TradePlumbing Blog

The world's craziest public toilet

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:28:00 +0000

The definition of style over substance...

Toilet roll becomes modern art

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:26:00 +0000

Have you ever cared about the toilet paper roll? Probably not. Let's be honest, they're rough, nondescript and useless - simply destined to be thrown in the bin.

But as the old saying goes, one person's junk is another person's treasure.

Anastassia Elias, a French artist, is a master of collage. She created a winter scene with a child building a snowman, a scene with a woman taking clothes down from a washing line, a school classroom scene, a busy market scene and a model of a grandmother sitting in a living room with a cat through carving tiny scenes out of the inside of each brown paper roll while leaving the outside intact.

Her craft work has now become internationally renowned.

3 Weird, Artistic and Downright Scary Bathrooms

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:54:00 +0000

The bathroom probably isn't the most popular place for unusual design. For most people, sitting down to do their business is best done in comfort, not some bizarre eclectically designed room. Still, there are hundreds of patently bizarre bathrooms and toilets worldwide, some of which are even scary.

From lightening-style showers to the world's worst toilets, we've managed to track down for of the weirdest, most artistic, and occasionally scary bathrooms imaginable. The next time you're annoyed by an empty toilet paper roll, take comfort in the fact that at least you're not stuck in one of these bathrooms.

1. The Suicide Shower, Latin America

Found primarily throughout Latin America, the so called 'suicide shower' is a simple low-cost solution to a common household problem: a lack of hot water. Most Central American houses are built without a hot water tank, as temperatures are warm and toasty for most of the year. However, in hotels built for foreigners that are used to warm showers, these ultra-cheap electric units are standard fare.

Yes, that's an exposed electrical wire right next to the shower nozzle. Oh, and just to add to the fear, that electrical wire happens to be hooked directly into the mains power source. Since heating high pressure water requires a lot of electricity, those wires are packing enough power to do some serious damage when wet. Bathe at your own risk.

2. State Railway of Thailand Toilets

Train toilets aren't exactly renowned for luxury and comfort, but they're typically on par with most other public transport toilets. Thailand's State Railway system, however, seem to have decided that cheap, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous is the name of the game.

Not only are the toilets a traditional squat style, but the foot platforms at the side are built from ultra-slippery stainless steel. Since cleanup only takes a quick spray from the sink, those platforms tend to provide the friction level of an ice rink – just what tired travelers need on a bumpy train ride.

3. The CBGB's Bathroom

Have you ever stepped into a bathroom that's so dirty you thought “could I catch something here?”. The CBGB is a legendary music venue in New York City, and has acted as a proving ground for some major acts including The Ramones and Blondie. What separates the CBGB's bathroom from other filthy ones is that there's a pretty good chance you could catch something here.

From heroin overdoses to late-night punk fights, the CBGB's bathroom is the underground record-holder for filthy, dangerous, and somewhat bizarre stories. Clean freaks had best avoid, but Trainspotting fans will no doubt feel a burst of nostalgia once they walk through the door.

Baxi Potterton Gold A Rated Combi Boilers

noreply@blogger.com (TradePlumbing Blog) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:50:00 +0000

TradePlumbing have managed another great deal! The Which award-winning combi boiler has just been added to our range of A-rated combi boilers on the website.

These boilers are protected by a 3 year parts AND labour guarantee and come with a free flue kit, free time clock AND free delivery. These boilers are available in 24kw, 28kw and 33kw versions and are a proven winner in the domestic boiler market.

Buy Baxi Gold Boiler

Stay aware of Asbestos - the hidden killer

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:42:00 +0000

Asbestos is a hidden killer that can cause four serious diseases. These diseases will not affect you immediately; they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything. Asbestos could be present in any building that was built or refurbished before the year 2000. For all those involved in trades and plumbing, there is a need for you to protect yourself now.

The four diseases are:

Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure and by the time it is diagnosed, it is almost always fatal.

Asbestos-related lung cancer
Asbestos-related lung cancer is the same as (looks the same as) lung cancer caused by smoking and other causes. It is estimated that there is around one lung cancer for every mesothelioma death.

Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious scarring condition of the lung that normally occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos over many years. This condition can cause progressive shortness of breath, and in severe cases can be fatal.

Pleural thickening
Pleural thickening is generally a problem that happens after heavy asbestos exposure. The lining of the lung (pleura) thickens and swells. If this gets worse, the lung itself can be squeezed, and can cause shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.

HSE's Infoline 0845 3450055

Don't forget to bleed your radiator...

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:53:00 +0000

The start of the calendar year brings about a number of tasks that we perform annually; well, my dad does anyway, and he got me into the habit of it too.

One thing you shouldn't forget is too bleed your radiators. If your radiator is cold at the top and toasty at the bottom, it is probably full of air and needs bleeding.

When the heating is off, slip the key into the square valve at the top of the radiator: turn anticlockwise slowly while holding a cloth underneath. You will hear hissing as air is released. When water starts to spurt out, turn the key the other way and tighten.

Expect to bleed all your radiators once a year; if you have to do it more often, or the expelled air smells eggy, it may be that your heating system is corroding, in which case you should consult a plumber.

Old soup kitchen becomes luxury store

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:47:00 +0000

An old Aberdeen soup kitchen is to be turned into a luxury lifestyle boutique.

Shop chain Jo Malone, best known for its scented candles and beauty products, is opening in Loch Street in Aberdeen. The building housed the Public Aberdeen Soup Kitchen from 1838 to 1987 and more recently was a branch of Costa Coffee.

Cheryl Baer, marketing manager for the Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centres in Aberdeen, said she was delighted to see new life being breathed into the property, tucked under the John Lewis store.

Hulk Hogan ecstatic to win back his prized toilet seat

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:49:00 +0000

Regular blog readers may be familiar with an article before Christmas, where legendary, controversial wrestler Hulk Hogan was heading to court to settle a divorce, and fight for custody of his...erm...toilet seat!

Well, the Hulk has won! A judge ruled in favour of Hogan who claimed that Linda Bollea unlawfully removed items from their former family home including chandeliers, a tanning bed and fixtures and fittings. Amongst items that Hogan particularly wanted returned was the "wooden antique toilet seat from the guest house".

According to the Daily Star Sunday, Hogan, who split with Boella in 2007 after 20 years, announced: "The judge says she has to return the toilet seat, a chandelier and everything else."

Boella was said to be using the loo seat as a picture frame to house a photograh of Hogan, 56. A friend said that the wrestling champ was deliriously happy with the ruling.

Unlucky Linda, seems like you're the loo-ser.

Outdoor toilet goes full circle

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Like many things in life, the outdoor toilet has experienced a trend-cycle that's gone full circle.

Originally a sign of wealth when the less fortunate had to make do with chamber pots, the outside loo became an indication of social deprivation in the mid-20th century but has now become an iconic symbol once again.

Birdsong, fresh air and a bit of peace and quiet have kept Fred Cawood regular at his outdoor privy - plus he can have a ciggy whilst he's out there. According to a Halifax housing survey this week, an estimated 40,000 homes in the UK still have one. And it's anything but an indicator of social deprivation.

"We could have knocked it down or converted it – a lot have round here," says Fred, who moved into Plantation Street in Gorton, Manchester, exactly half a century ago. The two-up, two-down through-terrace, as redbrick and uniform as any Coronation Street fan could wish, cost him and his late wife £700.

Local estate agents like the "heritage" aspect of well-kept privies, which can lift prices above the current average of £65-70,000. But that includes an indoor loo, too. Like all their neighbours, the Cawoods used a 75% council grant in the 70s to split one bedroom and fit an indoor alternative, plus bath.

"I still find the outdoor one very convenient," says Fred, now 85 and walking with a stick. "It's on the level so I don't need to go all the way upstairs and down on the stairlift."

Ryanair annouce further 'pee fee' plans`

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:57:00 +0000

More news on Ryanair's fee to pee! It has been reported that the £1/€1 charge would apply only to services of one hour or less, which the carrier believes will allow it to reduce average fares by at least five percent.

