What Should We Do Before Replace a Bathroom Faucet?

A new faucet is a great way to update your bathroom and give it a whole new look. Whether you are renovating the bathroom or need to replace an old or leaky faucet, this is a relatively simple DIY project that you can accomplish in a few hours. The important thing is to get a faucet that fits your sink, so you should remove the original faucet before purchasing a replacement.

Gather your tools and supplies. Replacing a bathroom faucet is a straightforward job, but it does require a few tools that you’ll need to remove the old faucet and install the new one. The tools you’ll need include: Adjustable wrench, Basin wrench, Bucket, Towel, Flashlight, Measuring tape, Plumber’s tape, Sponge or scrubber, Bathroom cleaner or soap, Rag or cloth, New faucet (purchased after you remove the original)

Prepare your work area. Remove everything from underneath the sink. Place a towel below the pipes to protect the vanity from water damage. Place a bucket over the towel and under the faucet to catch any water that drips down. You can also lay a garbage bag down under the towel for even more protection, or in place of the bucket.

Turn off the water. Locate the water shutoff valve for the bathroom sink. It should be under the sink, inside the vanity. Turn the valve to the right (clockwise) to close the valve and shut off the water to the faucet.

Depending on your plumbing, you may have a single water valve for the entire faucet, or you may have two separate valves for the hot and cold water. If you have trouble locating the shutoff valve, you can turn off the water supply to the entire line running to the bathroom sink.

Drain the water. To remove excess water from the faucet and to relieve pressure before you start working, drain the pipes after you shut off the water. Turn on all the faucets at the sink and keep them running until all the water has drained out. This will protect your sink, vanity, and floors from leaks and water damage, and prevent water from spraying everywhere when you remove the faucet.

 

How to Decorate a Small Bathroom?

Sprucing up a small, dull-looking bathroom can make an apartment or home feel more comfortable and polished. Whether you want to tear out the tile and get new bathroom fixtures or you’re just looking for ways to bring some life to the room, here are tricks you can employ to make your bathroom seem more spacious and pleasant.

Make use of your bathroom‘s natural light. Even a small bathroom can be a peaceful, relaxing getaway in your home if it gets good natural light. If possible, don’t cover up your windows with dark curtains or blinds. Install curtains or blinds in a light color like oatmeal or cream; make sure they’re thick enough to provide a secure screen, but thin enough to let some light in. You could also install curtains that cover only the bottom half of your windows, letting light in through the top half. If your bathroom is situated away from other people’s view, go ahead and open the curtains or blinds to let the light shine in.

Replace yellowish ceiling lights. If you have an old-fashioned, dull yellow ceiling light – which many bathrooms do – a simple way to transform your bathroom is to update the light fixture with something more modern. Choose a light covering that helps bath the bathroom in white light, rather than yellow, which causes rooms to look gloomy and small. A small chandelier is a good choice for a tiny bathroom; it adds elegance without taking up too much space. Track lighting can also help give the appearance of a bigger space.

Choose paint colors wisely. Painting a room with highly contrasting color can make it look smaller, so choose paint that isn’t too wildly different from your bathroom tiles. For example, if you have cream tile, painting the walls dark blue might make the space feel claustrophobic; go for a lighter shade of cream, peach, pale blue, or another color that isn’t too loud.

If you prefer bolder colors, consider painting the walls a neutral color and adding a more colorful trim or border. You could also paint just one wall a bold color and leave three walls neutral, or use wallpaper in one area and neutral paint everywhere else.

How to Caulk a Bathroom Sink?

Drop-in sinks are made to hang from the top of a counter by their rims. While these rims appear to sit flush to the counter, there is actually a small gap between the rim and counter where water and debris can collect. Caulk fills this gap to make your counter and sink watertight, while helping to eliminate any movement of the rim of the sink. To help prevent leaks or damage to your counter, seal and fill this gap with waterproof caulk whenever the old caulk begins to crack, discolor or peel.

Wipe a clean cloth around the edge of the bathroom sink and the counter it rests on. Make sure the area is clean and dry and has no dust or debris to get in the way of the caulk. Remove any old caulk from the edge of the sink with a utility knife. Caulk is a soft material that cuts easily and stretches when pulled.

Cut away the old caulk where it meets the counter and the sink‘s rim. Pull the caulk free from the sink and counter. Use denatured alcohol to clean up any leftover caulk. Let the sink‘s rim dry completely and ensure no water has seeped into the crack. Use a utility knife to cut the tip off the tube of caulk at a 45-degree angle. Cut just enough of the tip off to allow the caulk to fill the gap next to the rim; cutting away too much of the tip will mean too much caulk on your counter.

