Leaking Shower Head - Solved!

Read article : Leaking Shower Head - Solved!

Photo: istockphoto.com

Q. Lately, when I take a shower, more water drips and runs out from behind the shower head faceplate than comes out the spray holes. I’ve also noticed water leaking from the shower head when it’s not in use. What gives? Should I call a plumber?

A.If a constant drip, drip, drip keeps you awake at night, or if you get startled by a spray of water from a leaking shower head every time you hop into the shower, it’s time for a little servicing. If left unattended, those droplets can really run up your water and energy bills and even stain the interior of the shower—especially if your water supply is high in iron. Fortunately, fixing a leak from behind a shower head faceplate will likely be a quick project that won’t require special tools or skills. Repairing a leaking shower head that drips when turned off is more complicated but, depending on the cause, may also be solved without a plumber.

Try soaking the shower head in vinegar. Over time, hard water deposits can build up in the holes of the shower head, restricting the spray of water and forcing the backed-up water out around the faceplate or out from the junction of the shower head and arm. To break up the hard water deposits, first remove the shower head by loosening the nut that secures it to the shower arm. Soak the shower head overnight in white vinegar to soften the mineral deposits, and scrub away any remaining residue with an old toothbrush before reinstalling.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Check for a worn seal. Washers and O-rings form watertight seals between connections on a shower head, but they can harden or split over time, which allows water to leak out. This type of leak is especially common in shower heads with swivel connections, which have a seal behind the swivel assembly. If you suspect a worn seal, remove and disassemble the shower head to replace the washer or O-ring. Tip: When purchasing a new plumbing seal, take the old one with you to the hardware store to ensure that you bring home an exact match.

Replace the washer in a compression faucet if the leaking persists. Compression faucets have two different handles: one hot and one cold. If you have a compression-style shower that leaks when turned off, the problem could be a worn washer in the assembly. First, determine which handle, hot or cold, is causing the leak by feeling the temperature of the dripping water. Then, turn off the water supply and give this fix a try: Remove the faulty faucet handle, which is held in place with a screw located below the handle or hidden under a pry-off cap. Slip off the cover trim to gain access to the faucet stem, which is secured with a hex nut. Use a deep socket wrench to remove the nut, and you should find a rubber washer. Replace it with a new rubber washer, and reassemble the faucet.

In rare cases, the small curved area behind the washer (called the “seat”) can become so corroded or damaged that even a new washer won’t seal tightly enough to prevent water from leaking out of the shower head. If this happens, you’ll probably need to call in a plumber to replace the entire assembly.

Replace a defective cartridge in the valve body. Many newer showers feature a single handle that controls both hot and cold water flow. In the wall behind the handle lies a valve body containing a cylindrical cartridge made of hard plastic. If the cartridge becomes worn or cracked, water can seep through—even when the handle is in the “off” position. This can cause water to drip or trickle from the shower head.

Here, too, replacing the worn cartridge requires turning off the water supply to the shower. Access the cartridge by removing the shower handle (which is held in place with a small screw) and taking off the decorative faceplate and the cap that covers the valve body stem (by twisting or by removing a screw, depending on the model). Slip off the stem cover, which should give way easily, to reveal the end of the plastic cartridge. Most cartridges are secured with either a twist-on nut or a clip. Remove the nut or clip, then use a pair of pliers to grasp the stem of the cartridge and pull the cartridge out. Take the worn cartridge to the hardware store to get an exact match, install the new cartridge, and reassemble the faucet. If replacing the cartridge doesn’t solve your leaking shower head, the valve body itself is likely damaged. Unfortunately, replacing a valve body is a job for a plumber.

All shower plumbing works in a similar manner, but faucets, shower heads, and valve body assemblies vary in the ways they connect. When in doubt, refer to the manufacturers’ manuals (often found on their websites) or leave it to the pros.

Shower solutions for hotels – High-quality shower trays for all...

