Bathroom Lingo Decoded: The Confusing Terms You May Encounter

Recent years have seen the humble bathroom become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Increasingly people are searching for designs that echo both their personality and lifestyles.

Recent years have seen the humble bathroom become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Increasingly people are searching for designs that echo both their personality and lifestyles.

However, to execute your bathroom vision perfectly tackling quintessence of its underlying mechanics is key. After all, they are what keep your bathroom in check for years to come.

Remodelling a bathroom will seem like a formidable task from the get-go when you aren’t familiarised with the abundance of acronyms, initialisms, and terms that will, at first glance, leave you dumbstruck. We’ve demystified some of the uncommon terms you may not necessarily come across in your everyday life that you’re bound to stumble upon during any bathroom renovation project.

The Basics:

Thermostatic

Anything thermostatic relates to balancing. For example, in showers, a thermostatic mixing valve blends hot and cold water together to prevent scalding and to ensure consistent water flow.

Diverter

There are a wide variety of diverter valves. However, they are primarily associated with shower and radiator units. In terms of a showering, a diverter cuts out the middleman and allows you to switch the water flow from either the shower head or the bath taps. Thereby eliminating the need for a separate bath or shower stall and saving space in the process!

Monobloc

This refers to an appliance that stands alone. For instance, monobloc taps are specifically crafted to operate upon one-hole basin units. Although there is just one tap they exert the power of two by combining both hot and cold water.

The Nitty Gritty:

BTU

• BTU (British Thermal Unit) - This is used to measure the heat output from either your radiator or towel rails.

Why is it important?

• BTU is used for determining how much heat you will require when heating the whole room. Essentially telling you whether or not your radiator is doing its job. The amount of heat produced will bring a focus to how many sources of heat you will need. BTU is also affected by other installation factors. For instance, if your home has foam filled cavity walls you may require less BTU. As well as factors such as the number windows the room has or what the main use of a room is. Click here for help when measuring BTU.

BS

• The British Standard provides recommendations on the overall design of bathroom facilities.

TRV (Thermostatic Radiator Valves)

• Despite probably not being the most attractive feature you’ve ever cast eyes on in a bathroom, radiator valves are one of, if not the most important component when setting up your bathroom radiator.

Food For Thought

Thermostatic radiator valves adjust automatically to your surroundings by testing the air temperature. Whilst, they are have proved extremely useful in larger spaces maintaining a constant temperature whilst boasting energy saving qualities they have also proven problematic in bathroom spaces…

EDR (Equivalent Direct Radiation)

• A radiators heating surface can be measured in terms of equivalent direct radiation. Heat output will vary based on the difference between radiator dimensions and the type of appliance. For instance, a cast iron radiator will differ from contemporary electric towel rails.

EER (Energy Efficiency Rating)

This ranks an appliance in terms the power it uses versus the result it provides. A bathroom overhaul is a perfect opportunity to invest in energy and water saving products. Per household, it is surprising how much is used and subsequently wasted. Not only will more awareness of usage a plus for the environment it also increases the likelihood of perks such as lower water bills.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning)

Collectively, these appliances are designed to regulate and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and air quality.

This includes:

• Heated towel rails.
• Radiators.
• Ventilation fans.
• Air conditioning.

ABS

ABS is a plastic that combines the strength of acrylic, butadiene, and styrene and is commonly used when forming shower trays and bathroom accessories for its durability and lightweight.

WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme)

For any appliance that is fitted that either carries of receives water from the public mains supply has to comply fully with WRAS regulations. Under these regulations, it is imperative that the fitting does not cause misuse or wastage of water consumption or more gravely contamination of a water supply. Products such as showers, boilers, and valves undergo comprehensive testing before they can be approved.

We hope that we’ve made sense of these techy bathroom buzzwords and that it helps you conquer any bathroom ambition!