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Archive for the ‘General’ Category


Modern Bathroom Ideas

November 14th, 2011 by admin

Modern Bathroom

Redecorating and remodelling our bathrooms can prove to be a great way of making some stylish and practical changes in our houses. Whether you are looking to build around a particular new feature you have your eye on, (commonly a larger walk in shower or hot tub) or you’re hoping to produce a much more stylish and impressive result after remodelling, there are aspects of today’s modern bathroom that everybody should try to include. When looking at modern bathroom ideas try not to fixate your mind on one particular image when you think of the word ‘modern’, instead look at the new designs, fixtures and styles that are available and well suited to you and your home.

There are many types of modern bathroom ideas for you to look at and consider, from vintage looking bathtubs to modern looking black granite wall and floor tiling. There are thousands of possible combinations to help and encourage you to create some unique modern bathroom ideas of your own. With this in mind, let’s look at some ways you can create the ultimate modern bathroom suite in your home!

Coordinating modern stylish colours in your bathroom can look fantastic when done correctly. Planning ahead and finding shower enclosures, bathtubs and sinks that match your chosen colour scheme can help ensure you produce consistency in colour throughout your bathroom. Choosing two primary colours in advance can help contrast the shades in your bathroom nicely, without them clashing and creating an ugly eyesore for you to bathe in.

Once you have finally decided on a colour scheme from your new bathroom, you can start to think about some modern bathroom ideas when purchasing bathroom appliances. People who are looking for a more relaxing experience in the bathroom may be interested in a luxurious whirlpool bathtub; making a welcome addition to any modern bathroom these bathtubs can help you relax and look fantastic. Alternatively for the ‘get up and go’ homeowner, a modern looking shower enclosure may be more suitable. These enclosures are available to fit most bathrooms; the quadrant enclosure for example is curved and fits perfectly into the corner of bathrooms to save space in your bathroom and yet have a sleek modern design. Freestanding and inset basins look great, and will surely stand out when entertaining family and guests. These washbowls work wonderfully when looking to make changes that really have that ‘wow’ factor.

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Bathroom Ideas for Small Spaces

November 9th, 2011 by admin

Small bathrooms

Redecorating and remodelling your bathroom is a great way to prepare for upcoming seasons by adding colours to bring the desired effect. Removing old fixtures and furnishings can make room for a complete overhaul of your bathroom, allowing you to make some substantial and effective changes. Some homes however, have very limited space in the bathroom and take a little more thought when planning to redecorate and remodel. So with that in mind, let’s see how we can optimise these rooms and look at some bathroom ideas for small spaces.

Measure Up

When working with limited space, measuring the area of the room and the dimensions you have to work with should certainly be your first move. This can contribute to what furnishings and fixtures you buy when looking at bathroom ideas for small spaces; for example, measuring the area of your walls is important when looking to buy packs of tiles as it gives you a good idea of how many you will need. The same applies when installing shower, sink and toilet fixtures; knowing how much space you have (and how much free space will remain after installation) can be useful when looking for new fixtures, and certainly save a lot of trouble in the long run.

Choose Colours Wisely

While considering new bathroom ideas for small spaces, think about how you can enhance the appearance of the room as well as the practicality. By adding lighter colours to the walls, curtains and colour coordinated decoration you can make your bathroom appear more spacious. Let in as much natural light as possible, if you have the budget and time to add a skylight or window then do so. If you are hoping to purchase fixtures (toilets, sinks etc.) that are not in a traditional white colour then be sure to compare your desired paint or wallpaper to your chosen fixtures; if done properly these two can nicely accompany each other.

Space Saving Fixtures

Here’s something definitely worth taking into consideration when planning bathroom ideas for small spaces; most of the vital bathroom fixtures available to you can be bought as a corner feature. This is a fantastic way of saving room in your bathroom. Instead of obstructing a door or taking up too much space in the centre of the room they are positioned in the corner of the bathroom to save maximum amounts of space.

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Bathshop321 To Feature On New Hit TV Show

June 28th, 2011 by James

Just a quick note to inform everybody that Bathshop321 will be supporting a new television show called ‘Britains Ugliest Rooms‘ We are all very excited about this and seeing our products on television.