Read article : Shower solutions for hotels – High-quality shower trays for all...

Modern shower solutions are integral components of contemporary hotel bathrooms and feature in every bathroom. In private residential buildings, the aesthetics and spatial aspects of the shower area define its design. But in the commercial sector, technical factors such as the anti-slip class, sound insulation or accessibility have to be considered additionally.

Villeroy & Boch, as a partner for the property business, provides a large selection of high-quality shower trays made of acrylic, Quaryl® and ceramic, which are available in a wide selection of standard as well as customised sizes. The Infinity shower trays, awarded the iF DESIGN AWARD 2016, can be cut into individual customised sizes and special factors such as protrusions or corners can also be taken into account. Villeroy & Boch has classic shower trays in white and in other colours, which incorporate the latest trends in trays, as well as ceramic shower trays with selected tile designs.

Walk-in shower areas – flush-fitting, on tiles or a base

When sophisticated hotels are built nowadays, the shower areas are designed as spacious walk-in spa showers with flat, rimless shower trays. Guests are able to enjoy a spacious shower room, which can also be designed as an accessible room so that guests with disabilities or limited mobility can easily use them.

Experts use materials such as ceramic, Quaryl® or acrylic as they provide significant benefits compared to tiled floors. In wet areas with tiled floors, the joints can still become leaky even if the tiles were laid by a professional, resulting in extensive renovation in the shower area. Moisture can also cause damage to the walls and floors, which often leads to costly refurbishments. Walk-in shower trays are also ideal for a more hygienic environment. Thanks to the smooth, closed surface, dirt particles and bacteria cannot grip onto anything – in marked contrast to porous joints where germs and mould can build up, posing a health risk to hotel guests. Hoteliers, therefore, are confronted with comparatively high costs for thoroughly cleaning and taking care of shower areas with tiles and joints. However, walk-in showers only need water and a neutral cleaning agent to get them hygienically clean, and it takes a lot less time to do so, too. The results: fewer cleaning costs in total and, therefore, a lower environmental impact because significantly fewer non-aggressive cleaning agents are used. Another advantage of shower trays is the flexible installation. When a floor-level shower is neither desired nor possible, for example when it is being renovated, then there are functional and attractive shower solutions, which allow shower trays to be installed on the existing tiles or on a base in the shower area. To ensure builders, hoteliers and planners of hotel bathrooms have as many planning options for shower areas as possible, Villeroy & Boch's collections have high-quality shower trays with many different designs, e.g. Squaro Infinity made of Quaryl®, Subway Infinity made of ceramic and Architectura MetalRim made of acrylic.

Squaro Infinity

The Squaro Infinity shower trays made of Quaryl®, the patented material made of acrylic resin and quartz, have very exact edges for flush-fit installation thanks to the integrated ribbed technology and special casting process. The easy-to-clean, durable surface is warm underfoot and has the highest anti-slip class C. It has also been certified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics according to DIN 4109, the technical guidelines for sound insulation. This ensures that they are safe to use and noise is reduced, as is required in hotels.

The Squaro Infinity shower trays are available in nearly 50 standard sizes and can also be custom-cut with millimetre precision upon request. The shower trays can be cut to size on site with the proper tools and the instructions manual. A special installation system is used that has a steel beam and a frame that can be cut to fit all shower sizes.

To ensure it is integrated harmoniously into the existing interior, Squaro Infinity is available in the five solid matt colours of Edelweiss, Anthracite, Grey, Brown and Crème.

Subway Infinity

The Subway Infinite ceramic shower trays are also available in a wide variety of models. They come in 26 sizes, ranging from 80 x 75 cm to the XXL format of 160 x 100 cm, as well as in customised sizes and shapes. The flush outlet in the shower tray creates a clear and harmonious look. Subway Infinity is available in the three standard anti-slip colours in class B (PN18) - White Alpin, Ardoise and Taupe.

