The benefits of a low-flow toilet

When considering installing a new toilet, there are a few things to contemplate. Firstly it is important that the toilet meets the recommended flushing limit. In the 1960’s, toilets were larger than the ones we use today and used around 32 litres of water every time someone flushed them. Today, low-flow toilets are pretty much standard. These basic, yet effective toilets are focused on conserving water and only use around 7.2 litres of water per flush making them the customary option on the market today.

One of the most obvious benefits of low-flow toilets is the fact that they conserve water. The average person flushes the toilet six times each day. Low-flow toilets use approximately 172 litres less water per day than other toilets. This creates massive water conservation. Using less water is also beneficial to consumers as it saves money. Due to the fact that low-flow toilets use a smaller amount of water than other toilets, their tanks don't need to be as large. This makes the toilet smaller, and thus generally more attractive.

The environmental and economical benefits are a big plus; however it must be considered that toilets have been reduced in size and thus struggle to remove as much waste as older toilets.

If the benefits of a low-flow toilet outweigh the drawbacks to the consumer, then they are a perfectly worthwhile purchase. Almost all new toilets are low-flow varieties anyway. The money you spend to purchase the toilet can be regained in a few years by the amount of money you save using less water.

Another option for a suitable toilet is the dual flush design. This refers to the two buttons that are used to operate the toilet. Pressing one button will flush the toilet with about 3 litres of water and is generally referred to as a short flush. Pressing the other button will release about 6 to7 litres of water and is called a long flush.

Despite the use of the words "short" and "long," the long flush of a dual flush toilet generally uses less than half of the water that is needed in a normal toilet, which by and large uses around 20 litres of water per flush. The dual flush can decrease the amount of water used by up to 60 percent when compared to a traditional flush toilet, and these savings are reflected in the water bill, making them a popular addition in money saving households and businesses.

While a dual flush toilet is more expensive than a traditional flush toilet, the savings gained from reduced water usage make it cost effective over the long term. What's more, you will be playing your part in saving resources.

If you have decided and are ready to purchase a low-flow or dual flush toilet, make certain to do your homework and compare brands and types. Some do a better job of disposing of waste than others, and research by experts can inform you of toilets that are good quality and best buys.







More tips and advice for replacing a toilet, replacing a bath or replacing and descaling a shower head can be found at lets-do-diy.com


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DIY guide to loft conversions

The loft makes up a large proportion of a property’s internal space: space that more often than not is under utilised. This space has enormous potential and with careful planning a loft conversion can greatly enhance the overall living experience, in addition to increasing the property’s value.
Image supplied by Skyline Loft Conversions, Bristol
It is generally accepted that a loft conversion can increase the habitable floor space of a two-storey property by as much as 30%. And with loft conversions usually being less expensive than building an extension onto the property, it is no surprise that converting the loft has become so popular.
A loft conversion of any kind involves a great deal of work, so detailed planning is essential. Although there is an almost endless variety of loft sizes and shapes, all loft conversions should be approached in a similar way. In this article we intend to look at the points that need to be considered to enable you to realise the full potential of your loft.
Next page: How roof designs influence loft conversions

Fitting basins and bidets

Fitting basins and bidets

Washbasins come in a wide selection of styles that include pedestal basins, countertop basins and wall-mounted basins. When choosing a new basin for your bathroom the considerations of space, style, ease of cleaning and the type of walls you have should influence your decision. To install a bidet, follow the same installation process as for basins.

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Before you start

First, ensure the water supplies are turned off to both the hot and cold water taps. If your supply pipes do not already have service valves connected, use this opportunity to install them to allow you to cut off the water in the future.

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Installing a wall-mounted basin

If you are wall-mounting a basin, use a spirit level to ensure a plumb line and mark out the area of the basin on the wall. Mark the fixing positions ensuring they are level, drill the holes and insert wall plugs. Insert the brackets supplied into the holes. Then place the basin on the brackets and tighten the nuts to secure the basin firmly in place. Attach the flexible connectors to the taps. Place a washer on either side of the tap hole, and insert the flexible connectors into the hole, securing them with the nut underneath. Position a washer on either side of the plughole. To connect the waste assembly, push the top section of the waste assembly (with the plug attached) down through the plughole, and push the bottom part up to meet it. Screw a bottle trap on to the bottom of the waste assembly. If you are connecting a pop-up waste system, insert the rod with the lever into the tap. Fix the other rod to the waste assembly unit attached to the plughole and connect the rods with the clip provided.