Ryanair stated it is currently in talks with Boeing to retrofit its B737 aircraft with one coin-operated toilet, with the other two toilets to be removed to provide room for an additional six seats.

Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara, according to a report filed by The Irish Times, mentioned that the airline was in talks with Boeing about refitting 50 of its 737- series aircraft with a single coin-operated toilet. There was no health-and-safety issue, he said, although the change would need approval, as Ryanair’s fleet is already fitted with its maximum permissible number of seats.

“One toilet will discourage overdependence. There is nothing in the rule book to say that an aircraft has to have any toilets at all, which might sound strange, but we believe three toilets are excessive.”

McNamara insists the infamous ‘pee fee’ is now firmly back on the airline’s agenda.

Five utterly bizarre toilet signs...

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:18:00 +0000

If you need a pee, you're best off buying a cup of tea.

Yeah don't worry, it's all in the name of research....

You've been warned...

Plan ahead - don't be caught short...

Toilet Twister... not allowed.

And I would drive 320 miles, and I would drive 320 more...

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:12:00 +0000

A plumber made a round trip of over 320 miles from Birmingham to Norwich to mend a toilet seat – because of a Government contract.

The worker’s marathon journey to fix the lavatory at the East Anglian probation hostel is highlighted in a report compiled by probation officers’ union Napo.

In another case, an electrician made a total journey of hundreds of miles from Newmarket to Birmingham and back to mend an electrical switch. A repairman drove from London to Cheshire to replace bulbs in an office, a total of 175 miles.

Napo assistant general secretary Harry Fletcher said said Government policies of centralisation lay at the heart of the issue. The Home Office made no comment.

Couple fight for their rights to a bathroom sink

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:04:00 +0000

A young couple have been fighting a running battle with Norwich City Council to get what many people take for granted - a bathroom sink.

Melissa Dye and Lewis Bounden are unable to teach their young children to wash their hands before they leave the bathroom, because they have been without a basin in the room since they moved in.

Instead, the family either have to wash their hands and clean their teeth using the kitchen sink or by leaning over the bath - which the children struggle with.

The couple, who have three children, Angel Louise, six, Alisha, 19 months, and Hermione, three-and-a-half months, have been living in the two-bedroom city council-owned home in Gilbard Road, on the Larkman estate, for three years.

"We have tried; my mum has tried, Lewis's stepdad has tried - in fact everyone has tried to get something done.

"The last we heard was when two men came before Christmas to have a look and work out a way to put it in, but we haven't heard anything since," said full-time mum Melissa, 26.

Lewis, 25, who cooks in a chip shop, has given up hope that anything will be done in the downstairs bathroom, which is next to the kitchen.

"The council says the room is too small for a sink, but I don't think it is right to use the kitchen one. I don't think it is hygienic," added Melissa.

In the 1940s and 1950s homes were often built without a hand basin in the bathroom as it was not a requirement then.

Tweet your weight to the world!

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:07:00 +0000

We may be used to having internet access on our computers and mobile phones, but with the latest gadgets, everything from your picture frame to your bathroom scales will soon be able to go online.

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week, where manufacturers released all the gadgets they will sell in 2010, makers seemed intent on giving everything in the home internet access.

One of the more unusual internet-connected gadgets is the Withings wi-fi bathroom scales, which tweet your weight whenever you stand on them. The idea is that by sharing your weight you are motivated to lose more.

The firm says the £100 gadget is selling well and is now working on a Facebook upgrade to allow weight to be shared on the site.

Big freeze hits national water supply

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:10:00 +0000

With all this snow and ice around, you wouldn't think that a lack of water would be an issue but it's becoming an extremely sensitive one across the UK.

Thousands of homes have been facing water shortages as local authorities continue to ration supplies in the wake of the big freeze.

Despite a thaw across the country, water reserves were under severe pressure because of burst pipes and over-use.

Tankers were deployed in some of the worst-hit parts of the country to allow people access to fresh drinking water, while people with supplies have been urged to cut usage with practical measures like taking shorter showers.

