How-To Series: March Ado About Toilets

Since the start of the year we’ve been promoting remodeling every Thursdays, as well as our photo contest on Facebook. By the way, if you haven’t uploaded your bathroom or kitchen remodeling photos yet – go to Plumbtile’s Facebook page and look for the Photo Contest tab. You can also click this link: http://a.pgtb.me/4pnqmH to go straight to the contest! You can read the instructions there on how to win $1000 worth of bath and kitchen products.

The response to the Remodeling series has been positive and more and more readers have been asking about how to do specific remodeling stuff. We have decided to relaunch the Remodel Thursday series and focus on specific areas of remodeling.

This March, Plumbtile will be teaching you…

all-about-toilets

Today’s “how-to” is a back-to-back post about how to (1) install or replace a toilet bowl and its (2) proper maintenance. At Plumbtile, we have several brands that are easy to install- and with the help of our dependable sales consultants, you will be able to choose one that suits your style, budget and needs.

HOW TO INSTALL OR REPLACE THE TOILET

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_hVZ3rPzm4]

  1. The toilet flange (or the mounting base)  must be prepared first before starting this project. Depending on your bowl’s manufacturer, you need to align bolts (usually two) in the holes on the sides of the flange. Position these bolts directly across from each other. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual that come with your toilet bowl. Modern styles have different ways of mounting the flange.
  2. Then arrange the new toilet into place by placing a wax ring or gasket around the edge of the drain hole. Place the toilet on top of the wax ring, placing the bolts in the holes on the side of the toilet. Slowly press down until the toilet is seated flush with the floor.
  3. To install the new toilet, slide the washers over the bolts and tighten the nuts until snug. Do not over tighten or you can crack the ceramic. Apply the rubber gasket to the bottom of the tank. Set the bolts in the holes on the tank and set the tank on the back of the toilet bowl. Add washers and nuts to the bolts and tighten. Bolt the new toilet lid to the bowl with the bolts, washers and nuts.
  4. Connect the water line from the floor to the tank. Turn on the water and make sure there are no leaks.
  5. You can adjust the new toilet hardware by sawing off the extra length of the bolts protruding from the floor using a small hacksaw. Clip the plastic bolt caps into place. You may want to caulk the base of the bowl to create waterproof seal.Stuck? Read the full instructions here.

Click here for Part 2 – Maintaining your Toilet: Cleaning

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Toilets, bidets, urinals, handles, levers and more. Plumbtile.com carries the fullest array of toilets, bidets and accessories for both home and commerical needs.

Our Bath and Home Improvement Showroom features toilet and bidet products from brand name manufacturers, Cifial, Danze, Duravit, Hastings, Herbeau, Kohler, Lacava, Porcher, Sterling, Sunrise and Toto.

With exceptional service, free shipping and guaranteed price matching, Plumbtile.com can make your home improvement or commercial building experience simpler and far less expensive. From the home renovation project to the commercial construction industry, no order is too small or too large.

Please feel free to call our sales
associates at any time or browse through the brands listed below:

1-866-369-8180

The National Kitchen & Bath Association's Trend Study

grey-wall-white-cabinets

Looking to find out what’s hot and what’s not in the world of kitchen and bathroom design? If you are still in the planning stages of your remodel, you might want to check the latest National Kitchen & Bath Association’s trend study: 300 member designers were polled for the latest trends and news about bath and kitchen designs and remodels and below are the results.

Curious to see what’s HOT this season?

GRAY COLOR SCHEMES – that’s right, shades of gray are growing in appeal for both the kitchen and bathroom, and been growing in popularity since 2010.

“Among the overall trends identified for this year, gray color schemes in both kitchens and baths have witnessed a dramatic escalation since 2010, particularly over the past year, according to a written statement about the study. “Used currently in 55 percent of kitchens and 56 percent of bathrooms, shades of gray are growing in appeal, creating chic, sophisticated spaces that many consumers desire.”

The appetite for sleek shades of gray in kitchens and baths might be linked to the colors popularity in fashion over the last few years. NKBA stopped short of linking the color’s popularity to the steamy best-seller “Fifty Shades of Grey” by E.L. James.

Despite gray’s recent appeal, white and off-white are still most popular, used in 73 percent of kitchens and 71 percent bathrooms. The neutrals of beige and bone come next in popularity, followed by grays and browns, according to NKBA.
View full article.

