10 Easy Project Bathroom

HM080318 BATHROOM FIXES
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simple fixes
10
Easy
bathroom
projects
HOW
TO
Cut circles in tiles
SKILL>123456789
M
ost bathrooms require at least
one hole in tiles for a floor or
shower waste outlet. For efficient
water run-off, position the circle at
the intersection of two or four tiles
rather than cutting into a single tile.
TIP Use an angle grinder and diamond
blade with a smooth, continuous rim.
TRIM
TO LINE
RADIAL
CUTS
2
Make short radial cuts
Complete the semicircle with
a series of spoke-like radial cuts. Clean
up rough edges with a diamond blade
or remove tabs with a tile nipper.
SCORED
LINE
C
A
B
WASTE PIECE
FRONT
1
Score the circle outline
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MARCH 2008 Handyman
BACK
3
Clean up
Grind the edges smooth,
working slowly around each curve.
TIP Buy a square waste outlet
(instead of round) for easier cutting.
▲
Mark the circle on the tiles
then score the profile with an angle
grinder. Before removing the excess
tile, make short cuts on both sides
of the semicircle (A and B). Connect
the cuts (C) by making a series of
progressively deeper shallow cuts.
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Maintain a clean,
functional wet area
by tackling these
simple jobs, one
step at a time
WORDS FRANK GARDNER
HM080316 BATHROOM FIXES
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TO
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Cut squares in tiles
SKILL>123456789
E
very bathroom needs power points
and switches. The key to cutting
rectangles and squares in tiles is to
avoid cutting beyond the corners.
FRONT
OF TILE
1
SCORE
FRONT SIDE
Mark out the shape
Mark the cut-out on the front
and back of the tile. Score the front
of the tile about 1.5mm deep along
the line with an angle grinder.
PLUNGE-CUT
BACK
OF TILE
STOP CUT
AT CORNER
2
Finish the cut
3
For installation
Turn the tile over and plunge-cut
from the back, checking frequently.
Stop when the cut lines up with the
marked corners. Then plunge-cut
the remaining three sides.
Have a qualified electrician
pre-wire the bathroom before tiling.
When the tiling and painting is
complete, have them connect all
power points, light switches and fans.
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MARCH 2008 Handyman
HM080316 BATHROOM FIXES
HOW
TO
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Hang a mirror on tiles
SKILL>123456789
W
hen buying a bathroom
mirror, consider how it will
be hung. Most frameless mirrors are
sold with hanging clips already on
the back so they sit flush to the wall.
SPACING
ROD
SPACING
ROD
CENTRE OF CLIP
HANGING CLIP
1
Measure clip positions
Use a length of timber as
a spacing rod and mark on the
centre of the hanging clips. Drill
corresponding holes through the
timber using a twist bit to match
the diameter of the wall plug.
2
Drill into the tiles
3
Hang the mirror
Tap in the appropriate plug
and secure the pan-head screws
supplied with the mirror, leaving
them protruding from the tile to
the depth of the hanging clip.
Hook the clips over the screw heads
and let them drop into the slots.
▲
Position spacing rod on the tiles
using a spirit level. Use a power drill
set on drill setting only and a masonry
bit to match the plug diameter. Place
the drill bit through the holes in the
rod and drill through the tile into
the wall to the depth required.
Handyman MARCH 2008
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HM080316 BATHROOM FIXES
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®
SureSeal
SEALANTS
AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.
Australia’s largest selling DIY
grout & tile sealers – Manufacturers
of the WORLD’S FIRST
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Grout & Tile Aerosol Sealer
HOW
TO
Install an exhaust fan
Quick Drying
Specifically formulated to seal grout
lines between glazed ceramic tiles.
Overspray is not a problem as SureSeal
dries invisible. Its quick-drying
formulation is ideal for use on all types
of grout, tile and masonry surfaces
including benchtops, bathrooms and
shower recesses. Use to seal dry and
damp grout 20 minutes after installation.
Gold Label Impregnator
Penetrating Sealer for Grout, Tile and Masonry
This quick-drying impregnator is suitable for larger jobs
on all types of tile and masonry
surfaces including dry and
damp grout lines, quarry tile,
sandstone, terra cotta, limestone,
stucco, architectural concrete,
pre-cast stone, brick, porcelain,
marble and granite. Provides
durable, long-lasting protection
against oil and water-based stains whilst
hil t retaining
t i iin
ingg the
thh
substrate’s natural look.