There are also Subway Infinity shower trays with Villeroy & Boch tile designs. By implementing ViPrint, an innovative, digital printing technology for ceramic shower trays, the patterns of selected floor tiles can be printed on 19 different sizes of trays. There are currently eight designs of successful tile series available, from a beige natural stone look through contemporary wood shades to a minimalist modern concrete effect in grey and anthracite. The shower bases are cut after glazing, printing and firing, ensuring the pattern extends all the way to the edges. Precise cutting allows flush integration in tiled floors, resulting in a consistent and seamless surface. The ViPrint versions are available in the anti-slip class A (PN12).

Architectura MetalRim

The Architectura MetalRim shower trays in the professional Architectura collection are the ideal choice for hotel bathrooms that require very robust floor-level showers. The four corners of the ultra-flat, rimless acrylic shower trays have been reinforced with galvanised steel, making them extremely stable and durable. They are cast from 4 mm solid-coloured sanitary acrylic that has been tested according to EN 249 and is extremely resilient, shock- and impact-proof and completely colour-fast. The easy-to-clean surface is UV-resistant and can be repaired easily even after it has been installed. The shower trays are, therefore, extremely sustainable. Villeroy & Boch gives ten years' warranty on these high-quality material properties.

Thanks to the special technology with steel-reinforced edging, Architectura MetalRim provides a high level of stability and has a load-bearing capacity of up to 1,000 kg. For more safety, customers can opt for a Vilbogrip anti-slip class C finish.

The design features a minimalistic, ultra-flat, rimless tray with a flush outlet cover. The white outlet cover is included in the delivery and is available upon request in Chrome Matt and chrome-plated. The outflow capacity of 51 litres of water per minute makes it highly efficient.

31 different designs are available, each with 15-mm or 48-mm rims and in two finishes, making 124 versions in total. Both 15-mm versions are wheelchair accessible; the 48-mm version is only wheelchair accessible when installed in the screed.

To see the photos, please visit:
http://pro.villeroy-boch.com/mdp/sk/64235044f4/DuschenHotelbad

Can You Replace a Single Lever Shower Faucet With Two Handles?

Read article : Can You Replace a Single Lever Shower Faucet With Two Handles?

Before you replace a single-handle tub faucet, take it out of the wall. Removing the single-handle faucet requires special tools like an Allen wrench and a handle puller if the handle sticks and will not slide off by hand. First unscrew the set screw on the side of the handle, pull it off and unscrew the bonnet under the handle. Take out the cartridge, and unscrew and remove the trim surrounding the faucet. Use a screwdriver to unscrew these screws. All that is left is the shower body valve for the single-handle faucet. Since today's single-handle faucets require their own shower valve, your new double-handle faucet will not mount to this valve, so remove and replace it.

20 Houses Under $50,000: February/March 2017 Edition | CIRCA Old Houses

Read article : 20 Houses Under $50,000: February/March 2017 Edition | CIRCA Old Houses

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

Happy (almost) spring! I’ve combined our February & March issues into one extra-special, double-decker list of 20 gorgeous, full-of-potential historic houses under $50,000. Enjoy!
 
(If you come across any beautiful old houses for sale for under $50,000, send them along to us at letters@circaoldhouses.com)
 

 

1
 313 Main St, Unadilla, NY
 
Source: Zillow, courtesy of Hunt Real Estate ERA
$39,900 (foreclosure)
 
This is a Fannie Mae Homepath property! Gorgeous two story home located in Unadilla, NY. Covered front porch greets you upon entrance. Gorgeous hardwood flooring throughout the home and a spacious open floor plan. Living area is accompanied by a fireplace. Spiral staircase leads you upstairs. Open bedrooms and upstairs fireplace. Charming home takes you back in time and is located close to amenities!
 

 
 

2
 402 N Pittsburgh St, Connellsville, PA
 
Source: Realtor, courtesy of Conn Realty, Inc.
$25,000
 
Spacious 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath home is perfect for your growing family. Plenty of character and potential in this gem. Conveniently located on a corner lot with off-street parking. Original woodwork, built-ins and fireplaces are added charm while you enjoy the convenience of a first floor laundry room and a full bath.
 