The series is being fronted by top designer Gordon Whistance who will search for some of Britain’s most hideous, dated, odd, garish and embarrassing interiors and in turn, transform them into rooms the owners can be proud of. The show is being produced by Red House TV, founded by John Silver, the man behind hit TV series MasterChef Goes Large, Celebrity MasterChef, Grand Designs and Jamie’s Kitchen is now creating this new fun format for UKTV.

Lets hope the show is a huge success and be sure to look out for it. We will keep everybody posted when we find out that it is going out.

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Reviews of Underfloor heating

June 25th, 2011 by Jilly

Underfloor Heating – a review

We recently moved house and as part of our improvements we installed underfloor heating in our kitchen and conservatory areas.  We started with a plain concrete floor and had to cut the mats to the right sizes, we had to buy several mats and join them together which didn’t create any problems for the fitter and this is how the system is designed to work.  Once this was fitted the area was tiled as normal with large format gloss tiles.  My tiles are quite thick so I was surprised how well the heat radiates through – it takes a while to heat up but holds its heat very effectively.  It’s tempting when you seem to be spending left, right and centre to try and cut out areas of expenditure – I’d just advise – don’t!

Installation of underfloor heating on existing tiles, the new surface is being prepared with an adhesive before new tiles are laid down

Underfloor heating is so worth it!  Once it’s installed it’s a cost effective way to create a nice ambient room temperature.  In my conservatory area I just turn the temperature up to about 21°c to make up for the heat loss (due to huge windows) in the evening we have the main central heating on too which is perfect when you are lounging around.  In our kitchen we rely solely on the underfloor heating system, we thought it would be enough, particularly when we have the oven on full, and it is.  In the conservatory where we only have a 3ft dwarf wall we have also fitted a quality chrome radiator (Arturo by MHS) which complements the look and contributes a nice level of heat.  We have two systems running in the two separate rooms and aside from 2 small thermostats (and a nice toasty floor) you wouldn’t have a clue, there aren’t any unsightly wires or pipes on view.  It’s still a surprise to bare footed guests who notice the radical difference between the normal tiled floor in the hallway and the cosy kitchen and conservatory!

I bought my underfloor heating system from: http://www.bathshop321.com/bathroom-heating/underfloor-heating/underfloor-heating-mat/

- you just have to remember to buy the right one for your floor type – whether it’s concrete, wood sub-floor or an existing tiled area.  When you are working out the size you need remember you don’t need to cover the whole floor space just the areas where you use, for example in the kitchen we worked around the units rather than doing the whole square feet of the room.  You also need the Vysa-ThermTM 3000 Thermostat available in white or silver.

In addition I purchased the MHS Arturo Radiator from     http://www.designoradiators.com/modern-radiators/all-modern-radiators/mhs-arturo-stainless-steel-radiator/.

All in all if you are looking at renovating your property then underfloor heating is a definite way to enjoy your home.   I have only fitted mine in the kitchen and conservatory; however you may choose to use underfloor heating throughout your home in place of radiators or as I have in addition.  It is a versatile system that can be used in wet (bathrooms and kitchens) and normal rooms such as lounges and bedrooms.

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Waterfall taps – introducing a new tap range

June 24th, 2011 by Jilly

Waterfall Bathroom Taps – latest fashion update!

Bathroom taps are definitely moving towards being a ‘fashion accessory’ and add the final finish to a bathroom – a stylish set of taps can transform a modest bathroom or create the final touch for an uber modern renovation.  City living and 5 star hotel developments are seeking the waterfall look which has undoubtedly become the latest must have.

Recent developments in manufacture mean that design is no longer held back by practicality which has led to a wide choice of shapes and finish coming onto the market.

The new revolution in brassware has now evolved into ‘waterfall taps’ these have open spouts and as the name described the water pours down the open spout to create the waterfall look.  At Bathshop321 we have sourced a full selection combining mono basin mixers, bath fillers and bath shower mixers. They are manufactured to a very high standard and finished with high levels of chromium to bring the ‘bling’ to your bathroom suite. The stunning open spout collection is shown below and we are sourcing direct from the manufacturers as new designs are released.

