Home » Articles posted by Francis Richards
Author Archives: Francis Richards
The Backbone of a Bathroom Renovation
Whether you plan to stay in the home or sell, a bathroom renovation is a great way to update the look and feel of your bath. Sweeten can connect you with local general contractors to match your scope and budget.
A renovation typically involves cosmetic changes and is less extensive than a remodel. Surface updates, repainting and fixture upgrades fall into this category. Contact Bathroom Renovation Jacksonville FL for professional help.
The layout is the foundation of any bathroom renovation. It determines how much room you have to move around and how easy it will be for multiple people to use the space at the same time. It also has a significant impact on your aesthetic, so you’ll want to take some time to consider the best options for your space.
Using a mix of straight and geometric lines, this bathroom maximizes space by placing a recessed tub in the central alcove while alcove walls on either side hold basins and storage. This makes the bath a visually stunning centrepiece while maintaining open floor space.
A long vanity and plenty of counter space make a double sink possible in this design. It also provides generous private space for the toilet, which is essential in family bathrooms. A pocket door saves space by eliminating the swing of a conventional door and reclaims floor area.
If you’re renovating a large bathroom, consider dividing your space with a separate shower and bathtub. This will allow you to accommodate more than one person at a time and prevent congestion from occurring in the middle of the room. It’s important to note that if you choose this option, you will have to invest in more plumbing than you would otherwise. You’ll need to install extra water supply and drain pipes, which will add to your overall budget.
Plumbing
Whether you need a simple fix to your sink faucet or you’re transforming an old bathroom into a zen-like oasis, plumbing and electrical work form the backbone of any successful remodel. Often hidden behind walls and under floors, these systems must be updated or relocated to accommodate new fixtures. Licensed plumbers are experts at rerouting, updating, and testing plumbing systems to make sure they’re up to code and can support your new fixtures.
In many cases, changing the location of a sink, toilet, or tub means running new supply and drain lines to those locations. This adds to the overall cost of a renovation. However, it’s worth it to save time and money in the long run.
A well-planned project begins with a clear scope of work, detailing any planned structural changes or plumbing or electrical alterations. This streamlines the permit application process and ensures that your renovation complies with local codes.
It’s also important to consider how your renovation will impact occupants in the short term and longer term. For example, adding blocking for grab bars between wall studs is an inexpensive way to make your bathroom more accessible as you age, or if multiple people share the space. Changing out plumbing drainpipes for wider 2-inch ones is another affordable improvement that increases capacity and reduces water waste.
Electrical
In a bathroom remodel, the electrical work involves installation of new wiring and circuitry. This is an area of expertise for licensed electricians, who must adhere to strict safety guidelines. For example, lighting fixtures must be rated for wet areas, and GFCI outlets are required near water sources to prevent electrical shock and fires. It is best to have all the circuits labeled in your electrical panel to avoid confusion when making future upgrades or troubleshooting.
Existing bathrooms are often fed by 15-amp wiring, which is not adequate for today’s high power demands. Adding dedicated 20-amp circuits for your bathroom appliances—from hair dryers to heated floors—is an affordable and smart upgrade. It also ensures the safety of your family with GFCI outlets, which are mandatory in bathrooms.
If you are installing a washer and dryer in your home, be aware that the units require a special venting system as well as a new 50A electrical circuit at minimum. In some cases, rearranging the floorplan may be necessary to accommodate the units, as Isis and Stephano found out when their contractor knocked down a wall and took over two adjacent closets to fit their pair of 24-inch stacking washer/dryers. The feat was accomplished using “amazing Tetris skills” on the contractor’s part, as Isis jokingly puts it. A permit is required to perform this type of major renovation, and a professional should be consulted before commencing any work.
Flooring
In bathroom renovations, the flooring is one of the most important elements to get right. After all, it has to look good and stand up to moisture and heavy-duty usage that other areas of the home do not experience.
Tile is a popular option in bathrooms because it looks gorgeous and can be matched to your decor. It also protects against moisture, which can lead to mold and other problems. However, not all types of tiles are created equal, and it’s crucial to find a high-quality material that will last and not require frequent grout cleaning or regular resealing.
Other options include linoleum, vinyl and solid hardwood floors. The latter is a great choice for bathrooms because it is water-resistant and has a long product life. It can also increase the resale value of your home.
If you’re looking for a more unique aesthetic, consider epoxy floors. They come in a variety of colors, patterns and textures, allowing you to create a truly customized design. They are also warm underfoot and work well with radiant heat systems. Additionally, they are easy to clean and hygienic, requiring only a quick wipe down with a cloth or sponge. You can choose from a variety of designs, including those that mimic handmade ceramic, natural stone and wood floors. If you want to learn more about flooring for your next remodeling project, contact Pioneer Floor Coverings & Design today!
