Is It Time to Buy a New Water Heater?

Imagine this; you come back home from a long day at work, turn on the water heater, and step into the shower to enjoy a hot, relaxing bath only to realize that the water heater failed to deliver. Bathing with ice cold water is no fun, at least not one the temperature starts falling day by day.

But if your haven't changed your water heater in years, sooner or later, you’re bound to see some telltale signs that your water heater needs to be replaced.

Hot water doesn't last as long as it should

Insufficient hot water is one of the first signs that your unit is failing and needs to be replaced.  After a certain age, most standard water heaters lose capacity due to sediment buildup, which separates water from heat sources and affects the capacity of the unit to hold water.

If water supply is not an issue in your locality, you may want to consider buying tankless water heater, which can provide with an instant, and endless supply of hot water.

Your water heater is leaking

If you see water leaks around the water heater, it could be due to the leak in the water tank. The buildup of chemicals and contaminants may cause slight fractures over time in the metal tank. However, such issues must be dealt with immediately to avoid the serious risk of tank burst. A leak could cause infrastructural damages to your home. But before you consider replacing the entire unit, make sure there are no other leaks coming from the fittings and pipings.

Water heater is expelling rusty water

Another sign that you need to buy a new water heater is rusty water. A good test to ensure that the water heater is functioning well is to drain about five buckets of hot water. If by the third bucket, the water from the heater is still rusty, then the water heater needs to be replaced.

Once the anode rod is exhausted, water and metal, will eventually create corrosion, which will lead to rust.

Water heater is making rumbling sounds

As the water heater ages, sediment build up on the bottom of the tank. These sediments get harder every time the water is heated and reheated. Such changes will cause the heater to make rumbling and banging sounds as it heats up. This is a sure shot sign that the water heater is at the end of its operational life and needs to be replaced.

Be Proactive!

Most standard water heaters last between 8 to 10 years. Whether or not a water heating unit begins showing symptoms, you must replace it every ten years. If you’re unsure how old your water heater is, check the manufacturing date or the serial number on the sticker on top of the unit.

Choosing a New Unit

 Upgrading to an energy efficient water heater will not only save you time, but also money in the long run. Modern water heaters are up to 35 percent more efficient than traditional models, and if water supply is not an issue, then switching to Tankless Water Heaters will maximize the hot water delivery in your home.

If you’re replacing a water heater, you’ll quickly learn that they come in all different shapes and sizes. It is best advised to research the option that works for your requirement. Generally, you want to start looking at models with a high-quality anode rod. These days most energy star water heaters use large diameter hex anode that enhance performance by 20-30%.

Should you Get a Steam Solution Installed in Your Home?

Steam has been one of mankind’s most important inventions. With its history dating back to as early as the First Century AD when small steam turbines also known as Aeliopile were invented, Steam has been the mainstay of many other important steam-powered devices even until today. The invention of the steam engine by James Watt in the late 1700s which sparked the iconic Industrial Revolution has enabled us to use the same technology in a broad range of applications today - from transport networks to powering huge factories.

Usage of Steam in Domestic Applications

However, steam’s use cases are not only limited to industrial applications. Steam is widely used in many of our daily domestic tasks - such as ironing clothes, cooking vegetables and cleaning our carpets and other fabrics. The list is endless.

Lately, one of the popular modern use cases of steam has been in the health and wellness industry. Steam and Sauna are being used since some time now in leading health centers, spas and gymnasiums across the world owing to its multiple health benefits. However, the same benefits are now being replicated in contemporary bathrooms in modern homes with installations of state-of-the-art steam solutions which give you the same experience of a spa or a gym without leaving your home.

Modern residential steam showers consist of steam solutions like the one manufactured by Jaquar which are specifically designed to give its user a steam bathing experience which extends beyond rest and relaxation. In fact, it promotes a number of health benefits such as enhanced blood circulation, skin cleansing, increased metabolism rate, lower levels of stress along with deep sleep at night, among many others. It is no surprise that these steam solutions are fast gaining popularity as an at-home spa treat.

