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1 HM BATHROOM FIXES 22/1/08 10:07 AM Page 26 simple fixes 10 bathroom Easy projects Cut circles in tiles Most bathrooms require at least one hole in tiles for a floor or shower waste outlet. For efficient water run-off, position the circle at the intersection of two or four tiles rather than cutting into a single tile. TIP Use an angle grinder and diamond blade with a smooth, continuous rim. SCORED LINE RADIAL CUTS TRIM LINE 2Make short radial cuts Complete the semicircle with a series of spoke-like radial cuts. Clean up rough edges with a diamond blade or remove tabs with a tile nipper. C A WASTE PIECE 1Score the circle outline Mark the circle on the tiles then score the profile with an angle grinder. Before removing the excess tile, make short cuts on both sides of the semicircle (A and B). Connect the cuts (C) by making a series of progressively deeper shallow cuts. B FRONT BACK 3Clean up Grind the edges smooth, working slowly around each curve. TIP Buy a square waste outlet (instead of round) for easier cutting. 26 MARCH 2008 Handyman

2 HM BATHROOM FIXES 22/1/08 10:08 AM Page 27 Maintain a clean, functional wet area by tackling these simple jobs, one step at a time WORDS FRANK GARDNER

3 HM BATHROOM FIXES 25/1/08 9:31 AM Page 28 Cut squares in tiles Every bathroom needs power points and switches. The key to cutting rectangles and squares in tiles is to avoid cutting beyond the corners. FRONT OF TILE SCORE FRONT SIDE 1Mark out the shape Mark the cut-out on the front and back of the tile. Score the front of the tile about 1.5mm deep along the line with an angle grinder. PLUNGE-CUT BACK OF TILE SP CUT AT CORNER 2Finish the cut Turn the tile over and plunge-cut from the back, checking frequently. Stop when the cut lines up with the marked corners. Then plunge-cut the remaining three sides. 3For installation Have a qualified electrician pre-wire the bathroom before tiling. When the tiling and painting is complete, have them connect all power points, light switches and fans. 28 MARCH 2008 Handyman

4 HM BATHROOM FIXES 22/1/08 10:56 AM Page 29 Hang a mirror on tiles When buying a bathroom mirror, consider how it will be hung. Most frameless mirrors are sold with hanging clips already on the back so they sit flush to the wall. SPACING ROD SPACING ROD HANGING CLIP 1Measure clip positions Use a length of timber as a spacing rod and mark on the centre of the hanging clips. Drill corresponding holes through the timber using a twist bit to match the diameter of the wall plug. CENTRE OF CLIP 2Drill into the tiles Position spacing rod on the tiles using a spirit level. Use a power drill set on drill setting only and a masonry bit to match the plug diameter. Place the drill bit through the holes in the rod and drill through the tile into the wall to the depth required. 3Hang the mirror Tap in the appropriate plug and secure the pan-head screws supplied with the mirror, leaving them protruding from the tile to the depth of the hanging clip. Hook the clips over the screw heads and let them drop into the slots. Handyman MARCH