Cabinets
Cabinets make a powerful impact on the overall look of your bathroom and can dramatically affect its functionality. When choosing bathroom cabinets, it is essential to select durable materials that can withstand the moisture-rich environment and match your bathroom’s design theme, whether modern, traditional, or eclectic. Cabinets are a significant component of the bathroom’s décor and should integrate seamlessly with your chosen countertops, flooring, and fixtures to create a cohesive look.
Considering the various material and finish options available for bathroom cabinets, it is possible to create a customized aesthetic that perfectly matches your vision. Depending on your preferences, custom cabinets can be constructed from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, laminate, and more. Additionally, many manufacturers offer a wide range of color and style choices, allowing you to create the perfect fit for your Hamptons home.
When selecting bathroom cabinets, it is important to consider your storage needs. If you often find yourself running out of space when getting ready in the morning, cabinet drawers are an ideal solution for storing your toiletries and hair care products. By storing your hygiene products in cabinets, you eliminate the need to leave them on the counters where they are easily prone to spills and dust build-up.
If you prefer a minimalist look, opt for wall-mounted bathroom cabinets with minimal hardware and a sleek, clean appearance. Alternatively, if you want to create a more traditional bathroom, freestanding cabinets with classic wood finishes and detailed door designs are an excellent choice. If you have limited floor space, consider installing a linen cabinet to store towels and extra bedding.
Lighting
Lighting is often overlooked in bathroom renovations, but it plays a big role in both aesthetics and functionality. Proper layered lighting allows you to create a mood, showcase design elements and elevate the space to the relaxing sanctuary or vibrant energizing escape you desire.
The first layer is ambient, illuminating the entire space with soft general light. This could be multiple overhead fixtures or optimized use of natural daylight. The second layer is accent, creating a more focused level of illumination to highlight decorative elements or add depth. This could be recessed lights with a white opal diffuser or wall sconces.
Task lighting is essential to have in the bathroom, allowing you and other house occupants to perform tasks like shaving or applying makeup without blinding yourself. This typically consists of regular or low profile recessed or gimbal swivel lights, placed strategically over vanity mirrors, tubs, showers and other areas of the bathroom that you want illuminated.
Consider adding dimmer switches to control your lighting, as this can have a dramatic impact on the room’s ambiance. It also gives you the ability to adjust your lighting based on the time of day or mood you’re looking to achieve.
Types of Pipes Used by a Plumber
A plumber is a tradesperson who installs and repairs systems used for potable water, hot-water production, sewage, and drainage in residential and commercial settings. They also collaborate with other professionals, such as construction teams, to ensure plumbing systems are integrated seamlessly into building projects and meet all required standards and regulations. For professional help, contact Plumber Granada Hills.
A test cock is a small valve that allows a plumber to check a backflow preventer assembly for problems such as leaking or stuck valves. This is important because a faulty backflow prevention device can put your water supply at risk of contamination from contaminated sources such as illegal backflow. A plumber who is certified to work on these devices knows when the tests should be done and what types of procedures to follow.
When a backflow prevention device is being tested, the plumber shuts off the downstream water valve and then visually inspects the device and surrounding area for any signs of wear or damage. Then he or she hooks up the test kit hoses to the backflow device using small nozzles built into the preventer called test cocks. These nozzles are usually located near the shut-off valves. They have a slot in the middle through which a flathead screwdriver can be inserted. Then the plumber closes the test cocks by inserting the handle on the screwdriver.
The test cocks on a double-check valve assembly are used to test the operation of both the upstream and downstream shut-off valves, as well as the relief valve. They are also used to measure and analyze pressure data during the test procedure.
In most states, a test-cock must be tamper resistant and must have a non-slip surface. Several different types are available, but the best are those that have a handle that can be locked with a screwdriver or wrench. In addition, the test cocks must be easy to open and close, and they should be clearly marked with numbers.
Some test procedures require the tester to close a number 1 or 2 shut off before performing a direction of flow test on the second check valve. This step is necessary because it prevents the tester from opening the differential pressure relief valve prematurely, which can cause a test failure. But other test procedures do not require this, and some have no requirement for the closing of a shut off valve.
Pressure gauges
Pressure gauges measure pressure and display the readings on a dial or digital readout. They are used in a variety of applications including backflow testing, chemical, automotive, and HVAC. They can be constructed from a wide variety of materials including stainless steel, brass, and plastic. The type of gauge chosen depends on the media it will monitor and the conditions it will be exposed to. Many manufacturers offer a variety of seals for use with different gauge types to protect them from corrosive chemicals and gases as well as from impacts, vibrations, and extreme temperatures.