Waterfall taps are installed in the same way as a standard tap and the patented cartridge design allows the water to be mixed for a constant water temperature.

Here is a quick introduction to our waterfall collection:-

Our Marco Farelli tap has several clever features including an ecoflow system which can help reduce the amount of water used during every-day tasks such as teeth-brushing – the first click reduces water flow by 50%, the second click offers full flow.  This clever tap helps to avoid drips down the tap body with a clever ridge located underneath the spout

The Marco Farrelli tap range is available for a mini mono basin (ideal for a cloakroom), mono basin mixer (cloakroom and basin unit), a tall basin mixer (for a washbowl look on a vanity unit), a freestanding bath mixer and a bath shower mixer.   Prices range from just £79 to £299.

The Mayfair Dream range is a contemporary range of angular designed taps which have the waterfall spout as central to the design.  This range is available in mono basin mixer for a washstand, cloakroom or standard basin, bath filler, bath shower mixer, floorstanding bath set (including the hose and handset), the three hole and 4 hole bath set (including the hose and handset).   This range is priced from £262 and comes with a 15 year manufacturer’s guarantee.

The Mayfair Lila Waterfall range is new for 2011 and features a wider waterfall effect.  Lila is available as a mono basin mixer (which includes a finger push waste), bath filler and a bath shower mixer.  This range is priced from £129 and comes with a 15 year manufacturer’s guarantee.

This is just the start of the waterfall revolution – keep checking our site for further listings as we source more taps.

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Gold bathroom taps – Are they a thing of the past?

June 1st, 2011 by Jilly

Here at Bathshop321.com we spend hours listing new products from many different manufacturers and increasingly we find no-one is selling anything gold finish.
In the latest brochures from Sagittarius, Tre Mercati, Bristan, Home of Ultra, John Sydney, Mayfair there is nothing but the cold brush of chrome.  I’m wondering why this is?  A cursory search of the Internet reveals a few sites selling some odds and sods but not the same comprehensive selection that chrome offers.
According to our oldest serving member the demise of gold began over a decade ago when the thirst for chrome finish
began.   A few manufacturers (Tre Mercati for example) offers a service where an existing tap from the range can be dip died to the required gold finish – a more expensive option but probably opens up a much wider choice for you.
Typically, we find the customer in search of the elusive gold tap is trying to match with an existing suite – great if you can find your tap’s mate – not so great if you get lost in the world of internet search engines!
Gold looks great if you are going for a certain style in your bathroom – generally with an emphasis on opulence, flamboyance and complimented by warm earthy tones.
His and hers vanity units are nicely complimented by an overmount worktop and stylish accessories.
Compare this to the uber modern, almost clinical finish on this bathroom you can see the two are at opposite ends of the style spectrum.
Things come and go out of fashion – at the moment gold whilst looking nice is way off the style-o-meter, it is well and truly chrome’s day.  I’m not too sure we won’t be seeing gold making its way into our bathrooms once more in the not too distant future.

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Steel v Acrylic Baths – which should I choose?

May 24th, 2011 by Jilly

Steel Bath or Acrylic Bath?

Many customers contact us who are set on having their bath made out of a set material, in this blog BS321 discuss the merits and pitfalls of the two main types – steel or acrylic.

Both steel and acrylic baths have strengths and weaknesses but they also have many misconceptions usually caused by a bad experience in the past with either type and then completely written off that type of bath for all future installs.

STRENGTH

It is a common misconception that steel baths are stronger than acrylic. To measure that strength you could turn it upside down and jump up and down on it, the bath won’t break but neither would an acrylic bath.

For resisting impact damage then acrylic wins every time. If you drop an object into an acrylic bath there is a better chance of it not chipping than in a steel bath. The reason being steel baths are coated in enamel for a hard wearing white finish, although this surface looks good it’s not as flexible as acrylic and will chip if items are dropped on it.

Another common misconception is that the thickness of the bath whether 3mm, 4mm, 5mm or 8mm determines the strength and quality of the bath. This is totally wrong! The acrylic is just a clean white surface for the bath, the strength is derived from the amount of backing sprayed onto the back of the acrylic and the density of the baseboard.