 
 
 

3
 651 N Main St, Kenton, OH
 
Source: Zillow, courtesy of Royer Realty LLC
$49,900
 
Vintage character! This Victorian home built in 1870 has great potential! Large rooms, high ceilings, hardwood floors, decorative wood moldings, fireplace, big windows, covered front porch, fenced back yard, one car detached garage plus an updated kitchen! 9 rooms, 5 bedrooms with one on main level, full bath and large walk-in closet upstairs and main level laundry in kitchen. Call today to see this spacious home!
 

 
 
 
 

4
 1701 Grand Ave, Emmetsburg, IA
 
Source: Zillow
$27,500
 
Victorian project home located near center of Emmetsburg, IA. Home was built in 1893 by the town mayor, and is approximately 3200 square feet, with 6 + 1 bedrooms, 2 baths (with space built out for master bathroom in master suite downstairs).

Home has been updated and renovated, but still needs additional love and attention. Each floor has approximately 1600 square feet of space, plus full walk-up attic and partial basement. Home includes beautiful original burled walnut woodwork and pocket doors, built in china cabinet, and one original fireplace. Home also includes one beautiful wood staircase, and second staircase off back of kitchen.
First floor includes master suite (plus build out for master bath), family room with fireplace, large living room with fireplace, formal dining room, kitchen with walk-in pantry, laundry, mudroom, and bathroom. Also includes two storage closets. Second floor includes five bedrooms with closets, small office/den, and full bath. The first floor has been renovated and updated. Second floor has been partially renovated, but will require additional work before several of the rooms are move-in ready.
Completed renovations and updates include:

*New 400 sq. ft. master suite downstairs with new carpet, lights, electrical outlets, and molding.
*New paint and electrical outlets throughout first and second floor.
*Kitchen counter and fixtures have been replaced, cabinets were refinished, and wood flooring was installed.
*New light fixtures and ceiling fans added to every room in the house.
*Popcorn ceilings have been removed and repainted throughout the house.
*Other minor modifications and updating throughout.
* Electrical panel and wiring was updated in 2014.
* New roof installed in 2003.

The house will require additional work prior to becoming move-in ready, including a furnace tune-up/repair, water heater replacement, bathroom fixtures installed downstairs, and possible minor plaster repair. The outside of the home will require new paint and fascia repair.
Looking for someone who will be able to take on this project home. Depending on taste, many of the constructions items can be included in the cost of the sale (including fixtures, molding, tools, etc.). House is currently assessed at $61,000 by the county assessor. Willing to sell AS-IS for $50,000.
 

 
 
 

5
 2453 Berdan Ave, Toledo, OH
 
Source: RE/MAX Preferred Associates
$39,900
 
FEATURES EAT-IN KITCHEN W/ GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, NEWER WOOD CABINETS & MATCHING APPLIANCES. FORMAL DINING RM. LARGE LIVING RM WITH FIREPLACE AND ACCESS TO SUN ROOM. WOOD FLOORS IN BED RMS. UPDATES TO FULL BATH. LOCATED ABOUT 2 MILES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO. Selling as-is. Cash only. First 21 days on market for Owner Occupants only. Investor offers will be reviewed on day 22.
 

 
 
 

6
 23 Pittsylvania Ave, Halifax, NC
 
Source: Zillow, courtesy of Heaton Real Estate
$28,000
 
Own your own piece of History within The Historic Town of Halifax! Over 200 years old, built in the late 1700’s, early 1800’s, this beautiful Colonial Home formally known as The Price House & locally known as The Willie Jones House is in much need of repairs and restoration. NEEDS TLC and SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS! Yet, when fully restored it can be a prize show piece. Starting with a Victorian front porch, displaying original front door transom and sidelights, beautiful mantels and some original woodworking. This featured home is not only unique, but is also a work of art. This historic home is protected by covenants held by Preservation North Carolina and will apply to new buyer. Buyer may be eligible to receive historic preservation tax credits. Consult with the Town of Halifax first, but imagine converting this home into a small Bed n Breakfast in the historical heart of the County.
 

