Misc bathroom refurb questions:

[T i m]

Hi All,

Long - short. Mum (82) is finally getting round to getting her bathroom revamped with the kit she bought from Homebase in 2005.

Right, so, the big airing cupboard and cylinder have been removed and smaller stud wall / cupboard fitted to make an end wall for rectangular show cubicle (Thanks to andew for helping re supply of replacements for the incorrectly supplied shower cubicle parts).

In the process the old basic wall mounted CH boiler started to cutout but I think I've sorted that (new thermocouple and overtemp stat). It still might need a clean out (it looks like the heat exchanger is held into the boiler with about 4 x 2 off screws on flanges. I wonder if I could take it out and check / clean it for scale as it seems to now need the pump on full to stop it tripping the overtemp stat?). The pipes into the old cylinder do show a fine scale layer but nothing terrible considering it's been in there since the 50's. The boiler though may be a different issue, even though it's only been there 20+ years.

The toilet waste is now just the 5.5" I/D (and about 3.25" deep) cast iron pipe that joins the CI stink pipe outside. When offering the new WC up it's pretty central with the existing CI and about 1.5" away.

(Recap) So and considering the replies I got to this one previously, I was thinking of waiting till the floor was down and then using a std / short 4" to 4" pan fitting with a short length of 4" plastic waste pushed onto the end and then cementing that into the CI with a suitable drainage type cement? I can initially cement it in around the assembly on the outside as it stands in it's final position and when that's gone off I can remove the WC / pan connector from the plastic soil pipe then backfill inside the joint with cement from within the pipe to ensure there are no holes or gaps etc? The idea being that it would then present us with what is effectively, a std modern 4" plastic waste outlet?

Flooring. Mum has ordered some bathroom type vinyl and they are going to fit it (for 40 quid). However, it has been suggested the (substantial / good condition / secure) floorboards will need covering with something first. With what and how please?

Are there any real reservations / issues running water (hot / cold to hand basin / WC) under the floor in SpeedFit? I might do the above-floor bits in copper but under the floor?

The thermostatic mixer shower unit backs onto the airing cupboard and is currently sitting there 'dry mounted' and about 18" away from the hot / cold feed pipes (22mm copper). There is a 22mm ball valve on each ready. What would be the best way to go from there to the show unit itself? Flexy, 15mm reducer > 15mm copper, 22mm (the shower mixer didn't come with any elbows etc and the input ports are sideways facing and quite large (3/4?)). I'm thinking 'flow rate' but also aware the mixer itself is probably quite restrictive. This is all gravity and the cold water tank is pretty well overhead of the shower but she's only having a std small shower head (not one of these dustbin lid sized things). ;-)

Mums just had a fairly major 'Ladies op' but will be back from my sisters next Wednesday (gulp).

Any / all suggestions welcomed. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

[NT]

hardboard or thin ply. Vinyl's vulnerable to step height changes and gaps, so I'd see that the edges meet over wood, not over gaps, even small ones.

I'm sure she's glad you told us that

NT

[sm_jamieson]

I nailed hardboard down with panel pins, mesh side upwards, so the heads we= re easily lost. I get some squeaking between the floor and the shiny hardbo= ard surface in places. It I did it again, I would put a layer of something = like thin fabric between the floorboards and the hardboard to prevent this. Or nail down shiny side up, but then you may have more problems sinking the= heads of having them pull though. Its also recommended to dampen the hardboard before laying, so that as it d= ries it tightens up like a drum skin. Well that is the theory anyway. Simon.

[GB]

easily lost. I get some squeaking between the floor and the shiny hardboard surface in places. It I did it again, I would put a layer of something like thin fabric between the floorboards and the hardboard to prevent this.

heads of having them pull though.

dries it tightens up like a drum skin.

I thought that for bathrooms ply is recommended - wbp?

[T i m]

Understood. So, a gap between said sheets or but them tight together. Fasten round the edges or all over?

I can guarantee she really WGAF. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

[T i m]

easily lost. I get some squeaking between the floor and the shiny hardboard surface in places. It I did it again, I would put a layer of something like thin fabric between the floorboards and the hardboard to prevent this.

So I'm guessing there isn't a specific underlay for this like there is laminate etc?

heads of having them pull though.

The vinyl is reasonably thick so I'm guessing a *small* protrusion wouldn't be a big issue (but best avoided of course).

it tightens up like a drum skin.

Seems like a feasible one. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

[T i m]

easily lost. I get some squeaking between the floor and the shiny hardboard surface in places. It I did it again, I would put a layer of something like thin fabric between the floorboards and the hardboard to prevent this.

heads of having them pull though.

dries it tightens up like a drum skin.

I believe ply was mentioned but no particular details.

So is this screwed, pinned, stapled and what about where the sheets touch. Do you leave an expansion gap and if so how much, and won't it show up? Could you create a feathered expansion joint?

Cheers, T i m

[Owain]

she should avoid motorcycling until the stitches are out?

Owain

[T i m]

Don't. ;-)

When my Mrs was riding a scooter about with 'her' (Mums) grandchild inside her, she gave us a lot of (loving) stick for doing so.

When said granddaughter want to take her bike test Mum gave her a lot of stick similarly.

After daughter had passed her bike test and had been riding for a few months, Mum let slip in front of granddaughter " .. yeah, when your granddad and I were young and motorcycling around England ...". ;-)

You should have seen our daughters face!

Mum might still be coming back from my sisters later this week and My Mrs was suggesting that she might stay with her, just to stop from trying to do too much stuff.

Cheers, T i m

p.s. Daughter also took her Nan round round the block on her scooter as her Nan gave her some money towards it. Unfortunately, 'Nan' passed away before she got the chance so she took her in her urn anyway. We think she would have enjoyed that. ;-)