DESIGN

Steel baths can be manufactured to form sharper and flatter lines than an acrylic bath as the steel is pressed rather than vacuum formed. These sharp lines lend themselves well to modern sanitaryware and minimalist design. The enamel finish is extremely bright white, hardwearing and resistant to damage from cleaning materials.

Acrylic baths offer more choice with design as the material is more malleable, they are also generally available in more sizes than steel baths and in many occasions may be the only option which will fit. All Bathshop321 baths are made from A grade sanitary acrylic which is the best colour match for basins and toilets. The acrylic is also the best grade to be vacuum formed ensuring that the bath is flat in the bathing areas with no bubbles, ripples and pin holes which you will find in many imported baths from the Far East. The whole range of baths developed by Bathshop321 are manufactured by 3 factories producing over 15,000 baths per week so you can be assured the quality is excellent.

The Cubic acrylic bath is available in a variety of sizes with the option to upgrade to a premier finish for an additional £50 or why not really spoil yourself by adding on a whirlpool system? Prices in this range start from just £175 up to £659 for a super luxurious 1900 x 900mm bath complete with 12 jet whirlpool system.

Cubic Acrylic bath - available in a variety of dimensions

TOUCH AND FEEL

Steel is a very cold surface and when people enter a steel bath they don’t like that cold shock, particularly when looking forward to a relaxing soak!  After the initial shock though there is one advantage to steel which is a very good conductor and will aid heat retention of the water, meaning a longer soak without having to top the bath up.  Acrylic Baths are warmer to touch but don’t conduct as well as the steel, therefore they cool quicker and you may have to top them up with hot water for a long soak.

Roca Contessa Bath is an example of a steel bath which comes in the popular 1700mm x 700mm measurements and for a bargain price of £130.

Contessa Steel Bath


SO WHAT’S THE VERDICT

Luckily Bathshop321 offer a range of baths for consumers who would like a bath to be as strong as a steel bath and have the heat retention properties. But they also want the sizes, design and touch of acrylic baths.

We call this bath our Premier range, It’s basically an acrylic bath which is manufactured to the highest possible standards. The A grade acrylic is vacuum formed into shape then the baseboard is applied, the bath is then sprayed with fibre glass and resin to form a skin around the acrylic bonding the baseboard to the acrylic.  This skin creates rigidity and density.  At this point a standard acrylic bath would  be at the end of its production cycle.  A premier bath is then over sprayed with a special reinforced coating greatly increasing strength, rigidity and heat retention properties. The perfect solution for anyone who can’t decide between steel baths or acrylic baths -premier reinforced baths are the answer.

Pictured below is our best selling bath the 1700mm P shape Shower Bath with the Premier reinforcement – available for just £279 including the bath, screen and front panel.

P shape shower bath - a popular, versatile bath

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How to accessorise your bathroom

May 6th, 2011 by Jilly

To Accessorise or Not to Accessorise, That Is the Question?

Ok so maybe a bit of a cheesy start, but it’s worth pondering when installing a new bathroom or updating an existing space.  Are you after a stark clinical finish or something more inviting?  The accessories you choose can accentuate whatever theme you choose to apply in your bathroom, they also ensure you get the most out of your space.
Cabinets
It’s now widely recognised that a mirror cabinet in the bathroom is an essential accessory, to perform tasks like shaving but also to reflect light and look aesthetically pleasing.  For a smaller bathroom or a busy area this useful item can also help hide a multitude of sins (and products).  As you may expect there are several choices available from clinical steel finish cabinets like the Home of Ultra Consul cabinet.
Home of Ultra Consul Cabinet
To something like the Tavistock Aspen Cabinet with a white gloss finish Tavistock Aspen White Bathroom cabinet
These accessories can be accessorised even further with your choice of accessories such as collectibles, nick-knacks, ornaments, anything you want to add to personalise your space.
Mirrors
There are a variety of different shaped mirrors, some with ambient lighting, some super-dooper with LED’s such as the Hudson Reed Lucio LED Mirror
Although it sounds like an obvious statement just because you require a mirror for your bathroom doesn’t mean you have to buy a bathroom mirror (unless you are having lighting in which for safety reasons you need to look at IP ratings).  You may choose to buy a more ornate, gilded finish mirror for example to set off a Victorian themed bathroom.
Hudson Reed Lucio LED Mirror