How do Steam Solutions function?

Steam solutions trap moisture and do not allow it to escape the shower cabin owing to its tightly sealed borders. To activate the steam mode, the user simply needs to press a button to start the steam generator. The water is heated up to its boiling point and the steam generated is smoothly passed through the showerhead to fill the entire shower cabin with dense steam.

Health Benefits of Steam Solutions?

Apart from the luxury bathing experience, steam solutions offer several benefits to homeowners looking to create a relaxing, eco-friendly and extravagant experience in their personal baths. Here are a few of the reasons why homeowners are asking about these fixtures:

Suffering from a congested nose? A quick steam shower can help clear congestion as well as give relief from chronic allergies.

Steam solutionsare a great way to relax muscles after an intensive workout regime. The warmth from the shower allows good blood circulation that boosts metabolic rate and improves overall health.

Undoubtedly, good steam is good for the skin. Warm water helps clear pores and removes dirt to reduce the occurrence of blackheads and pimples.

Why Do Homeowners Love Installing Steam Solutions?

More and more homebuyers are open to the idea of creating a spa-like experience at home. The ease of accessibility of steam showers and steam solutions for homes has led to an increase in demand.

If you are looking at ways to get some relaxing time before bed, installing steam showers is a great way to soothe away the stresses of the day in today’s high-paced world.

For this one-time investment, homeowners can enjoy all the benefits of a day spent in a spa or sauna center, as well as save the hassle of commuting. They can simply step into the shower, spend as much as time as they'd like, step out and hit the bed - isn’t that how a luxurious and relaxing steam bath session should be?

Is a Touchless Faucet Right for Your Bathroom?

First of all, raise your hands if you love hygiene. Some people may have cleanliness OCD while some just love to keep their surroundings germ-free, the only difference is the level of obsession that one might exhibit about hygiene and cleanliness. If getting exposed to germs is one of your biggest pet peeves, touchless bathroom faucets are what you need in your home.

Engineered to stop the spread of germs, conserve water, and reduce cleanup time, a no-touch bathroom faucet makes a perfect addition to your smart home's bathroom. The intelligent system only delivers water when a hand or an object moves directly underneath the spout. Common in public restrooms, sensor-based bathroom faucets are now available for homes too.

Whether you are planning a renovation, new construction or simply want to upgrade the faucets in the bathroom, considering sensor systems can be a good idea. Here are a few benefits that you must know about before making the purchase:

Cost Saving

Given the scarcity of water in most parts of the world, it’s always a good idea to invest in measures that can help reduce the unnecessary wastage of water. Compared to manual systems, one can save up to 70% on water conservation.

Further, advanced infrared sensor technology saves water by ensuring that water is delivered “on-demand” -  which means it stops dispensing water when the user withdraws the hand or the object away from the proximity zone. So if you have kids at home who love to brush their teeth with taps running, you have the solution now. 

Besides being eco-friendly, touchless faucets are pocket-friendly too as they help you save on water bills in the long run. With sensor taps, you can save as much as $100 a year without reducing pressure. 

Hygiene

One of the obvious benefits of using touchless faucets is hygiene. With nothing to touch to get water, the level of cross-contamination is significantly reduced. The Water is dispensed automatically when the hand is placed right under the faucet. In fact, The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) reported that hand-washing under sensor taps promotes the germ-free environment.

Maintenance

Since the taps are not touched as such on a daily basis, the cost of maintenance is significantly lower compared to manual systems.  Durability and high-quality are the other features of the touchless faucets at Jaguar, and they ensure that you have a system that lasts for decades.

When it comes to daily cleaning, all you need is a simple damp towel or cotton cloth to wipe gently.  With the right maintenance, you won’t need to replace it any time soon.

Aesthetically Pleasing

The overall finishing is a crucial factor when upgrading bathroom faucets.  They should not just be functional, but also add some style to space. The lever free, sleek design fits perfectly in a trendy, modern bathroom.

