Repairing a Leaky Toilet Wax Ring

May 16th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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If you find water coming out from under the base of your toilet every time you flush, this is a sign of a defective wax ring.  It is very important to replace the wax ring and stop the leak as soon as possible.  Otherwise, the water will rot the flooring under the toilet and you will soon not only need toilet repairs, but also a very expensive floor replacement.

Detailed instructions for replacing a wax ring are easy to find on the internet.  The job involves disconnecting the toilet from the water supply, unbolting it from the floor, removing the old wax ring, installing the new wax ring, re-attaching the toilet to the floor, and hooking up the water supply line.

You should be aware that although the process sounds easy, there are several ways that things can take a wrong turn.  For one thing, the water shutoff valve can be corroded and either start leaking after you shut off the water or you can force it too hard and crack the water supply line.

Further, the hold-down bolts can be corroded and you can round off the nuts, snap the bolts or strip the head.  Next, a toilet is very heavy and if you drop it you could damage the toilet or the floor.  Also, if you don’t place the toilet on the wax ring just right, the wax ring can be damaged and you will have to start over again.  Another potential problem is that if you over-tighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor, the base might crack and you will need a new toilet. Finally, the water supply line may leak or the tank could leak at the tank to commode connections.

If you have any concern at all about your ability to do it yourself, call your local plumber and let them handle the bathroom repairs.  It’s money well spent to get the job done quickly and professionally.

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Solutions for a Sweating Toilet

May 16th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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If you notice water collecting around the base of your toilet, you either have a toilet leak or the toilet is “sweating.”  Sweating occurs when condensation forms on the outside of the toilet tank and drips on the floor.  Sweating is more of a problem in warm, humid climates than it is in other parts of the country.  When cold water fills the toilet tank, moisture will condense on the outside of the tank just like on the outside of a cold drink.

If you have a toilet or toilets that sweat, you will need to take steps to stop the problem.  Chronic sweating will eventually lead to a rotted subfloor and mold and mildew growth.

One way to reduce or eliminate toilet sweating is to install a whole house dehumidifier in your heating and air conditioning system.  Reducing the humidity in the home will eliminate the sweating problem.

Another alternative is to install a foam liner inside the tank.  The liner is glued to the inside of the toilet tank and insulates the porcelain tank from the cold water.  In some cases, an anti-sweat valve can be installed that mixes some hot water with the cold water that fills the toilet tank.  The warmer water will eliminate formation of condensation on the tank.

Finally, consider installing a new low flow toilet or a pressure assist toilet.  Some low flow toilets don’t have as much of a sweating problem because they don’t drain all of the water out of the tank.  The room temperature water in the tank mixes with the cold incoming water and keeps the water temperature in the tank high enough that sweating is not a problem.  Pressure assist toilets use a separate inner tank to hold the water so sweating is not a problem.  A plumber who handles bathroom repairs can help you find a new toilet or another solution to your sweating toilet problem.

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Water Saving Strategies

March 30th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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Saving water is a great way to reduce your utility bills while doing your part for the environment and helping to ensure that we don’t run out of water in the near future.  There are many ways you can reduce the water consumption in your home without sacrificing comfort and convenience.  In addition, when you save hot water you not only reduce your water bill but you will also see a saving on your energy bills.

About half the water usage in a typical home takes place in the bathroom so that’s a great place to start saving water.  When selecting new water efficient fixtures for your home, look for the WaterSense label. WaterSense is a program run by the EPA that provides certifications for water efficient fixtures.  In order to earn the certification which is done by independent companies, a fixture must use 20% less water than comparable fixtures with no loss of performance.  You can avoid the disappointment of a poorly performing low flow fixture by sticking with WaterSense labeled products.

If you have older toilets that use more than 3 gallons of water per flush, replacing them with low flow toilets will save an average family of four at least 4,000 gallons of water per year.  The average household can save another 2,000 gallons of water per year by installing low flow shower heads and 500 additional gallons by replacing those old faucets with new WaterSense faucets.

In the laundry room, avoid running small loads but if you have to, make sure to change your washer’s water level.  When the time comes for a new washer, choose an Energy Star washer to save up to 15 to 20 gallons of water on every load.  The same goes for your dishwasher.  Wait until it is full before running it and choose an Energy Star model to save water on every load.

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How to Choose a Toilet

March 28th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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Choosing a new toilet for your home is more complicated than randomly choosing one at your local big box store.  All toilets are not the same and since most toilets last for many years, it makes sense to spend a few minutes comparing features to get the right toilet for your home.

One of the first things to look at is how much clearance you have from the wall behind the toilet.  The standard distance from the wall to the toilet bolts (called the “rough-in” distance) is 12 inches.  Some small bathrooms may be designed for a compact toilet with a 10 inch rough in.  Some toilet models will only fit in a space larger than the standard dimensions. Be sure to check the distance to avoid having to return a toilet that is too big for the available space.

