Information about Bathroom Improvements: 
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Making it affordable with our work-along pricing and information menu for:    Bathroom renovations, fixture replacements, the latest styles, vanities, custom showers, etc. Single-handle, Two-Handle and Three-handle tub and shower faucets.  Handheld shower heads.  Shower & tub repairs,   handheld shower heads,    tub & shower installation. Bathroom Improvements - Information and You.

         Bathtubs are connected to the drain system by a drain-waste-overflow assembly. Many bathtubs let you divert water from the tub to a showerhead with the flip of a lever. Tub and shower faucets come in the same basic designs as sink faucets. When tub-shower faucets and diverter valves are set inside wall cavities, removing them might require a deep-set ratchet wrench. A single-handle tub and shower faucet has one valve that controls both the water flow and the temperature. The water flow is directed to either the tub spout or the shower head by a gate diverter. Gate diverters seldom need repair, although occasionally the lever may break, come loose, or refuse to stay up. If a diverter fails, replace the tub spout. Single-handle faucets may feature ball, cartridge, or disc designs.

Repair single-handle cartridge tub and shower faucet





To repair a single-handle cartridge tub and shower faucet, begin by using a screwdriver to remove the handle screw, then remove the handle and escutcheon. Turn off the water supply. Some faucets have built-in shutoff valves. Or, you can shut off the water at standard shutoff valves attached to risers, or at the main shutoff valve near the water meter. Unscrew and remove the retaining ring or bonnet nut, using an adjustable wrench. Remove the cartridge assembly by grasping the end of the valve with channel-type pliers and pulling gently. Flush the valve body with clean water to remove sediment. Replace any worn O-rings, reinstall the cartridge, and test the valve. If the faucet still doesn't work right, disassemble it again and replace the cartridge.
Repair two-handle tub and shower faucets
         Two-handle tub and shower faucets have one handle that controls hot water and one that controls cold water flowing into a mixing chamber and through the spout. A gate diverter, a simple mechanism in the tub spout, directs the flow of water to either the tub spout or shower head. Gate diverters barely need repair, although occasionally the lever will break, come loose, or refuse to stay in the up position. If the diverter fails, replace the entire tub spout.

Replace tub spout
         If you have to replace a tub spout, start by removing the old spout. Check under the spout for a small access slot, which indicates that it's held in place by an Allen screw. If it has one, use an Allen wrench to remove the screw, then slide the spout off. If there's no access slot, unscrew the spout itself. Use a pipe wrench, or insert a large screwdriver, hammer handle, or 2" dowel into the spout and turn counterclockwise. If you use a wrench, make sure to wrap the jaws with masking tape or fold a cloth around the spout to avoid scratching the finish. Spread pipe joint compound on the threads of the spout nipple and attach the new spout.
Repair two-handle tub and shower faucets
         Three-handle tub and shower faucets have one handle for hot water, another for cold water, and a third handle for the diverter valve, which directs the flow of water to either the tub spout or the shower head. If a diverter valve sticks, the water flow is weak, or the water comes out of the tub spout when it's supposed to come out of the shower head, the diverter needs to be repaired or replaced. Compression-type diverters can be repaired, but defective cartridge types have to be replaced. Before you begin to repair a compression-type diverter, turn off the water supply at the built-in shutoff valves or at the main shutoff valve near the water meter. Remove the diverter valve handle with a screwdriver and unscrew or pry off the escutcheon. Remove the bonnet nut with an adjustable wrench or channel-type pliers.

Unscrew the stem assembly, using a deep-set ratchet wrench. If you need to, chip away any mortar surrounding the bonnet nut. Remove the brass stem screw.

Replace the stem washer with an exact duplicate. If the stem screw appears worn, replace it as well. Unscrew the threaded spindle from the retaining nut. Using a small wire brush dipped in vinegar, clean any sediment or buildup from the nut. When the nut is clean and dry, coat all the parts with heatproof grease and reassemble the diverter valve. Reattach the escutcheon and handle.