Hudson Reed mirror with LED's

Floor and Tiles

If you are going for the sleek minimalist look then the overall look should be bare floor – possibly tiles or polished floor boards – perhaps consider the addition of under floor heating if you are concerned about the cold feel of tiles underfoot.  Alternatively, splashes of colour and texture can be added by rugs and bath mats.
Laundry and Storage Solutions
There is a dazzling array of choices available from rattan, wicker, wood look to wash bins that can be integrated into your existing suite for example the Tavistock Evolution Linen Bin (300mm wide)
Again you needn’t be slavish to the bathroom department – bargains can be found in department stores or why not show off your artistic skills and create your own using fabric offcuts.
Tavistock Evolution Linen Bin

Tavistock Evolution Linen bin

Textiles

Soft furnishings can add the finishing touch to any bathroom and make something quite cold and clinical seem much more inviting.  The options are limitless from fluffy towels available in a dazzling array of colours, patterns and textures, to bath mats, toilet mats, rugs and throws.  These are a great way to brighten up a standard white suite whilst not breaking the bank.  The options are limited only to your bank balance and imagination.
Accessories
A blog about bathroom accessories would be incomplete without reference to where you are actually going to put your toilet rolls and tooth brushes?    As you may expect there are a number of options available which help set off the theme of your bathroom perfectly.  For example, my personal favourite is the Home of Ultra Traditional Accessories set available for just £79.99, perfect for a variety of looks including traditional bathrooms.

Home of Ultra Traditional Accessories Set

There are many bathroom accessories available from Bathshop321.com and out on the open market, they can help to add the finishing touch to a new bathroom or help spruce up an existing space to something more inviting – especially when the bank balance won’t stretch to a full new suite.  Accessories are the final piece of the bathroom jigsaw offering a multitude of spaces to hide stuff (a la the minimalist look) or alternatively they make a room look finished, like the complete article rather than a commercial/ impersonal space.

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Products that help make your bathroom more environmentally friendly

May 2nd, 2011 by Jilly

Part 2: Products that can help save the environment
I previously blogged about why we should save water and some helpful hints for ways we can all reduce our demand for such a precious resource.
There are a variety of products available for sale branded as Eco, reduced carbon footprint etc which are sometimes met with suspicion by consumers – and quite rightly, sometimes these phrases are marketing code for increased price.  There are however, some small choices individuals can make when selecting a new or updating an existing bathroom.  I am going to show you a selection of products that are available on the open market and on Bathshop321.com which offer simple ways to save water or lessen environmental damage.
1. Install a dual flush cistern toilet – these are widely available and are commonplace in most suites – they are easily identifiable by a small and larger button on the flush.  When you flush you have the choice of using 3 or 6 litres of water.  Most modern toilets are fitted with this; however, according to www.waterwise.org.uk a traditional style cistern can use as much as 13 litres every flush – that’s clean water literally flushed away.  Excuse the pun but a bog standard WC is available from just £69 (Galaxia Cistern (inc fittings), Pan and Seat)
2. Install a smaller volume bath – great if you only use your bath for the kids, the dog or to stand in when you shower – even better if you want to fill your bath to the brim without feeling guilty!  The Derwent Eco Bath holds only 140 litres compared with our best selling P shape bath which holds 220 litres – a big difference.
3. Fit an eco click tap – this offers a two click option – one for light flow e.g teeth brushing or full flow – hand washing.  Hudson Reed offers a comprehensive collection and the ranges include Deco, Art, Logo, Motif, Arcade and Arina to name but a few.
4. Look for products that are made from recyclable materials – there are some wild and wacky sources (e.g crushed almond husks) out there – unfortunately this does tend to equate the much higher prices.
The alternative option many people consider – particularly when money is a crucial factor is to modernise an existing suite.  This saves the precious resources associated with manufacturing a new suite (from materials to shipping – often around the world).
Some recommendations:-
1. Clean up your existing suite.  Can tiles and ceramic/acrylic be scrubbed, treated and re-painted?  Often removing old grout and re-siliconing can make tiles look instantly fresher.
2. DIY-it!  Make sure everything is in good working order, check all the seals, washers and check they do not leak.
3. Get the paint brushes out.  A fresh coat of paint, again can brighten up a dull looking bathroom – on the eco theme, once again specialist paints are available which are made with less Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) and so have less environmental impact.
4. Recondition existing baths – some companies specialise in reconditioning damaged, chipped or scratched cast iron or acrylic baths, sinks and toilets.  This saves the resources associated with the creation of a new bathroom suite – perfect if you have some hidden gem, like a roll top bath, less perfect for an avocado suite!
5. Accessorize!  There is a plethora of accessories available which again can freshen up a tired looking room without the need to buy a complete new suite.  You might consider a new toilet seat, a smart accessory set, a new cabinet, a mirror, a shower screen or new curtain – there are lots of jazzy designs out there (even some made without the use of PVC).  Perfect for an immediate overhaul.
To summarise, it seems manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon and considering environmental impact both in the manufacturing process and for how the products will be used in the bathroom.  I don’t think you have to buy items specifically branded as eco, environmentally friendly and whatever other slogans are banded about.  It simply comes down to a series of well informed decisions when purchasing (or modernising).

