3 Reasons to Replace Your Toilet

When it comes to updating appliances and fixtures in your home, the toilet may not be at the top of your list of items to buy. However, it is something you use several times a day and is a very necessary fixture in your home. If you have an older toilet, it may be time to considering replacing it for a newer model. Here are three great reasons why.

  1. Water efficiency. The top reason to update an older toilet is to conserve on water. Newer, low-flow toilets can save hundreds of gallons of water a day in many households. The new designs allow for less water needed to flush while still efficient in eliminating waste. It can save you money on your water bill and it is good for the environment.
  2. Design. It may not be a loveseat or dining room table but there are differences in the designs available in toilets. There are different options in the styles of toilets. Many prefer toilets without a floor base – this makes it easier to clean under and around the toilet. You can change colors and models to match your style.
  3. Features. Make your bathroom visits more enjoyable with some of the incredible features available on modern toilets. Heated seats, music, bidet features and much more are available, with some toilets allowing for customization between users. This is the ultimate luxury – you may never want to use a regular toilet again.

If you are ready to update your bathroom with a new toilet, talk to your local plumber. They can help you install the latest, greatest toilet for your bathroom and ensure that it is plumbed correctly.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(404) 973-2471

Are You Up to Installing a New, High-Tech Toilet?

Are you remodeling a bathroom or considering updating your toilet? You may be surprised at the new toilet options available. Toilets, like everything else, have evolved with new technology. There are toilets that have electronic settings for personalized use, including adjustable seats, heating preferences and bidet options. Before you settle on the basic model of toilet, consider these new features and whether you really want to be the one to install these high tech devices.

  • Air drying. You can have an air blown behind with many of the new toilets. This can save on paper products and give you a clean, dry personal area every time you tinkle. This is also often used with a bidet feature for the ultimate post-toilet cleansing experience.
  • Automated seat. Never argue about the toilet seat being left open again. Men and women will love that these new high-tech toilets resolve this age-old argument by automatically opening and closing the seat for you.
  • Music and illumination. Want a tune while you do your business or a light to lead the way in the night? New toilets have you covered with musical features and illumination for an enhanced toilet experience.

Whether you have decided to go for a new, high-tech toilet or are just replacing your old toilet with a standard model, you may not want to attempt this project on your own. Even a plain porcelain toilet can lead to major issues if not installed correctly. Hire an experienced plumber to perform your toilet remodel, especially if you have decided on a decadent high-tech device. It is worth the investment to make sure everything is perfectly set up for your enhanced bathroom experience.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

Should You Install Your New Toilet?

Is it time to get a new toilet? Whether your old one broke or you are trying to upgrade to a more efficient model, installing a new toilet takes some plumbing know-how. Although it is possible to install a toilet on your own, there are a few things you should know before you tackle this job. Keep these toilet installation issues in mind before you begin this project:

  •  How long has the existing toilet has been in place?  If the existing toilet has been in place for several years or more, expect to deal with corroded components that will need to be cut or replaced.
  • Replacing corroded closet bolts.  The bolts that connect the toilet to the floor are closet bolts.  These bolts often can rust and become corroded, needing to be replaced with the toilets. Due to the corrosion, removing them incorrectly can damage the flooring if you are not careful.
  • Issues with the water shutoff valve.  To remove the toilet, you will need use the water shutoff valve. This can cause problems in and of itself if it has not been used in years. It can get stuck on, leak or break.
  • Leaks.  Installing the wax ring is tricky and can cause a leak if not done correctly, possibly damaging the floor.  Leaks can also occur at the base and tank, at the water supply line and the base of the fill valve.
  • Cracking the toilet base. When tightening the closet bolts on the new toilet, over tightening can crack the base. Not tightening enough can cause a leak.

Many toilets that are installed by amateurs end up needing to be reinstalled by a plumber or cause costly damage to the home due to leaks or other issues. Save yourself the time and headache and call a professional plumber to install your new toilet.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

New Toilet Installation Problems

If you are replacing that outdated toilet with a new water efficient model, you may be tempted to tackle the job yourself.  Replacing a toilet seems like a job that should be within the ability of most homeowners with basic mechanical skills and in theory it is.

However, there are several problems that can arise when replacing a toilet so if you are not completely comfortable with your ability to meet these challenges, it is well worth the expense of hiring a professional plumber to install the new toilet.

One thing to consider is how long the existing toilet has been in place.  The older the toilet is, the more likely you are to encounter problems with the replacement.  Fittings are more likely to be corroded in place or damaged during removal on an older toilet.

One of the first things that can go wrong is the water shutoff valve.  If this valve has not been operated in years, it can be stuck open and be damaged when you try to close it. The valve can start leaking or worse, the force required to close it can cause it to break or to damage the water supply line.

Another common problem is corroded closet bolts.  These are the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.  If these bolts are rusty the nuts can be difficult to remove and many times the effort to remove them will crack or damage the flange under the toilet.

Over tightening the closet bolts during reinstallation can crack the base of the toilet.  The same thing can happen with the bolts that hold the tank and base together.

The new toilet can leak at the wax ring if it is not properly installed.  You may not notice this leak which can damage the floor under the toilet.  Other places with leak potential include the water supply line, the base of the fill valve, and between the tank and the base.

How to Choose a Toilet

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.