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There is a certain calmness and serenity, when you enter a home with an indoor water feature trickling away gently in a room. Here, we are going to help you design and set up your very own magic indoor fountain, and because this is the merry month of May, there’s no better time to do so. This not difficult to achieve, in fact we rate this one as “easy” to complete, and you may not need to find an electrician either.
What You’ll Need 
- Suitably sized urn with hole in base
- Submersible water pump (as used in aquariums)
- Nozzle head and extension pipe
- Waterproof ceramic basin for the urn to stand in
- Some decorative pebbles and plants
- Heavy-duty plastic sheet to waterproof and house your display
Visit your local outdoor centre, and get a garden and landscaping quote. Then, if you feel confident to go it alone, purchase all of the above items to suit your budget. Decide where you want to display your new indoor water feature. Set down the plastic sheet to protect the floor on which the feature will stand. You will need a power socket to run the electric water pump – not too close, we all know that water and electricity don’t mix!
Place your ceramic basin in position. Place the water pump at the bottom of the basin. Attach the extension pipe to the pump (remembering to seal the joint at the base of the urn), and then lower the urn over it. Once the water is added, the pump will fill the urn with water which will cascade over the rim of the urn and collect in the basin. The water is continuously re-cycled by the pump.
Add sufficient clean water to the system, and then run it to see if any topping-up is required.  Once you have the water side of the feature set up, you can add pebbles and plants as you please. These additions will have the effect of displacing some of the water, so make sure that you don’t overfill the water feature.
Many of our London plumbers love building water features, so if you think this is all too difficult, then you can find help through Mr-Skill. Nearly time to switch on and sit back and admire your handiwork! You could also add some exciting light displays around your new water feature, so that you can enjoy a different ambience at night.
Tags: basin, calmness, cascade, electrical socket, extension, find an electrician, fountain, garden and landscaping quote, indoor, indoor water feature, lights, london plumber, pebbles, plants, plastic sheet, pump, re-cycle, serenity, urn, water
Posted in Electrical Work, Gardening & Landscaping, Plumbing, Heating & Gas | Comments Off
We’re all becoming a bit more green-minded these days, as energy prices soar and global warming starts to take effect. The devices that we use to heat our water are especially important, because the heat-exchange process is so energy-intensive. I’ve even heard of increasing sales in shops of de-scaling kits for electric kettles.  But how many of us spare a thought for our closed-circuit hot water systems, or consider getting Plumbing Quotes on Mr-Skill to descale them.
The root cause of the problem lies in the impurities in the water that we heat, and the damage caused by chemical contamination in different regions. In all cases there is a gradual build-up of harmful scale, as the by-products of calcium carbonate and black iron oxide begin to take effect.
The twin results of these two types of contamination are lowered thermal efficiency, and rust that corrodes the pressure tank until the system is no longer safe. This comes down to unnecessary expenditure of two kinds – higher electricity bills and eventually expensive hot water system replacements.
The same contaminated water finds its way through pipes to taps and sinks. As it does so, it gradually blocks the pipes the same way as cholesterol does to our arteries. Its final act of vengeance is when it  causes irreversible stains to expensive bathroom tiles and showers. By then of course the damage is largely done.
If you hear kettling noises in the roof space, spot scale build-up or find it necessary to turn up the boiler thermostat, then it’s definitely time to Find a London Plumbing Expert or someone nearer to advise. There are many techniques these days to repel the effects of scale, and the savings can be quite significant.
You can Find a Plumber on Mr-Skill that we’ve rated personally, and when they quote they’ll know that they’re being compared too. They’ll also know that in the unlikely case of problems you’ll be talking directly to us about them. Who said you can’t find quality anymore these days.
Tags: calcium, chemical, contamination, corrosion, cost, damage, descale, electricity, exchange, find a london plumbing expert, find a plumber, global warming, green, hot, impurity, oxide, pipe, plumbing quotes, rust, scale, shower, sink, tap, thermal, thermostat, tile, water
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A bathroom, my Grand-Mama always said is a thing that never changes. While she was young they probably never did,  and I doubt she ever had a London Plumbing Job done for all the years she lived in Chelsea. These days of course things are very different, and taps are sometimes more designer statements than functional successes.
Did you lie awake last night and think about a waterfall cascading into the bath? Well you could have one of those too, although I doubt you could stick your big toe into it, or whether, after you Find a Plumber they would take you seriously.
Perhaps you prefer a bit of retro. Something that would have had Grand-Mama’s knitting needles clicking furiously? There  are hundreds of these to choose from these days, and you could take your pick from chrome, stainless steel, silver-or even gold-plated.
How about something on the side? I am talking taps here, by the way and strictly taps in case you asked. If I was building a new bathroom this is how I would do it personally. After all, why should Partner have to put up with a tap sticking in their back?
When all is said and done, there is a lot to say for simplicity too. My Dad taught me to keep it simple stupid and kiss success. I think that he was right. Do you? Another of the simple sensible things in life is Mr-Skill. Did you now that you can Find a Plumber there?
