A wet room is created in a new room or within an existing bathroom. The bath is removed and the floor is graded to a waste outlet. This provides a totally level access showering area. The room can be covered by a sheet vinyl or suitable tiles and membrane. Either floor covering would be installed as the manufacturers recommendations to create a complete tanking system.

A wet room can be installed into either a wooden or concrete floor. The installer can either use a floor former to obtain a graded showering area or create their own graded area, this is a matter of personal installer choice and maybe dictating site conditions. The showering area can vary in size and shape to suit the needs and requirements of the individual.

Some of the popular floor former sizes are:

900mm x 900mm
1000mm x 1000mm
1200mm x 1200mm
1300mm x 800mm
1400mm x 900mm
1500mm x 800mm

In most cases a suitable waste outlet could be used to remove the water by a standard gravity waste method. If this is not possible the need for a shower waste pump may be an option to remove the waste water. There are many methods of creating an enclosure to maintain the water within the graded shower area ranging from a weighted shower curtain, shower doors or fixed shower screens.

Care Index includes manufacturers, suppliers and installers of wet rooms.

To some, a Shower Waste Pump is a necessary evil whilst to others it is a Godsend. It has been common to use Shower Pumps to increase the power of a shower, however Shower Waste Pumps have been developed to help install showers where it has previously been difficult or impossible to fit due to lack of drainage facilities.

What does a Shower Waste Pump do? Shower Waste Pumps suck the water out of your shower tray or wet room and pump it to an existing convenient drain.

Where would we use a Shower Waste Pump? There are many reasons to use a Shower Waste Pump. Where a bath has been removed to be replaced with low level access shower tray, a level access shower tray or more commonly a wet room. Where a shower is being installed onto a concrete floor and gravity drainage is impossible. A newly created shower room which is too far from an existing drain to install a shower tray, without having to raise the tray to an unacceptable or dangerously high level off the floor to obtain a gravity waste.

How does a Shower Waste Pump work? There are generally three types of Shower Waste Pump with some earlier models being slightly adapted boat bilge pumps. In simple terms they work a bit like this:

Diaphragm Pump This type of pump has a large flexible cup (imagine a plunger used to unblock sinks) The diaphragm moves backwards to suck water up the waste pipe from the shower tray and then forwards to push the water in the other direction to a drain. This is an efficient method to pump waste water when installed correctly. Basic models can be a little noisy with some vibration and a noise at the end of showering similar to the noise you get from sucking through a straw to get that last little bit of a milk shake. Recent improvements, which naturally add something to the cost, have been made to this type of pump, including reduced or variable speeds to keep them as quiet as possible. The benefit is to be able to shower at any time of the day or night without disturbing other members of the household or your neighbours.

Impeller Pump This type of pump works with an impeller which is usually flexible but sometimes rigid (imagine a propeller or water wheel). The impeller spins, sucking the water from the shower tray and pushing it towards the drain. This is quite a smooth running pump when installed correctly, but those with flexible impellers should never be run dry. These pumps are generally reliable but very long hair can cause problems.

Peristaltic Pump This is an innovative product based on tried and tested technology from a variety of medical applications and adapted to the needs of domestic showering. One of the main advantages of the Peristaltic Pump is cleanliness as neither the waste water or any debris floating in it is ever in contact with the mechanics of the pump. Peristaltic pumps use a flexible tubing that is compressed by rollers, a bit like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube and the more often the motor turns, the more liquid is moved and the more flow you get per hour. Peristaltic Shower Waste Pumps have three rollers on rotating arms which pinch the tube and effectively pushes and pulls the waste water along. An added advantage is that the rollers form an effective trap, preventing waste water or foul air from returning back into the showering area. Indications are that this type of pump is almost totally unblockable, extremely quiet and maintenance free.

Care Index includes manufacturers, suppliers and installers of shower waste pumps.

The DDA applies to anyone who provides a service to the general public - whether it's a small corner shop, restaurant, local pub, library, care home or large multi-national corporation. It stipulates, that you act reasonably - this means taking into account issues such as finance, size and nature of your business. There are usually various options when attempting to act reasonably and it will often be cheaper than you may think. So everyone that provides a service to the general public has a duty to make reasonable adjustments to their property, business or service to anticipate the needs of the disabled population.

An access audit by a DDA specialist access auditor will ensure that you are aware of all of your responsibilities and options under the Disability Discrimination Act. Use this link for more information Disability and the Equality act 2010

The Blue Badge Scheme provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The badge enables holders to park close to where they need to go. The scheme operates throughout the UK, and is administered by local authorities who deal with applications and issue badges.

Use the links below for more information.

Blue Badge Scheme http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/bluebadge/

More about the Blue Badge Scheme http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/disabledpeople/motoringandtransport/dg_4001061

Stairlift tracks fall into two categories, straight and curved. It can be a little confusing to know which type you need for your staircase. There are many ranges of stairlift systems and an advisor from a manufacturer, supplier or installer should be able to conduct both a survey of your staircase and assess your needs to help you identify which system is right for you.

Straight stairlifts are suitable for use where a stairlift only needs to travel in one straight line, for example from the hall to the landing. Straight stairlifts cannot go around corners.

Curved stairlifts have tracks that are specifically designed to suit staircases that turn corners or are spiral. There are many types of curved stairlifts and an advisor from a manufacturer, supplier or installer could assist you in making an informed decision as to which one is best suited for your needs.

For more in-depth details of stairlifts you should talk to a manufacturer, supplier or installer. For further details of stairlift manufacturers, suppliers and installers please click the headings above to search the Care Index directory.

Most bath lifts are effectively a seat that can be placed securely in the bath when needed. When raised to its upright position it should be level with the top of your bath. You can then sit on your bath lift and move your feet and legs over into the bath. You then lower the seat into the bath, with the water already in it, and have the pleasure of a relaxing bath.

When you are finished the bath lift is raised to the starting position and you can exit the bath without having to empty the water out first. When not in use your bath lift can be removed from the bath leaving it free for other users.

If you are disabled or have a long term illness you do not have to pay VAT on certain equipment or services. To find out more click this link http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/sectors/consumers/disabled.htm.

A Disabled Facilities Grant is a grant from your local council which would help towards the cost of adapting your home. This will then enable you to continue to live there. The grant is paid when your local council considers that the requested changes are necessary to meet your needs and also that the work is reasonable and practical. Use the link below to find out more information. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HomeAndHousingOptions/YourHome/DG_4000642

You may qualify if you receive disability related benefits, are registered as deaf or use a hearing aid, are registered as visually impaired, have epilepsy, but learn more by clicking the link http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk