes and provide a focal point, without taking over the whole room.
These are enjoying somewhat of a revival at present, and are a popular choice of those with younger families.
Like most designs they’re found in different shapes and sizes, so you’ll be able to find something that matches the rest of your suite.
Other Things To Consider
In summary there are the different mounting styles available. What else do you need to think about before choosing a basin for your bathroom?
What material do you want?
Are you looking for the more traditional feel of ceramic, or do you want the stylish modern look of glass?
How big is your bathroom?
If you only have a small space you need to think about the best way to utilize it. Would the room benefit from a smaller corner basin, or would you like to get a counter top basin to sit on a vanity unit creating a storage solution?
What’s your budget?
Think about how much money you want to spend. If you’re looking for something plain and functional, you’re going to pay far less than if you want an ultra-sleek modern design.
Take some time to shop around, and don’t forget to take those all important measurements. Whatever design or mounting style you choose, you need to make sure it’s going to fit!
For more information on choosing the right basin for your bathroom you might want to look at A Buyers Guide to Basins or contact us.
Although basins are just one small component of your bathroom, finding one that compliments the room, whilst being a good match to the rest of your suite is important if you’re to achieve a look you can be proud of.
One common misconception sink buyers have is that you have to buy your bathroom suite as one set. In fact, you can buy each unit individually, giving you the freedom to design the bathroom of your dreams.
The type of basin you choose depends on the amount of space you have, and the amount of money you want to spend. Are you looking for something plain, cheap, and cheerful, or do you want something unique and trendy?
Here’s an idea of the different types of basins available to give you some inspiration.
Counter Basins
These stylish basins sit on top of a bathroom unit or counter, with waste and drainage pipes concealed beneath the unit. They look modern, sleek, and tidy without unattractive plumbing on show.
These type of basins are great if you a luxurious look.
Inset Basins
Inset basins are similar to counter basins, except instead of sitting on top of your bathroom counter they sit within it. An inset basin is a great space saver, and gives a very tidy feel to the room. The great thing about the “inset” is that it conceals pipe and waste works.
You’re also less likely to catch yourself on them if you move through the bathroom in a hurry!
Wall Basin
This is the most common type of sink found in the home. It simply hangs from a bathroom wall. You can buy these in many different styles and designs from the most basic, to some very modern and trendy looking models.
Glass Basins
If you want to add an ultra modern twist to your bathroom… then a glass hand basin is definitely worth your consideration.
These are almost always counter style models, but in the right setting can look absolutely stunning. You can find them in clear glass, although these can be quite tricky to keep clean.
Frosted glass sinks are also very popular. Aside from looking as if they’ve come straight out of a 5 star hotel, they’re also a little easier to keep immaculate.
It’s worth mentioning that when you buy your sink you may be able to choose the type of basin taps along with it. Don’t assume you have to have the taps seen on the display model. If you opt for different taps try and select them at the same time you buy the basin unit. This will save you the time and any hassle of having to measure the tap holes, or risk buying ones that don’t fit!
Some retailers allow you to upgrade your taps to match the rest of your bathroom. If you have a bath with gold taps you’re not going to want a basin with silver ones are you?
Think about the rest of your bathroom suite when choosing a sink. If you have a rounded bath toilet, then a rectangular hand basin seem will seem out of place.
And if you have plain white units, you probably don’t want a bright red or stone basin turning up in the middle of the room. Try to pick something that’s going to match, or at least positively compliment the other units you have in the room.
Take your time, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Whilst the way your bathroom looks is personal to you, a professional will be able to give you some tips on the best type of basin to look at, depending on your overall room size and design.
For more information on the finding the perfect basin for your bathroom contact us.