Tags: bath, bathgroom, cascade, chrome, faucet, find a plumber, gold, plate, plumber london, plumber quote, plumbing job london, plumbing quote, retro, side, silver, simple, stainless, tap, waterfall
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 If you are a long suffering parent, trying to get your kids to shower frequently (girls as well as boys in our experience!), you might find a solution to your problem amongst our inspirational shower options. Although many may look like you need an advanced physics degree in order to get your hair wet, these showers offer the ultimate in comfort, style and hygiene.
Modern shower cabins may closely resemble the appearance of the space shuttle, but for a healthy and luxurious “vertical bathing experience” there is nothing that comes close in personal hygiene. Many of these cabins double up as saunas with a high temperature steam generation facility to expedite blood circulation.
 Saunas also help to relax your body, improve blood circulation, eliminate fatigue and recover physical strength. For anybody who has breathing difficulties in your family, the shower cabin steam facility has a curative effect on asthma and bronchitis as well as easing rheumatism, rheumatic arthritis, and back pain. It helps you lose weight too!
The more advanced models have computerised LCD control panels to control the flow of water in the “rainfall” ceiling shower, production of steam, lighting, massaging jets, foot massager, ozone sterilisation system, sound system, telephone and the Whirlpool 96 model (pictured right) has an 8.4 inch television and four litre fridge!
 And it is not just shower cabins that can provide the ultimate showering experience. This exceptional shower from German manufacturer Kuhler (pictured right) is built into the entrance of an en-suite bathroom, so there is no excuse for forgetting to have that shower in the morning yourself – it is barely something you can walk past and ignore!
We have added a few more inspirational designs below to encourage your children to step into a world they may have never experienced before (a shower cabin – not a wash!). At around three grand per installation, you are going to spend a lot of money keeping your kids clean, but surely the little darlings are worth it?
For something a little more modest, you might like to try your hand at fitting your own shower units. We have a four part guide in our Project Advice section which covers how to install the drainage, how to connect the water supply, how to fit the shower tray and how to install the shower enclosure. If you do not fancy doing it yourself, why not ask one of the highly rated tradesmen in our Tradesmen´s Directory to email you with some tradesmen´s quotes. London is also the home for many good plumbers, builders, electricians and handymen, and you can alert them to your need for a new shower installation in our “Post-a-Job” facility at the top of each page.
Tags: Bath and Heating, bathroom, body jet shower, Building Regulations Part H, Building Regulations Part P, Central Heating, Electrical Work, Find a Builder in London, Find a Plumber in London, Find a Tiler in London, Find an Electrician in London, Handyman Services, Part P Approval, Plumbing, shower cabins, shower enclosure, shower tray, showers, water pipes, water pressure, water pump
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 Who decreed that radiators should be placed horizontally and hidden behind the sofa? Your local plumber in London? Certainly not! In fact, he would advise that you introduce a little art into your central heating. These stunning radiator designs by Italian radiator manufacturer Caleido are too good to be hidden away, and deserve pride of place in your home. Whatever style of lounge, bathroom or bedroom you have, there should be a design that is ideal for you.
 For more of these incredible designs, please scroll down The basic white steel radiators come with a choice of methacrylate designs – Flora, Scuba, Wall, Rain (pictured right), and Digital (also pictured – below). Other options for upright heat warmers include radiators for the bathroom with a convenient slot for towel warming, radiators with a silver or gold mirrored finish to reflect light and an electric option for clients that do not yet have a central heating system installed.
Although a little more expensive than a traditional radiator – basic electric models start at £350.00 per radiator – these exquisite and unique additions to your home can be installed with minimum disruption to your existing central heating system. A local plumber in London would take great pleasure in providing a plumbers quote for supplying and installing these contemporary and stylish radiators, and if you would like to find out more about how Caleido radiators can help transform an existing room in your home, please contact a plumber or heating engineer in London through the “Post-a-Job” facility at the top of the page.
 From left to right - "Honey", "Cut", "Stone", "Sea", "Skin" and "River" - more below ...  for more details of the Caleido Range of Radiators consult a London plumber in our Tradesmen's Directory
Tags: bathroom, bedroom, caleido, Central Heating, Decorating & Interior Design, electric radiators, Find a Plumber in London, lounge, mirrors, towel warming
Posted in Painting & Decorating, Plumbing, Heating & Gas | Comments Off
 Many people would not normally consider replacing an existing toilet unless it was broken beyond repair or as part of a bathroom redecoration. These sturdy bathroom objects rarely ever fall apart or have some malfunctioning element that cannot be repaired. And, as they are usually not even looked at when in use, it takes something particularly eye-catching or unique for people to say “I want one of them”. Whereas it is the norm that people thinking of replacing their existing bathroom suite will probably opt for a similar model of toilet to what are currently using, we offer some of the more advanced options available on the market.
 There are so many gags lined up for our first “inspiration”, we do not know where to start. Carbon fibre has been around for a long time, but more commonly applied to engineering and in the use of Formula 1 racing cars. With punch lines such “made to make you go faster” and “you always knew fibre was good for you”, this cool loo weighs only 10.9 pounds – about 40 pounds lighter than a standard British toilet and is virtually indestructible.
