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How to hang mirrors on double brick wall & change bathtub tap?

Hi all,

My wife and I just bought our first property which is a unit and is double brick built.

We want to hang up the following arch mirror which has two hooks but I'm unsure if a command strip with hook will hold up its weight. https://www.kmart.com.au/product/hamptons-arch-mirror-43386185/?srsltid=AfmBOoqcjHMytBZ3tpbGu8ul9FHyxmmSbjrAV0-vXNvyl0DRumkWkp2H

Would we need to buy a drill from Bunnings to hang these up on a double brick wall or will adhesive hooks hold up for a long time?

Our wall looks like this against the ceiling:

Not sure if a hammer drill is required and the best type of screws to keep these mirrors hanging for years.

Lastly, as we have two small dogs, we would like to give them a bath from time to time in the bathtub. However the bathtub tap that is installed seems to be a kitchen faucet tap. It swivels both directions. We tried getting one of those rubber bath head hoses to spray out water but the end plug to attach on the bathtub's faucet is too small.

My question is, does Bunnings sell any reliable bathtub multi faucets that allow a shower head sprayer to be used or does Bunnings have any kind of adapters that will work by attaching it to the bathtub's faucet to allow a bath spray hose be connected to it?

Our bathtub tap looks like this:

Any advice and assistance for the above would very much appreciated. We've been long time customers at Bunnings and would like the buy the correct items to achieve the desired results. Thank you.

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JacobZ

Hi @Jay_11,

Thank you for your questions about mounting a mirror and attaching a shower head to your bath spout.

I'd suggest grabbing this STAHL Masonry Kit 7mm Drill With 50mm Green Wall Plugs as it contains the drill bit, wall plugs and screws that you will need to hang your mirror.

Mark out the hole locations then using a drill with a hammer function such as this Ryobi 18V ONE+ Hammer Drill to drill into the brick.

Once your hole is drilled, tap the plug into the hole with a hammer and drive the screw in so the head sits just proud of the wall. You can then put your mirror onto the screw and lock it in place.

With your bathtub spout, you can use this Estilo Push On Shower which can be pushed over the spout and tightened in place to turn your tap into a shower head.

You can also likely use this Happy Tails Pet Washer which would require you to remove the aerator on the end of the spout to reveal the thread beneath. I have circled this below.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

Jay_11

Thanks so much, Jacob for these tips. I really appreciate and I'll definitely check out these products at my local Bunnings.

Just a quick question about hanging the mirrors, do you think I could get away with just hammering in decent strong nails with a hammer into the double brick wall instead of using a drill?

I understand the plugs would reinforce and secure the screws with the drill but was looking for a cheaper alternative option due to budget. If using a hammer and nails won't hold up long then I'll definitely go with the drill and kit you've suggested

EricL

Hello @Jay_11

I'm a bit tentative about the nails as they might slide out if the mirrors weight were to lean on the nails on an angle. This would create like a pulling force on the nail, and it might take a while but eventually it will fall out. The same can't be said for screws, I suggest using screws in the wall plug so that you get a positive anchor. If the screw is on an angle screws will still be able to hold on.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Jay_11

Hi Eric,

Yes you're right as I've seen nails bend over time with heavy frames on different walls. I'll go with the drill option as Jacob suggested.

Thanks also for your help.

Would you or Jacob know if the following Bunnings shower head products would be able to fit and replace our old stuff shower head? (See photos below)

The Bunnings products that I'm deciding to buy and replace the old shower head are either of the following:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/revolution-chrome-self-cleaning-overhead-rain-shower-and-arm-wels-3-star-8l-min_p0108912

https://www.bunnings.com.au/estilo-single-function-chrome-hand-shower-connector-set-wels-3-star-rated-9l-min_p5002608

https://www.bunnings.com.au/flexispray-5-function-pulsar-hand-shower-wels-3-star-rated-9l-min_p5009423

https://www.bunnings.com.au/estilo-3-function-ball-joint-shower-wels-3-star-9l-min_p5004305

https://www.bunnings.com.au/revolution-chrome-self-cleaning-all-directional-shower-wels-3-star-9l-min_p0108916

Will any modifications need to be required to have either of the above products fit to our shower? Or would they be an easy swap?

I believe our old stiff shower head matches this one: https://www.bunnings.com.au/brasshards-chrome-all-directional-shower-rose-wels-3-star-8l-min_p5004127

MitchellMc

Hi @Jay_11,

Any of those shower heads can be used to replace your current one and it's a relatively simply procedure. Just follow this step-by-step guide: How to change a shower head.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Jay_11

Great! Thanks so much, Mitchell. I appreciate everyone's help

Jay_11

Hi Jacob,

I ended up buying the STAHL Masonry Kit 7mm Drill With 50mm Green Wall Plugs and bought the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver from Bunnings.