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Installing a pedestal basin

If you are installing a pedestal basin, position the pedestal to hide the pipes. Rest the basin squarely on top of the pedestal - using a spirit level to ensure it is level - and mark the fixing points with a pencil. Drill the holes and insert plugs. Place washers over the screw holes in the sink and screw the sink to the wall. When the sink is securely in place, connect the bottle trap to the waste pipe. Connect the flexible connectors to the supply pipes with a compression fitting. Use an adjustable spanner to screw on the connectors whilst bracing the supply pipe with slip-joint pliers. Squeeze silicone sealant around the joint between basin and wall or floor. Turn the water back on.

Fitting basins and bidets

Fitting basins and bidets Washbasins come in a wide selection of styles that include pedestal basins, countertop basins and wall-mounted basins. When choosing a new basin for your bathroom the considerations of space, style, ease of cleaning and the type of walls you have should influence your decision. To install a bidet, follow the same installation process as for basins.

ponds oh ponds

well after finding a dead fish and frog in the pond this week, i decied it was time to empty the pond, oh man what a task i really must get a proper pump.
Still my son really enjoyed catching the fish in his net as the water went down with me pouring buckets done the drawn, chacking them of course in case i caught a fish.
So after a couple of hourse we had a bucket full of frogs and a bath full of fish.
Then we cut out the weed, wow theres a swimming pool in my garden now.
But the lawn stinks.

Gate posts

Well last night I went to go out and shut the gate only to find that the post had come away from the wall again. I guess its only to be expected as I live in a victorian terrace. Still I was surprised at how easy it was to repair. Me and my son set about removing the rotten wood from the solid stone wall, then we packed it again with new wood, which we cemented in. While this was setting we bashed the screws out of the post and found some new ones.
Once the cement was set, all we had to do was line it up and use a power driver to screw the post in position. Job done.
Now all i have to do is to cement around it.

isnt it funny how once youve got some good advice and had a go, DIY isnt that hard at all. So what are you waiting for get on with it.

DIY gate maintenance

Visit lets-do-diy.com

Dust dust dust

yesterday I was at home ill and I had a DIY nightmare I was awoken by 3 men up ladders using what looked like angle grinders to remove the mortar from the stone on the front of my neighbours house.

No maybe this is the correct way to do it, but the dust was unbearable the cars parked outside the house were black. Surely its a common sense to knock on your neighbours house and tell them there is going to be a load of dust so you had best move your car?

Or perhaps they were just being stupid and should of being using hammers and chisels like everyone else to remove the loose mortar?

It never cease to amaze me how some DIY tools can be abused.

They should have looked here: repointing

DIY at christmas

Ok so lets see what DIY tool or idea would make our christmas? I have to say for me it would be a simple tool for getting the tree straight and keeping it there.

Of course theres the magic paint brush or paint that on goes where you wont it, but those are just dreams arent they.

Anyway happy Christmas, I am off to buy a fake tree lol

DIY, Doityourself, home improvement, home repairs?

DIY isnt it all DIY surely we can all agree 1 term that covers home maintenance, repairs and decorating etc?

Win cash

Today I posted a competion on lets-do-diy.com where you can win £25 cash each month by posting in my forum.

Go on get some extra funds just in time for Christmas and buy that DIY tool or book you've always wanted.

DIY advice at Christmas

Hi Diyers,

Well at this time of year non of us want to do any DIY but as the family are coming around the Mrs has found a list of things we need to sort out.

Stuff like fixing the gate thats half rotten so the kids and dog don't get loose and then sweeping up all the leaves off the decking. How the hell does that stuff get so slippery? anyone got any good tips for cleaning decking?

Mind you the White pvcu windows are still black from when we had the new flat roof done.
I need to paint the utility room ceiling and walls again because of the leak, why is it those water stains never go.

Then theres the chimney to sweep, those chimney sweepers are so hard to find now, I am half tempted to get a set of rod and brushes and doitmyself, I wonder why DIY is called doityourself not doitmyself?

The last home improvement to be done is to draft proof the front door so Grandad doesnt complain that hes sat in a draft.

Anyway all I am off down to B&Q to get some bits and get on with it.

DIY Philla