 
 
 

7
 800 Main St, Ely, NV
 
Source: Estately, courtesy of Silver Rio LLC
$45,000
 
Built in 1900 and operated as the Historic Cherry Creek Saloon until 2013 when it was converted to a residence. Includes the original structure and 5 lots. Furnished main living and kitchen areas 616 square feet. Additional 280 feet with two rooms and bathrooms all unfinished. For Sale in AS-IS CONDITION.
 

 
 
 

8
 1258 County Road 35, Guilford, NY
 
Source: Hunt Real Estate
$49,900
 
This is a Fannie Mae Homepath property! Beautiful old world charm in this Colonial style home. Tons of extra storage options with plenty of large rooms! Great open floor plan that allows tons of natural light throughout! Located close to your needed amenities! Dont miss it!
 

 
 
 

9
 872 Wall St, Iva, SC
 
Source: Berkshire Hathaway C. Dan Joyner
$45,500
 
Diamond in the Rough!! – Home with character located on 5 acres, this is a country lover’s dream! Large home with rocking chair front porch, enclosed back porch, 2 outbuldings, and so much more. The attic could be converted to more GLA as well… 3 bedrooms ( one has no closet and one is plumbed for another bathroom), huge living room with fireplace, Den with built-ins, Large kitchen and 1 bath.
 

 
 
 

10
 1935 SW Buchanan St, Topeka, KS
 
Source: Zillow, courtesy of Miller & Midyett Real Estate
$35,000
 
HISTORIC BRICK 2 1/2 STORY VICTORIAN ON LARGE CORNER LOT. 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH IS READY TO BE RESTORED TO FORMAL ELEGANCE. HARDWOOD FLOORS, HIGH CEILINGS, LOTS OF ORIGINAL FIXTURES. COVERED FRONT PORCH. PREVIOUSLY CONVERTED TO TWO SEPARATE LIVING AREAS ONE ON MAIN AND ONE UP. PRIVATE ENTRANCE TO UPPER STORY. ATTIC HAS HIGH CEILING & COULD MAKE FOR FUTURE EXPANSION. FULL UNFIN. BSMT & DET GARAGE WITH OFFICE/WKSHOP. PROPERTY HAS BEEN IN SAME FAMILY FOR MANY YEARS. SOLD AS IS. CLOSE TO WASHBURN UNIV.
 

 
 
 

11
 12720 Still Pond Rd, Still Pond, MD
 
Source: Trulia, courtesy of Doug Ashley Realtors LLC
$39,900
 
This Victorian, located in the quaint village of Still Pond, is ready for renovation! A new well and BAT(Best Available Technology) septic system was installed in 2014. Wood floors, a nice staircase and large rooms make the possibilities endless! The well and septic alone probably cost what this property is listed for. Great opportunity to own a piece of history & renovate it to today’s standards.
 

 
 
 

12
 6896 Us Highway 29, Reidsville, NC
 
Source: Zillow, courtesy of Atkinson Real Estate
$29,900 (offer pending)
 
Some attractive wood work in subject, extra LRG Fireplace in LR, Mostly HRWD floors. Old farm style w/ Master BR on 1st fl, 4 BR, 2 Full baths. Has many possibilities. SOLD AS-IS Property is eligible for the FMFL initiative through 1-1-17. website for more details.
 

