Get the water pressure back with this quick DIY cleaning tip

Nothing wakes you up in the morning like a good shower. The perfect temperature and water pressure are key, but as showerheads age, they can become clogged with dirt and mineral build up, leaving you with a dribble instead of a downpour.  Here is a simple, eco-friendly solution to fix your showerhead and leave it working as good as new.

Start by removing the showerhead. Use a pipe wrench to grab the shower neck and a pair of pliers to unscrew the nut counterclockwise until it loosens. Make sure to protect the finishes on the unit with a cloth.

Next, soak the showerhead in vinegar overnight. The vinegar will breakdown and loosen the mineral deposits on the showerhead. Clean out the holes with a toothpick to remove any remaining deposits.

Reinstall the showerhead by reversing the technique used to remove it. Once it is back in place, turn the cold water on high to rinse out any remaining deposits and vinegar smell.

If you find the showerhead impossible to remove, try filling a plastic bag with vinegar and tying it on the showerhead overnight to loosen mineral deposits and remove the grime.   

For more information on how to clean your showerhead, check out the step-by-step guide at http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Indoor-Projects/Bathrooms/Bathroom-Faucets/how-to-clean-showerheads/Step-By-Step#

Upgrade your bathroom with a new toilet this summer

Bad plumbing and old fixtures are not something you have to endure. With a few basic skills and tools, anyone can upgrade their bathroom with a new, more efficient toilet. 

Measure 

Before you go out and buy your toilet, make sure your new model will fit in place of the old one. Make a note of where your old toilet fits by measuring from the wall to the centre of the unit and ensure your new model is the same size or smaller. This is especially true if space is tight.

Out with the old

Be sure to turn off the water and remove any remaining water before you start. Remove the toilet in pieces to save you and your house from damage. Try not to break it because you can potentially sell or donate your older model. Also be sure to place covering down at this time to ensure you don’t get old gasket wax on the rest of the bathroom

In with the new

Make sure to follow the manufacturers’ instructions for your model. Install the new one the same way you remove the old one - in pieces.  First, install the bowl followed with the tank. When you have made sure each piece fits and you are happy with the installation, simply tighten and seal in place. Tighten bolts alternately to ensure it’s even and be sure not to over-tighten.

Finishing up

After everything is in place and the sealant has dried, turn on the water and relax. You’re all done!

For a more cost-effective toilet installation, visit Saniflo Canada at saniflo.ca

Source: http://www.lowes.com/cd_Replace+a+Toilet_123178945_

Turn your Bathroom into a Summer Getaway

With scorching hot and humid days on the rise this summer, nothing is as inviting as a cool space to relax and get away from the heat. A perfect DIY project for the summer is to update your bathroom and turn it into an at-home summer getaway

Start by replacing old tiles with summer-inspired flooring.  Mediterranean inspired blue, sandy beige and bright white tiles will refresh your bathroom feel. Use multiple sizes and different coloured tiles to create a unique mosaic tailored to your style; or try bamboo-styled flooring for a more nature-inspired look.  Make sure you lay your floor right with these tips from Bob Villa; whatever you choose, ask your supplier if the tiles or flooring are non-slip to avoid accidents.

http://www.bobvila.com/articles/282-quick-tip-laying-bathroom-tile/pages/1

Complement the tiles or flooring by updating your other fixtures and walls to match. Brighten your bath and make it look bigger (and cooler) with a fresh pop of colour. Choose a colour from your flooring to complete the look and then accent it with bold pieces in bright orange, yellow or blue.

Add some finishing touches like new cabinet handles, a rattan or bamboo bathmat or an updated bowl-style stone sink to complete your own summer getaway and enjoy!

Pool House Bathroom

Finally finished that backyard pool just in time for summer? Before you start sipping back pina-coladas in the sunshine – remember that your guests are going need a place to change into their summer swimwear and freshen up. Having a well-constructed pool house with a built-in bathroom is a perfect way to keep your guests comfortable. Saniflo offers several products that can be installed anywhere, without the need for a plumber and in as little as one day. So before you think about doubling a garden shed as a change room, check out Saniflo.ca to help you get prepared for your summer fun!

Summer Kick Off

The May 2-4 weekend is the ultimate kick-off for cottage country. With plenty of good food, cold drinks, and friends and family – what’s not to love about this great Canadian tradition?

We’re sure you would hate to admit it, but despite the great times this weekend, your cottage wasn’t exactly in pristine shape. Winter months will do a number on any cottage and finding time to get up and do some renovations can be quite the headache.

Saniflo offers a quick solution for all of you do-it-yourselfers with their unique brand of up-flush toilets that can be installed anywhere in as little as one day. Installing a new half bathroom can be an easy way to get your cottage ready for the long summer ahead.

Check out Saniflo.ca for all product details and enjoy the start of a beautiful summer!

Don’t Hit The Patio Just Yet…

Summer is around the corner and we know that most of our readers are already eyeing down their backyards to see what the next addition to their perfect patio will be. But before you plop down on your hammock with a tall glass of lemonade, take a second look on what you might have overlooked in your home this winter. In can be too easy to trade in that half-finished bathroom project for some outdoor adventures. As well deserved as this summer is (did anyone else see a late April snowfall?), try not to forget about those important renos in your home. You never know when a summer rain will have you wanting a long bath in your new bathroom!

Even toilets can be friendly

For Earth Day 2012, Saniflo Canada, is pleased to feature the SANICOMPACT and SANISTAR, two eco-friendly toilets that help reduce water consumption. Both products utilize a dual flush system, which uses approximately 38% less water per flush than a low-flush toilet, which not only contributes to helping the environment, but also increases the Return On Investment (ROI) on any home.

Reducing our environmental footprint has always been a big concern for Saniflo. With the use of some of their eco-friendly products, homeowners can do their part too!

Visit saniflo.ca for more information.