Month: May 2025

Planning a bathroom can feel like juggling tiles, taps, and towel rails with no idea where to start. But don’t panic — help is at hand (and it comes with biscuits).

Say hello to The Design Hub, a cosy, inspiring space at DTS HQ, where Signature Bathrooms brings your ideas to life. Whether you’re dreaming of spa vibes, modern minimalism, or timeless luxury, The Design Hub is your creative playground — without the overwhelming showroom overload.

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So… What Is The Design Hub?

It’s not a showroom (we’re not fans of cold sales floors and showroom fatigue). It’s a friendly, down-to-earth design space where you can:

• See and feel our carefully chosen ranges from brands like Swan, Scudo, Tavistock, Imex, Grohe, Ideal Standard, and Kudos
• Play with real samples from our new tile range (yes, you can bring your Pinterest board and we’ll help match it)
• Get one-to-one advice from our design team
• Explore layouts, colour schemes and clever solutions for awkward spaces

Whether you want a full design-supply-install service or just the design and supply, this is where your vision starts to take shape — no stress, no guesswork.

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Why We Created It

Signature Bathrooms isn’t just about selling bathrooms — it’s about creating them, with thoughtful design, quality products and a process that feels less like admin and more like inspiration.

The Design Hub was built for people who:

• Want real, honest advice (not pushy sales)
• Need help turning ideas into something practical
• Prefer seeing samples and ranges in person before making big decisions
• Don’t want to spend weekends trailing round giant warehouses

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What to Expect When You Visit

• A warm welcome (tea or coffee?)
• Expert guidance tailored to you
• A hands-on experience — samples, mood boards, layout help
• A clear design and quote — whether it’s supply-only or the full Signature experience

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Ready to Visit?

The Design Hub is appointment only so we can give you our full attention (and full biscuit jar). Drop us a message, let us know what you’re planning, and we’ll get everything ready for your visit.

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Let’s Bring Your Bathroom to Life

Whether you’re starting from scratch or stuck in decision limbo, The Design Hub is here to help you move from “I think I like…” to “YES. That’s the one.”

Contact us to book your visit

(And yes, you can absolutely bring your Pinterest board, tile samples, and even your nan if she’s got opinions.)

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So, What Is Fernox F1 Inhibitor?

Fernox F1 is a central heating system additive designed to protect your boiler and radiators from corrosion, limescale, and sludge build-up. Think of it like mouthwash for your pipes – it gets rid of the nasty stuff and keeps everything flowing nicely.

It’s part of the Fernox “Protect, Clean, Maintain” range, and it’s not just marketing fluff – it’s been independently tested and approved to meet BuildCert and Energy Saving Trust standards, which is the plumbing world’s version of a Michelin star.

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Why Do We Use It?

Without an inhibitor, your central heating system is a ticking timebomb of rust and muck. Over time, untreated water inside your radiators reacts with metal components, producing black sludge (magnetite), which clogs up your system and reduces heating efficiency by up to 15%. That’s more energy, more money, and a colder house. No thank you.

Fernox F1 Inhibitor stops that in its tracks, protecting:

• Your boiler

• Your radiators

• Your pipes

• And even your energy bills

It’s effective against corrosion, scale, and biofilms – yes, that’s a thing – and keeps your heating water as clean as your conscience after doing your annual boiler service.

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When Do We Use It?

We add Fernox F1 inhibitor whenever we:

• Install a new boiler

• Flush a central heating system

• Carry out major radiator or pipework upgrades

• Refill your system after a drain-down

Basically, anytime the system has been emptied or serviced, the inhibitor should be added as standard. If it’s not, it’s like refilling your kettle but leaving the limescale in – eventually, things are going to get a bit crusty.

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It’s Not Just Smart – It’s Mandatory

Here’s the part many homeowners miss: adding inhibitor like Fernox F1 is a requirement for most boiler and radiator manufacturer warranties.

Yes, you read that right. If your boiler breaks down and it turns out no inhibitor was added, your warranty could be void. Not “maybe,” not “we’ll see,” but “thanks and goodbye.”

At DTS Plumbing & Heating, we always include Fernox F1 when we install a new boiler because we like to sleep at night, and we know you do too

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The Efficiency Gains

Now for the juicy bit – how much money it can save you:

• Up to 15% more efficient system performance

• Fewer callouts, breakdowns, and repairs

•  Longer boiler lifespan (yes, really)

• Smoother running system, quicker heat-up times

According to Fernox, a single 500ml bottle of F1 can protect a system with up to 130 litres of water and 16 radiators. That’s a lot of bang for your chemical buck.

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A Quick Shoutout to Fernox as a Brand

Fernox has been around for over 60 years, leading the way in water treatment products for heating systems. They’re pioneers in the industry and constantly developing products that are safer, greener, and more effective.

Bonus points: Fernox F1 is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. So it keeps your home warm and your conscience clean.

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Wrapping Up (Preferably in a Blanket, Because Central Heating Is Bliss)

Whether you’ve got a new boiler or an older system getting a bit cranky, Fernox F1 is a no-brainer. It’s your best line of defence against the muck that slows down your heating and costs you money.

And remember – if you’re having a new boiler installed, make sure Fernox F1 is part of the job. We include it as standard at DTS Plumbing & Heating because we do things properly – and because we like it when our customers ring to say thank you, not why’s my boiler throwing a tantrum?

