KCASA Adjustable Negative Ion SPA Pressurize Filtered Bathroom Shower Head

Read article : KCASA Adjustable Negative Ion SPA Pressurize Filtered Bathroom Shower Head

Best Selling! Top Quality Genuine Materials!
Impurities in your tap water will often dry your skin and cause an imbalance in your oil glands. 3 layers of mineralized spheres will greatly reduce impurities in your water
- With the purifying effect of the bioactive stones our shower heads will help you restore balance
- Health benefits may include smoother skin, reduce oil secretion, increase cell viability
- Remove 97% residual chlorine and heavy metals in the water
- Water-saving and environmental-friendly Current limiting and pressure boosting
- Three types of water spray, Free to switch
- Sending a soothing flow of water through 288 spray holes to gently cascade over you
- A smoothing rainfall shower will help you achieve full body relaxation
- Deodorization and Antibacterial function
- With negative ion activated ceramic balls, far infrared mineralized balls and antibacterial activated balls in the tube
- N-ion : 4600 parts per cubic centimeter
- UP to 89% health far infrared ray emissivity
- Suitable for men and women children pets

Special Features:
* 100% Brand New and High quality, with Ionic Filter Balls for water Filtration
* Anion activation ceramic balls have the function of increasing oxygen, diastolic pressure, reducing fatigue.
* With negative ion activated ceramic balls, far infrared mineralized balls and antibacterial
Material PC + ABS
Net Weight Shower head : 230g
Tube : 180g
Filler Mineralization ball
Head size 80mm
Handle Dimensions 180mm x 35mm
Connector Size 1/2 Connector
Color: Transparency OR Blue

Packing include 1 x KCASA Negative Ion SPA Pressurize Filtered Bathroom Shower Head
Color sent at Random and generally follow the color as shown in the head photo (1st picture)
If you prefer either Transparent or Blue color please tell us in your order

Health benefits of Far-infrared mineralization ball
• Far-infrared mineralization ball on on the role of the body that the adsorption of far-infrared mineralization ball can eliminate toxic substances in the intestine, the bacteria have a certain adsorption capacity, far-infrared mineralized ball by the detection of fifty-eight species of the body Beneficial long-term elements and trace elements, more importantly, many of which mineral elements in vivo activity of various enzymes in the center, can stimulate enzyme activity, improve the catalytic role of the enzyme, thereby improving the metabolism and promote nutrient digestion and Absorption, enhance disease resistance, and promote growth and development. Far-infrared mineralized ball mineral ball with high-quality medical stone as raw material, add a small amount of tourmaline powder, processed by a special process, with a strong adsorption and permeability, is a sterile non-toxic pollution-free water Mineralizing agent.
If long-term drinking by the far-infrared mineralization ball soaked in water, can protect liver and stomach, diuretic fossils, stable blood pressure, promote circulation, disease prevention and anti-cancer, longevity, skin care beauty, strong bones, develop intelligence, promote development, hemostasis , Far infrared mineralization balls are widely used in medical and health, food health, environmental protection, water quality improvement and beverage, wine, medicine, deodorant, crop and flower cultivation, poultry farming, aquaculture and other industries.

• Health benefits of Tourmaline ceramic ball:
- Manufacture alkaline water. Tourmaline ceramic ball with permanent electrodes, with far infrared emission. The permanent electrode makes existing tourmaline surface electric field strength of up to 107V/m in the range of tens of micrometers in thickness, can put the water molecules into OH- electrolytic electrolysis, H2O and H+, the hydrogen ion electron by weak current between the electrodes of tourmaline: 2H++2e and H2 increase with hydroxyl ions and water molecules to form negative ions: OH-+nH2O to OH- (H2O) n, the water is weak alkaline.
- The production of active water. Infrared radiation tourmaline generated by emission at room temperature in the wavelength of 4-14um, emission rate in more than 0.90, can be a strong incentive to water molecules, which is in the state of vibration, resulting in some hydrogen bond was broken, so that the water molecules are decomposed into large clusters of small water molecules containing only 5-6 water molecules, to achieve activation water, improve water penetration, dissolution and metabolism ability, can improve the microcirculation, enhance the immune ability.
Health efficacy. Tourmaline ceramic ball as a kind of health materials, has been widely used in functional health products.

Package:
- 1 Handheld Negative Ion SPA Pressurize Shower Head Blue/Silver
Small size: 210mm/(H), 65mm/ (Dia.)

Greening our bathrooms without sacrificing the experience of our guests at yök Casa + Cultura : TreeHugger

Read article : Greening our bathrooms without sacrificing the experience of our guests at yök Casa + Cultura : TreeHugger

It seems there is more to tackle than saving water when you want to go green in the bathroom. A while back, I wrote about why reclaimed sinks were the most eco-friendly option for wash basins at yök Casa + Cultura.

© Carlos Barruz for yök

Regarding mirrors, the most eco-friendly option, since they are not recyclable, is also to choose them second hand. This, as with all reused objects, avoids more of them being made. In general, we tried to use as less material as possible without making the bathrooms uncomfortable. Instead of shelves for example, we placed plenty of hooks on the walls.

© Carlos Barruz for yök

When it comes to the wet areas, we only covered those with tiles that needed to, like the inside of the shower and the bit above the sink. These square coloured tiles are the classic bathroom tiles used in Barcelona. Made in Spain by Fabresa, dry clay is locally obtained and undergoes a quick double firing process, saving energy and CO2 emissions both in the transportation and in the fabrication process. As with all tiles, it will be difficult to recycle them (only a downcycling is possible), which is why it is important to choose a timeless design, good quality material and as less surface as possible. The rest of the walls are painted with white low-VOC paint, suitable for humid environments.