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A guide to a more environmentally friendly bathroom

April 26th, 2011 by Jilly

Bathshop321.com’s Guide to a more environmentally friendly bathroom
Here at Bathshop321.com we get to look at a wide variety of lovely bathroom products every day.  It must seem weird then that we spend so much time promoting using your bathroom and then blog about how to use it less!  We all have a responsibility to promote the best use of our products and help customers make wise product choices that help the environment.  This is going to be a two part blog, Part One about why we should save water and some practical everyday hints.  In Part Two I will recommend some items that are available to domestic customers that may mean a small change but can make a big difference.
According to the Environment Agency, the average person uses 150 litres of water every day – to help illustrate imagine 264 pints of milk- literally being poured down the drain!  We know our population is growing and as a result our demands on the earth’s natural resources are increasing.  We all need to think about ways to save water and as we are in the market of promoting the use of water we thought we need to do our bit too!
I’m sure you have all heard the following tips – but it’s worth repeating them.
  • Turn off the tap whilst you are washing your face and brushing your teeth.
  • Put the plug in!  Simple but effective!
  • Instead of running the bath tap until the water is the right temperature, put the plug in straight away and get the temperature perfect as you go along – if you are like me you always make it too hot!
  • When you finish in the bath take a moment after the water has drained to rinse the bath out – bath shower mixers are perfect for this.  This lessens the build-up of bathroom grime and means less reliance on nasty chemicals.
  • If you have a shower cubicle use a squeegee after each use to remove surface water – again this lessens the need for nasty chemicals.
  • If you aren’t one for using lots of bubbles, for example after bathing a baby consider re-using the water for your household plants or for hand washing clothing
  • Consider whether you really have to flush.  Some people use their toilet as a waste bin and will flush down snotty tissues rather than waiting until the next ‘visit’.
  • Have a shower instead of a bath – a standard shower uses less water than a bath (unless you have a power shower- when decreasing the time spent is the key)
These are everyday practical tips that I think we can all do that just mean a change in mind-set rather than inconvenience and expense.
There are a number of products that are available for free from your utility company to promote water saving in the bathroom.  Items are either free or reduced in price, however, these vary by region so follow this link and click on your utility company to see what is available in your area: http://www.savewatersavemoney.com
A brief overview of what’s available includes:-
  • Shower Regulators – claims to save around 12,000 litres of water per year
  • Single or Twin Tap Inserts – claims to save water and money every time the tap is turned
  • 4 minute timers – so you can see how long you have been in the shower – set yourself a daily challenge to get out quicker! Power showers for instance can pump out between 6-14 litres per minute
  • Save-A-Flush/ Hippo systems  - http://www.hippo-the-watersaver.co.uk/ – these devices fit inside older cisterns (generally pre 1993) to save water with each flush.
This website offers great consumer advice from around the whole household and even more suggestions about the importance of saving water (and ultimately money) see: http://www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk/
We all need to do our bit to save the environment.
In the next part of this blog I will explore more products available for your bathroom which can help reduce water wastage.

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