The issue is when I tried drilling in a hole I to the brick wall, it hardly penetrates. The drill is only penetrating a little bit and I've been trying to drill a hole for awhile.

Is there something I'm missing with a setting or could it be the drill isn't powerful enough to drill a deep hole into the double brick wall?

JacobZ

Hi @Jay_11,

I have to apologise; I've mistakenly linked you to a drill that does not have a hammer function.

I'd suggest heading back to your local store with your receipt and swapping your drill for a Ryobi 18V ONE+ Hammer Drill.

I have circled the setting on this drill that you will need to turn on to enable you to drill into the brick. The hammer function applies a percussive force to the base of the drill bit which helps chip away at the brick while it rotates.

I have also reached out via PM.

Jacob

Jay_11

Hi Jacob,

Ok that would make sense as I couldn't see a hammer function at all.

I'll be taking it back to the store today so hopefully they accept the return

JacobZ

Hi @Jay_11,

Once again, apologies for the error.

Keep me in the loop, happy to help further if required.

Jacob

Jay_11

Hi Jacob,

I was able to get a refund however the Ryobi Hammer drill wasn't in stock at my local store. I'll need to try find through the week to go to another Bunnings.

I was looking into Ozito 1500w rotary hammer drill but would this practical to use as a all rounder drill as well or more so for hammer drilling bigger jobs? I've still got the masonry drill bits and ugs I purchased separately from Bunnings

JacobZ

Hi @Jay_11,

I'm glad to hear you had no issues getting a refund. Once again, apologies for my mistake.

If you let me know what your local store is I am happy to contact stores in your area to check availability.

A rotary hammer drill such as the Ozito 1500W 5J Rotary Hammer Drill Kit RHD-1550 is what you would use if you were drilling into masonry regularly. I wouldn't call them all-rounder drills as they take SDS bits, which are usually only made for drilling and chipping masonry.

A hammer drill like the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Hammer Drill is much more of an all-rounder as it can accept, drill bits, driver bits, non-SDS masonry bits and a variety of other specialty bits. They can be used to drill in a variety of materials and drive a variety of fixings.

Typically, a hammer drill like the Ryobi one I've mentioned above is the first power tool I would recommend to someone who is new to the world of power tools. They are extremely versatile and always handy to have around.

Jacob

Jay_11

Hi Jacob,

Thanks for clarifying.

I thought as much for the Ozito. I thought to double check because I saw some feedback about the Ryobi Hammer drill saying they had some issues trying to drill into a masonry wall. However if you highly suggest it would work for a double brick wall and the fact it's an all rounder drill, I will go to the next closest store through the week when I get a chance. They have about 14 of the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Hammer Drill left in stock.

JacobZ

Hi @Jay_11,

I'm confident the Ryobi Hammer Drill should have no issues with this when used in hammer mode. Keep in mind you only need to drill a depth of 50mm for these plugs. If there are any power issues, check the battery level, this will be the likely cause.

Keep me in the loop. Happy to help further if required.

Jacob

Jay_11

Hi Jacob,

I managed to head out in time before the other Bunnings Store closed and bought the R18PD24 Hammer Drill All-Rounder Kit.

I came back home and tried for another 10 minutes to drill into the double brick wall but to be very honest with you, it's hardly drilling any further. I've heard of hammer drills being able to drill deep enough with ease but I find this to be the opposite.

I've used various drills that I've borrowed from my brother in the past which always seem to do the job but he no longer lives nearby.

I've attached photos below of the setting I've got it on

JacobZ

Hi @Jay_11,

It's in hammer mode, which is the first thing, but your speed setting is on 1. The grey switch on top of the drill should be flicked to 2 which is the higher speed setting.

Start slow with firm pressure on the back of the drill and build up your speed as the bit starts to rotate. The drill will do most of the work and you shouldn't need to put your whole body weight on the back of the drill, but you will need to apply firm, consistent pressure.

A rotary hammer drill or higher-end hammer drill will make life easier, but this drill should still be capable with some persistence.

Let me know how you go, happy to help further if required.

Jacob

Jay_11

Hi Jacob,

I used both settings but I found the battery really needed charging up like you mentioned earlier. After fully charging the battery, I was finally able to drill the holes in. (I have four more holes to go as I am hanging four arch mirrors) It takes a bit to drill but I think these walls are built super strong. At least it now works. Thank you

JacobZ

Hi @Jay_11,

I'm glad to hear you've had more success after charging up the battery.

Sometimes even high-end trade-quality rotary hammer drills can struggle. It really comes down to how hard the bricks are.

I suppose it is good to know your house was made with quality materials.

Jacob

Jay_11

Hi Mitchell and everyone else that helped.