Most of the floors have a fabulous mosaic flooring from 1900 which we restored. Where areas were missing (one of the rooms used to house the kitchen, which didn’t have a noble floor) we just filled up the small area with cement and sealed it. We managed to avoid shower curtains, usually made from PVC and not long-lasting, by installing recyclable glass doors.

yök Casa + Cultura's Instagram/via

The lights are second hand porcelain arms which we rewired so that they can fit LED bulbs. The vintage switches and plugs are new and very long-lasting as they are made of porcelain. They are also made locally, by Fontini.

After careful studies by Xavier Mor from Renòwatt, we came to the conclusion that the greenest option to heat our hot water for the showers are efficient gas heaters if we offset the CO2 emissions; which we will!

© Carlos Barruz for yök

Last but not least comes the water in the bathrooms. At yök we do not only work hard to save energy, but also water. According to Airbnb, guests in Europe renting a home use 45% less water than when staying in a hotel. Even though, there is a lot one can do to reduce the water consumption in holiday lettings, especially in a country that is feeling the stress of the water crisis.

Here is a recap: we installed Roca’s L20 series of shower heads and faucets. They are equipped with aerators and Cold Start, meaning the hot water is only triggered if you move the handle to the left. Most taps fire up the hot water every time you lift the handle in the middle position, wasting energy unnecessarily. The toilets have a dual-flush system as it is the easiest for guests from all different cultures to understand without having to leave instructions.

© Carlos Barruz for yök

Upstairs in our office, we installed the w+w toilet by Roca (top photo). It recycles the water used in the sink to flush the toilet. However, as it is made from a huge amount of un-upcyclable material (porcelain), we are not sure saving some water will make up for that. In fact, Roca had LEED analyse their different toilets and some of them, like the Meridian series we installed in the apartments, save the same or more water depending on how you use it. In the end however, we installed it not only as a water-saving and conservation maker (this is definitely working) but for space-saving reasons. The only way we could fit a toilet and sink in the small space provided was to install the w+w.

Coming up next are our branded soap dispensers to remind our guests that water is precious while they soap themselves with 100% natural citrus soap made in Valencia.

A modern shower for any bathroom

Read article : A modern shower for any bathroom

Just like fashion and everything else in life, décor also has emerging trends. Gone are the days of dingy shower cubicles and minute shower heads - today the modern shower is earning its rightful place in the most stylish bathrooms. Kate van Niekerk, marketing manager of Tile Africa, shares her expertise to help you bring your outdated shower in line with the latest trends and designs. 

 

What are the latest shower trends?

Square, frameless showers are the latest trend, with clear glass to show off the tiles and mosaics. No more grimy shower curtains to be embarrassed about. The modern glass shower enclosure reflects natural and artificial light and creates a sense of space and openness. “It is now super fashionable to showcase the whole package and not just the shower door,” says Kate.

A new range of shower roses and hand-held showers reduces water consumption without affecting the water pressure and amount of water delivered. A water flow regulator maintains a predefined, constant flow rate regardless of the line pressure. The regulator reacts to water pressure changes and adjusts to decrease the amount of water passing through, while the flow-rate remains the same.

 

Pressure variations are compensated for and water consumption can be reduced from 30 to 10 liters per minute.

What is the latest look when it comes to showerheads?

Showerheads, previously available as small shower roses, now come in larger sizes, making this contemporary water spout a standout feature in the shower.“With the invention of water-saving shower heads, consumers can now spoil themselves with larger shower heads, as the size doesn’t influence the amount of water being delivered,” she says.    

What has inspired these shower trends?

Modern bathroomware is developed with the scarcity of natural resources in mind. The latest products with green credentials are designed to make it easier for consumers to conserve the environment.

 

The contemporary bathroom has become less of a personal area and more of an experience of luxury and relaxation. “The whole package of modern tiles, mosaics and listelli encourages us to be more daring with clear versus frosted glass showers,” says Kate.

How can tiles be used to create a unique look for the shower?

A mosaic feature wall or column in the shower will grab attention. Shimmering glass, smooth metal or textured natural stone mosaics are a great way to create a focal point and draw the eye towards the shower.Borders add interesting texture to walls and the creative possibilities are endless. Wide or narrow, horizontal or vertical, borders can be created with beautiful listelli, tiles cut into different sizes or colourful mosaics.Textured tiles and pebble mosaics are perfect for the shower floor to make it less slippery.

 

What are the shower options for a small bathroom?

Most of us will admit to dreaming of a larger bathroom, but it is luxury that many modern homes lack. Fortunately, with adequate planning, even the smallest bathroom can be transformed to accommodate a shower and a bath.Though space may be limited, it is possible to fit a shower in a small en-suite or a guest bathroom by choosing a space-saving layout.

If you prefer a shower, rather than a shower-bath combination, you may want to consider a curved corner or pentagon shower cubicle. “This is a miracle space-saver as it cuts away a corner and therefore frees up space,” says Kate.

Where it is impossible to fit in a separate shower, an all-in-one bath and shower combination is the answer. A shower bath consists of a stylish bath that features shower fittings and a glass enclosure, so that you have the choice between enjoying a bath or a shower.

What are the considerations when planning a shower that will be used by children?

If the bath and shower have tiled edges, make sure these edges are finished off with a round border. Shower corners can be a hazard, so check that they are finished off smoothly, with no sharp edges protruding.Extremely hot water is another danger to consider. Turn down the temperature of the geyser fitted for this particular bathroom. Medicine and cleaning products should be safely stored in a childproof cupboard. 

 

What accessories are available for showers?