For the finish, there are many options to choose from. This includes chrome, polished brass and brushed nickel. The right approach is to pick something that goes with the design of the rest of the room and gives it a rich classic look.

Ease of Installation

One of the biggest benefits of ditching the handle is that sensor taps are easy to install. You don’t need a professional’s assistance as long as you follow the instructions provided in the guide.

Conclusion

With all the features that they offer, sensor bathroom faucets not only ensure excellent performance but also provide a simple and effective way of changing a bathroom’s style from traditional to contemporary. And with the advantages mentioned above, you should not have any difficulties making the buying decision. What more? Touchless bathroom faucets are also very affordable; you don’t need to break the bank to get them. They are designed to provide value for your money while transforming the bathroom.

5 Hacks to Take your Bathroom from Predictable to Picture-Perfect

We all dream of having a beautiful, picture-perfect bathroom, but there is no one set combination to make up that "perfect" look. For some, the simple, spacious and well-ventilated bathroom does the trick while for others it may be a high-tech jacuzzi with LED lighting along with a luxurious rain shower. If you follow the design trends very closely, you'd realize that it involves a lot of mixing and matching in giving a personalized touch to a bath and that's exactly what we are going to cover in this blog today.

When it comes to personalization, small changes like upgrading bathroom accessories is all you need to create a soothing, natural ambiance for yourself and your family members. So, if you're considering renovating and do not have a big budget, these hacks will help you stamp your own mark.

Upgrade Bath Accessories

If you haven’t thought about it for a while, it’s time you do. Investing in avant-garde bath accessories can instantly transform the entire look and feel of the bathroom, making it look as good as new.  From towel shelf to soap dish to toilet paper holder and towel rail, there are plenty of things that you can change or install to add detailing to the room. If you are inclined to add a luxurious touch to the decor, consider opting for bath accessories with brass finish. For a more elegant and modernistic appeal, chrome and black finish would make a great choice.

Think Frameless and Big!

Don’t know what should be the size of your bathroom mirror?

Think one full-size mirror, wall to wall!

Mirrors have become an integral part of bathroom decor. Modern mirror styles are creative and eccentric. However, choosing the right mirror for the bathroom vanity can be both challenging and fun. But despite the size of the vanity, modern architecture emphasizes on one full-size, frameless mirrors. Frameless bathroom mirrors have the ability to make your small and stuffy bathroom feel larger and classier whilst being more functional. You can work with a professional to get a mirror custom-fit to your wall.

 Add Safety!

Bathrooms top the list of a fall hazard.  After all, who hasn't slipped a bit while stepping out of the bathtub? Thus, it is important to take measures to minimize risks and increase safety. In a room with splashing water and slippery surfaces, installing grab bars in the shower and next to the bathtub is a good idea for everyone, especially if you have kids and elderly in the house. Grab bars come in all possible finish so you don't have to compromise on the aesthetics too.  Adding a hand-held shower is also a great safety measure that can make showering more convenient.

Amp it up with Lighting

One of the easiest ways to transform a bathroom into a relaxing, functional refuge is by giving it the proper lighting. Decorative lighting such as sconces, vanity lights, mini chandeliers, pendants, and more add visual sparkle.

Getting the right combination of decorative and task lights can help you achieve the perfect lighting for your wash-and-groom room. If you wish to revamp your bathroom without any major alterations, say yes to LEDs. These minimal, energy-saving lights will give your bathroom a more clean, warm and modern appeal. In addition, LEDs work with low-voltage recessed fixtures and gives off crisp, clear light that is dimmable and versatile.

Go whimsy with Wallpapers

If your bathroom walls have started looking old, then why not just whip it up with eccentric wallpapers? Extremely easy to put down and reasonable, there are enormous options that can turn a bathroom from a simple grooming room to a spa-like ambiance for rest and relaxation. Choose from a wide range of patterned, multi-colored, with intriguing illustrations or relaxing motifs to add visual interest to space.

So here are the five hacks with a few simple elements of mixed and matched trends that can help you keep the space from feeling old and weathered. Did you renovate a bathroom recently, how did you personalize it for yourself and your family members?

