Baths
Size and Shape of Bath
On the whole, the longer the bath, the more comfortable it will be. But remember that bigger baths use more water, which will cost more in the long run, both financially and ecologically. Be careful that the bath you buy is not so bulky it won't get through the bathroom door. Baths are made in three materials. Plastic baths are cheap, light, warm to the touch and are available in various shapes and sizes. Whilst they are very popular for domestic bathrooms, they are not very robust, and can become discoloured and cracked. Avoid plastic baths less than or 6mm thick, which may sag.
Enamelled, pressed steel baths are generally good quality and are less affected by wear and tear. They can be repaired should the surface become damaged. Cast iron baths are solid and heavy so first ensure your bathroom floor is strong enough to support the weight, and that you will be able to manoeuvre it into the bathroom. Rolltop baths are only really suitable for large bathrooms and will swamp a small space. They are expensive and can also be hard to get hold of, since few are still made in the U.K. However, some manufacturers now make roll-top baths in modern materials. Beware: photographs and showrooms don't always include the pipework which is much more visible than with a standard boxed in bath and may be an eyesore.
Spa and whirlpool baths are also now popular although they can be expensive.
Make sure your bath has the correct number of tap holes drilled in it (and in the right places) before it leaves the shop. Whilst plastic bath tap holes can be easily drilled by your plumber, steel ones are best done by the manufacturer so you won't have to pay for any damage.
Basins
Basins come with a pedestal, as part of a vanity unit or hang on the wall. Vanity unit basins are best for hiding pipework whilst still allowing access to plumbing for maintenance.
Wall-hung basins take up less space and allow you to adjust the height to suit your needs. Check your walls are strong enough to support a wall-mounted basin.
If you want something a bit different from standard ceramic, then look out for designer basins in alternative materials, such as glass, copper, stainless steel and stone. But if you are forgetful or have small children and you don't want your bathroom flooded, don't choose a designer basin without an overflow.
WC's
Most WCs now come as a closely coupled suite with the cistern attached to the back of the pan. These flush more quietly than WCs with high-level cisterns. These come with a European style pushbutton flush. You can save water by buying a WC with a dual flush button, which lets you choose between a short or long flush.
If you have plenty of space, then a concealed cistern can be built into the wall. One advantage of this is that you can buy a cheaper plastic cistern, since it won't be seen. If you opt for a concealed cistern.
You can hide even more plumbing by buying a wall-hung. This is fixed onto a hidden frame in the wall, rather than sitting on the bathroom floor.
When choosing where to put a new WC, allow 21" (530mm) in front and 30" (760mm) across for comfort. It is often difficult to reposition your WC as it is dependent on where the drains are.
If you want one far away from the drains, you can buy a macerator which is a pump and shredder - it will even pump waste away vertically if you want a WC in a basement. The shredder fits neatly behind the WC bowl. First check with your local water supplier that the system you choose is approved by them.
Taps
Taps can be as expensive as the bath or basin you are buying them for and it is definitely true that you pay for what you get. Chromium-plated brass taps are the best quality - plastic ones will not last as long.
Some modern taps only need ¼ turn to go from off to full on which is much easier for the elderly and the young. These taps require far less maintenance as they have hard-wearing ceramic discs instead of washers.
Whilst the aesthetics of your taps may seem important, make sure you buy the best taps for your plumbing system. Non-British taps are mostly designed for mains pressure and may not work properly if your water comes via a tank in your loft. You can still install them but you will have to accept that they may trickle rather than gush.
