Diagnosing A Toilet Leak

It can be disheartening to find a pool of water by your toilet. The first fear is that the entire unit will need to be replaced. The second is worrying about water damage if the leak is not stopped immediately. While some toilet leaks will result in the toilet needing to be replaced, some leaks may be smaller and easier problems to fix. Here are a couple of things to look for to find the leak before calling in a plumber.

  • Tank condensation – Water condensation on your tank can build up and cause water to drip. Often, this is not a major problem. Try wiping down the toilet tank, then check it in an hour or so. If there is no water on the floor, then it was just condensation, and there is probably no need to call a plumber.
  • Pipes – Check for drips or leaks in the pipes and fittings behind the toilet. Try wiping these down and watching for drips to form. If there is a drip, it may be something as simple as a worn out washer or fitting.
  • Toilet base – If there is water seeping from the toilet base, there are a couple of things that may be wrong. Your seal could have been broken between the toilet and the floor, requiring  the toilet to be replaced. The toilet also may have a crack, which would also mean you need to replace the toilet.

Although toilet repairs are generally a quick job, it is best to have a professional plumber complete the work. Especially when resealing or replacing the entire toilet, as it is important to have the expertise of a trained and licensed plumber to ensure the work is performed properly.

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing,Inc.

Making Your Bathroom Safer

Your bathroom may currently be the most dangerous room in your home. Thousands of bathroom related injuries occur every year that could be avoided by applying a few simple upgrades and safety measures. Contact your local plumber to help devise a plan to make your bathroom safer with the following upgrades:

  • Bars and Handles – These helpful fixtures should be strategically placed exactly where you’ll need them most: next to the toilet and upon entering and exiting the shower. You can trust your local plumber will come up with a plan to select which safety bars and handles will work best in your bathroom without interfering with the existing plumbing fixtures. The material of the chosen safety fixtures must be strong and durable to support your entire body weight to prevent a falls and to assist with proper balance.
  • Upgraded Toilets – For homeowners with mobility issues, disabilities or the elderly, it is essential that the bathroom toilet is easily accessible and tailored to the specific individual’s needs. New toilets designed for optimal accessibility are common market offerings, and can be installed by a licensed plumber.
  • Non-Slip Shower Options – Falls in the shower can cause untold pain and injury. Many people buy simple rubber mats to lay down in their shower. These generally are designed with small suction cups on the bottom side of the mat which will temporarily secure the mat to your tub or shower floor to help prevent slips and falling accidents. If you desire a more permanent solution, discuss the installation of a new shower designed to prevent slips and falls.

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing

 

Toilet In Need Of Repair?

Would anyone argue that the toilet is probably the most important plumbing fixture in your home? It is important because it receives the most traffic and performs a job for which we cannot do without, at least, not without great inconvenience. Although made to be sturdy and reliable, we’ve all had our momentary struggles with this piece of plumbing marvel and, whether it be a clog, continuously running water, or tank noises, there inevitably comes a time when home toilet repair is attempted.

Toilet repairs can vary in complexity, from replacing the seat to clearing a clog, or from fixing tank noises to a ballcock assembly. Once a person has a basic understanding of the working parts inside the toilet tank, most problems are resolved fairly easily. Similar to other trades, it is important to first diagnose the problem in order to ascertain the possible causes; to which, you can then implement the solution. Most problems relative to the tank or the correct flushing and filling of water, can be resolved by a slight adjustment of the float ball or rod, replacing washers and sometimes the ballcock assembly.

For more complicated main line clogs, repairs or replacement of the bowl, tank, or entire fixture, it is always preferable to contact your local plumbing professional. Even if attempting a minor do-it-yourself adjustment to the ballcock assembly, you may want to check with your plumbing contractor to ensure that the procedure you are about to do is the correct solution to the problem you are wanting to address. Compared to a clogged toilet, strange noises or continuously running water in your tank are not just annoying but costly in the amount of wasted water.  Therefore, make sure that your toilet system is functioning properly in all aspects.

Choosing a New Toilet for Both Looks and Function

Life used to be much simpler when our choices were few. In times past, there wasn’t decision making necessary when it came time to replace or install a new toilet. Such is no longer the case.

There are so many options today that, even choosing a new toilet, can be confusing and overwhelming.

You may choose a toilet based on looks, such as the newer sleek one-piece toilets that are also easier to clean. Or, you may make your choice based on the shape of the bowl (elongated or round). In some homes, the height of the toilet may be an important consideration.

Those who prefer environmentally friendly options, there are choices to be made as to water conservation (how many gallons per flush). Toilets can be gravity flushed, in single or dual flush models (dual flush provides the option of a half-flush, if full-flush isn’t necessary). Also available for your consideration is the “assisted-flush” toilet where your standard flushing power is increased with air pressure. And, finally, should we discuss the possibility of adding to your toilet a refreshing Bidet?

We haven’t even begun to discuss the selection of styles that could compliment your other bathroom fixtures and accessories. Furthermore, space required for plumbing fixtures, the location of water connections and plumbing lines, as well as building code requirements must all be considered and addressed. As you can see, with so much to choose from, it would be greatly beneficial to discuss your preferences with a local plumbing professional who can realistically help you make the best decision that would be the needs of you and your family.