Next, do you want a round or elongated bowl?  Round bowls are a little more compact and take up less space, but some people prefer the extra room at the front of the bowl offered by elongated bowls.

Height of the seat is another concern. The standard height of the toilet bowl rim is 15 inches, but some toilets are designed to be a little taller.  Toilet height is mostly a matter of personal preference.

Finally, do you prefer a one piece or a two piece toilet?  A two piece toilet is the traditional design with a separate bowl and tank that are bolted together.  A two piece toilet is a little easier to install because the bowl can be installed first and then the tank is bolted onto it.  However, waste material can get into the area between the tank and the bowl and cause offensive odors.  A one piece toilet has a sleek design that incorporates the tank and bowl in a single unit.  These are very modern looking and avoid the odor problem inherent with a two piece design.

No matter what you are looking for in a toilet, you will be able to find one that meets your needs.  Professional toilet installation by a good local plumber with experience in bathroom repairs will help ensure your toilet works great and lasts a long time.

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Simple Toilet Repairs

March 28th, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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In most cases, if you need toilet repairs your best bet is to call a good local Orlando plumber to get the job done quickly and professionally.  This is especially true if your toilet is leaking from around the base, from the tank where it mounts on the base, or from the water supply line.  A leak from any of these areas needs to be repaired by an experienced Orlando plumber immediately before it can cause further damage to your floors and cabinets.

In addition, a leak around the base of the toilet is unsanitary.  Homeowners attempting to fix many of these types of leaks by tightening the fitting simply end up cracking the toilet or breaking a fitting and causing a much bigger leak.  It’s best to let a professional Orlando plumber take care of these bathroom repairs to avoid causing a larger problem.

However, if your toilet is “running” or not flushing you may be able to quickly find and fix the problem yourself.  The first step is to remove the tank cover and look inside the tank. If the problem is that your handle moves freely and the toilet won’t flush, you probably have a broken chain between the handle lever and the flapper valve.  See if you can hook the chain back together and solve the problem.

If your toilet runs, look to see if there is something caught underneath the flapper valve at the bottom of the tank.  In many cases, the extra chain from the handle will get stuck under the flapper and stop it from fully closing.

If that’s not the problem, you may have a problem with your float.  If you have a large “ball type” float at the end of a brass colored rod, gently lift the float slightly to see if the toilet stops running. If so, gently bending the rod down slightly will help the valve shut off.

If you have a fill valve with an integrated cylindrical float, see if adjusting the float slightly up or down takes care of the “running” issue.  If all else fails, call your local Orlando plumber.  They will be able to diagnose the problem and handle any toilet repairs.

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Bathroom Remodeling on a Budget

March 2nd, 2012 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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The toilet leaks. The wallpaper is outdated. The tile needs to be replaced. Does this sound familiar?  A bathroom remodel can add resale value to your house, but it can also cost upwards of $15,000 for a full bathroom remodeling.

If you’re on a tight budget, that’s way too much money. Below are a few cost-effective remodeling suggestions that will improve the look of your bathroom without breaking the bank.

First, avoid relocating the sink, tub, shower, and toilet.  You’re increasing your costs and extending the time it takes to complete the project by moving the plumbing. Instead, consider leaving the shower, bathtub, sink and toilet in the same location.

Next, skip the tile.  Tile is beautiful, but laying tile in your bathtub or shower is time consuming and complicated – and more expensive. Instead, consider using prefabricated showers or bathtubs made of acrylics or fiberglass.   Prefabricated units can be very attractive and will save you a bundle.  Consider replacing your floor with a vinyl or laminate, both of which can be self-installed to save you additional money.

Wallpaper that looked great back in the 1970’s is probably looking pretty tired.  Replace it with a more updated look and instead of wallpaper, paint it with a bright or neutral color.  It will look great and you’ll save money.

Premade countertops cost less and are less labor-intensive than custom made countertops. Laminates are the least-expensive option. If you want to spend a little more, you can consider cultured marble, granite, or solid surface countertops.

You can still have a terrific modern updated bathroom without paying $15,000 or more. Choose your fixtures and materials wisely, and avoid structural changes and re-routing plumbing lines. Hire a professional plumber to handle replacement of plumbing fixtures and appliances, but do as much of the painting and other labor yourself as you can.

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Replacing a Tub and Shower Faucet Set

November 3rd, 2011 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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For most homeowners, replacing a tub and shower faucet set is a big job best left to an experienced plumber.  Replacing kitchen and bathroom sink faucets are a job that a competent handyman can handle, but in most cases a bathtub and shower set is another matter.  Whether you are updating your bathroom with new bathroom fixtures or your old tub and shower faucet set has worn out, you will need to call a reputable faucet repair plumber to handle the job.