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Want to keep your heating healthy and your warranty intact?

Book a service or system clean with us today and we’ll make sure Fernox F1 is doing its job behind the scenes.

Or sign up for our Cosy Care Plan and save 10% while keeping everything in tip-top condition.

Signature Bathrooms by DTS – Your vision. Our expertise.

Let’s face it — when you start planning a new bathroom, it’s easy to get swept up in dreamy Pinterest boards, colour swatches, and imagining that spa-like sanctuary. Then someone asks: “Have you decided on your tiles yet?” Cue the panic.

Tiles might not be the most glamorous part of your bathroom journey, but they are hugely important. They set the tone, add texture, and (if chosen wisely) won’t cause any regrets every time you brush your teeth.

This guide is here to make tile decisions less overwhelming — and maybe even a bit fun. Ready? Let’s dive in.

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1. Porcelain vs. Ceramic: What’s the Big Deal?

Porcelain Tiles

These are like the elite athletes of the tile world — super strong, low-maintenance, and ready to take on high-moisture mayhem.

Pros:

• Nearly indestructible (perfect for kids, dogs, and clumsy adults)

• Water-resistant – splash away!

• Gorgeous finishes that mimic stone or wood

• Works wonders on floors and walls

Cons:

• Tougher to cut – best left to the pros

• Heavier and pricier than ceramic

• Will definitely win in a fight with your tile cutter

Ceramic Tiles

Friendly, affordable, and full of personality. Great for walls, splashbacks, and spaces that don’t need to be ready for battle.

Pros:

• Kind to your wallet

• Easier to cut – DIYers, rejoice

• Endless colour and pattern options

• Lighter and perfect for walls

Cons:

• A bit more delicate – not ideal for heavy-wear floors

• Can absorb more water (not great if you’re turning the bathroom into a daily monsoon)

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2. Pressed vs. Rectified: The Edge Matters

Pressed Tiles

Soft edges, a little variation, and a touch of tradition. These are the tiles that don’t mind if things aren’t millimetre-perfect.

• Require wider grout lines (but hey, more grout = more grip in your socks)

• Quicker to lay and more forgiving

• Perfect for cosy, character-filled bathrooms

Rectified Tiles

These are the sleek, sharp-edged perfectionists. Cut to exact sizes with crisp lines — ideal if you like your tiles like your tea: no nonsense.

• Ultra-slim grout lines for that seamless, hotel-lobby look

• A bit more fussy to install (perfection takes time)

• Great for modern, minimalist spaces — or showing off on Instagram

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3. Size & Layout: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

• Large-format tiles make your bathroom feel bigger. Fewer grout lines = fewer places for grime to hide. (And that’s a win for everyone.)

• Metro and mosaic tiles add detail and charm — perfect for feature walls, niches, or just showing off a little.

• Fancy patterns? Try herringbone, vertical stack, or brick-bond layouts. Just don’t get stuck down a Pinterest rabbit hole for 4 hours. (We’ve all been there.)

Tile Tip: Think about grout colour! It’s like the eyeliner of the tile world — subtle can be sleek, contrast can be bold.

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4. Finish: Glossy, Matte or Textured?

• Matte – Understated and anti-slip. Stylish and safe (a rare combo).

• Glossy – Shiny and reflective, ideal for walls. Just be careful where you place the mirror…

• Textured – Great for grip and adding that “ooooh” factor. Ideal in wet rooms or as a feature.

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5. Colour & Style: Set the Mood (and Hide the Toothpaste)

• Light colours open up small bathrooms and make them feel airy.

• Dark tiles bring drama and depth — but make sure there’s good lighting or you’ll feel like you’re showering in a bat cave.

• Patterns inject personality and charm.

• Neutrals are timeless — and won’t go out of style faster than avocado bathrooms in the 70s.

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6. Where Should You Use What?

Area Best Tile Type

• Shower walls Porcelain or glazed ceramic

• Bathroom floors Matte porcelain (anti-slip)

• Feature walls Patterned or textured ceramic

• Wet rooms Textured porcelain

• Outside (if any) Frost-resistant porcelain

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7. Final Tile Tips from the Signature Bathrooms Team

• Get samples – Tiles can look wildly different under your lighting. Don’t trust the showroom glow.

• Plan ahead – Especially around windows, niches, and cuts. (No one wants half a tile behind the loo.)

• Don’t scrimp on fitting – Even the nicest tiles can look naff if poorly laid.

• Go with your gut – If it makes you smile, it’s probably the right one.

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Still Unsure? We’ve Got You.

Choosing tiles shouldn’t feel like a science exam. Our team is here to help you match form with function — and find a look you’ll love every day (even before your first coffee).

Book a design appointment or pop in for a browse.

Signature Bathrooms by DTS – Your vision. Our expertise.

Why We Always Choose McAlpine 

At DTS Plumbing & Heating, we’re big fans of plumbing products that just work — no fuss, no leaks, no swearing under our breath while lying under a sink at 7:30 in the evening. That’s why, when it comes to waste fittings, traps, and all those unseen (but very important) bits that keep your bathroom ticking along, we stick with McAlpine.

Yes, we know — you can get cheaper fittings elsewhere. But let us explain why McAlpine wins our vote every time (and why your bathroom will thank us for it later).