Not a great deal for UK plumber on national TV

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:15:00 +0000

A north Suffolk plumber narrowly missed a major pay day when he appeared on popular television game show Deal or No Deal.

Self-employed Mark Jardine, 38, had waited in the wings on the show for 18 days before being chosen to appear on yesterday's programme.

The Channel 4 show - presented by Noel Edmonds - offers contestants the chance to scoop a maximum £250,000 by opening 22 red boxes. But after a gruelling game in which his highest offer from the banker was £13,500, he eventually went home with just £750.

"I didn't do very well," said Mr Jardine.

"There were some big figures still left on the board so I carried on. It was pretty devastating, that's the way it goes."

It's snow joke for Cumbrian family as water freezes over

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:35:00 +0000

A family left without water in the wake of the big freeze have been turning to inventive methods of keeping the toilet flushing.

With their water frozen both inside and outside the farmhouse, Anita Thorburn and her partner Tony spent 24 hours melting snow to ensure their toilet would flush.

And, though the water is now running again, the family – including Anita’s eight-year-old son Ben – are now trapped at their farm in Walmersyke near Armathwaite.

“No water didn’t really affect Ben – for an eight-year-old boy not to have a bath is great, it’s not a problem,” said Anita.
“But there was no water in the farmhouse, stables or the sheep pens – we were melting snow to flush the toilet but I wasn’t too bothered about that, it’s the animals.

“We had to smash ice to get water for the horses and we’re still struggling with the sheep.

“We haven’t got the water back on in the sheep pens yet.”

Cold Weather Payment - Check your Area

noreply@blogger.com (TradePlumbing Blog) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:50:00 +0000

Just a quick post

If you need to find out whether your area is classed as cold enough for a Cold Weather Payment, then here is the link:

http://pensions.direct.gov.uk/en/cold-weather-payment/home.asp

Remember that the cold weather payment is only given to those eligible. If you're in receipt of pensions or some benefits then you may be eligible for the cold weather payment.

New bathroom mirror design displays water consumption

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:04:00 +0000

Korean designer Yong Jin Kim has created a concept of bathroom mirrors that brings forth water crisis in front of the user.

The mirror is lit with LEDs powered by the flow of water in the pipes. As you use the mirror throughout the year, the patterns of water use and supply create a frame, and you can see how your habits affect the planet.

Designer Kim's idea is that the mirror breaks down daily, monthly and annual use of water. As you use too much water, there's a control in the mirror so your supply can be limited. And if the lights are meaningless to the user, there are also icons for those who are affected by water misuse - kids, ecosystems, polar bears - so you're guilted into shutting off the faucet.

At the end of a year, you can see your usage patterns and know what kind of progress you've made in trimming down your consumption.

Boiler scrappage scheme launches in the UK

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:12:00 +0000

The UK Government’s boiler scrappage scheme to replace old inefficient models with better performing ones, announced in the December Pre-Budget Report, has now launched.

The scheme, kickstarted by the UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband, will issue vouchers for £400 off the price of a modern A-rated boiler or renewable energy heating system like a biomass boiler or heat pump.

Up to 125,000 households with G-rated boilers will be eligible to apply for the vouchers through the Energy Saving Trust.

Changing over would save the average household around £235 a year, according to price comparison site uSwitch.com. Will Marples, an energy adviser at uSwitch.com, said: “Heating and hot water account for £756 a year on average so it makes absolute sense to focus energy efficient efforts here.”

However, consumer groups warned the offer was likely to be oversubscribed as 3.5m UK households are estimated to be using G-rated boilers, which tend to be at least 25 years old.

Take a look at this article for a jargon free-explanation of just what the Boiler Scrappage Scheme could mean to you.

Super-tough Toilet now at Lincoln County Hospital

noreply@blogger.com (TradePlumbing Blog) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:12:00 +0000

We've brought you the world's oldest loo, the most advanced toilet on the planet and the WC that will give your kids nightmares. Now we've found a toilet designed to cope with the most overweight people in the UK!