The valves of some tub and shower faucets are set inside the wall cavity. Removing these valves requires a little finesse and a deep-set ratchet wrench. First, remove the handle. Use channel-type pliers to unscrew the escutcheon. Wrap masking tape around the jaws of the pliers so they don't scratch it. Working as gently as possible, use a ball peen hammer and a small cold chisel to chip away any mortar around the bonnet nut. Unscrew the bonnet nut with a deep-set ratchet wrench. Remove the bonnet nut and stem from the faucet body.
Handheld shower heads
         With handheld shower heads, the most common problem is clogged inlet and outlet holes. The holes in the shower head tend to get clogged with mineral deposits, a problem indicated when water does not spray from all of the spray outlets. Remove the shower head from the hose to clean it. Wrap the jaws of an adjustable wrench or channel-type pliers with masking tape, then use it to unscrew the hose nut on the end of the hose. Clean the outlet and inlet holes of the showerhead with a thin wire, like a straightened paper clip. Flush the head with clean water. Soak the shower head in hot vinegar to remove calcium and hard water deposits from within the shower head. Heat the vinegar, not quite to boiling, and pour it into a container.  Place the shower head in the vinegar and let it soak overnight. If the washer that seals the shower head to the hose is worn, replace it. Before installing the new washer, lubricate it with heatproof grease. Place the washer in the nut on the hose, then reattach the hose to the shower head. Turn the nut clockwise until hand tight. You do not need to tighten it with pliers or a wrench. Remove the hose from the shower arm mount outlet by turning the ridged nut on the hose counterclockwise. Clean the inlet holes in the hose with a thin wire. If the washer between the hose and the mount outlet is worn, replace it with a new one. Lubricate the new washer, place it inside the ridged nut, and reattach the hose to outlet.

  single-handle cartridge tub & shower faucet,   two-handle tub & shower faucets,   replacing the tub spout,   three-handle tub & shower faucets.  Toilet installation, toilet repairs, replacing a toilet, replacing the wax ring, replacing the ballcock, adjusting the ballcock, flapper, main drain, flush valve, shutoff valve, float ball, lift chain or wires.  

Contractors Solutions Inc. Cost estimates and informative support.   We can do it all, or we can help you to "Do it Yourself".