 
 
 

13
 1311 Walnut St, Sweetwater, TX
 
Source: Realtor, courtesy of Hunter Ranch and Realty
$25,000
 
Large 2 story, 8 bedroom, 2 bathroom house on huge corner lot! House needs lots of work or the lot could serve as a good spot to build! For more info call listing agent Justin Wilburn @ 325 338 5099
 

 
 
 

14
 1609 Virginia Ave, Connersville, IN
 
Source: RE/MAX Preferred Choice
$29,900
 
GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!! PRICED TO SELL. GREAT PRICE IN A GREAT LOCATION. NEEDS FIXED-UP BUT WORTH THE EFFORT. NEIGHBORING PROPERTIES CURRENTLY PRICED IN THE UPPER 100’S!!
 

 
 
 

15
 713 S 6th St, Coshocton, OH
 
Source: Peddicord Rice Auction Realty
$45,000
 
CHARACTER! Check out this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with all kinds of character. Beautiful woodwork throughout the home including pocket doors, french doors and lovely built-ins in the dining room. Home has had several updates including electrical, gas service, hot water heater and more.
 

 
 
 

16
 634 Laurels Rd, Johnson City, TN
 
Source: RE/MAX Checkmate
$49,900
 
Circa 1875, Tennessee Federal Style Home with Creek Front. Remodeled during 80’s, Home is in need of rejuvenating. Nice Large, Level Lot, popular location between JC, Unicoi, and Happy Valley Communities.
 

 
 
 

17
 620 Edward St, Branchville, SC
 
Source: Zillow, courtesy of Dorchester Real Estate Services
$45,000
 
PRICE REDUCED!! Early 1900’s Home in the Historic town of Branchville. When you walk up to the home you are welcomed by a beautiful wrap front porch that was a fixture of homes of this era. +/-2084sqft with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Enter the front door into the foyer with living and dining room. Nice size kitchen and eating area. This home has the original wood floors and high ceilings. If you are looking for an older home this may be just the one for you.
 

 
 
 

18
 421 Mckinley Ave, Butler, PA
 
Source: CENTURY 21 American Heritage Realty
$37,900
 
POTENTIAL TO BE REMARKABLE PERIOD HOME. ORIGINAL UNPAINTED WOODWORK. AMAZING PILLARS THRU WIDE OPENING INTO LIVING ROOM. BREATH TAKING INTO THE ENTRY! STAINED GLASS IS AMAZING! SOME NEWER FLOORING, WINDOWS, NEWER PAINT IN SOME ROOMS. 3RD FLOOR HAS 4 ROOMS–2 FOR BEDROOMS AND 2 FOR WALK IN CLOSETS. HOUSE NEEDS SOME WORK BUT HAS VERY GOOD BONES. NICE, PARTIALLY FENCED IN YARD, QUIET STREET, PLENTY OF PARKING.
 

 
 
 

19
 301 Crook St, Coin, IA
 
Source: Zillow, courtesy of Crawford & Co Real Estate
$39,900
 
An older home that has had some updates and some unique features. This home has 4 bedrooms and two full baths. It has a newer hi-ef furnace and some newer wiring. On the main floor you will find a kitchen with attached laundry room, a full bath, large living room with fireplace, a foyer, and two stairways. The upper level has four bedrooms and a full bath. The basement has four large rooms and high ceiling with potential for living space. There is a one car garage. The home sits on a large lot. The home has oak floors, set of French doors and a large fireplace. There is a wraparound porch, partially enclosed and an enclosed back porch.
 

 
 
 

20
 308 Calhoun St, Johnston, SC
 
Source: Zillow, courtesy of Edgefield Southern Realty
$49,900
 
Beautiful Antique home with lots of heart pine floors, beautiful windows, and original tin shingle roof. Wide front porch for lemonade afternoons. Privacy fenced back yard with detached carport at rear. Back screened porch waiting on your rocking chair. Kitchen has hand painted details and contemporary colors. Come view today and make this house your home!
 

 
 

 
Follow CIRCA’s latest Instagram feed at @CheapOldHouses, on which we showcase only gorgeous historical homes for sale for under $100,000.

 
 
 

AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Brooklyn, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”