Armitage Shanks are producing a steel-reinforced toilet for Lincoln County Hospital to be used in the care of morbidly obese patients.

The super-tough loo is able to support weights of up to 70 stone; that's the equivalent of almost 200 5lb bags of flour!

If you're hoping to get your hands on one though, you'll have to be patient. The toilet being used in the hospital is a protype and it may take a long time for the finished product to reach the market. Watch this space though!

Vegas at threat due to lack of water

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:54:00 +0000

Las Vegas, the Sin City of America, where the world's rich and famous go to let loose their inhibitions, is in severe danger of becoming defunct due to a lack of water.

The water line by the great Hoover Dam that feeds 90 per cent of Nevada's water supply has plunged by 120ft in ten years.

One official said that if the drought continued in the same pattern, the situation would be 'catastrophic - within eight years, and Vegas could literally run out of water. Desperate rescue plans are now being drawn up.'

All the casino resorts and property developers have ignored for decades the obvious fact that Vegas is in the desert, it's hot as hell, and the water's declining - and only now are the businesses in the bright lights city starting to sit up and take notice.

Pay a pound to 'spend a penny' with Ryanair

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:49:00 +0000

The Ryanair chief executive, Michael O’Leary, reasserted that the no-frills airline is serious about charging for the use of toilets on board its flights. He added that it would mean using a credit card, rather than placing a coin in a slot on the door.

According to the airline executive, there are safety and technical issues that prevent installing a £1 coin-operated mechanism, and that is the reason for exploring the credit card alternative.

Ryanair’s “pay a pound to spend a penny” scheme would bring in £15 million in new revenue annually, which could benefit passengers by a reduction in airfares.

“We have looked into this before and the problem is Boeing can’t come up with a mechanism on the toilet door to take coins. We’re suggesting they go back and look at a mechanism where you’d swipe the credit card for a quid on the toilet door. They’ve gone off to look at that.”

“(People say) you can’t be serious. We are serious,” O’Leary insisted.

Christmas ruined as sewage spills into family home

noreply@blogger.com (AL) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:07:00 +0000

A devastated family have slammed Scottish Water after raw sewage oozed into their toilet.
Furious mum Julie Webster is at the end of her tether after years of drainage problems outside their Port Glasgow home.

But the final straw came on Monday when human waste flowed onto the floor in the downstairs toilet.

Sewage also gurgled up through the bath and wash hand basin in the bathroom upstairs, causing an overpowering stench in the house.

Julie, 45, of Methil Road, said: "I'm disgusted. It's awful. I'm angry and upset."

Julie lives with her husband, Martin, and three daughters and sometimes looks after her eleven-month-old granddaughter. But the couple are sending their kids to stay with their grandparents until the problem is sorted.

Martin, 50, said: "What can you say? It's the worst thing to happen to any household.
"I cannot think of anything worse to come into your house, apart from a fire."

A Scottish Water spokeswoman said: "Scottish Water sympathises with customers when such instances of internal sewer flooding arise.

"Our contractor and regional network service operator attended the home in Methil Road to complete the full clean- up of the property.

"We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience this incident may have caused."

Solar Powered Mansion for the Green Prince?

noreply@blogger.com (TradePlumbing Blog) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:07:00 +0000

In the latest of a virtual career of environmental initiatives, Prince Charles has been conducting in-depth talks with so-called “green” energy experts and is actively considering installing solar panels on Clarence House, his official London home.

The Prince, mocked in the British press for decades over his commitment to environmental issues, has become a respected and key speaker in the suddenly hot topics of global warming, carbon footprints and green energy sources.

He hopes to install sufficient solar panels to run both the heating and lighting of the entire building, however the modifications will only be added if they do not compromise the external appearance of the 180 year old mansion house.

The bill to install enough panels to completely power the residence is expected to be somewhere in the region of £150,000. With an annual energy saving of 8%, the Prince can expect to break even sometime during 2021.

With such a public backing from a member of the Royal Family, there’s never been a better time to invest in the power of the sun. Take a look at our renewable energy products and see how you too can help protect the environment and even the world!