5 HM BATHROOM FIXES 22/1/08 10:59 AM Page 30 SureSeal SEALANTS AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD. Australia s largest selling DIY grout & tile sealers Manufacturers of the WORLD S FIRST Grout & Tile Aerosol Sealers Grout & Tile Aerosol Sealer Quick Drying Specifically formulated to seal grout lines between glazed ceramic tiles. Overspray is not a problem as SureSeal dries invisible. Its quick-drying formulation is ideal for use on all types of grout, tile and masonry surfaces including benchtops, bathrooms and shower recesses. Use to seal dry and damp grout 20 minutes after installation. Gold Label Impregnator Penetrating Sealer for Grout, Tile and Masonry This quick-drying impregnator is suitable for larger jobs on all types of tile and masonry surfaces including dry and damp grout lines, quarry tile, sandstone, terra cotta, limestone, stucco, architectural concrete, pre-cast stone, brick, porcelain, marble and granite. Provides durable, long-lasting protection against oil and water-based stains whilst retaining ing the substrate s natural look. Aerosol Sealer for Porcelain Low Odour This slower drying low odour aerosol sealer is specifically designed to seal and protect porcelain, marble, granite and all polished stone surfaces against oil and water-based stains. Will not change colour or appearance of the treated surface. Use in conjunction with Sure Clean Porcelain Cleaner. Impregnator for Porcelain Low Odour This slower-drying impregnator has been specifically ly formulated to seal porcelain, granite and marble. Works equally as well in preventing oil and waterbased stains on all types of tile and masonry surfaces including sandstone, limestone, terra cotta and concrete. Install an exhaust fan Avoid cultivating mould and having the lingering smell of damp by ensuring the bathroom has adequate ventilation. Install an efficient, fast-working exhaust fan for the best solution. 1Mark the ceiling position Access the roof cavity to locate the ceiling joists. The fan should fit between them. Use masking tape to position the template supplied with the fan and mark the outline with a pencil. Accept No Substitutes look for Gus the Seal Available in every major tile and hardware store Australia wide For Nearest Stockist or Approved Applicator In Your Area Call Install the fan Have a qualified electrician hardwire a power point into the ceiling cavity near the fan. Plug the unit into this before installing. Fit the unit into the cavity, slowly pushing into place so the spring clips lock onto the back of the plasterboard. Clip on the cover plate and switch on. 2Cut out the ceiling Drill a 10mm-diameter starter hole inside the marked outline and cut using a hacksaw blade or a jigsaw set on slow. TIP Place a dropcloth under the work area to catch the plasterboard dust as it falls.

6 HM BATHROOM FIXES 22/1/08 10:13 AM Page 31 Regrout tiles Bumps and knocks to tiled surfaces loosen grout over time, allowing water to seep in. Regrouting is simpler than replacing tiles, and it gives old tiles a clean finish. 1Remove the old grout Use a toothed carbide grit-edge cutting blade to remove loose grout. The angled offset handle lets you apply heavy pressure as the blade is scraped over the gaps. Vacuum out the dust then wash the surface with a solution of water and white vinegar. 2Regrout the tiles Mix the new grout to the consistency of toothpaste. Sweep a rubber float or squeegee diagonally across the tiles to push grout into the gaps. Leave it to set for 30 minutes then use a damp sponge and clean water to wipe away the excess. 3Seal the grout Leave the grout to cure for two days. Apply a sealer with a small paintbrush, using a rag to wipe edges of the tiles clean as you go. TIP The sealer prevents water, dirt and mould from penetrating and staining the grout. Handyman MARCH

7 HM BATHROOM FIXES 22/1/08 10:13 AM Page 33 Waterproof with silicone Silicone plays a key part in waterproofing a bathroom. Prevent water damage down the track by applying a bead of silicone to seal gaps between the vanity benchtop and wall, or between the tiles and the bathtub. 1Protect the surfaces Fix strips of masking tape to either side of the gap, about 4mm apart. Cut the nozzle from the silicone at 45º, keeping the hole smaller than the gap for greater control. TIP Cut nozzle neatly as jagged edges create furrows in the caulking bead. 2Lay an even bead Start at one end and continue to the other. Pull the trigger slowly and steadily, pushing the caulking gun away from you and adjusting the rate to match variations in flow speed. TIP Lift the gun as soon as you reach the end of the gap. 3Smooth the bead Run along the bead with a finger dipped in soapy water, continuously from one end to the other, applying enough pressure to create a smooth, even surface. Remove masking tape and excess silicone immediately and allow to dry. Handyman MARCH