Insert the end of the caulk tube into a caulk gun and push the plunger of the gun into the back of the tube. Squeeze the trigger lightly to prime the tube. Hold the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle to the sink‘s rim where it meets the counter top. Squeeze the caulk tube gently until a continuous line of caulk fills the gap around the rim completely.

Wet your index finger with water and gently smooth the caulk against the side of the sink‘s rim and the counter top to completely seal the gap. When you are happy with the results, insert a small screw into the tip to seal the tube of caulk, so you can use it again in your next project. Let the caulk cure for at least 24 hours before using the sink.

How to Organize Bathroom Cabinets

Keeping your bathroom cabinets neat and orderly can be a challenge. And given the importance of the morning preparation that commonly starts the average day, knowing where to find things is a huge help. Luckily, by following a few simple organization tips, you can take charge of the messy state of your bathroom cabinets and keep your belongings as accessible as possible.

Place a spinning turntable into your deep cabinets for easy access. Also known as a Lazy Susan, these can make hard-to-reach items more accessible. Place some glass jars onto the turntable and label them with their contents. Cotton swabs, bath salts, cleaning wipes, and other products that come in bulk amounts are ideal for jars.

Cut out labels from a decal sheet and spell out the categories using adhesive letters. Conceal utilitarian items using wicker baskets for better aesthetic. Although these containers work for any kind of product, they’re ideal for items that you don’t want to display, like extra tissue paper stock. You can label each one by fixing paper tag labels to each basket with string.

Install an extra curtain rod for towels. Position it under your current curtain rod and give yourself 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of space in-between. This is a prefect way avoid wet towels cluttering up your bathroom. Mount the towel bar behind the curtain so that your towels can drip-dry into the tub.

Selecting the Bathroom Fixtures

Get a high mounted toilet to save space. Mount the toilet on the wall if you want it to float off the ground. Mounting it high on the wall will allow you to conserve space, especially if the room is small. You can also mount the toilet on the floor if you prefer. However, this may take up more space. Mount the toilet at regulation height so everyone can use it.

Use a sliding glass door for the shower for a sleek look. Make a stand-up shower more sleek and space conscious by using a glass door that slides, rather than opens. Get glass doors that fit the shower properly and slide easily open and closed. A sliding glass door can be more expensive than a shower curtain, so you may opt for the curtain if you are budget-conscious. In some cases, you do not need to put up a full door on the shower. Instead, having a long pane of glass on the front of the shower, with space for you to get in and out, is enough. You could also choose a seamless glass door that swings open on hinges for a sleek look.

Get a free-standing tub for a more luxurious option. A tub that sits on the ground and is not mounted to the wall can be a great option if you like taking relaxing baths. Look for a rounded tub or a tub with claw feet for a luxurious design. Make sure you have enough room to fit a free-standing tub in the space before you get one.

Float or round the sink to save space. Go for a sink that has rounded sides for a small space. Or mount it to the wall so it floats and takes up less room. A trough style sink that floats is a good option for a narrow space. A rounded sink on a skinny pedestal is a good option for a space that is wide, rather than narrow. Look for a sink with a vanity that has a shelf to save space and create more storage.

Go for towel racks that are flush to the wall. Look for towel racks that are slim and can be positioned close to the wall so they do not take up too much space. Have a towel rack for your larger towels and a smaller rack for a hand towel. Position the towel racks at shoulder height so you can hang towels on them easily.

Put the towel rack on the back of the bathroom door if you do not have space on the walls in the bathroom. There should also be a towel rack close to the shower or tub so you don’t drip water on the floor. Some glass shower doors have hooks or rods to hang towels. Pick a faucet and taps that are proportional to the sink. Look for a faucet that is not too big or tall for the sink. The taps should match the faucet and be big enough to twist easily. Go for a faucet that floats and is mounted into the wall to save space. Have the faucet and taps match the color and shape of the towel racks for a more uniform look.

Get a toilet paper holder that matches the rest of the decor. Look for a toilet paper holder that is the same color or shape as the towel racks. Place the toilet paper holder on the wall beside the toilet, within arm’s reach. Use a toilet holder on a stand if you do not want to mount it to the wall.

How to Eliminating Bathroom Clutter?

Your bathroom should be a comfortable space that is also functional and easy to use. Designing a bathroom to suit your needs requires an attention to detail and a practical approach to the space. Start by determining the layout of the bathroom. Choose the bathroom fixtures, like the toilet, the sink, and the shower or tub, as well as accessories like storage baskets, shelving, and a mirror. Then, create a design plan for the bathroom so you can build it to suit your needs.

Install cabinets or shelves. Extra shelves and cabinets help organize your bathroom by hiding clutter. Opt for tall corner cabinets for discreet storage spaces to hold towels and additional toiletries without taking up much space.