 

QUARTZ – second most popular counter-surface material used in kitchens and baths last year, and is closely gaining popularity to granite on the top spot.

WHITE CABINETS – this is a popular trend for kitchens, it has been a top choice since last year.

GLASS BACKSPLASH – this trend has grown in popularity in the last 3 years, it’s no surprise.

TOUCH-ACTIVATED FAUCETS – at Plumbtile you will find many of these trendy faucets, we love them!

For the complete trends for the bath and kitchen, you can view the full list here. Call 1-866-369-8180 and ask your friendly Plumbtile consultant about the latest trends, they’re always ready to help!

Happy Weekend!

Join the Contest!

We at Plumbtile are thankful to our friends and all our loyal customers online. We have extended our Photo Contest promo to give everyone the chance to participate and win. The promo is now extended up to April 15, 2013.

If you haven’t heard about the contest yet, you will be pleased to hear that we are giving out $1000 worth of kitchen and bathroom products!

The rules are very simple. You just have to go to our Facebook fan page and upload a remodeling photo (past or present), and you will get the chance to win.

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Tell all you friends! Share this article and spread the word!

Again, thank you from all of us at Plumbtile!

New Year, New Remodeling Projects!

Looking to remodel your bathroom this year?

newIf so, here are 5 simple tips to help you to have a successful remodeling project.

  1. Remodel the bathroom, not the plumbing – Work with the design of your current bathroom.  Moving the plumbing gets into hours of labor and high costs. It can also cause damage and leaks.
  2. Keep the window open – Good ventilation during demolition is very important.  Wear a mask, keep the window open and even put a fan in the window blowing the dusty air to the outside if possible.
  3. Same Color Fixtures – Keep the sink, tub and toilet all the same color.  The uniformed look will help you to decorate around it.  Also keep the handles, towel rack and faucets all the same finish.
  4. Painting – Use High Gloss or Semi Gloss, acrylic, water based paint.  Do not use Flat or Satin finish.  Only use Oil Base if you are familiar with applying it because it can be difficult to work with.
  5. Education – Find a good, licensed contractor.  Look at their work, ask for references, etc.  If you are going to do the work yourself then take the time to read a book or watch a video.  That little bit of education can go a long way in saving you time and money.

Plumbtile is RELAUNCHING the Photo Contest.

WIN $1000.00 worth of products!

Here are the rules:

  • Take a photo of your recent project and submit it to us.
  • Then get all your friends to “Like” your remodeling photo.
  • The photo with the most likes will win $1,000 worth of bath and kitchen products.

For more information visit Plumbtile’s Facebook page.

Tip Mondays: Key Rules to Live By When Remodeling Your Bathroom

Personal Getaway Destination

Bath SuitesA bathroom is your own personal private sanctuary. Even the tiniest decor details will paint a picture representing your own unique style and personality. No matter the bathroom size or your budget size, there are many options available so that you can put your own design spin on things. Here are a few tips to make the remodel process less head spinning.

Keep It Simple

You want your ideal bathroom to be a welcoming and relaxing place to unwind. Keep things simple and airy so that the atmosphere is always a soothing one.

Color combinations that include a pop of immense color alongside other neutral colors will add a classic dramatic twist without being overwhelmingly bold.

Keep in mind if the space you have to utilize is on the small side it may help to repeat your main design throughout. Continuing a floor to wall tile scheme can make the space appear much larger than it actually is.

Utilize the Current Space and Make the Most of It

Often times bathroom spaces feel cramped which inhibits the main objective of relaxation. It is always an option to start from scratch by tearing down the current cosmetic layers so that you are only left with the bare bones of the room. You can remove fixtures and cabinetry to make the layout more efficient. Plumbing is more difficult to modify and would likely require the aid of a licensed plumber if such changes were being considered, which can also up your budget.

Stay Within Your Comfort Zone

You don’t want your remodeled bathroom’s style to be so different from the rest of your house that it sticks out like a bathing suit in the middle of winter. Incorporate some of the same textures and color palettes that are in other areas of the house. You want your entire house to flow naturally from one room to the other.

Furniture In A Bathroom? Why not?

Bath FurnitureSure, you use this room most of the time for getting clean, but that doesn’t mean the room can only include a toilet, shower and tub. When it comes to decorating a bathroom, there are no strict rules.