Back to wall toilet: fits tight up to furniture unit or false or stud wall.  A cistern concealed within the unit or boxed in the wall connects to the pan by a short flush-pipe which, like the cistern.
Basin: Another word used for sink.
Bath Basket: A rack which fits over the bath to accommodate toiletries.
Bathscreen: a screen that sits on one side of the bath and is used to deflect water thus enabling the bath to double as a shower enclosure.
Bathroom Planner: Allows you to select bathroom furniture into a virtual aerial plan of your bathroom.
Bathroom Vanity: Comprises of a bathroom sink surrounded by storage furniture.
Bidet: is an item, similar in appearance to a toilet, however it projects water that is used for personal cleaning.
Electric showers: draw water from the cold mains domestic supply and heat it as it is used. They do not require a full tank of water.
Grab Bars: Bars fitted to the wall to provide support and stability for less mobile bathers.
High level toilet: has a cistern that is mounted high on the wall and connected to the pan by a long flush-pipe, the flush is powerful and operated by a pull-chain and handle.
Hydro massage: massage produced by streams of water.
Low level toilet: has a cistern, which is fixed above the toilet pan to the wall, and is connected by a short flush-pipe.  The cistern is most likely operated by a lever on the front of the cistern, and due to the height of the cistern (and gravity) the flush will probably be more aggressive than that in a close coupled toilet.
Mixer shower: uses a simple shower valve to combine your hot and cold water supplies to produce the showering temperature and flow that you require.
Pedestal Sink: Sits on top of a ceramic column and is fixed firmly onto the wall.
Power shower: combines a mixing valve with a pump in one complete unit. The valve blends hot and cold gravity fed water to achieve the showering temperature that is required.  The pump boosts the flow of water to give a powerful, invigorating shower.
Sauna: is a bath that uses dry heat to cause perspiration. Pouring water onto heated stones produces the steam.
Shower enclosures: are the framework in which you take a shower i.e. a shower tray and door, or a shower tray and door with inline and/or side panels.
Shower Panel: consists of body jets and multiple showerheads which can be used over a bath or within a shower enclosure.
Shower pumps: provide the necessary boost to solve your problems of poor shower performance and can be used with any good quality mixer shower or shower panel.
Shower Tidy: Metal basket fixed to the wall to hold shower toiletries.
Single-hole bath filler: Bath taps fitted on one metal unit requiring only one hole to be drilled in the bath.
Sink: an item used for containing water that is fixed to a wall or floor and having a drainpipe.
Towel Warmers: Towel rails which are heated to dry towels.
Venturi Shower: provides optimum performance without the use of pumps or electrical connections.  It uses mains cold water and pulls hot water from your cylinder through the suction effect of the venture nozzle.
Wall hung toilet: suspended or hanging toilet - is fixed tight up to the wall but does not reach to the floor.  The cistern is concealed within the unit or wall connects to the pan by a short flush pipe.
Wall Hung Sink: Sink and shortened pedestal are attached to the wall not too the floor.
Whirlpool bath: a bath with an electric pump that circulates water through pipes entering the bath via moveable jets.  The water is forced into the bath providing a whirlpool of water that massages you whilst relaxing in the bath.  Also provides therapeutic benefits.
This is a Pricing Guide to estimate the approximate cost of Bathroom Renovations for property improvements. Basic materials are included in these costs but special purchases are not.   Important Note:   The prices listed below are "industry averaged" and do not represent the prices or costs of any particular company affiliated with Contractors Solutions Inc.
Demo.  Remove Vinyl Tile Flooring.  No hauling costs or dump fees included.		SF	$ 0.86
Demo.  Remove Ceramic Floor Tile in Mortar.  No hauling costs or dump fees included.		SF	$ 2.26
Demo.  Remove Ceramic Tile Floor in Mastic.  No hauling costs or dump fees included		SF	$ 1.90
Demo.  Remove Granite Tile Floor.  No hauling costs or dump fees included		SF	$ 3.12
Demo.  Remove Sub flooring.  No hauling costs or dump fees included		SF	$ 1.00
Demo.  Remove Floor Insulation.  No hauling costs or dump fees included		SF	$ 0.64
Demo.  Remove Ceramic Wall Tile in Mastic.  No hauling costs or dump fees included		SF	$  2.36
Demo.  Remove Ceramic Wall Tile in Mortar.  No hauling costs or dump fees included		SF	$  3.50
Install Floor Framing System 2"x 10" joists including box or band joist and 6% waste installed 16" OC and blocking		SF	$  3.20
Install Floor Insulation 10" (R-30) kraft paper- faced roll and batt fiberglass insulation installed between joists 16" OC		SF	$  2.16
Install Sub flooring 1/2" plywood sheathing, CD standard exterior grade, plugged and touch sanded including 5% waste		SF	$  2.27
Install Vinyl Tile Flooring typical waste and adhesives to install Armstrong-like 12'x12" vinyl tile (no wax)		SF	$  3.85
Install Ceramic Floor Tile in Mortar 10% waste, grout and labor to install good grade ceramic 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" tile in mortar		SF	$ 14.84
Install Ceramic Tile Floor in Mastic 10% waste, grout and labor to install ceramic tile in organic adhesive.. 4 1/4" x 4 1/4"		SF	$  8.85
Install Granite Tile Floor 3/8" x 12" x 12" Granite tile, natural, polished, installed in a conventional mortar bed. Best Quality		SF	$ 35.27
Install Plumbing Lines 3/4" copper supply line with brass fittings, pipe straps and installation		LF	$  9.64
Demo.  Remove Commode.   No hauling costs or dump fees included		EA	$ 40.93
Install Commode floor-mounted water closet with toilet seat, wax ring and installation		EA	$ 294.02
Demo.  Remove Bathtub or shower.   No hauling costs or dump fees included		EA	$155.44
Install Bathtub enameled steel bathtub 5'L, 30"W, 15"H, polished chrome pop-up drain/overflow, mixing valve, tub filler		EA	$475.00
Install Shower acrylic fiberglass shower stall 32"W, 32"D, 72"H, mixing valve, shower head and installation		EA	$786.08
Demo.   Remove Sink Complete Assembly.   No hauling costs or dump fees included		EA	$ 65.00
Install Sink Complete Assembly single bowl s sink, chrome faucet, sprayer, strainer, trap, supply lines		EA	$438.58
Demo.  Remove Bath Accessories.   No hauling costs or dump fees included		EA	$  10.50
Install Bath Accessories towel bar of good quality up to 36" long and installation		EA	$ 55.53
Demo.  Remove Bathroom Ventilation Fan.  No hauling costs or dump fees included		EA	$  25.68
Install Bathroom Ventilation Fan Ceiling mounted,10' of wiring with 1 wall switch, installation, 60 CFM 10"x10" grill		EA	$207.76
Install Ceramic Wall Tile in Mastic 10% waste, grout and labor to install ceramic tile in organic adhesive. 4-1/4" x 4-1/4"		SF	$  8.49
Install Ceramic Wall Tile in Mortar 10% waste, grout and labor to install ceramic 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" tile in mortar bed		SF	$ 16.07
Demo.  Remove Medicine Cabinet.   No hauling costs or dump fees included		EA	$  28.03
Install Medicine Cabinet 14" x 18" recessed medicine cabinet with polished chrome frame and mirror. Light not included		EA	$141.01
Demo.  Remove Vanity Cabinetry.   No hauling costs or dump fees included		LF	$ 30.51
Install Vanity Cabinetry better quality, hardwood frames, door frames, drawer fronts, veneer, raised door panels		LF	$ 196.84
Demo.   Remove Countertop.   No hauling costs or dump fees included		LF	$  10.30
Install Countertop laminated top, square edge with a separate 4" backsplash with one mitered corner		LF	$ 38.86
Plumbing Service Charge, travel and consultation			$88.00
Plumbing Service Call, includes one trip for plumber to check systems and repair as necessary - EA			$166.32
Install 3/4" Supply Plumbing Lines includes 3/4" copper supply line with brass fittings, pipe straps - LF			$7.64
Install 1/2" Fixture Supply Lines, 1/2" copper supply, adapters, 2 typical fittings, solder, flux, pipe straps, in-line valve - LF			$6.71
Install 2" Single Story Vent Stack includes 2" plastic vent pipe with typical fittings and installation for a one story house - LF			$153.26
Install 2" Two Story Vent Stack includes 2" plastic vent pipe with typical fittings and installation for a two story house - LF			$361.49
Install 4" Cast Iron Drain 4" DMV, Cast iron no hub, horizontal pipe assemble for drain, fitting, couplings hangers and rod - LF			$19.47
Install 1-1/2" Drain 1 1/2" Copper DWV Pipe, fittings, one coupling, Y and elbow per 10' length - LF			$15.02
Install Sewer / Septic includes 6" vitrified clay pipeline and typical excavation and backfill - LF			$20.50
Flush Out Plumbing Lines, Labor to clean-out clogged lines, Each call - EA			$391.05
Install Floor Mounted w/Tank Commode floor-mounted water closet with toilet seat, wax ring - EA			$294.02
Install Wall w/Flush Valve Commode wall-mounted water closet with toilet seat, wax ring - EA			$726.57
Install Designer Floor Mount Commode floor-mounted one piece toilet with elongated bowl, seat wax ring - EA			$414.08
Install Urinal Commode one, wall mounted ceramic urinal - EA			$518.19
Install Bidet Commode floor-mounted china bidet, hot and cold supplies, polished chrome faucet and mounting hardware - EA			$608.30
Install Enameled Steel Bathtub 5'L, 30"W, 15"H with polished chrome pop-up drain/overflow, mixing valve, tub filler - EA			$470.59
Install Enameled Cast Iron Bathtub 5'L, 32"W, 15"H with polished chrome pop-up drain/overflow, mixing valve, tub filler - EA			$615.48
Install Fiberglass Bathtub 5'L, 32"W, 17"H with polished chrome pop-up drain/overflow, mixing valve, filler, shower head - EA			$605.88
Install Whirlpool (Acrylic) Bathtub 5'L, 32"W, 21"H chrome pop-up drain/overflow, mixing valve, filler, shower head - EA			$1831.76
Install Fiberglass 32" x 32" or 36" x 36" Shower 32"W, 32"D, 72"H, mixing valve, shower head - EA			$766.08
Install Fiberglass 35" x 60" Shower 35"W, 60"D, 72"H, mixing valve, shower head - EA			$1030.11
Install Single Enameled Sink (Fixture only) labor and material to install an enameled cast iron kitchen type sink only - EA			$219.90
Install Double Enameled Sink (Fixture only) * - EA			$275.44
Install Bar Sink (Fixture only) * - EA			$120.44
Install Floor Sink (Fixture only) enameled cast iron floor mounted corner service sink. 32" x 32" with 6" curbs, no rough in - EA			$454.42
Install Pedestal Sink (Fixture only) oval china pedestal type sink only, no faucet, supply lines or trap - EA			$214.29
Install Vanity Lavatory Sink (Fixture only) oval china lavatory type sink only, no faucet, supply lines or trap - EA			$180.44
Install Water Heater 40 gallon electric water heater, relief valve, 6 year guarantee and installation to existing water supply - EA			$337.88
Install 40 Gallon Gas-Fired Water Heater, relief valve, 6 year guarantee and installation to existing water supply - EA			$435.88