A shower caddy is a handy accessory as it keeps all items, such as shampoo and shower gel for example, neatly together and within easy reach. A shaving or cosmetic mirror on a concertina wall stand is a practical option in the shower as it can expand and twist to achieve the right angle. Make sure that accessories are made from stainless steel so that they don’t rust in the humid and wet conditions.Additional storage space can be created by fitting glass shelves and a towel rod next to the shower. “Keep accessories simple as a bathroom can easily look cluttered,” she says. – Antonella Desi

Pictures courtesy of: Tile Africa

Readers' CommentsHave a comment about this article? Email us now.  

5 Ways to Save on Your Water Bill

Read article : 5 Ways to Save on Your Water Bill

We know that watering our lawn in the rain or watching the sprinkler system drench the sidewalk is a huge waste of a precious resource. But how can we conserve our water consumption inside the house? Aside from forgoing showers for the rest of your life, consider these some tips on how to save water (and money!):

1. Buy New Appliances

Who doesn’t want something bright, shiny and new? And, as an added bonus, a newer washing machine or dishwasher will save you from wasting water. Water-efficient products marked with the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense label require less water to operate. The EPA’s Energy Star designation also helps identify the most efficient items to buy.

How much are you saving? Energy Star-rated washers use 35 percent less water and 20 percent less energy than regular washers.

2. Fix Leaky Pipes

A leaky pipe behind the wall can be tricky to detect unless there’s obvious damage. Pay attention to your water bill and note any significant changes from one month to another — a jump in water usage may indicate a leaky pipe. Call a highly rated plumber to help you investigate.

Need to check your tank? James York, owner of highly rated Southern Plumbing Services in Stafford, Texas, says the toilet can be one of the biggest culprits. “Water from the tank leaks into the bowl and then down the drain, and you can’t hear it or see it happening,” he says. York recommends homeowners put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and let it sit for a few hours. “If the food coloring bleeds into the bowl, you’ve got a leak.”

3. Replace Fixtures

Replace faucets and shower heads with water-saving models (look for the WaterSense label) or add aerators to existing fixtures. A low-flow shower head costs between $10 and $50.

For free? Some cities — like Palo Alto, Calif., and Indianapolis — offer free home audits. A surveyor analyzes the amount of energy and water a household uses and provides low-flow fixtures or aerators free-of-charge. Check with your local utility company for similar programs in your area.

4. Turn Water Off 

Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth or shave. Showers take less water than baths (just keep an eye on how long you’re in there). Plug up the sink if doing dishes by hand. Thaw food in the refrigerator overnight rather than using a running tap of hot water. Make sure to fully load your dishwasher and washing machine before starting.

Did you know? The average U.S. family of four uses 400 gallons of water a day.

5. Replace Your Toilet 

If your toilet was manufactured before 1992’s Energy Policy Act, chances are it’s a water-waster. Citing water conservation, the Energy Policy Act required all new toilets to be low-flow, restricting water usage to a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush instead of the old average of 3.5 gallons.

Do your research before switching out your commode as there are a variety of options. Dual-flush toilets give homeowners the choice to use different amounts of water in order to dispose of solid waste or liquid waste.

Really? If all the inefficient toilets in U.S. homes were converted to WaterSense models, we would save 640 billion gallons of water per year — the equivalent to 10 days of flow over Niagara Falls.

Simple Tips for a Successful Bathroom Renovation

Read article : Simple Tips for a Successful Bathroom Renovation

From design inspiration to choosing the right materials and fixtures, we’ve got all the information you need to complete the perfect bathroom renovation project.

Regardless of whether you live in an apartment or a house, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home.

A practical and modern bathroom dramatically enhances the appeal of any home, so if you’re planning a bathroom renovation it’s important that you get the details right. So if you’re looking for a host of handy tips and tricks to help you turn your tired and impractical bathroom into a relaxing and luxurious retreat, you’ve come to the right place.

Getting started

Before you start thinking about design ideas, colours, and choosing shower heads and tiles, you need to sit down and work out exactly what you want to achieve with your bathroom renovation.

If you’re renovating an ensuite to create a peaceful space where you can unwind, warm tones and a modern free-standing bathtub might be high on your wish list. If you need a bathroom for your growing family, then durable materials and plenty of storage will be essential inclusions.

So take the time to develop a clear idea of what the bathroom will be used for and any features on your must-have list. Once that’s done you can start planning the finer details.

Design ideas for different projects

There are several features and factors you’ll need to consider when planning your bathroom renovation, including:

Layout

The right layout is essential to create a functional and comfortable space, so consider ambience, flow and practicality when deciding on your bathroom layout. Speak to an architect or a builder about the functionality and layout of the space. There’s a seemingly endless array of floorplan options available, though you may be constrained by the location of existing plumbing connections. Consider the features you want in your bathroom, for example maximising natural light or ensuring an easy flow from the bedroom through to your ensuite shower, when deciding on the right layout.

Shower

The shower is one of the features of your bathroom that will get the most use. From choosing a screen for privacy to deciding on a shower head to sourcing the right water flow, there’s plenty to think about when selecting your shower. You can choose a fixed or hand-held shower head, massage showers, waterfall showers and high- and low-pressure jets. In terms of shower screens, do you want a framed, frameless or semi-frameless screen, or perhaps no screen at all? Chat to an interior designer and shop around at bathroom specialist stores to learn more about the different options available on the market and how they fit into your plans.

Bath

A contemporary bathtub is a must — and there’s a seemingly limitless range of beautiful designs to choose from. There are freestanding tubs that are statement pieces in their own right, recessed baths that use minimal space, easy-access baths for the elderly or those with a disability, as well as full jacuzzi setups for a touch of luxury. However, if you live in a second-storey house, be mindful of having a bath on the second floor as the weight of a full bathtub may put pressure on the upper floor. The amount of space available is also going to have a big influence on the bath you select.

