Category Archives: Bathrooms

contemporary master bathroom with natural stone elements and black accents

Some of Our Favorite Master Bathroom Design Trends and Ideas for 2021

Here at The Bath Barn, our dedicated and experienced bathroom remodeling and design team stays up-to-date on current trends for all types of bathrooms, from small powder rooms to sprawling en suite master baths. After all, our bath designers must be able to translate a customer’s ideas and preferences into an inviting oasis.

Especially with master bathrooms, the recent trend has been creating a spa-like atmosphere where homeowners can relax and unwind after a busy day. But, how to achieve this feeling in a bath is up to the designer and their unique knowledge about putting together the right colors and materials to provide a visual cohesiveness to the flooring, cabinetry, faucet finishes, and more.

Today’s blog post offers just a little insight into some of the biggest trends in fixtures, master bath layouts, and décor that our designers are adding to their repertoire now. Continue reading →

Diverters, Transfer Valves, and Pressure Balancing Valves oh my!

The plumbing behind your walls is more than just pipes to carry water. The “trim” pieces you see on the outside hide a much more complex system of controlling and diverting water to the various showerheads and spouts as well as maintaining a constant temperature and pressure.

The first component of this system is often the Pressure Balancing Valve which combines hot and cold water at a constant pressure, preventing a sudden change in temperature should someone for instance flush a toilet.

If you have a bathtub typically the water will first be sent to the tub spout to fill the tub. A diverter, commonly a small pin shaped piece on the spout, will stop the water flowing out of the spout and send it instead to the showerhead.

In cases where there is no bathtub, only a shower, the water is usually sent directly to the showerhead but can be diverted to a handshower by use of a transfer valve. These can send water to one of two showerheads and with some models, to both.

The choices of how you want water to be controlled can be overwhelming but we are here to help. Our designers are experienced in creating such systems and will help determine exactly what valve, diverters, and other components you will need.

Contact Us to learn more.

 

Pro Tip: Water Softeners Can Help Keep Your Bathroom Looking Clean and Fresh

A water softener system can help keep your bathroom faucets, surfaces, and other household appliances looking clean. The “scale” (made up of calcium and magnesium ions) found in hard water from wells or municipal sources can gradually clog pipes and leaves a residue on surfaces such as counter tops and shower doors. A water softener removes these harmful ions from your water.

The diagram below is from Waterfall Systems, a brand of water softeners we regularly install for our customers. It shows the major components of a water softener system.

waterfall system chart

 

All water flowing into your house goes through the mineral tank. Small beads in the mineral tank stick to passing calcium or magnesium ion, trapping them in the mineral tank.

Periodically these beads are regenerated with salt water, also known as “brine”, which is stored in the brine tank. Regenerating causes an ionic exchange removing the calcium and magnesium ions from the mineral tank. Many people incorrectly assume the salt from the brine tank will end up in their water supply, but it doesn’t. After flushing the beads it is sent to the drain and does not go to the rest of your house. The brine tank requires a regular resupply of salt which we sell in 40lb or 50lb bags.

If you have any questions about your water softener or would like to see about getting a system installed in your home, call us at 717-626-1168 or contact us here.

 

bath barn image

Bath Designers to the Rescue!

Most independent people like to figure things out for myself. It’s a challenge for them as they envision what needs done by creating a plan and then putting it into action!

As I grow older, it gets harder and harder to focus on one plan and see it to completion. My life is busier with family and work. Projects take longer to accomplish than before and a lot more thought. As I think about deciding to remodel my own bath, which should be easier since I help others choose faucets, vanities, toilets every day. But somehow it is not! I know all the choices but how do I find the right choice for me. For bathrooms the possibilities seem endless. Continue reading →

50 Years of Service

Mervin Zimmerman, Inc & The Bath Barn Celebrates 50 Years!

Written by Bonnie Hoover

mervin zimmerman buildingFifty years ago, my dad, Mervin Zimmerman, decided to move to Lititz to start in the plumbing, heating and air conditioning business. I was only 5 years old at the time, so this seemed like quite an adventure to move to a farm house in Lititz. A local bank helped Mervin purchase our small farm just outside Lititz with no down payment. Mervin’s background was in Heating and Air Conditioning and eventually he hired his brother, Lester Zimmerman to help with the plumbing and bath remodeling. The barn became his warehouse as he started out with a little red pickup truck. Mervin’s focus was about serving the needs of a residential customer. He enjoyed problem solving and figuring out how to repair something rather than just replace it. Continue reading →