Bathroom Renovations: 5 Questions You Must Ask Yourself

Homeowners usually begin the bathroom renovation project with high hopes. They want everything to be perfect, perhaps, just like the modern bathroom design image on Pinterest that inspired their design. But far too often results can be overwhelming, costing them more than the expectation.

Well, it doesn't have to be this way!

With proper planning, professional help, and smart decisions, one can put together a new bathroom with gorgeous elements without blowing the budget.

To help you create your dream bathroom, there are a few questions that you must ask yourself before you get started. These five key questions can help you prevent renovation regret.

Keep reading to find out how can you make the smartest bathroom remodeling decisions

Q#1How much space do you have?

Bathrooms come in all sizes and shapes. Modern bathroom designs are planned around the space that homeowners have to work with. Depending upon the size available and the objective of the project, some people would like to renovate the whole bathroom while others might just want to change a few elements to give it a fresh look.

Understanding your requirements in detail and communicating it clearly to your contractor can help you prevent the potential for costly mistakes down the line.

Q#2 What’s your budget?

The bathroom may be the smallest room in the house, but renovation can be very expensive. Bathroom products cost more than you think they do. In order to get the most bang for your buck, analyze your needs and wants. Focus on the things that make the biggest impact, such as Flooring, countertops, and lighting. Set a budget and stick to it.

For example, Dark and Brass finish hardware might look tempting at first, but if you are trying to keep the cost down, consider buying products with chrome finish. A polished chrome reflects the light well that can make even a small space look spacious.

Who Will be Using the Bathroom?

Are you renovating the guest bathroom, your personal en suite or the main family powder room? Is it a bathroom that will be frequently used by guests or just by the family members? Do you have any kids or elderly people using the bathroom? Believe it or not, modern bathroom designs have different functions than others.

For example, a guest bathroom may not need a bath-tub or an expensive shower unit. They quickly shower, brush their teeth and get on their way. Another factor to consider is the age of the people using the bathroom. If the main family bathroom is being used by young children, you may want to get multi-layered countertops. In addition, grab bars or toilet alterations might be helpful in bathrooms used by the elderly.

Decide how many people and who all will be using the bathroom. This will help you design and maximize the space to accommodate everyone's daily needs.

Shower, Tub, or Both?

While spacious bathrooms have plenty of room for whirlpools and free standing bath tubs, the smaller ones may only be able to accommodate a stand-alone shower, separated by a glass or a curtain.

Your final selection will depend on your needs. This means that you should clearly communicate your preferences to your contractor before starting the project. Be realistic when making this decision. If you really prefer to soak in luxury bathtubs after a stressful day at work but find yourself struggling with square footage, you might want to use corner tubs. This configuration can save enough space allowing you to use the remaining area for a shower or additional storage.

On the other hand, if you have the luxury of a spacious bathroom. it's a good idea to invest in a whirlpool bathtub and a walk-in shower to create a spa-like experience in your personal en suite.

What Features Are Most Important to You?

Do you want a water-efficient bathroom? Do you want to recreate the experience of a luxury spa? Whether you have a limited budget or a limited amount of space, there are certain things you need to make a decision about.

For instance, if you’re willing to spend a fortune on creating a luxury shower experience, then you might want to invest in new upgrades. Start by swapping out outdated bathroom faucets for more sleek and modern ones, or perhaps install a rain-style showerhead designed to mimic the refreshing and invigorating feel of getting soaked in the rain.

Additionally, whirlpool bathtub could be a great investment for people who want to enjoy the great benefits hydrotherapy at home. The availability of affordable hydro-massage Whirlpool bathtubs has made it possible to recreate health spa treatments right in the comfort of your home.

We hope these questions help you make the right decision if you are contemplating a bathroom remodel in the near future. Good luck with your renovation project! Enjoy the process. You’ll be so happy as you watch your dream bathroom come to life.

Bathroom Shower Mixers: The Reason why you Should Always Opt for Thermostatic

Here's the thing - you want a safe, convenient and economical way to enhance your shower experience but don’t know where to start, right? You've heard all the good things about thermostatic shower mixers, but don't know whether they are worth the investment or not, right? 

If you desire to feel relaxed and rejuvenated after a hard day’s work without having to worry about your shower disgorging the water at a desired temperature, then buying a shower mixer with thermostatic valve is all you need to enhance your showering experience. You simply set the desired temperature, jump in and relax!

What are thermostatic shower mixers?

Thermostatic bath shower mixers offer a complete control over water temperature, which remains constant throughout the showering time. It has a very straight and simple mechanism. All you have to do is select the temperature with the handle and this blazing device will blend hot and cold water from different sources before pouring out the water from your shower head.  

What are the benefits of thermostatic shower mixers?

Among the thermostatic shower mixer benefits, we can see:

Safety: One of the most notable benefits of installing thermostatic shower mixers is that they provide complete control on shower temperature that minimizes the risk of scalding for anyone using the shower. If the temperature moves a couple of degrees over the selected temperature, the system automatically cuts off the water flow. 

Energy and water saving: Shower mixers with thermostatic valve are designed to reach the desired water temperature quickly and constantly. A thermostatically controlled valve also means that if your shower time is interrupted due to any reason, you can switch off the tap to save water and when you return, the temperature will be exactly the same as before. This also helps to avoid wastage of water by reducing the reaction time and possible changes in temperature without having to be constantly regulating it.

Shower Mixer Taps Collection at Jaquar

It is quite common for people to look for multi-functional feature in heavy shower mixers which are available at high prices. Instead of installing separate taps for hot and cold water, it is wise to invest in an efficient shower mixer system that can provide full control over water temperature.  

Let’s explore some of the most popular varieties of shower mixer taps from the wide collection of Jaquar. 

Solo Bath & Shower Mixer

The solo series from Jaquar boasts both traditional charm and modern trend, designed to keep things minimal and basic. The classic design with gorgeous curved spout and intricate detailing on the handles can transform any simple bathroom into a luxurious one. This model features two taps - one for hot and the other for cold water.

Florentine Thermostatic Bath & Shower Mixer

If you are looking for a shower makeover at a budget, this slim line product could just be the right pick. This thermostatic shower mixer delivers a whole new level of a luxurious bathroom look with a swivel spout. With its simple design and innovative technology, it can be easily operated by anybody to fill freestanding tubs and hand shower. 

Fusion Thermostatic Bath & Shower Mixer

Among the wide collection of bathroom shower mixers and shower valves available at Jaquar, this is the simplest yet stylish piece for modern homes. This model features protruding handles for easy grip and has been designed to match a wide range of shower taps and parts for a coordinated appeal. 

Conclusion

Making a felicitous choice while selecting bathroom shower mixers, shows your love for your shower time. But in order to ensure that you buy the right product, it is very important to have a clear idea of yours and your family's usage, as well as other aspects such as water pressure, space allocation, and technology. 

It is imperative to check if the type of shower mixer that you intend to buy is compatible with your home water system. While most of the styles are designed to work with any system, some only work with high-pressure or low-pressure systems. Once you have all the key elements in place, making the decision should be a cake walk. 

Give Back to Yourself with a Rejuvenating Crystal Bath

So much to deal with and so little time. The everyday chaos to find answers, objectives, results and most importantly, mental and financial satisfaction leaves no room for self-indulgent. “Treat yourself” has merely become a concept that most individuals look forward to indulging in at some point of time, but aren't able to set aside a moment of time to recharge their life forces. Self-care is less about justifying the body, and more about finding ways to rejuvenate the senses, mind and the spirit in a way that prepares you to face thechallenges of life with dexterity. If the stress of work and relationships are running high, the only way to recalibrate your chakras is to begin bathing with crystals.

Crystal Bath - Your Instant Energetic Hygiene Fix

Crystals emit electromagnetic frequencies. When you add crystals to your bathtub, they change the molecular structure of water in a beneficial way. The crystals emit positive energy, manifesting the specific chakras.