The functional components of a pressure gauge include a flexible measuring element, a movement mechanism, and a pointer. The measuring element, commonly called a Bourdon tube, is made of elastic material that expands or contracts as the pressure changes. The movement is then converted into a rotary motion that drives the pointer, which indicates the measurement. The pointer is displayed on a dial that can be configured to show either a bar or a scale. The dial diameter varies from 1.5 inches to 16 inches, depending on the location of the gauge and its required accuracy.
Different gauges have various connection types, which are based on the type of installation and environmental factors. Some connections are threaded while others are screwed into place and can be removed without damaging the threads. NPT (National Pipe Taper) and BSPP (British Standard Parallel Pipe) are the most common connection types, but there are also DIN, JIS, and SAE options available.
Diaphragm-type gauges are often preferred for backflow testing since they are more accurate than bellows-type pressure gauges. This is because the diaphragm has high and low pressure applied on opposite sides of it. A stainless steel stem passes through the middle of the diaphragm and is supported on both sides by diaphragm retainers. The gauge case is often liquid-filled, which helps to dampen shocks and vibrations.
It is important to understand the difference between calibration and verification of accuracy. The former is a maintenance function, while the latter is an inspection of a device’s functioning. For example, local administrative authorities may require that a pressure gauge be calibrated annually. However, this does not necessarily mean that the instrument will be verified for accuracy every year.
Gate valves
Gate valves are used in all manner of plumbing systems, both above and below ground. They isolate a section of pipe when necessary and can prevent backflow by opening and closing the flow of liquids. In order to ensure that they perform properly, backflow testing is required on a regular basis. These tests will determine if there are any problems with your backflow system and prevent contaminants from entering the water supply.
The operation of a gate valve is controlled by its trim parts. These include the valve disc or wedge, gland packings, seat rings and the stem. The stem of a gate valve is either a rising or nonrising one. A nonrising stem is almost always equipped with a pointer-type indicator mounted on its upper end to indicate valve position. This design protects the threads from carrying dirt into the valve packing and helps prevent stem damage. Rising stems are used when it is important to know by immediate inspection whether the valve is open or closed. They may be made of a solid or flexible wedge.
A gate valve seat is usually either a slab or a floating type. Slab seats are often cast or welded to the body of the valve while floating seats can be pressed in place and seal welded to the body. These types of seats are best suited for on/off applications where the shearing action of high-velocity flows will cause a partially open valve to chatter and damage its seating surfaces.
Wedge gate valves are guided by grooves or ribs cast or welded into the body of the valve. These guides keep the disk centered as it opens and closes, and they help to prevent the gate from sliding against the downstream seat during the upstream portion of the travel.
Depending on the application, gate valves can be supplied with a range of trim materials, including steel (stellite, 316ss or 347ss), bronze, stainless steel monel and Hastelloy. A flanged or screwed body assembly can also be specified. Some are available with a choice of handwheel actuators, and they can be operated by turning them in one direction to open the valve and in the other to close it.
Relief valves
A relief valve is a safety device that allows excessive pressure to escape the system. It can be used for pump head protection, to vent the contents of a vented tank or to dump water in an emergency. It should be set to a pressure lower than the main pressure setting. This will prevent the operator from adjusting the main relief to an unsafe level. This will eliminate pump or piping damage and protect the operator from injury or death.
It is important to use a valve with a seat leakage test rating. This should be listed on the label and should include corrections for service conditions like backpressure or temperature. The valve should also have a maximum working pressure limit. It is important to test the valves regularly.
If a relief valve is over-pressurized, it may break open and discharge water. A safety relief valve is the only way to prevent this. In addition to preventing backflow, the valves can help maintain a steady line pressure and prevent surges.
The pressure at the point where the valve opens is called its “setpoint”. This is the maximum allowable operating pressure for a given system. This pressure should be measured as pounds per square inch (PSIG) and should be within the pressure-rated limits of the system.
During normal operation, pressure in the system remains low. If a check valve fails, the higher water pressure will go past the leaking check and pressurize the area between the first and second check. This area of reduced pressure is controlled by a diaphragm and is connected to the main relief valve. If the upstream pressure increases to 98.0 PSI or more, then the relief valve will open and pass water.
To avoid this, use a dual check valve circuit that has a relief valve with an external drain. The drain eliminates backpressure at the relief valve vent port so that it can stay open when bypassing. It is also possible to use a single pilot-operated relief valve with 3-position directional control valves to block the vent port on the relief to keep pressure low.