Vanity and basin

Every bathroom needs a sink, but if you and your partner are usually getting ready at the same time, could the space benefit from his and hers sinks? Ample storage space is a must for any vanity unit, while looks should never be neglected in order to ensure that the vanity you select matches the rest of the bathroom. The right vanity will combine good looks and handy storage options with plenty of usable bench space. From wall-mounted vanities to cabinet vanities and even minimalist vanities with a simple shelf system, there’s a huge range of choices available.

Fixtures and fittings

From taps and towel rails to frameless shower screens, the right fixtures and fittings are practical inclusions that complement the design of the rest of the bathroom. Taps come in an extensive selection of materials, including chrome, brass, gold and stainless steel, and there’s no limit to the styles available depending on the space available and the look you want to achieve. The sink, shower, bathtub and toilet should all serve a practical purpose but should also seamlessly integrate with their surrounds and complement one another perfectly.

Tiles

Tiles play a hugely important role in determining the look and ambience of your bathroom. From floor tiles to wall tiles and even special feature borders, choosing the right tiles is crucial to the success of your bathroom renovation. It can also be a daunting process, You’ll need to consider the ambience you want to create in your bathroom, your colour scheme, the size of tiles you want and how they will be laid out. For example, do you want to use contrasting tiles to add a feeling of space to a small bathroom, or do you want tiles with a textured surface to create a unique and interesting feature? Tiles come in ceramic, glass, natural stone, porcelain and clay, so research the looks and benefits of each option before making your choice.

Storage space

A bathroom with insufficient storage space is impractical and cluttered, so make sure you’ve got ample room for all the toiletries, towels and other odds and ends you need to store in your bathroom. Vanity cabinets, shelves and drawers are the obvious places to keep your items so they don’t clutter up the rest of your bathroom, but there’s plenty more you can do to maximise storage space. There’s a huge range of clever internal hardware options available to cleverly use the available space, while a recessed niche built into the shower cavity is great for storing shampoos, soaps and the like. Even installing a simple ledge-style shelf can help keep the vanity top free of mess.

Lighting

Last but certainly not least, don’t overlook the importance of lighting in creating a welcoming and refreshing space. The bathroom is one area of the house where it’s important to be able to see clearly, but where you can also relax in comfort if that’s what you feel like doing. Whether you’re looking for soft LED down lighting, a feature pendant that stands out or simply the warmth of natural illumination, include lighting considerations in your initial renovation plan. Light fixtures will obviously need to be moisture-proof and capable of standing up to life in your bathroom, while you may also want to consider heat lamps if you live in a cold area. One other thing to remember when choosing lighting is energy usage - the right choices can make a noticeable difference to your power bill.

Bathroom design ideas

Back to top

Renovating a small bathroom

When you’re renovating a bathroom, space is the final frontier. In a larger space, having more room to work with often means that you have more flexibility to add privacy and create different zones for each bathroom task.

When you’re renovating a bathroom, space is the final frontier. In a larger space, having more room to work with often means that you have more flexibility to add privacy and create different zones for each bathroom task.

Unfortunately, most bathroom renovators only have a limited area to work with, so they need to take advantage of clever ideas and design solutions that help them make the most of the available space. For example, a normal hinged door can eat up much more space than you have to spare, so a sliding door can offer a better solution. Other great space-saving and space-creating ideas include wall-mounted toilets, neutral colour palettes with occasional bursts of colour, and including handy built-in storage nooks and crannies wherever possible.

Renovating a small bathroom means you’ll also have to be more ruthless when deciding what belongs on your bathroom wish list. For example, while soaking in a hot bath might sound appealing, are you really willing to sacrifice such a large amount of floor space to include a tub?

Do it yourself or get in the experts?

If you’re keen to save as much money as possible on your bathroom renovation, you may want to consider a DIY project. While this lets you take control of your bathroom renovation, it’s always wise to think about your options before going the DIY route as bathroom renovations can become complicated very quickly.

Some jobs are fairly simple for the DIY renovator, such as stripping out your old bathroom and prepping the space for your new bathroom. Other jobs, for example waterproofing and tiling, you might also be able to do yourself if you have the right experience under your belt.

Plumbing and electrical work will need to be done by the professionals, however. A good plumber can help you through your renovation from start to finish, so find a plumber you trust before you start knocking down walls or stripping out tiles.

What can you DIY and what's best left to experts?

Where to buy bathroom renovation supplies

From tiles to toilets, there are several options when you need to stock up on the right supplies for your bathroom renovation. A good place to start your search is a large hardware store like Bunnings, Masters Home Improvement or Home Timber and Hardware. This will give you a good idea of some of the fixtures and fittings available to include in your bathroom.

It’s also a good idea to browse specialist renovation and bathroom supply stores — research online to find one near you, and where you find one bathroom store you’ll often find a few more. There’s a huge range of products to choose from for every aspect of your renovation, from the smallest of tiles to the largest of freestanding baths, so take the time to consider all the options available before making your decisions.