Cabinetry can be added under a sink to store toothbrushes, deodorants, and other personal hygiene products. Shelves above the toilet add extra storage for extra toilet paper. A lazy Susan under the counter is a great way to organize extra items while keeping them readily available.

Use hooks on the back of the door for towels and robes. Keep your towels and robes out of the way and out of sight behind your door. Different styles of hooks can be drilled into or hung from the door. If you want to keep your door clear, install hooks in the wall directly behind the door.

Command hooks make easy and cheap replacements for metal hooks. If you live in a humid climate, hooks may keep your towels damp. install a towel bar next to the shower so they can hang and dry. Hide a medicine cabinet behind the mirror. Storing pill bottles and small first aid kits in a medicine cabinet help clear off counter space. Find a cabinet with a mirrored door to keep the cabinet subtle. Hang the cabinet above the sink for easy access.

Place wire baskets in the shower to hold soap and shampoo. Baskets can be attached with suction cups or hang from the shower head. Place the basket in a location that’s easy to reach. Store any bottles and bar soap in the basket to clear out the corners of your tub. Throw away any products you haven’t used in a while to remove any extra clutter you may have.

Putting up Wall Decor to Accessorize Your Bathroom

 

Hang artwork on empty walls. Stick to artwork that is inexpensive since it may be humid in your bathroom. Works on canvas or unframed paintings will not build up moisture since there is no possibility of it getting caught behind glass. If you have framed artwork, keep your bathroom door or window open so humidity is not trapped.

 

Put up 3-D art to avoid the risk of moisture damage. Sculptural works pop out from the wall and make for a great focal point in your bathroom. Materials such as plaster or metal are not damaged by moisture or humidity. Limit your bathroom to 1 piece of 3-D art so it is not visually overwhelming. Don’t hang anything next to the shower, though, as hot steam and moisture could ruin it over time.

 

 

Add accents with new paint colors. If you have extra wall paint laying around, add a new design to the wall to make the room pop. Choose a color that fits into the color scheme of the entire room. Practice designs on a paper before committing them to the wall.

 

 

Consider painting a horizontal stripe halfway between the wall and floor to add visual interest. Add circles in a lighter color to simulate bubbles to create a playful and carefree environment. For an eclectic look, paint 1 wall a bold color.

 

 

Make a backsplash for your vanity. Adding a tile backsplash can add a fun accent to the wall. Many backsplashes come in a peel-and-stick package so you can easily mount it to the wall yourself. Find tiles that match the color scheme of your bathroom to put behind your vanity. Be sure to choose tiles that are moisture- and mildew-resistant.

Use Linens and Textiles to Accessorize Your Bathroom

Keep small potted plants on your vanity. Potted plants add a dash of greenery and freshness to your bathroom. Pick a plant like a succulent that doesn’t require a lot of light or water so you have the easiest upkeep. Low-light plants will grow best if your bathroom does not have windows or natural light. Use fake plants or flowers for zero upkeep while still giving your bathroom a pop of color.

Put liquid soap in a nice-looking dispenser. Rather than using the original plastic soap dispensers, purchase a glass or ceramic dispenser for your vanity. Pick a style that matches the rest of the decor in your bathroom. Soap dispensers can be purchased in home decoration or big-box stores. Liquid soap refills can be purchased in a large container and are perfect for refilling the dispensers.

Hide a tissue box under a tissue cover. Provide tissues so you and your guests don’t have to tear off toilet paper to blow their nose or fix their makeup. While tissue boxes usually have designs on them, it may not match the style of your bathroom. Place a cover over the tissue box to hide the original cardboard that it came in.

Lay bath mats on the floor to catch any moisture. Lay mats right outside of the tub and underneath your vanity so water doesn’t get on the floors. Pick up mats that are absorbent and has an anti-slip material so it sticks to the floor. Bath mats can be purchased in most big box stores.

Purchase matching towels. Over the years, you may have gathered a large variety of towels that are mismatched. For a clean and cohesive look in your bathroom, purchase a set of towels that are all of the same color and brand. If you cannot purchase new towels, display towels from a matching set and keep the rest in a cabinet out of sight.

Keep fresh rolled towels in a basket near the shower. Rolled towels add a sense of sophistication to your towel display. Keeping a basket large enough to hold 3 or 4 towels next to your bath makes them easy to access for your guest while providing visual interest. You can also roll up washcloths and arrange them on the counter for guests to dry their hands with.

Replace your shower curtain. Having a fun shower curtain can help add accent and flare to your bathroom. If you’re following a color-scheme, find a curtain that matches or complements the main colors of the room. Keep a clear plastic curtain inside the tub to avoid getting your new curtain wet. To add a sense of fun to the room, consider getting a novelty shower curtain with a funky pattern or design.