Use this space to display subtle touches of depth when choosing other nontraditional furnishings. Incorporate staggered shelving to store towels and toiletries. Dressers, chests and armoires can also be great additions for storage or be converted into unique vanities. Decorative pictures, frames and mirrors put the finishing touches on a bathroom’s first impression.

Make It Last A While

Focus on choosing materials that are going to outlast the latest décor fad. You want your bathroom remodel to be timeless and classic so that you don’t find yourself needing to go through this change process every few years.

So many elements have proven long time favorites in the interior design timeline, such as claw-footed tubs, pedestal sinks and subway tiles. These will continue to withstand the test of time no matter what age you or the room grows to be.

‘His’ and ‘Hers’

If you have ever shared a bathroom with someone, you most likely have envisioned your dream bathroom designed for two. Make sure the materials throughout are the same or similar, even if they are slightly different in subtle ways. For example, a ‘Hers’ sink height may need to be lowered, as well as a separate vanity and seating area included.

Add A Little Luxury

The powder room is the place for pampering and you deserve a little self-indulgence. Additions such as large whirlpool soaking tubs, multiple massaging showerheads, and heated flooring can pack a punch to make you feel like you have a spa inside your home.

25% Discount on Phone Orders! Plumbtile is your source for luxury yet affordable and lasting products. Take the opportunity to call today and get a 25% discount!

Design Software Gives You a Planning Edge

It is fun to shop for new plumbtile products for your home.  But many people have a hard time making a decision on the right product because they can’t envision exactly what it will look like in their home.  This means they may not happy with their choice once they actually see it in the space.

But using design software can be a big help when it comes to making product choices for your remodel project.  The software allows you to put in your dimensions and choose from many different styles and patterns to give you a sneak peek at possible designs and outcomes.  So whether you’re wondering if your current space can accommodate a sleek custom made tub from Ameritech, or if your floor would look better with some Walker Zanger tiles, design software can put some ease into the project planning. Continue reading →

How to: Replace Broken Tile

Cracks in the tile are generally caused by the building settling, but can also be due to improper tile installation, the wrong kind of tile being used, or accidents. Whatever the reason, broken tiles are generally considered unsightly, and can even lead to more serious problems if moisture happens to get into and under the cracks.

Obviously, in most cases, you won’t want to replace the entire floor due to one or two broken tiles. Here is how to remove and replace the broken tiles easily.

Materials:

• Replacement tile
• Tile adhesive
• Grout
• Water

Tools:

• Grout Scraper
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Safety glasses
• Trowel
• Grout float
• Sponge
• Small bucket
• Filling knife

  1. Scrape the Grout
     Working around the tile joints (seams), scratch out the grout using the grout scraper. You’ll be getting a pretty fine mess going, but you need to get as much of the grout out as possible. This will separate the broken tile(s) from the ones that are not broken and will make it easier to get a pry bar under the edges if necessary later on.
  2. Break/Loosen the Tile
    With the hammer, hit the tile a couple of times to loosen it from the surface it is adhered to. Depending on the size of the tile, you will probably have to remove it in chunks. Once you’ve broken it up, use the other side of the hammer or the pry bar to lift up the tile pieces.
  3. Scrape Adhesive
    Once you’ve gotten as much of the tile as possible removed, you need to get rid of the old adhesive. Use a scraper, filling knife or even putty knife to scrape it all off.
  4. Clean the surface
    To be sure your new tile properly adheres; you will need to at least dust off the surface.  At best, try to clean the surface with a damp cloth and some mild soap.  Wait until it is completely dry before moving to the next step.  Do not use a wet cloth!  Damp will pick up the dust; wet will get water under the adjacent tiles and cause a lot of issues later on.
  5. Add New Adhesive
    Use the trowel to apply the adhesive back onto the surface (just as the old stuff was.) The layer should be only about ¼ inch.
  6. Set the Tile
    Now place the new tile on top of the adhesive and press firmly in the middle, corners, and along the sides. Press many times and even wiggle the tile a little bit to be sure it is set firmly.
  7. Re-grout
    Now you can mix up your grout into the same paste consistency as the adhesive and use your grout float to smear it along the sides of the tile. Be sure the grout is getting into all of the seams around the tile – don’t leave gaps; fill up each seam completely!
  8. Clean up
    Final StepFinally, you can use your sponge and bucket of water to clean all of the excess grout off the surface of the tiles. The sponge should be damp enough to pick up excess grout, but NOT soaking wet enough to alter the consistency of the grout in the joint.