What's Wrong With My Toilet

Four of the most common symptoms when troubleshooting and diagnosing your toilet for maintenance and repair.

Symptom #1 There is water on the floor around the base of my toilet or water leaks from under the base of my toilet when I flush. Usually this happens when the wax ring looses it's seal. This is caused by lack of use (wax ring dries up)or, more commonly the toilet moves causing a break in the seal. The toilet moves usually because the flange on the sewer pipe breaks and the bolt no longer holds the toilet in place or the porcelain cracks where the bolt holds the tank to the floor. Repairs can be made by the homeowner.

Symptom #2: Water is leaking from between my tank and bowl. The tank and bowl are held together by bolts (usually two) and there are rubber seals on the bolts and between the tank and bowl. Local water conditions and bowl cleaners that are put into the toilet tank can cause these items to deteriorate. Unless there is a crack in the tank, replacing these items will repair this problem.

Symptom #3: The toilet tank is filling with water even when I'm not using it. There is a part in your toilet tank called the flapper. It is attached to the flush valve. It is usually a soft rubber which over time can deteriorate due to age, water conditions or adding bowl cleaners to the tank. Replacing the flapper will repair this problem. Most flappers are universal.

Symptom #4: The water will not shut off even after the tank is full. Repair or replace the fill valve. This is the valve that lets water into your tank from the water supply line. There are several types. The two most common fill valves are the horizontal floating ball that is attached to an arm which in turn opens or closes the fill valve , and the vertical floating ball which rides up and down the fill valve shaft closing or opening the fill valve. In many cases, replacing the seals in the fill valve will repair this problem. However, most people opt to replace the fill valve totally.

Her Fix-it Guide to Toilet Repair

Imagine your home without toilets. Yes, the thought itself is enough to make you cringe. The toilet is often the most used, or should we say the most 'misused' fixture in the home. The importance of the toilet can only be felt at the exact point in time when something goes wrong with it. Toilets generally are a fairly easy DIY project that can be successfully completed by anyone. With just a bit of work and the tips you will find in this article, you should be able to quickly fix your toilet.

The first step in fixing a toilet is to determine the problem with the toilet. Your toilet could either be a slow moving toilet, or it could be clogged, or it could even be a running toilet. A slow moving toilet implies that you have to flush the toilet quite a number of times and the water drains away quite slowly. Slow moving toilets are often the result of clogged sewage drain pipes, and are at risk of suddenly clogging completely and overflowing. No one likes to clean up the mess an overflowing toilet creates. A running toilet is one where once you flush it, the water does not want to stop flowing into the toilet bowl. A running toilet can use up a large amount of water over a fairly short period, so it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Make no difference which problem you have, you can fix it yourself. If you happen to have a clogged or slow moving toilet, then the first thing you should do is turn off water supply to the toilet. You can do this can be by turning the knob on the shut off valve to the right until the water supply stops. The valve is normally placed a few inches above the floor on the left when facing the toilet.

Now determine which the problem you have. To do this, pour a bucket of water quickly into the bowl. If it flushes slowly, the toilet has developed a clog. Clear the clog affecting your toilet by first using a plunger. If this removes the clog, then you can turn the water back on to the toilet, if it does not clear the clog, then you should try using a plumber's snake. This tool will allow you to clear most any clog.

Once you have the clog taken care of, then you should clear the mineral deposits that tend to develop in the small holes under the rim of the toilet. This will help your toilet flush much more effectively. These holes can be cleared with a stiff bristled brush, or you can use the bent end of a coat hanger to poke the holes clear. You might also want to make use of a small mirror to see the holes that are being cleared.

If your toilet is letting water into the bowl at all times, then you have a running toilet. First off, remove the toilet tank lid and sit aside out of your way. Some people like to place it in the bathtub. Next check the ball cock, which is the valve that the float is attached to. If water is coming out of the valve, you may need to replace it.

If that doesn't seem to be the problem, then press down on the flap at the bottom of the toilet tank to see if the water stops running into the bowl. Over time, these flaps tend to warp out of shape and cause the tank to leak into the bowl. If this solves the problem, then replace the tank flap.

Whichever needs replacing, be certain to shut off the water supply to the toilet before you begin your repair.

