Toilets: The Basics – A Home Improvement Guide
We all know how vital toilets are. But it’s not as easy as you might think to keep one clean.
You need to be careful when cleaning around these parts. They have many moving parts, including springs, bolts, and even water.
If you don’t follow proper cleaning procedures, you may have clogs or leaks. Your bathroom has a lot of plumbing to take care of.
Luckily, there’s help out there. This guide will show you what to expect from a typical bathtub installation.
Tips To Replace A Leaking Toilet Tank To Bowl Gasket
To replace a leaking toilet tank gasket, first shut off the main water supply valve.
Drain and remove the old gasket and clean the hole where the new gasket goes.
Install the new gasket and use the plumber’s putty to seal the top of the gasket against the lip of the hole.
Tap the putty with a rubber mallet to smooth it over the edges.
Apply caulk between the bottom edge of the gasket and the inside rim of the toilet tank lid.
Check the toilet every day until the new gasket dries and becomes tight.
Then flush the toilet several times to make sure the gasket holds pressure ultimately.
In addition, check the toilet tank (see also ‘How To Fix A Slow Filling Toilet Tank’) often to ensure no problems develop while the new gasket is drying.
Tips For Maintaining Your Toilet
To maintain your toilet, just remember to regularly clean and change its filter cartridge.
When replacing the filter cartridge, make sure to unscrew the cap on the backside of the toilet tank (see also article on removing rusted bolts from a toilet tank) over before removing the old cartridge.
Before installing the new one, carefully inspect it for any signs of damage.
Make sure the threads are correctly aligned with the already installed on the toilet tank (see also ‘Best Epoxy For Toilet Tank Repair‘), then screw them together tightly.
After installing the new cartridge, tighten the screws once again.
Finally, reassemble the toilet tank cover and test the faucet handle to check that it works how it usually operates.
How To Find The Right Plumber
If you’re looking for a good plumber, look beyond their reputation or what they charge.
Instead, ask yourself these four questions when choosing an expert plumber for your project:
1. Do they have a professional license? This means they have passed a rigorous examination proving their knowledge and skill set.
2. Is there a review online showing positive comments from past customers?
3. Can I get references for previous work from other homeowners?
4. Are they able to explain all of my options to me so I can choose the right option for me?
If you answer “yes” to all of the above questions, you’ve found a qualified professional who will provide excellent service at fair prices.
In addition, if the toilet has been in constant use for years, the wax ring may be cracked and need replacement (see also ‘How To Replace A Toilet Wax Ring Fast‘).
Finally, the gaskets should also be replaced every five to seven years.
Toilets And Sinks Installation Tips
If you install a toilet and sink without proper planning, you could spend more money than expected.
Therefore, you’ll want to factor installation time into your budget so you don’t waste valuable time rushing through the job.
Troubleshooting Toilet Flushing Problems
With a plunger, turn the handle clockwise until the flapper rises slightly. It should increase about 2 inches.
Next, turn the handle counterclockwise (the same direction as turning the water on) until the water drains out of the drain port. If the problem persists, call a plumber.
Most toilets require less than three gallons of water per flush.
However, some older models may need more. In this case, you must adjust the setting.
Changing settings isn’t difficult, but it does involve trial and error.
Record it somewhere safe once you find the correct setting for your model.
Some manufacturers list the setting on the manual or label on the tank. Others provide instructions online.
Test your flushing system periodically after adjusting it to determine whether it works properly. If not, contact your plumber.
Is Your Shower Spout Cracked?
Cracking in your shower spouts can ruin your bathroom remodel.
Luckily, it’s easy to fix. First, use a hammer and nail to remove small pieces of broken glass until the hole is big enough to fit over a pipe clamp.
Then wrap a piece of electrical tape around the edges of the opening to keep water from dripping down the wall.
You can even solve problems like this with only a few simple tools.
For example, a wrench or adjustable spanner can loosen the bolts that hold the valve assembly to the toilet bowl.
A hammer can knock off the nuts holding the chain in place. The chain can easily be lifted away with the nut and bolt removed.
Now, take a close look at the chain links. These will come apart, leaving you with two halves.
Half of the link will remain attached to the old seat, and the other half will become part of the new one.
When the pieces are reassembled, they form a perfect seal against the inside of the bowl.
Fixing A Leaky Faucet
The first thing you’ll notice about most faucet repair kits is that they come complete with everything needed to fix any leaking issue.
This includes all the parts necessary to replace the washers, O-rings, and seals.
Additionally, many toolkits include wrenches, hex keys, screwdrivers, and glue to make sure you never run out of anything again!
Sewer Line Repair
The most common sewer line repair involves digging out sections of pipe using a backhoe.
