Issue #04
May 2009

A sink in a purple bathroom

Getting started

Minding your P’s and S’s

Selecting the right fixtures and fittings is an integral part of planning your new bathroom. But sometimes, it seems that plumbers, builders and architects have a language all of their own. Who would have thought there were so many types and variations of toilets, taps and basins?

To simplify the selection process, and ensure you’re speaking the right language, we’ve provided a handy summary of the key things you need to know about fixtures and fittings. For more comprehensive descriptions just click on the highlighted product type or visit www.reece.com.au/create. Or simply visit your local Reece showroom where our showroom consultants will ensure you are always in the know.

Toilets

Close-coupled, back-to-wall, link and wall-hung are toilet terms you need to come to grips with. But, the first question you’re likely to be asked is “S trap or P trap?” These terms refer to where the outlet pipe goes – “P trap” indicates that the waste goes through the wall, while “S trap” indicates that the waste goes through the floor. Once you’ve worked that out, you can start thinking about the style of toilet that will best suit your bathroom – the ever popular complete back-to-wall suite, the space saving and elegant wall-hung or the installation friendly link suite.

Tapware

Most of us grew up with the classic basin or wall top assembly with the three separate pieces – the hot tap, the cold tap and the outlet. And these are still a great choice for the right bathroom. But these days, single lever mixers are more and more popular which is not surprising given the many wonderful shapes, sizes and styles available. And in case you’re wondering - yes, the term “mixer” does come from the fact that the hot and cold water are mixed to the desired temperature as it passes through a cartridge inside the unit itself.

Basins

We’ve seen a lot of innovation in basins in recent years. There has always been a big choice with vanity basins, semi-recessed basins, wall mounted, pedestals and above counter basins (which are all pretty much what they sound like). But now, with the use of a wider range of materials, we’re seeing an even bigger variety of shapes and sizes. The Alape range is a great example of the modern possibilities in basins. They are German engineered from pressed steel and glazed three times in a glass enamel coating.

There you have it – tapware, toilets and basins made easy. Not nearly as overwhelming as you first thought, is it? We hope this helps as you commence your bathroom-planning journey. In the next issue of bathtime™, we’ll look at the bathroom basics of showers, spas and baths.


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