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

January 8th, 2017 Posted in Toilets
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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

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Should You Install Your New Toilet?

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Toilets
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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

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Choosing a New Toilet for Both Looks and Function

July 4th, 2013 Posted in Toilets
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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.

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Replacement Toilets

May 21st, 2013 Posted in Toilets
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Bathrooms and bathroom fixtures, such as toilets, have become an architectural and designer feature of every home.  No longer are people forced to have a standard white, green or pink toilet that came with the house.  Every toilet manufacturer is offering a number of different price points, styles as well as colors, including white, almond, black and a variety of other semi-custom colors.  The styles vary from the traditional shape to more contemporary toilets, which have a lower profile.

As required by the government, all new toilets will be environmentally friendly, requiring much less water to flush, which will save on the cost of water.  These new “water saver” toilets perform very well compared to the older models.  Believe it or not there is a “science” behind the flush and the manufacturers have put a significant amount of time and effort and making sure these toilets perform.

One of the interesting options is the “comfort height” toilet, which has the seat higher than a traditional toilet.  It is marketed to those people, such as the elderly, who may have difficultly getting up and down from the toilet.  They have become more and more popular, especially as “baby boomers” age.

A qualified plumbing contractor will be able to provide guidance on the best toilet to use based upon your budget.  They will be able to do the replacement quickly and cost effectively with minimum inconvenience to the homeowner.  One thing to keep in mind before you discard that old toilet is it may have some value.  In many areas of the country, there are firms that buy and sell old building materials including toilets.  That old green toilet may be worth something!

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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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Installing a New Toilet

December 10th, 2010 Posted in Toilets
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If you are doing a bathroom remodeling or just installing a new toilet, it  may seem like a daunting task but installing a new toilet is not as difficult as it seems.

First you need to remove the old toilet.  Turn off the water supply and empty the tank by flushing the toilet a few times.  Scoop out the remaining water with a flexible cup or sponge.

Next, disconnect the water supply line where it attaches to the bottom of the tank.  Place an old towel on the floor to catch any water.  Remove the two nuts on the bottom of the tank and lift off the tank.  Remove the decorative caps from the two bolts holding the base to the floor and remove the nuts and washers.  You should now be able to lift the toilet out of place.

Remove the old wax ring using a putty knife.  If the hold down bolts were corroded or damaged, they should also be replaced.  Turn the new toilet base upside down on an old towel or other soft surface and press a new wax ring in place around the outlet on the bottom of the base.

Turn the base upright and carefully set it in place using the two bolts as a guide.  Install the nuts and washers arefully tighten the nuts being sure not to over tighten them which could crack the flange.  Install the tank using the two bolts, nuts and washers again being sure not to over tighten them.

If necessary, install the tank valve and flapper, and hook up the water supply line.  Turn on the water supply, check for leaks, and adjust the tank valve as needed.

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Low Flow Toilets

November 17th, 2010 Posted in Toilets
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If you need to replace an existing toilet or you are choosing toilets to install in your newly constructed home, you will need to choose from one of the many excellent low flow toilets on the market today.  Prior to 1995, most toilets sold in the United States used about 3.5 gallons of water per flush.  Just flushing the toilet accounts for about 30 percent of the indoor water usage for the average household equipped with these older toilets.

By federal law, since 1995 all toilets sold in the United States cannot use more than 1.6 gallons per flush.  By cutting the amount of water a household uses for flushing toilets by over 50%, low flow toilets are not only environmentally responsible, but they also save you money.

When the low flow toilet law first took effect, it sparked complaints about incomplete flushing and the need to “double flush”.  Many of these complaints about these  early low flow toilets were well founded, but toilet manufacturers have made great strides during the 15 years since the low flow law took effect.  Many of today’s low flow toilets work as well as or better than their pre-1995 counterparts.

Toilet manufacturers use a variety of technologies to achieve good toilet performance.  Whether the toilet uses dual flush, single flush, gravity feed, or pressure assist technology matters less than how well the toilet performs.  Look for top performing toilets in tests run by Consumer Reports, the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, or the Maximum Performance Testing published by the California Urban Water Conservation Council.

If you need any additional help, a reputable plumber who offers general plumbing services will be happy to assist you with the choice and installation of a new low flow toilet.

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