Plumbing...

It is not consistent. There doesn't seem to be any "standard" about the siting of hot and cold water taps on either hand basins and/or baths and showers. Their positioning changes with every bathroom you get.

Have a look at this thing in the picture, it is like something out of Dr.Who!

If you have a bath, you just let the water run into the bath. But if you want a shower, you have to push-a-button / flick-a-lever or turn another tappy thing, so that the water is re-directed up to the shower.

Showers. The next inconsistent thing. Most have gone to 'water-saving' shower heads, with the promise of a good spread of water. Not so, and once you have them started, they can be very weak, indicating low water pressure. This, combined with differing ways to indicate the hot/cold directions, can make it all a bit tricky. A lot of them are also hot water on demand, where you have to push a button, or pull on a long string switch, hanging from the ceiling, to initiate the heating of the water.

Years ago, when Lee's parents came to the UK, her mother Hazel commented on how much she hated showers over baths. Now I really know what she meant. I didn't give it much thought last trip, but they can be fraught with danger! Not all have some sort of anti slip area, and most baths here are VERY deep, so that by the time you step over to get in, then do the shower thingy, and then get out, there is a big step to overcome.

The other one we hate is the bath, with all the tap fittings and controls, but no shower overhead, just a hand-held thingy, which is OK for most things, but you have to put it down to do others!!
Then if you try and sit down in the bath or kneel, it's just as difficult.

Rather nice refurbished bathroom at 'Northcliff', near Edinburgh

Don't get me started on the flushing mechanisms of the loo's!!!


Not really complaining, just pointing out a few "differences".