Kitchen and bathroom sink faucets are usually installed so that access is relatively easy.  The hardware that attaches the faucet to the sink is accessible through the cabinet.  In addition, the water supply lines that run to the faucet are easily removable with a wrench and pre-made flexible lines are available at any home supply center to hook up the new faucet.

A tub and shower faucet set presents a whole host of issues not present with sink faucet.  There is usually no easy way to access the valve and water supply lines without tearing apart the bathroom wall.  If you have a pre-formed tub or shower insert, it will need to be removed to get to the valve and plumbing.

You may get lucky and be able to access the plumbing from behind by going through the wall in an adjoining room, but it is still going to be a lot of work.  Once you have access, tub and shower valves are soldered in place so it will not be a simple matter of unhooking the water supply lines.

The bottom line is if you need or want a new tub and shower faucet set, call a reputable local plumber and have the job done right.

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Smelly Toilets

February 5th, 2011 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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Strong sewage smells that come from your toilet are symptoms of serious plumbing problems.  These offensive odors are not only embarrassing, but harmful to your family, friends and pets.  This odor can be coming from a number of different places, and may be something you can repair on your own.

The first thing you want to check is to see if your P traps located under your sinks have water in them.  If the water has drained out, sewer gas can travel up through the pipes causing the sewer odors.  This is generally a loose or worn water seal that simply needs to be replaced.  A local professional plumber can complete this job with relative ease.

If the odor is also coming from sinks, you may have a layer of slime and bacteria that is growing in the pipes.  First try pouring hot boiling water down your drains and see if the smell disappears.  If you are on a septic system, do not add bleach to the boiling water, as that may harm the good bacteria in the septic tank.  City water or city sewer systems can have a little bleach down the drain, and that can be mixed with the water.  Be very careful not to burn yourself or splash any chemicals in your eyes.  If the odor persists after this, you should consider contacting a local professional plumber, as you may have a more serious problem.

Severe odors are often signs of more serious problems, including broken or leaking pipes, or a broken, loose or degraded toilet seal.  Hidden pipes (especially vent pipes) may have cracked or you may need a drain line repair.  If you can not remove the odor with the steps listed above, contact your local professional plumber to have the problem resolved.

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Quieting Noisy Toilets

February 5th, 2011 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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You flush the toilet, and consider running for earplugs.  Sound familiar?  If your toilet has developed new sounds, you may need the services of a professional plumber who handles bathroom repairs.

Noisy toilets are best described as an increase in the noise after flushing.  The sounds are also abnormal, and many homeowners will describe these sounds as a loud, continuous gurgling noise.  If this describes the sounds that your toilet is making, you may have a faulty or broken fill valve.

Fill valves (also known as tank valves) are water valves that control the water for the refill (post flush) cycle.  This is the water that will actually fill the toilet bowl after it has been drained.  Fill valves eventually wear out, and it will sound like a large gurgling or continuous running in the toilet.

The fill valve is located inside the toilet tank.  When you remove the lid, you want to inspect a few different things.  Is there water in the tall column, or the fill valve itself?  There should be some water, but it should not be completely full.  If it is, the valve probably needs to be replaced.  When the fill water is too high, continuous running and gurgling will occur.  This not only wastes water, but can also be an annoyance to listen to.

A tank valve replacement is a simple repair by a local professional plumber.  Tank valves traditionally need to be replaced every five to ten years, and are relatively inexpensive repairs.  When you call the plumber, describe the steps you have taken and the exact sounds being made.  This will help isolate the problem and decrease your service call costs.

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Comparing Plumbing Estimates

January 9th, 2011 Posted in Bathroom Repairs
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Any time you have big plumbing job like replacing a water service line or a full kitchen or bathroom remodeling, it’s a good idea to get at least two or three estimates before choosing a plumber to do the work.  Not only will the estimates give you a better idea of a reasonable price for the work, but you will have the opportunity to meet and evaluate the plumbing company before hiring them.

When comparing estimates, you need to make sure that you are comparing estimates for similar work.  For example, the estimate should specify the cost of materials and the reality is that material costs are pretty much the same for almost every plumber.  If one estimate has a much lower materials cost, you need to dig a little deeper to make sure that the estimate is based on the same quality of materials.  PVC pipe is much less expensive than copper pipe so make sure that you are comparing cost estimates for the same type and quality of materials.

Labor costs may vary depending on the skill of the plumber, but a significant difference in labor costs is reason to be concerned.  Make certain that the labor costs are for the same amount of work to be performed by an experienced plumber.  Unskilled labor is less expensive, but you don’t want the plumber to be learning the trade by working on your home.

Finally, be sure that the estimates cover the entire job.  If there is digging involved, be sure that the cost of the digging equipment is covered.  Check to ensure that the costs of any necessary permits are included as well as clean up and disposal of any debris.

By doing your homework up front, you will help avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.

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