The pipe is then replaced using the appropriate pipe size while ensuring that all connections are made correctly.
Depending upon what is causing the problem, various solutions can be employed.
For example, the most common method for correcting a slow draining bathroom floor is to increase the flow rate through the pipes.
How To Choose The Right Toilet For Your Home
To choose the proper toilet, weigh these factors:
Size – Do you want something compact? Or do you prefer a larger bathroom?
Flush volume – Do you need a low flush option? What kind of features would you like?
Type – Traditional, dual-flush, etc.
Price – Does price matter to you? Consider how much money you have available for the project.
In addition, there are many other things to consider when choosing a toilet.
For example, you might also be interested in learning about the best toilets for pets, the best toilets for homeschoolers, or the best toilets for families with kids.
We hope this guide helps you narrow your options to pick the best toilet for your needs.
How To Unclog A Blocked Drain
You’ll likely need to use a plunger to unclog a blocked drain.
Plunge until the water runs clear, and remember to ask a plumber to help if you can’t clear the drain.
Use a filter under the sink to catch hair and soap scum before reaching the drainage system.
If you’re unsure where the blockage lies, try lifting up the toilet tank lid to see if the obstruction is above ground level.
If it’s still blocking the pipe, check for items such as food particles or debris that may have built up over time.
How To Prevent Clogged Drains
Clogs often develop because of hair, soap scum, grease, or other materials that combine into large clumps and plug drains.
Wash dishes, silverware, and glassware thoroughly in hot, sudsy water and rinse them well.
Clean sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets with warm soapy water, scrubbing gently.
Don’t forget to clean the grout around the base of the sink and tub too.
Make sure that water flushes away easily. Remember that water can enter a drain at any point, if it’s not clogged up.
Don’t throw used paper towels (see also ‘Can You Flush Paper Towels?‘) down the drain (a good rule anyway). Instead, save them and place them in an open trash bin.
How To Tell If You Need A Plumbing Service
If your sink has a plastic cover, the sink is probably mounted into a cabinet.
Remove the cover plate from the top edge of the sink by pulling it straight up on the plastic.
Usually, there is a small metal bracket below the edge of the sink where the cover attaches to the sink.
The bracket should move upward when the sink is pulled off the countertop.
Pull the sink toward the front of the cabinet as far as possible. Do this without removing the sink from its mounting surface.
Once it comes free, lift the sink out of the cabinet.
Inspect the bottom of the sink for signs of damage caused by contact with the underside of the sink cabinet.
Check the drain port in the sink for cracks or holes. Cracks or leaks could allow water in the kitchen to seep into the house.
Look for puddles under the sink, which may indicate an overflow problem.
Replacing The Rubber Washer Underneath The Handle On An Existing Bathroom Sink
Replacing the rubber washer underneath the handle on an existing bathroom sink (see also ‘How To Fix A Bathroom Sink Stopper That Is Stuck Shut‘) is a quick and inexpensive way to create a high-quality bathtub installation.
With little effort, a person can install a beautiful tub in minutes.
However, suppose the tub is not installed correctly, such as tilting too far or setting too deep.
In that case, the tub can cause significant plumbing issues.
A cracked shower pan is just as dangerous as a cracked shower wall.
So it’s essential to get the crack repaired before it becomes a bigger problem.
Fortunately, it’s also easy to fix. All you need is some basic plumbing supplies.
How To Troubleshoot Water Heater Issues
We usually picture big tanks filled with hot water when we think of water heaters. In reality, they are much different than that.
There are several types available today, from traditional storage models to instant-on electric units.
Which kind should you install? What do you need to consider before making your decision? Understanding what you need to know about water heaters will answer some questions.
Sewer Pipe Repair Cost Estimator
The cost of sewer pipe repair depends upon many factors.
Such as the location of the problem, the severity of the problem, and details of the pipes being repaired.
Contacting a plumber allows you to estimate the costs of fixing a damaged section of the sewage line.
Tell the plumber the dimensions and length of the damaged area and they should be able to give you a reasonable quote.
Conclusion
To conclude:
1) Do not attempt to unclog a blocked drain yourself using chemicals, unless the problem is minor.
2) You can use a plunger or snake to remove a clog.
3) Before starting any plumbing job, permanently shut off the water supply at the main valve.
4) When working near moving water, make sure that nothing is in the line ahead of you.
5) Use caution when working under running water.
6) Always wear protective eye gear and gloves while working.
7) If you cannot determine whether something is lodged in a drain, do not force it. Wait until someone who knows what they are doing arrives.
8) Be careful not to puncture sewer lines with tools.
9) Never put anything in a drainage system that might be flushed.