There are no standardized rules when it comes to crafting a perfect therapeutic crystal bath. However, you need to ensure that you have the most comfortable bathtub at your disposal to transform your bathroom into a high-frequency healing sanctuary.

Therapeutic Bathtubs

Modern technology has provided us with curative delights of hydrotherapy bathing. With physical and mental benefits such as detoxification, healing, relaxation and skin clarity, people from all walks of life have started considering investing in high-quality therapeutic bathtubs. Let's take a look at a few selections of tubs that best fits your requirements and lifestyle.

1. Whirlpool Bathtubs

Whirlpool Bathtubs have hydrotherapy properties that can transform your bathroom into a soothing spa. It encompasses the technology of jets, exposing the body to forceful whirling currents of water. Benefits of installing a whirlpool bathtub include:

● Soothe muscles through a stronger deep tissue massage

● Many physiotherapists recommend hydrotherapy as part of a rehab program following surgery or injury

● Create a spa-like experience with adjustable jets to fit your body

● Can accommodate two people at a time

● Comes in a variety of sizes

● You don’t need to have a large area to comfortably fit one in your private bathroom

      2. Air Bathtubs

Air Tubs or Freestanding tubsprove to be a good investment for people looking for a calmer and gentler alternative to whirlpool baths. Air Jets uses concentrated streams of air that creates a relaxing, therapeutic stream of air bubbles. People with sensitive skin often prefer this effervescent feeling. Benefits of installing Air bathtubs include:

● Provides soft massages and gentle care to the skin

● Stimulates and invigorates touch receptors to release muscular stress

● Appeal to multiple senses by including a blend of aromatherapy bath oils

● The buoyancy factor created by air spas reduces body weight by approximately 90 percent, making it a beneficial option for people with limited range of motion and decreased muscular strength

● Air tubs are self-drying and therefore self-cleaning

Installation

The therapeutic whirlpool bathtubs are designed to fit into a corner of the bathroom. However, access will be needed for the whirlpool pump. On the other hand, Air bathtubs are installed away from the wall and have a skirt that surrounds the bath.

Another point to consider when installing therapeutic tubs is the depth. Since this category of bathtubs is designed to allow a person to immerse the whole body with comfort, the least depth should be between 14 inches and 72-inches, depending upon the space available.

What do you need to create a crystal bath

Now that the basic requirement, a therapeutic bathtub has been talked about in detail, the next step is to learn how to create an effective crystal bath. For a simple healing crystals bath, you will need

1. Crystals

The first thing you need to select the right crystals based on your therapeutic requirement. If you feel mentally stressed, the calming effect of turquoise can help overcome negative thoughts. On the other hand, rose quartz can effectively heal emotional wounds. Amethyst is ideal for detoxification. Here’s a list of crystals that are safe to use in water:

● Clear Quartz

● Smoky Quartz

● Amethyst

● Rose Quartz

● Carnelian

2. Bath Salt/ Essential Oil/ Lather

Depending on the type of shower gel or soap used for lather, you can combine your bathing tub with soothing essential oils such as rose, lavender, lemongrass, and tea tree.

3. Flowers

There are many flowers that you can use to enhance the healing effect.  Depending on your choice, pick a selection of organic flowers, pluck the petals and scatter them in your tub.

How to Bathe with Healing Crystals

● Set the scene: light some candles, dim the lights, draw all the curtains and play soothing music

● Fill your bath, add in crystals and salt. You may choose to add some drops of essential oil to add fragrance. You may want the water a little hotter than normal. Let it stand for 10 minutes

● Scatter the flower petals of your choice, in and around the bathtub

● Immerse your choice of crystals. If you have small stones, place them in a muslin pouch prior to dropping them in the bath

● Rub the healing crystals on specific areas of the body where you want to feel relaxed

● Soak for 20 minutes

As you lay in the bath, focus on your surroundings, take deep breaths and imagine yourself bringing in new energies and releasing the old ones. Visualize a happy, content and stress-free individual by establishing a fluidity of thought and energy. Treat yourself.