Back to top

Top tips to help you save money on your bathroom renovation

• Do your research. Jump online and visit local bathroom renovation specialists to see what kind of materials and fixtures are on offer. Speak to architects, building experts and bathroom renovation specialists to ensure that your renovation plan and budget is feasible. Source several quotes from different suppliers before deciding which company to go with.
• Plan ahead. Don’t start your renovation unless you know exactly what you want to achieve. Getting halfway through your project and then deciding that you don’t like the layout, you want different tiles or you’d like to make room for a bigger bath can be an expensive and stressful mistake. Work out exactly what you want before you reach for a hammer.
• Make a budget and stick to it. Bathroom renovations have something of a reputation for unforeseen costs and budget blow-outs. Around $15,000 to $20,000 is a realistic estimate for many bathroom projects, see our guide on the costs of bathroom renovations, but sit down and work out the material and labour costs for your project. Once you’re fully aware of how much your project should cost and how much you can afford, it’s time to start work.
• Know what you can do — and what you can’t. While DIY renovations are great for saving money, it’s important that you don’t get ahead of yourself when choosing what jobs to take on and what to leave to the professionals. If you’re at all unsure about your ability to complete a particular task, you’re much better off getting the experts in to avoid problems occurring later down the track.
• Take your time. While it can be frustrating having your bathroom out of action for a couple of weeks or more, when you’re doing it yourself it’s important not to rush things. Measure everything twice and be certain you’re doing the right thing before you cut, lay or install anything.
• Plumbing costs. You might want to completely rearrange the features and layout of your bathroom, but take note that plumbing costs can sometimes make this prohibitively expensive. Moving plumbing pipes and outlets for sinks, toilets, showers and baths can cost thousands of dollars, so you may be better off leaving some fixtures where they are to lower your costs.

Back to top

Bubble shower saves water

Read article : Bubble shower saves water

CSIRO announced they had developed a device for saving water by introducing bubbles into shower heads. But the technology is not new as claimed; such products have been available for years and even the wording of the media release appears to not be original.

The CSIRO described their work in a media release:

While the general concept of using an aerated showerhead to save water is not new, the technology behind the CSIRO's device is novel.

Developed by a team led by Dr Jie Wu, the aeration device is a small nozzle that fits inside a standard showerhead. The nozzle uses a small Venturi tube - a tube for which the diameter varies, creating a difference in pressure and fluid speed. Air is sucked into the Venturi tube as a result of the partial vacuum created, causing air and water to mix, forming tiny bubbles within the water stream.

From: 'Air shower' set to cut water use by 30 per cent, Media Release 06/223, CSIRO, 9 November 2006

In 2005 I bought an aerating shower head from the Australian business E-Co Shower. As CSIRO describes, the unit sucks in air, and mixes it with the water to give you a shower of bubbles.

As pointed out on PhysOrgForum, what CSIRO announced appears to be very similar to the existing E-Co shower. Even some of the wording of the the CSIRO media release appears similar to the wording of the E-Co web site from 2003:

1. E-CO : "air and water mixing together causes bubbles"
2. CSIRO: "air and water to mix, forming tiny bubbles"
   

Leaving aside the question of who invented what (and who wrote what), such devices work very well. It is difficult to tell the E-Co shower in my bathroom from a normal one. There is a slight tingling sensation, which is pleasant. As well as saving water I suspect the system uses less hot water and keeps the bathroom dryer. This is because there is not the very fine mist you get from many low flow shower heads.

Previously I tried a water saving shower head. When on the high setting this produced a narrow jet of water. I had to move around it the shower to get my whole body wet and the force of the water was almost painful. On low setting it produced a fine mist which did not seem to wet the body. Either way it was not a pleasant result.

The E-Co units seem to be particularly popular with institutions. There is a vandal resistant model which just has a small hole for the water to come out of, instead of the usual rose pattern. The unit is only about 20mm wide and 40mm long and can be securely connected to the pipe coming from the wall. As a result there is little for anyone to vandalize.

Also there is the Oxygenics shower head. I am not sure I believe the health claims for the "oxygenated" spray, but it seems to operate on the same principle as the E-Co and CSIRO units and they have a clever animation showing how it works.

The innovative technology behind Oxygenics® is based on the Venturi Principle. As water enters the base of the showerhead, it is propelled through an accelerator fin to increase the velocity of the water flow. It is then directed through a channel where oxygen is injected into water. The result? Phenomenal coverage and a continuous range of sensations - from a soft relaxing spray to a deep, therapeutic massage to everything in between. Are you ready to be wowed? Get ready for a healthy, powerful, oxygenated spray!

From: Oxygenics, 2007

The only innovation in the CSIRO approach seems to be that it is an adapter designed to be added to a normal shower head whereas E-Co make a complete shower head. E-Co make an adapter for hand-held showers and basins. E-Co include testimonials from Canberra residents and from the Department of Defence, so it it difficult to believe that CSIRO didn't know of it.

There is also a US Patent for such a device from 1978, complete with diagram:

The passage of water from conduit 17 and through the chamber within the shower head establishes, in accordance with the Bernoulli, or venturi principle, a low pressure environment within the shower head. The low pressure environment tends to draw ambient air through outlets 20 and 21. The drawn air mixes with the water within the shower head due to the turbulent nature of the flow therein and is ultimately ejected through nozzles 31.

Because the ejected jets of water are mixture of air and water, the spray striking a bather will not have the conventional sting of sharply defined jets of water. Instead, the spray will tend to be "softer" and produce a physiological massaging effect which is very pleasant. Aside from the physiological benefits, the amount of water seemingly necessary to provide the bather with a shower to which he has become accustomed to, consumes approximately one-half of the normal water useage. Thereby, aerator 15 can effect a water savings of approximately 50 percent and yet require no change in habits by the bather nor in any manner curtail or restrict the habits developed from a lifetime of showers."

From: Shower head aerator, Richard Harmony, United States Patent 4072270, February 7, 1978

There are only two things I have found wrong with the E-Co shower: is the price and the web site used to sell it. The price is very high compared to a cheap plastic water saving shower head. But the device is very well made, from solid metal and comparable in price to fashion shower heads. E-Co let the quality of the product down with a poor web site, which makes it hard to buy.

There is also another use for a Venturi in a shower: This is the "Venturi shower", where cold mains pressure water is used to draw hot water from a low pressure tank:

"High pressure mains cold water is used to "suck" tank pressure hot water through the special venturi valve inside the unit, so that the resulting mixed water comes out at a much greater rate than could be achieved using an electric shower or ordinary shower mixer valve. The venturi shower uses no electrical connections, it simply plumbs straight into the heating system."