Aerosol Sealer for Porcelain
Low Odour
This slower drying low odour aerosol sealer
is specifically designed to seal and protect
porcelain, marble, granite and all polished
stone surfaces against oil and water-based
stains. Will not change colour or appearance
of the treated surface. Use in conjunction
with Sure Clean Porcelain Cleaner.
SKILL>123456789
A
void cultivating mould and
having the lingering smell of
damp by ensuring the bathroom
has adequate ventilation. Install
an efficient, fast-working exhaust
fan for the best solution.
1
Mark the ceiling position
2
Cut out the ceiling
Access the roof cavity to locate
the ceiling joists. The fan should fit
between them. Use masking tape
to position the template supplied
with the fan and mark the outline
with a pencil.
Impregnator for Porcelain
Low Odour
This slower-drying impregnator has been specifi
cificcally
cal
ally
ly
formulated to seal porcelain,
granite and marble. Works equally
as well in preventing oil and waterbased stains on all types of tile
and masonry surfaces including
sandstone, limestone, terra cotta
and concrete.
Install the fan
®
Accept No Substitutes – look for Gus the Seal
Available in every major tile and hardware store Australia wide
For Nearest Stockist or Approved Applicator In Your Area
Call 1800 33 66 00
www.suresealsealants.com.au
Have a qualified electrician
hardwire a power point into
the ceiling cavity near the fan.
Plug the unit into this before
installing. Fit the unit into the
cavity, slowly pushing into place
so the spring clips lock onto the
back of the plasterboard. Clip on
the cover plate and switch on.
Drill a 10mm-diameter starter
hole inside the marked outline and
cut using a hacksaw blade or a jigsaw
set on slow.
TIP Place a dropcloth under the
work area to catch the plasterboard
dust as it falls.
HM080318 BATHROOM FIXES
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TO
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Regrout tiles
SKILL>123456789
B
umps and knocks to tiled
surfaces loosen grout over time,
allowing water to seep in. Regrouting
is simpler than replacing tiles, and
it gives old tiles a clean finish.
1
Remove the old grout
Use a toothed carbide grit-edge
cutting blade to remove loose grout.
The angled offset handle lets you
apply heavy pressure as the blade is
scraped over the gaps. Vacuum out
the dust then wash the surface with
a solution of water and white vinegar.
2
Regrout the tiles
Mix the new grout to the
consistency of toothpaste. Sweep
a rubber float or squeegee diagonally
across the tiles to push grout into the
gaps. Leave it to set for 30 minutes
then use a damp sponge and clean
water to wipe away the excess.
3
Seal the grout
▲
Leave the grout to cure for two
days. Apply a sealer with a small
paintbrush, using a rag to wipe
edges of the tiles clean as you go.
TIP The sealer prevents water, dirt
and mould from penetrating and
staining the grout.
Handyman MARCH 2008
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HM080318 BATHROOM FIXES
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TO
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Waterproof with silicone
SKILL>123456789
S
ilicone plays a key part in
waterproofing a bathroom.
Prevent water damage down the
track by applying a bead of silicone
to seal gaps between the vanity
benchtop and wall, or between
the tiles and the bathtub.
1
Protect the surfaces
2
Lay an even bead
Start at one end and continue to
the other. Pull the trigger slowly and
steadily, pushing the caulking gun
away from you and adjusting the rate
to match variations in flow speed.
TIP Lift the gun as soon as you reach
the end of the gap.
3
Smooth the bead
Run along the bead with a finger
dipped in soapy water, continuously
from one end to the other, applying
enough pressure to create a smooth,
even surface. Remove masking tape
and excess silicone immediately
and allow to dry.
▲
Fix strips of masking tape to
either side of the gap, about 4mm
apart. Cut the nozzle from the silicone
at 45º, keeping the hole smaller than
the gap for greater control.
TIP Cut nozzle neatly as jagged edges
create furrows in the caulking bead.
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HM080316 BATHROOM FIXES
HOW
TO
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Install a towel rail
SKILL>123456789
T
owel rails should be positioned
for easy access from the shower,
bathtub or vanity, but not where they
can get wet from splashing. The ideal
height is 1200 to 1700mm, depending
on the ceiling and any obstructions.
