Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions in our showroom. The specific sections included below are; General, Colours, Toilets & Basins, Baths, Shower Valves, Shower Doors, Taps.
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact a member of our staff who will do their best to answer your questions. You can contact us by phone, fax, email, post or by popping into our showroom, for contact information including a map and directions to our showroom please see the contact page.
How do I order?
You can order over the telephone or call in and see our sales staff between 8am and 5pm Monday - Friday or 8:30am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Do you deliver?
We do not charge for delivery and our transport staff can arrange a suitable day.
How do I find the showroom?
Our sales staff can give you directions if you ring 01978 311183 or you can click on contact us for the address, map and directions.
How do I order a brochure?
On the home page on the left hand side there is an order brochure area if you click on this you can submit your details and we will dispatch you a brochure.
How long will my order take?
Most standard items will be dispatched to you within a week. Any other items can be checked on order.
How do I know what will fit in our room?
We have a design service that can be used on bathrooms or kitchens based on sizes brought in by the customer, your details are then put onto a CAD system to produce a plan and picture of your room.
Does PHS fit?
PHS does not have a fitter but are happy to find a reputable fitter in your area who you can contact. With our kitchens we have excellent fitters available for booking in. Alternatively if you have your own fitter we can work on a supply only basis.
Do you do any other colours than white?
When it comes to chinaware we're a little bit Henry Ford, we provide every colour you can think of, as long as it's white. However, some of our suppliers do still keep stocks of coloured suites so we can always check if we can get a particular colour that you require.
What does Back-To-Wall mean?
Back-To-Wall (BTW) refers to a bathroom fixture that is fitted straight on to the surface of a wall or furniture behind it.
What does Close-Coupled mean?
Close-Coupled is used to describe a toilet where the cistern (top) attaches directly to the pan (bottom).
What does Semi-Recessed mean?
Semi-Recessed describes a washbasin that hangs over the edge of the unit (usually wooden) on which it is placed.
What does W.C. mean?
W.C. stands for 'water closet', basically a toilet!
What does Wall-Hung mean?
Wall-Hung is describes fixtures that are supported by fixture to a wall, the toilet and sink in question won't touch the floor, they hang off the wall.
What is a Cistern?
A Cistern is the part of a toilet that contains the water used for flushing.
What is a Cloakroom Suite?
A Cloakroom Suite is a small bathroom suite, simply comprising of a toilet and sink.
What is a Push-Button Flush?
A Push-Button Flush is a push-able fitting that initiates a toilets flush: push me to flush...
What are the differences between cast iron and acrylic baths?
Well, acrylic is much lighter, less expensive and more user-friendly (i.e. it can be drilled, polished etc.). Cast Iron is heavier, more expensive and gives a traditional feel. We like cast iron, but our drivers prefer acrylic.
What about a wooden panel in the bathroom, won't it warp?
All of the wooden panels and furniture we provide is water-resistant; this puts off any possible warping for quite a long time. But it's always in a manufacturers guarantee to clear standing water from your wooden items.
What showers will work with my water system?
Well it all depends on what water system you have. The showers we provide suit pretty much every water system, sometimes you might need a pump to make it an extra special experience, if you drop us an email or give us a call we can help you with your individual situation, we're very helpful.
I want a power shower.
A power shower comes in many shapes and forms, put simply it's a shower with lots of water coming out. You can achieve this in a number of ways, too many to mention here. You can have a power shower with a Shower Valve, but you might need a little pump to really get things going. It depends on your circumstances.
What's the difference between concealed and exposed valves?
Basically, with a concealed valve all the 'stuff' is recessed into the wall, it's more hidden so only the controls are viewable. With an exposed valve, it sticks out a little more; take a look at the pictures in our shower valves section to get more of an idea.
What's the difference between a fixed kit and a flexible kit?
Well, a fixed kit means the showerhead is in a fixed position, and a flexible kits means you can take it off the wall and move it around, anywhere you like, very handy if you want to wash the bath or tray.
How do I know what is left-hand and what is right-hand?
Beware! There is absolutely no logic here. It's weird but it's true, different manufacturers will call the same door different 'hands'. You need to check the diagram or picture to make sure which 'hand' you want. We'll try to make it as clear as possible.
What is a Quadrant Shower Cubicle?
A Quadrant Shower Cubicle is quartered circle in shape and made to fit in to a corner.
What is a Shower Screen?
A Shower Screen is placed on the edge of a bath in order to prevent shower water getting your floor wet.
What is a Side Panel?
A Side Panel is a screen that attaches to a shower door to make it an enclosure and thus prevent leakage where a side wall isn't present.
What is an Offset Quadrant Shower Cubicle?
An Offset Quadrant Shower Cubicle is rectangular in shape, but features a curved corner at the front end.
What's a low level shower tray? Can I have one?
A low level shower tray is a shallow tray, where the waste drops below the surface of the floor. Whether you can have one depends on your floor type and its situation. If you cannot drop the shower waste below the level of the floor you will need to have a raised shower tray with a panel (or alternatively you could build a tiled step).
A Bath Shower Mixer is a bath mixer tap and a shower all in one, with water distributed through either the tap or shower outlets.
Why do my Taps make a Banging Noise when they're turned on?
Water Hammer is the result of high water pressure causing vibration on the pipes and can be reduced by the installation of a pressure reducing valve. Be sure to check that your pipes aren't loose as this may also be a cause.
What is the Minimum Water Pressure I need to get a Good Flow Rate from my Taps?
This depends on the tap range you choose, but is typically a minimum of 0.1 bar (1 metre head) for a screw-down (rubber washer) tap valve and 0.3 bar (3 metre head) for ceramic disc valves. It's best to seek professional advice before making your purchase.
How do I stop my Taps from Dripping?
Standard tap valves can start to leak should the rubber washer become worn. This can be easily sorted out by replacing the washer. If the taps are ceramic disc, then the entire valve will need replacing. One of the typical characteristics of manufacturing 'traditional' cast taps is that the inside of the spout will be rough, rather than finished. This means that when you turn off the tap, a small reservoir of water is left inside the spout, which will slowly "find its way" through the contours of the cast before dropping into the basin. This can take a "short while", but is perfectly normal.
What Should I use to Clean my Taps?
All brassware should be cleaned with warm soapy water and buffed up to shine with a soft dry cloth. Avoid using any abrasive or acidic cleaners as this may damage the product. Regular cleaning after use will keep your taps looking good.