From: Venturi Shower, tubz.co.uk, 2007 http://www.tubz.co.uk/venturi_shower.php

RV Plumbing Tips – Cleaning RV Faucets, Sink Drains & Shower Wands

Read article : RV Plumbing Tips – Cleaning RV Faucets, Sink Drains & Shower Wands

The effects of hard water on RV sinks, faucets and drains can be an ongoing problem for RVers. This page describes a few tips for how we remove these pesky mineral deposit buildups from our bathroom and kitchen sinks in our fifth wheel trailer and keep the water flowing smoothly in our shower wand and RV toilet rinse sprayer.

RV plumbing tips for cleaning RV faucets and drains and removing mineral deposits" width="731" height="384" class="size-full wp-image-50990" />

RV plumbing tips for removing mineral deposits and cleaning RV faucets and drains.

We like the water to flow freely in our RV vanity sink faucet, kitchen sink faucet and in the shower and RV toilet sprayer wands, however, periodically these faucets begin to spray water in weird directions because their inner workings have gotten clogged up by mineral deposits from the hard water.

In our bathroom vanity, our first step is to remove and clean the screen filter in the faucet. Sometimes the faucet tip can be unscrewed by hand, but if we’ve let it go too long, we have to use a pair of pliers to break the faucet tip free due to corrosion that makes it impossible to unscrew.

RV faucet screen with pliers" width="701" height="515" class="size-full wp-image-50993" />

Remove the RV faucet screen (with pliers if it’s stuck!)

Then we unscrew the entire screen assembly from the faucet.

The faucet tip unscrews from the faucet.

RV faucet screen" width="681" height="518" class="size-full wp-image-50995" />

Ugh… the screen is pretty dirty. No wonder the water comes out funny!

This time the screen was very corroded. We remove the corrosion and mineral buildup by putting all the pieces in a bath of white vinegar for 20-30 minutes or so.

Prior to putting the pieces in the white vinegar bath, it is a good idea to make note of the order that these parts go into the faucet assembly!

After noting how the pieces go together, soak them in white vinegar.

After the bath, the bits of corrosion can be seen in the white vinegar!

Here are all the pieces. You can see the dirt that came off in the vinegar bath!

Using an old toothbrush, we scrub each piece until it is clean.

RV faucet screen" width="681" height="534" class="size-full wp-image-50997" />

Use a toothbrush to get the screen totally clean.

Scrub all the parts with the toothbrush.

Then we reassemble the pieces in the correct order and orientation.

.

Reassemble the pieces.

.

.

To make it easier to remove the faucet tip the next time we do this job, it helps to grease the threads with a marine PTEF lubricant prior to screwing the assembly back onto the faucet.

Lubricating the threads makes it easier to unscrew next time!

.

Screw it back into the faucet.

Ta da! Now the flow will be smooth and full.

Our trailer has white plastic sinks in the bathroom and kitchen, and these sinks often develop a skanky brown ring around the sink drain. For years, we relied on Comet to clean these sinks. We sprinkled it on the entire sink, let it sit for a bit, and then scrubbed.

We recently discovered that Baking Soda is just as effective!! The fantastic thing about Baking Soda is that it is non-toxic. This is wonderful not only for our gray water holding tanks but also for the RV dump stations as well as the septic fields and municipal waste water treatment systems that are downstream from them.

It’s also really cheap!

RV sink drain" width="751" height="394" class="size-full wp-image-51008" />

White plastic RV sinks are prone to getting ugly stains.

RV sink drain" width="701" height="511" class="size-full wp-image-51009" />

Yuck!

We simply sprinkle it on the sink and then scrub the sink with a damp Scotch-Brite scrubbing pad.

RV sink drain cleaning with baking soda" width="721" height="495" class="size-full wp-image-51010" />

Sprinkle the baking soda in the sink and scrub the stains with a damp scrubby pad.

What a great result — a wonderfully squeaky clean sink!

RV sink drain is sparkling clean" width="701" height="483" class="size-full wp-image-51011" />

Sparkling!

The drain plug also gets gummy, and we use an old toothbrush to scrub it clean with either baking soda and/or Murphy’s Oil Soap (a handy all around biodegradable cleanser).

In an RV that is used for dry camping a lot, like ours, the bathroom vanity sink drain can get really gross really quickly because in an effort to conserve fresh water not much clean water gets flushed down the drain.

This can result in foul odors in the sink drain, and it’s pretty unsightly too.

So, we do two things.

First, we scrub the inside of the bathroom sink drain with an old toothbrush. To get a longer reach down the drain, we taped our toothbrush to an old tent stake we had lying around. Anything long and narrow will work.

RV sink drain" width="800" height="256" class="size-full wp-image-51013" />

Tape an old toothbrush to a long stick to reach deep down the RV sink drain.

RV sink drain" width="721" height="481" class="size-full wp-image-51014" />

Scrub inside the sink drain.

We also scrub the sink drain plug.

Second, to keep the RV bathroom sink drain fresh smelling, we use Happy Camper Holding Tank Treatment which we’ve found is a particularly good deodorizer. We put scoop of powder in an old water bottle, fill it up with water and shake it well (the bottle gets warm as the enzymes get activated!), and then pour it down the drain.

Most of it goes into the gray water tank, but a small amount stays in the bathroom sink drain p-trap and does its magic there, killing off the offensive odors.

RV sink drain plut" width="721" height="481" class="size-full wp-image-51012" />

Scrub the sink drain plug with a toothbrush.