8 HM BATHROOM FIXES 25/1/08 9:34 AM Page 34 Install a towel rail Towel rails should be positioned for easy access from the shower, bathtub or vanity, but not where they can get wet from splashing. The ideal height is 1200 to 1700mm, depending on the ceiling and any obstructions. FIXING POINT PLASTIC PLUG LUG RAIL COVER SLEEVE 1Mark the fixing points Assemble the towel rail and measure between fixing points. Run wide masking tape along the tiles and use a spirit level to draw a straight line on the tape. Measure and mark the spacing of the lugs on the line. LUG 2Attach the lugs Select a sharp masonry bit to match the size of the supplied plastic plugs and fix to a power drill. Using the drill setting, apply pressure to slowly drill through the tiles. Tap the plugs into place and screw in the lugs. 3Attach the rail Slide the rail sleeves over either end of the rail and over the lugs. Tighten the pair of screws at each end with the supplied key. TIP The small allen key nuts are hidden from view on the underside of the sleeves. 34 MARCH 2008 Handyman

9 HM BATHROOM FIXES 22/1/08 10:15 AM Page 35 Replace a washer No need to call a plumber to fix a dripping tap if you know how to change a washer. Note that different tap styles require different techniques. LOCKING PLIERS 1Shut off the main If you live in a house, the water meter is near the front boundary. Shut the water off here, then turn on a tap inside to check the water has stopped. If it hasn t, call a plumber. BODY COVER TAP BODY 2Dismantle the tap With single taps, remove the handle, unscrew the body cover and use a shifter to remove the body and spindle. NEW WASHER SPINDLE BODY WASHER O-RING 3Replace the washers Replace the body washer, O-ring on the spindle and the washer that should drop out of the spindle (use needle-nose pliers). Lubricate spindle with petroleum jelly and reassemble. If in doubt, call a plumber. In some states it s illegal to change a washer yourself. Handyman MARCH

10 HM BATHROOM FIXES 22/1/08 10:16 AM Page 36 Fix faulty flush cisterns 1Check for leaks Remove the cistern lid. Check for leaks that can go unnoticed by dripping vegetable dye into the cistern the dye appears in the bowl if there s a leak. Locate the cause of the leak and if the float level is incorrect, follow steps 2 and 3. INLET BRASS FLOAT ARM BALL 2Lower the float arm If the cistern overfills and flows continuously into the bowl, adjust the float arm down so the ball sits lower in the cistern, shutting the inlet valve off earlier. With older cisterns, the brass arm can be bent down. PLASTIC FLOAT ARM ADJUSTMENT SCREW Leaking toilet cisterns do waste water, and cistern overflows occur if the inlet valve doesn t shut off when water reaches the correct level. If the water level is too high, adjust the float arm. Replace inlet valve washer if faulty. Dismantle and clean the inlet valve if clogged. If the float fouls on the inside of the cistern, adjust it to clear obstacles. If the outlet valve suction rubber at the cistern base is faulty, replace it. Contact a plumber for advice. INLET 3Adjust the float levels On a new toilet with a plastic float arm, turn the adjusting screw on top of the float arm and ball, raising or lowering to the correct position for shutting off the inlet valve. TIP There are usually markings to indicate the correct water level. 36 MARCH 2008 Handyman

11 HM BATHROOM FIXES 22/1/08 10:16 AM Page 37 Unblock U-bends Slow water drainage can be caused by a build-up of grease, hair or soap in the U-bend under the sink. If the pipe isn t totally blocked, try a homemade drain cleaner of half a cup of bi-carb soda, a cup of white vinegar and four litres of boiling water. Pour down the drain and repeat if necessary. It should take care of any greasy build-up, but solid blockages need to be removed using these steps. 1Use a plunger If water is backed up into the basin, bail it out until there s just enough to cover the plunger cup. Place the plunger cup over the drain and pump vigorously, straight up and down, for at least a minute to remove small blockages. 2Dismantle the U-bend If the sink remains blocked, place a bucket under the U-bend. Wrap masking tape around the nuts on both sides of the U-bend and loosen with a pair of large multigrips. Remove the U-bend and pour excess water into the bucket. TAPE PROTECT NUTS 3Reassemble the U-bend Use a coathanger to remove the blockage and scrape gunk from the U-bend. Clean thoroughly with detergent and a bottlebrush. Smear petroleum jelly around threads of the screw before replacing to make removal easier next time. Handyman MARCH