Avoid using toilet rugs or covers. Not only do fluffy toilet covers look dated, they also collect germs easily. As an alternative, place a simple bath mat in front of the toilet if needed or leave it without a rug.

How to Accessorize a Bathroom?

A well-accessorized bathroom is both stylish and functional. Towel hooks and decorative containers can both help to create a cohesive look throughout the room and make the bathroom easier to use. Keep a clutter-free bathroom and decorate the space to your liking.

Find a decorative mirror. The mirror is one of the focal points in a bathroom and a decorative mirror can help add visual interest. Play with shapes like round, square, and oval mirrors to find what fits the best in the space. Keep a consistent shape language throughout your bathroom by not using too many different shapes in your decor.

Make sure the decorative mirror is large enough to be functional as well. Securing a mirror from the ceiling with rope or wire can help add a nautical or industrial theme to your bathroom.

Hang a hand towel next to the sink. Make it easier for you and your guests to find a place to dry their hands. Install a towel ring on the wall next to the sink so water doesn’t drip throughout your whole bathroom. As an alternative, get a standing towel holder and place it on the countertop. This is a great option if you’re renting your home and can’t put holes in the wall.

Use small jars to store cotton swabs or cotton balls. Keep your daily toiletries in containers on your vanity hidden in containers to reduce clutter. This way, they’re easy to access for you and anyone visiting that may need to do a quick touch-up. Follow the “rule of 3’s” when decorating. Try to display 3 containers to add a balance. Fill containers with cotton balls, cotton swabs, and even bandages.

Buy ornamental bar soaps to display. Display soaps that are not meant to be used in a small dish next to the hand soap. Not only does this add fun visuals to your vanity, it also helps your bathroom smell better. Soaps can be purchased at home specialty stores.

Soaps can be purchased in a variety of shapes, like seashells or flowers. Find soaps that match the style you’re setting in the bathroom. You can even switch out the soaps based on the season or holiday.

Light candles or use potpourri to eliminate odors. Keep candles or a tray of potpourri either on the vanity or on top of the toilet tank. That way you’re greeted with a fresh scent whenever you enter the bathroom. It also provides ambience and a sense of calm in the room.

Place bathroom sprays in an easy to reach spot to freshen up the room in a pinch. As an alternative, use an oil diffuser to add a natural aroma and spa-like feel.

The Important Things Before Renovate Bathroom

If you are removing any knobs, faucets, light switches, or towel rods, be sure to put them into a box so that they stay together. This is especially important if you plan on using these items again.

Get rid of anything that you will be replacing. This includes faucets, towel rods, and toilets. The less clutter you have in your bathroom, the easier your renovation will be. You can either donate the items you won’t be using anymore, sell them online, or dispose of them according to your city’s requirements. Some places will ask you to leave the item outside your home so that it can be picked up and disposed of, while others will require you to take it to a facility.

Start by painting your bathroom. Use a paint roller, and be sure to let each layer dry completely before adding another. Most paints will dry between two to four hours, but you might want to refer to the label on your can of paint for more specific drying times. If you don’t do this, the paint may not cure properly and become sticky or bumpy. Leave the last coat of paint until after you have installed all cabinets, shelves, sinks, and tubs.

Add tile or new flooring once the paint has dried. This also includes the backsplash tile behind the sink. If you are not changing the floors, then you can remove any protective coverings off the floor at this time.

Install any toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers. You will most likely need to hire a plumber to do this step for you, especially if you are going to move a toilet, sink, tub, or shower from one side of the bathroom to the other. After you have installed the toilet, sink, tub, or shower, be sure to caulk around the edges so that moisture doesn’t seep through. If you don’t caulk, water will get into the floor and cause mildew.

Install any new cabinets, shelves, cabinets, and towel rods. You can place these wherever you want in your bathroom, but keep in mind that you will need to reach these items easily. Towel rods should be placed about 4 feet (1.22 meters) above the floor. The top of a cabinet should be about 6 feet (1.83 meters) above the floor. Place the toilet paper roll holder 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) in front of the toilet.

Install new lights and faucets. Be sure to properly caulk around the faucets after you install them. When buying caulk, try to get an acrylic or hybrid formula. They don’t need chemicals to remove. This will make any future re-caulking easier.

Clean any dust, paint, or debris. When you are done renovating your bathroom, peel off any leftover painter’s tape and discard any sheets of plastic or paper. Be sure to wipe down the counters and sinks, and to vacuum or mop the floors. This will make your bathroom look better and give it that nice, finishing touch.