To keep our RV shower in tip-top shape, we clean the drain there as well. The biggest problem in our RV shower drain isn’t foul odors, because the shower drain gets flushed with lots of water everyday. Instead, the challenge with the RV shower drain is accumulated hair.

In a house, it’s easy enough to use a powerful cleanser like Drano to clean out any clogs caused by hair, but we don’t want strong chemicals like that sitting in our gray wastewater holding tank. Afterall, we want the enzymes and bacteria in the Happy Camper and Unique RV Digest-It holding tank treatment products we use to thrive and go to work breaking things down!

So, we use a long spring hook (and flashlight) to pull the hair out. It just takes a few minutes and then the drain is clear.

Some RV shower stalls may have drain components that can be removed for cleaning. Ours doesn’t.

RV shower drain" width="631" height="539" class="size-full wp-image-51015" />

Use a spring hook to pull hair out of the RV shower drain.

Periodically, the RV shower wand gets crudded up with mineral deposits just like our RV sink faucets do. Again, we rely on white vinegar to clean up the deposits clogging the spray holes in the shower nozzle.

First, we pour the white vinegar through the shower wand to let it soak from the inside.

RV shower wand" width="681" height="712" class="size-full wp-image-51016" />

The RV shower wand can be cleaned with white vinegar.

Then we soak the shower wand’s face in a bath of white vinegar.

RV shower wand" width="751" height="421" class="size-full wp-image-51017" />

Put the RV shower wand face down in a white vinegar bath to clean all the little holes.

If we’ve let a little too much time pass, we’ll also use a toothpick to clean out each hole in the shower head. We use bamboo toothpicks because they hold up well in water. Ordinary wooden toothpicks tend to disintegrate when they get wet. A scribe also works well.

The before-and-after difference in the flow of water through the shower wand is startling. When half of the little holes are blocked from mineral deposits and the other half have an impeded flow, the water can feel like needles on your skin. After cleaning the wand, it is more like a waterfall.

RV shower wand with a toothpick or scribe" width="681" height="516" class="size-full wp-image-51040" />

Use a toothpick or scribe to clean each hole in the shower wand.

Lots of RVers love the Oxygenics RV shower head. We don’t use it because it doesn’t work well with the low water pressure we use to conserve water since we dry camp every night, but for RVers who get water hookups a lot, these shower heads are extremely popular. Of course, in hard water areas, these shower heads will need periodic cleaning as well.

The RV toilet bowl rinsing wand is also subject to corrosion from mineral deposits, and after a while when we go to rinse the toilet bowl we find the water flow from the sprayer is restricted and funky.

RV toilet sprayer wand cleaning" width="721" height="481" class="size-full wp-image-51018" />

The RV toilet sprayer wand gets clogged with minerals too.

Again, it’s easy to unscrew the end of the toilet spay wand, put it in a white vinegar for 20-30 minutes, scrub it a bit with a toothbrush, and then put it back on the wand.

Unscrew the tip of the toilet rinsing wand and soak it in white vinegar to clean the holes.

As an aside, if you have energy leftover after cleaning all your RV sinks, faucets, drains and spray nozzles, a spray bottle filled with a water and white vinegar mixture is super for washing the windows. As I wrote this, some flies got in our trailer and Mark started spraying them when they landed on the window next to him using a spray bottle filled with water and white vinegar. Besides slowing them down and killing them, he was really impressed with how clean the window was when he finished!

So, these are a few of the things we do to keep our sinks and drains flowing smoothly in our life on the road in our RV.

We hope they help you too!

Subscribe
Never miss a post — it’s free!

A recap of some of the goodies mentioned in this post:

Below are some of our most POPULAR POSTS (also in the MENUS above)

RV UPGRADES, SYSTEMS & TIPS MONEYFULL-TIME RV LIFESTYLE

• RV Boondocking - Tips for how to live in an RV off the grid
• Which RV Is Best for Full-Time Living? - Transitioning from a house to an RV - Which RV makes the best home?
• Full-time RV Lifestyle Tips - Full-time RVing Logistics - Mail, Domicile, Insurance, Warranties, Saving Money at RV Parks
• Internet & Phone Access for RVers - An inexpensive, minimalist solution for internet access on the road
• RV Dump Stations & Compost Toilets - How to do the dirty deed at the RV dump PLUS RV Composting Toilet tips
• Choosing a Trailer for Full-time RVing - Why the payload capacity is so important
• Learn RVing the Fun Way!! - Go Cheap, Go Small, Go NOW and have a blast in little RV!
• Free RV Campsites - Resources for locating campsites for boondocking
• Glimpses of the Full-time RV Life - Anecdotes from the road and essays about living the RV dream.
• Travel Photography Tips! - All the cameras, gear, books, blogs and tools we used to learn to take great pics!

GEAR STORE

• Gear Store - A list of the goodies, equipment and gear we've found useful in our RV lifestyle!

LIBRARIES of ARTICLES

Our most recent posts:

More of our Latest Posts are in the MENU.
New to this site? Visit RVers Start Here to find where we keep all the good stuff!!

5 Simple Ways to 'Zhng' Your Bathroom to Boutique Hotel Standards

Read article : 5 Simple Ways to 'Zhng' Your Bathroom to Boutique Hotel Standards

Bathroom #goals

The one thing you look forward to at staycations besides the breakfast buffets and movies on demand on the 42” plasma are the luxurious bathrooms. Stocked with plush towels, free-flow toiletries and if your hotel’s atas enough, a relaxing rain shower! And there’s a way you can take this hotel experience home, with some help from the experts of showers: hansgrohe. 