I ended up buying the 3 function flexispray from Bunnings recently and installed it last night.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/flexispray-bermuda-3-function-hand-shower-wels-3-star-9l-min_p4890177?region_id=117313&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiApNW6BhD5ARIsACmEbkUdcn2VSu8R-JvubgbfRrHNN4xCFtuqwGOdGwdqiuslNFvleUxvqqEaAmNREALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

It works great but the issue I found was that the threads inside the shower head isn't that long which doesn't let me turn the wall outlet bracket in a vertical position so the hose can connect right underneath it. Another issue I found is there is some spacing behind the wall outlet bracket to the wall.

I'm using the existing wall spacer from the old shower head but there is still some space left over.

Does anyone have any suggestions on securing the gap with a thick wall spacer?

I also bought 3 estilo tap assemblies from bunnings for the basin, bathtub and shower which I have installed without any issues.

Just a little upset that the wall outlet bracket down pipe can't turn any further and that there is a space between the wall and and outlet bracket.

MitchellMc

Hi @Jay_11,

The wall bracket should typically have enough thread to allow several rotations onto the male wall fitting, ensuring a secure and flush fit against the tile. How many rotations did you get? Unless the male wall fitting is excessively long, there shouldn't be a gap between the wall bracket and the tile when tightened correctly. Using a spacer isn’t usually necessary, and if one is used, there shouldn’t be any additional gap behind it.

How much thread tape did you apply during installation? If you used an excessive amount—more than about five rotations—it could prevent the wall outlet bracket from threading on fully and sitting flush against the wall. It might be worth checking the amount of thread tape used and ensuring the wall fitting isn’t protruding too far. Additionally, confirm that there’s no debris or obstruction within the threads that could be causing the gap.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Jay_11

Hi Mitchell,

The amount of thread tape I used was what had been provided to me in the Flexispray packet (being around 5 to 6 rotations). As for the rotations made on wall outlet bracket, I think it was around 3 to 5 turns by memory.

Please note, prior to applying new thread tape, I had removed all of the old thread tape first and cleaned it all up.

What I then did is I screwed on the wall outlet bracket without any thread tape to test and see where the outlet hole would measure up. However I got the exact same results when using the new thread tape. It made no difference.

I believe our male wall fitting is long but I did see someone's product review on the bunnings product page saying the thread in the wall mount isn't very deep which I agree on (see product review example below)

Any ideas how I can get the wall mount closer against the wall tiles? It won't turn any further.

Screenshot_2024-12-09-18-24-24-141_com.android.chrome-edit.jpg

EricL

Hello @Jay_11

I suggest looking at the Kinetic 15mm x 20mm Rise Cover Plate or the Kinetic 3/4" BSP 15mm Rise Cover Plate. There are other sizes, so make sure to measure the gap that you have behind the shower head mounting piece. The cover plate should cover the gap neatly and disguise it very well, I'm using the same method in my shower area.

In regards to the spout, I would also like to suggest looking at the Shaw & Mason Chrome Bath Spout With Diverter. This spout allows you to permanently install a shower head for your pets. simply turn the spout switch to divert the water into the shower head.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Jay_11

Thanks, Eric! I'll measure it up and end up buying either of those cover plates.

The only other option I can think about solving this is finding another shower head with a longer internal thread or shaving the male pipe which I don't have the tools to do. So I'll most likely buy one of those cover plates you have recommended

Jay_11

I tried those two cover plates and unfortunately it didn't allow enough turns for the wall plate outlet bracket to lock in. So they are too big.

I removed the plumbers / thread tape again and tried to just wind the Flexispray wall outlet bracket to properly test it. I can confirm that I only get four full turns. The outlet hole where the hose connects to still sits in the exact position (bottom right angle). So the plumbers tape that I had on previously did not impact the amount of turns.

This is what it looks like without any plumbers tape and wall plate:

I have measured the male pipe from the wall and it roughly measures 2cm. Once you put the wall outlet bracket on there the gap sits roughly a 1.2cm or so difference. I measured this by marking it with a fine black marker then with a tape measure again.

I reapplied new thread tape to the point where wall outlet bracket sits after being turned with a maximum of fours times

As I had two wall plates with a 1/2 BSP 10 mm rise (one in white and one in silver) I thought to try and see how much gap there would be if I connected them together as I'm unable to find anything else in between

The gap is now not as wide but would still prefer to use one wall plate that measures correctly for this situation but I'll just have to take these results for the time being

(Left had side)

(Right hand side)

EricL

Hello @Jay_11

I'm sorry to hear that you could not find an ideal size to cover the gap. Because the gap is so big even gap fillers will not work on it. I can only suggest engaging the services of a licensed plumber. They will be able to cut down the brass wall outlet of your shower head.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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