 Eco-system toilet flushing mechanisms have been around for a few years now, designed to save water by offering a dual flush option. Now a Japanese designer has devised a system which recycles water from the wash basin to flush the toilet. The Eco Bath System is also great for small spaces and it has a nice sleek look so you still don’t have to compromise your decor. Designer Jang Wooseok wanted to replicate the natural flow of water in the earth and encourage people to pay more attention to their water usage – nice.
 Not to be outdone in the style stakes, Spanish company Roca have developed a combined toilet and hand wash basin. Not quite as eco-friend as Señor Wooseok´s, but equally as space saving, the Roca “combi-loo” is just one of the brands´ new innovative lines manufactured in Leicester. Roca is one of the leading bathroom suppliers in the UK, and many of their stylish creations are easily available from a plumber in London featured in our Tradesmen´s Directory.
Toilet seats with dampened hinges, enabling toilet seats to glide to a close have become fairly popular as they do not crash shut if your hand slips when closing the lid. Now a Swedish inventor has gone one step further by introducing the Roboloo seat. This seat can be added to an existing toilet and has a sensor fitted next to the flush button to detect anybody approaching. It opens and closes automatically, and although promoting marital harmony, this feature was originally introduced to help children learn to use the toilet and to eliminate the need for old people to bend over to close the lid.
 Originally designed for Japans elderly health conscious consumers, these “Intelliloos” are making their way across continental Europe in the top hotels and airport lounges. A receptacle inside the toilet bowl collects urine which is tested “while-you-wait” for sugar content and temperature, whilst an armband attachment measures your blood pressures. Results are automatically transmitted to your email inbox, which you can them forward onto your doctor.
 If you felt that the Japanese had a monopoly on confusing toilets, German company Kohler have introduced a range of “pipe-less” products for all around the home, including this “Fountainhead” design. Integrating the pipes into the bathroom furniture should not cause any problems accessing blockages even if your small child starts flushing his toys down the waste pipe, or you pet wants to have a drink.
 We felt that we had been told a fishy tale when advised about this particular toilet option, but in fact it is genuine. The “Fish ´n´ Flush” toilet utilises a dual tank cistern design – one for the water that flushes your loo, and a separate tank for the integrated aquarium. The aquarium has a 2.2 gallon capacity and is ideal for small fish and a real talking point for anybody who visits your bathroom. At least there is no excuse for forgetting to feed your fish!
 Possibly the ultimate in replacement toilets is a creation by Japanese company ToTo. The Neorest series integrates advanced technology into performing the most basic of functions, with a sensor that automatically detects when you are approaching and raises the lid, a heated seat facility which is gauged by the indoor air temperature and a catalytic air purifier with override option. An adjustable warm water massaging spray and hot air dryer acting as an all-in-one bidet completes the package.
 Toilet technology has come a long way since the days of Thomas Crapper – wrongly credited with the invention of the original flushing toilet – and nowadays you can acquire toilets with foot levers to raise the seat, auto-flush facilities and in all styles and decorations. Whether you choice is for looks, style, music, goldfish or comfort, you can rely on the local plumbers in London featured in our Tradesmen´s Directory to help you with everything you need for your new toilet – Total Toilet Intelligence!
Tags: Bath and Heating, bathroom, bathroom fittings, dual flush cistern, eco features, Find a Plumber in London, flush, Hand Wash Basin, Home Improvements, plumber, Plumber Quotes, Plumbing, toilet, Toilet Bowl, Toilet Seat, Tradesmen´s Directory, waste pipes, water
Posted in Plumbing, Heating & Gas | Comments Off
 Have you looked at your taps lately? Obviously you find them when you want water to clean your teeth or make a cup of coffee in the morning, but have you really looked at them? Taps do the job of keeping water in the pipes and preventing your house from being flooded, but they really could be so much more.
 Most of the time, your taps will go unnoticed. Only if something goes wrong with them, and they fail to provide you with water (or provide you with too much of it!) do you ever stop to consider their function. When something is amiss with your taps, it is time for your local tradesman to get a call. They will come round and fix the problem and your taps return to being unnoticed.
 However, taps can be more than functional. In a home which you may be trying to sell, or just want to create a fresh look, a replacement tap is a far cheaper option than replacing a whole bathroom. They get noticed too. The contemporary look of a waterfall tap is a talking point and Victorian style taps are now enjoying a renaissance – only clean and shiny! The options for anybody wanting to enrich the appearance of their bathroom are incredible, and the best advice is to speak with a local tradesman to see the full range of choices you have available to transform your bathroom.
 The images accompanying this post are just a few suggestions from the taps we found to be currently fashionable in the tap world. There are literally thousands of designs and styles available, and they need not cost a lot of money. The lasting impression they will give to anybody who visits your bathroom will be one of style and taste. So, go on. Mix it up with the taps!
Tags: bathroom, bathroom fittings, bathroom taps, corrosion, kitchen taps, leak, style, taps, washer, water
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