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Collaro vanity unit with Venticello vanity washbasin and More to See Lite mirror in an industrial chic bathroom by Villeroy & Boch.

Bathroom repairs

To ensure your bathroom remains a welcoming haven of well-being, you will need to carry out a few repairs from time to time. We explain how you can remedy minor issues in your bathroom.

Helpful tips for bathroom repairs

Every now and then, problems crop up in the bathroom, for example with the pipes, tubes, toilet bowls, taps or shower doors. Some kind of bathroom repair will then be required, because blocked drains, leaking pipes or a dripping tap are unpleasant and also a waste of precious water.

However, other things in your bathroom will occasionally need repair too. For example, the silicone seals between tiles, or the tiles themselves may be damaged. Picture the scene... you’re standing in front of the mirror in the morning, feeling tired. You reach for the hairdryer and it slips out of your hand. The hairdryer survives the impact but the floor tile is now cracked. Of course, to make sure no-one gets hurt, you will have to replace it. Often, however, it is simply signs of wear and tear that prompt inevitable bathroom repairs. Here, we explain which bathroom repairs you can carry out yourself and what tools and materials you will need.

A bathroom with a Venticello toilet, vanity unit and Squaro Infinity shower.

Fixing plumbing troubles in the bathroom

We've all been there: dealing with a leaking toilet flush that causes the water to run non-stop. Not only can it be expensive, but it also leads to unnecessary waste of water. It’s therefore a problem that need repairing quickly. Most of the components of a flush system – the seal, float and inlet valve, for example – can be repaired or replaced easily. When purchasing spare parts, always check that they are compatible with your toilet flush system.

But what happens if ceramic of your bathroom fittings gets damaged? Minor scratches on the washbasin or shower can be fixed using a special repair kit. If the damage is more extensive, it will be best to buy a new one.
 

Changing the tap seal

Leaks in the bathroom require immediate attention, whether it’s a leaking pipe or a dripping tap. The problem might be due to the seal. You can replace this yourself in a few simple steps. This article explains what to do and some important points to bear in mind.

Changing the tap seal

Blocked toilet?

Is your toilet blocked? The problem can often be quickly solved using tools such as a toilet brush, plunger or pipe cleaning spiral, or simple household remedies such as vinegar, baking powder and hot water. We explain the options and how to clear a blocked toilet.

Blocked toilet

Dripping tap?

Bathroom taps sometimes need to be repaired. A dripping tap, for example, is often caused by limescale. To fix the problem, unscrew the jet regulator at the end of the tap and immerse it in a solution of vinegar and water. Find out what other problems can cause a dripping tap and how to avoid them.

Dripping tap

Repairing silicone seals

All silicone seals crack over time and this then encourages the formation of mould. If possible, you should replace old silicone to prevent moisture from penetrating into the walls. The old silicone can be removed easily using a special scraper before you inject the new material into the joints using a caulking gun. You can find useful tips and advice for repairing bathroom seals here.

Repairing silicone seals
A black and white tiled shower with the Wallway shower system by Villeroy & Boch.



Repairing bathroom tiles

Tiles protect walls from wear and moisture. However, they are vulnerable to damage from impacts. We have a few tips to help you repair damaged bathroom tiles.

Small cracks and scratches can be repaired easily with a touch-up pen. Chipped areas can be sealed using a special tile adhesive. Classic filler can be used for larger cracks and drill holes. However, filler contains gypsum and absorbs moisture. This is why many people opt for silicone, which is available in different colours and resistant to moisture. Epoxy resin can also be used to fill cracks in tiles. 

Tools and materials for tile repairs

To repair tiles, you will need a combination of manual skill, tools and materials. 

  • The main tools required to repair tiles are a cordless drill, a multi-sander and a multi-function tool.

  • Various other items will also be needed, including: a paintbrush, scraper, cloth or cleaning brush, filler plane, plastic spatula, pliers, wiper, vacuum cleaner and gloves. 

  • You’ll also need sandpaper (e.g. 240 grit) for the multi-sander or to sand manually, plus silicone or two-part filler and tile varnish. 

Selecting suitable replacement tiles

Minor blemishes and damage to tiles can be repaired relatively easily. However, in the case of large cracks or fissures, often the only solution is to replace the tiles with new ones. With the right technique and tools, you can also do this yourself.

In an ideal situation, you’ll have previously put a few tiles aside, just in case. If you have, you can start replacing the tiles immediately. 

Tips for preventing problems in the bathroom

The bathroom is a warm and humid environment and, because it is used daily, damage can soon occur. However, the following tips can help you to avoid certain issues. 

  1. Flush out pipes regularly with hot water

    To prevent blocked pipes, flush them out with hot water on a regular basis..

  2. Replace old silicone seals

    Old and cracked silicone seals should be replaced to stop moisture from penetrating into the walls and to prevent the formation of mould. 

  3. Vinegar cleaner prevents limescale build-up

    To prevent limescale build-up on taps, dry them with a microfibre cloth or wipe them with vinegar cleaner after use.

  4. Use fabric bathroom floor sets to protect floor tiles

    A high-quality set of fabric bathroom mats will enhance the appearance of your bathroom, while protecting floor tiles from damage caused by falling objects. 

Top product categories

  • Gourmet plates
  • Table cutlery
  • Decanter
  • Wall-mounted washbasins
  • Rimless toilets

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