First to invent showerheads with adjustable jets and the wall-bars on which you mount your shower heads, hansgrohe has had many “eureka!” moments with state-of-the-art bathroom inventions. And we saw it firsthand at their recently revamped showroom - from button-operated rain showers to customizable taps in a spectrum of fashionable colours - with 5 bathroom additions to “zhng” your humble bathroom to one matching a 5-star hotel:

1. Get the hotel “rain shower” experience right in your home 

Raindance Select Overhead Showers

Your best bathroom karaoke sessions are at atas hotel staycations - you reckon it’s the combination of the superb reverb and rejuvenating rain showers. But you’ll also be “singing in the rain” in the comfort of your home with hansgrohe Rain Showers.

With up to 3 spray modes like RainAir (infuses water with air to create a voluminous water-saving spray) or WhirlAir (pulsating sprays that massage you), these overhead showers more than recreate the rain-like experience of hotel bathrooms.

The QuickClean technology in hansgrohe’s rain showers also makes cleaning a breeze because any dirt and limescale build up simply falls off when you gently rub the flexible silicon tip of each nozzle.

Raindance Select E300 Showerpipe Source: hansgrohe

If you’re excited about getting an overhead shower but your partner’s more a hand shower person, get the best of two worlds with 2-in-1 Showerpipes and Shower Panels. All your bathroom needs is an exposed connection to the main water supply and you won’t even have to hack the walls to install these babies.   

2. Change the mode of your shower with the press of a button

From delicate sprinkles to forceful streams, each of your family members has their favorite shower spray setting. And having to forcibly twist the showerhead dials back to your favorite setting every time you step into the shower can be quite a chore!

Raindance Select E120 - 3 sprays in 1 hand-shower (Colour: White Chrome)

But you can now adjust the jets of your shower, fuss-free, with hansgrohe’s Raindance Select hand showers like the Raindance Select E120. Clicking the “SELECT” button has you toggling between 3 different spray settings - Rain, RainAir and WhirlAir. And electricity’s not at all required to operate this clever device!

Remember to check the water pressure you have at home so the hansgrohe consultants can recommend you suitable hand showers.

Not just for hand showers, the Select Technology is also available on a range of hansgrohe showers, including the overhead rain showers. 

3. Bling up your tap handles with Swarovski crystals 

Source 

Never again settle for conventional metallic grey taps when there’s the option of stunning ones with sparkly Swarovski crystals. From the hansgrohe company’s luxury brand, AXOR, comes the closest thing to bespoke taps you’ll find. These customisations are hand-made in Germany, where taps can also be engraved with words and initials upon your request. 

Mandarin words can also be printed for those of you with parents who don’t read English 

You can also customize the heights of your taps to fit your bathroom. Source: hansgrohe

With 15 colours ranging from chrome to gold, these special finishes are not just pretty, they also make the metal more scratch-resistant. Taking customization up another notch, they even give you the option between matte and glossy - and you thought that was only applicable to the photographs you develop! 

4. Impress your guests with these one-of-a-kind taps

When guests come over to visit, the only room more visited than the living room is the bathroom. And all you need are these designer taps to give your visitors some serious tap-envy.  

AXOR Starck V. Source: AXOR

With a see-through faucet made of crystal glass, this tap reveals a mesmerizing water vortex. This is how spray researchers at Hansgrohe pay homage to Klaus Grohe - the founder’s youngest son - and his passion for water. Not only is it easy on the eyes, its easy-click-in design and safety-stop function make it really easy to clean. 

Turn up the zen with the AXOR Massaud’s nature-inspired designs and get a mini waterfall at your bathroom sink Source: AXOR

Bearing an uncanny resemblance to a branch and made with ⅓ less brass compared to regular taps, the AXOR Starck Organic taps are not only eco-friendly but very fancy. Source: AXOR

5. Give your basic bathroom a boutique hotel theme 

Your basic bathroom has a lot of untapped potential and your standard issue BTO bathroom can be boutique hotel material. All you’ve to do is dare to imagine and take inspiration from the urban chic AXOR Citterio M series or classy 1900s European AXOR Montreux series. 

Urban chic minimalist design of the AXOR Citterio M series Source: hansgrohe

The sleek design of the AXOR Citterio M series is the perfect option if you don’t have much toilet space to work with. Resembling the knobs and dials that you see in cars, this bathroom collection designed by the Italian architect and designer Antonio Citterio, ought to strongly appeal to you car aficionados. 

AXOR LampShower by Nendo Source: AXOR

There’s never been a rain shower as quirky as this lampshade that doubles as a showerhead, where the “spotlight” is literally on you as you stand under the water converging at the centre. So get ready to belt out those karaoke tunes. 

The AXOR Montreux Series - Posh up your bathroom with regal designs inspired by 20th century Europe. 

Hansgrohe- the touch of atas you need in your home

There are four types of Singaporeans in the shower. If you’re the chiongster who just whacks water both hot or cold or the hum ji kia who spends 10 minutes making sure the water’s the right temperature, showering is far from a relaxing experience. 

But here to change that, is a line of bathroom fixtures from AXOR and hansgrohe  - from hand showers with intuitive buttons to mind-boggling taps with water vortexes - they’ll completely redefine your idea of bathroom #goals. 

The showroom’s AXOR Massaud collection, featuring a lake-like bathtub and even a towel holder that looks like a branch! 

Catch these bathroom taps and showers in action and head down to the newly revamped hansgrohe and AXOR showroom at 69 Mohamed Sultan Road. With bathroom collections designed by prominent names in the industry - like Phoenix Design, Philippe Starck and Antonio Citterio - you’ll find there are really no bathroom boundaries in your home.

*From now until 28 February, simply pay with your Citibank debit or credit card and get 25% off regular-priced products under hansgrohe brand.

Click here to find out more about AXOR and hansgrohe!

---

This post was brought to you by hansgrohe.

Also watch us on TheSmartLocalTV!

[embedded content]