LUG
PLASTIC
PLUG
FIXING
POINT
RAIL
COVER
SLEEVE
LUG
1
Mark the fixing points
Assemble the towel rail and
measure between fixing points. Run
wide masking tape along the tiles and
use a spirit level to draw a straight
line on the tape. Measure and mark
the spacing of the lugs on the line.
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MARCH 2008 Handyman
2
Attach the lugs
Select a sharp masonry bit to
match the size of the supplied plastic
plugs and fix to a power drill. Using
the drill setting, apply pressure to
slowly drill through the tiles. Tap the
plugs into place and screw in the lugs.
3
Attach the rail
Slide the rail sleeves over either
end of the rail and over the lugs.
Tighten the pair of screws at each
end with the supplied key.
TIP The small allen key nuts are
hidden from view on the underside
of the sleeves.
HM080318 BATHROOM FIXES
HOW
TO
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Replace a washer
SKILL>123456789
N
o need to call a plumber to fix a
dripping tap if you know how to
change a washer. Note that different
tap styles require different techniques.
LOCKING
PLIERS
1
Shut off the main
If you live in a house, the water
meter is near the front boundary.
Shut the water off here, then turn
on a tap inside to check the water has
stopped. If it hasn’t, call a plumber.
BODY
COVER
TAP BODY
2
Dismantle the tap
With single taps, remove the
handle, unscrew the body cover
and use a shifter to remove the
body and spindle.
SPINDLE
NEW
WASHER
BODY
WASHER
O-RING
3
Replace the washers
If in doubt, call a plumber.
In some states it’s illegal to
change a washer yourself.
▲
Replace the body washer, O-ring
on the spindle and the washer that
should drop out of the spindle (use
needle-nose pliers). Lubricate spindle
with petroleum jelly and reassemble.
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HM080318 BATHROOM FIXES
HOW
TO
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Fix faulty flush cisterns
1
Check for leaks
Remove the cistern lid. Check
for leaks that can go unnoticed
by dripping vegetable dye into the
cistern – the dye appears in the bowl
if there’s a leak. Locate the cause
of the leak and if the float level is
incorrect, follow steps 2 and 3.
BRASS
FLOAT ARM
INLET
BALL
2
Lower the float arm
If the cistern overfills and
flows continuously into the bowl,
adjust the float arm down so
the ball sits lower in the cistern,
shutting the inlet valve off earlier.
With older cisterns, the brass arm
can be bent down.
PLASTIC
FLOAT ARM
ADJUSTMENT
SCREW
INLET
SKILL>123456789
L
eaking toilet cisterns do waste
water, and cistern overflows occur
if the inlet valve doesn’t shut off
when water reaches the correct level.
• If the water level is too high, adjust
the float arm.
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MARCH 2008 Handyman
• Replace inlet valve washer if faulty.
• Dismantle and clean the inlet valve
if clogged.
• If the float fouls on the inside of the
cistern, adjust it to clear obstacles.
• If the outlet valve suction rubber at
the cistern base is faulty, replace it.
• Contact a plumber for advice.
3
Adjust the float levels
On a new toilet with a plastic
float arm, turn the adjusting screw on
top of the float arm and ball, raising
or lowering to the correct position
for shutting off the inlet valve.
TIP There are usually markings to
indicate the correct water level.
HM080318 BATHROOM FIXES
HOW
TO
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Unblock U-bends
SKILL>123456789
S
low water drainage can be caused
by a build-up of grease, hair or
soap in the U-bend under the sink.
If the pipe isn’t totally blocked,
try a homemade drain cleaner of half
a cup of bi-carb soda, a cup of white
vinegar and four litres of boiling water.
Pour down the drain and repeat if
necessary. It should take care of any
greasy build-up, but solid blockages
need to be removed using these steps.
TAPE TO
PROTECT
NUTS
1
Use a plunger
If water is backed up into the
basin, bail it out until there’s just
enough to cover the plunger cup.
Place the plunger cup over the
drain and pump vigorously, straight
up and down, for at least a minute
to remove small blockages.
2
Dismantle the U-bend
If the sink remains blocked,
place a bucket under the U-bend.
Wrap masking tape around the nuts
on both sides of the U-bend and
loosen with a pair of large multigrips.
Remove the U-bend and pour excess
water into the bucket.
3
Reassemble the U-bend
Use a coathanger to remove the
blockage and scrape gunk from
the U-bend. Clean thoroughly with
detergent and a bottlebrush. Smear
petroleum jelly around threads of
the screw before replacing to make
removal easier next time.
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