Residential Plumbing - Finding the Toilet That is Best For You

After years of "making do," you've finally decided to remodel your bathroom. You've selected the colors, the sink, the tub, the floor, the tiles, the mirror, and even the towel racks. But what about the toilet? Never had you imagined that there would be so many choices and decisions to make: the size, the shape of the bowl, the flushing mechanism, just to name a few.

Here are some basic considerations to keep in mind when conducting your search, even before you find a plumber for the job:

1. Size. Toilets come in different lengths, widths and heights, and your main consideration should be to ensure that the size of the toilet and the space available for it allow for a comfortable fit. In addition, it is necessary to mount most toilets 12-14 inches from the wall. These measurements must be accounted for.

2. Shape of the bowl. Bowls can be purchased in either a round or elongated (oval) style. Elongated bowls are generally about two inches longer than round bowls, allowing for maximum comfort. Round bowls are smaller and thus, are better suited for smaller spaces. In addition the many varieties of toilet seats on the market today generally are made to fit round bowls, so with a round bowl it may be easier to match the decor in your bathroom.

3. Flushing mechanism. With regard to flushing, in the U.S. today, two standard flush systems are generally available: (i) the "gravity-flush system," in which the pressure of the water in the tank, together with the weight of the water in the bowl, forces water and waste through the trapway, where a siphoning action completes the flush, and (ii) the "pressure-assisted flush system, " in which a cylinder of compressed air in the tank forces water into the bowl. The "pressure-assisted flush system" provides for a stronger flush and less chance of clogging, but is generally more expensive and noisier than a "gravity-flush system, and may require expensive maintenance. You may also want to consider a "dual flush toilet," which offers a low volume (half) flush for liquid waste and a full volume flush for solid waste. While this type of toilet is more expensive, and the instillation a bit more complicated, the cost savings (and benefit to the environment) are enormous.

4. Trapway. The trapway is the snakelike plumbing through which waste and water flows. Larger and glazed trapways allow for more efficient flushing and decrease the incidence of clogging.

5. Pieces. A two-piece toilet is one in which the water tank is bolted on top of a separate bowl, and is generally somewhat more affordable. Talk to an experienced plumber about your options here. A one-piece toilet is one in which the tank and bowl are integrated without a seam, and tends to be more expensive, but is generally more stylish, smaller and easier to clean.

6. Attachment. Determining how the toilet shall be attached (whether bolted to the floor or mounted to the wall) simply depends on the plumbing in your bathroom. If you have a wall-discharge drain line (the pipe that takes waste and water from your toilet to the septic tank or sewer line) you will need a wall-mounted toilet. A floor-discharge drain line, requires a floor-bolted toilet.

Designing Your Dream Master Bath

If you're having a custom home built, or perhaps just remodeling your current home, one of the most exciting designs you could take upon yourself is that of your master bath. Thought of as a private getaway for most couples, or overworked moms at the very least, the master bath is often a place where a higher budget is given when it comes to design and decorating. It's one of the few places you can shut the door and get away from the kids, and one of the few places you can completely relax in silence.

If you are looking for some tips and ideas for your own master bath redesign, you should consider the following. Planning isn't always as easy as it seems, especially when you discover what things costs, but following a few guidelines will help you get the most for your money.

Formality - The kind of master bath you want may depend upon how formal or informal your home is. A country bath is quite different from a Victorian or modern style bathroom. The formality of your design will determine whether you use stone flooring, a fancy selection of hardware, even your color scheme.

Cost/Budget - It goes without saying that your budget will highly influence the choices you make in your design. Get the most for your money by compromising on what is least important to you. Decide first what you cannot live without, whether it's a double sinks, heated floors, granite countertops, a whirlpool tub or a shower big enough for the entire family.

Bathing Preferences - Everyone is unique, and so are our personal habits when it comes to bathing. Some of us prefer showers, while others must have a bath available - and a luxurious one at that. Most master bathrooms have both a shower and a bath, but even then, there are many options to choose from. Double massaging shower heads, a whirlpool bath, old fashioned claw foot tub... the choices are almost endless.

Privacy Needs - Depending on where on the floor plan your master bath is located, you may need to take privacy into consideration. Many people like to leave bathroom windows unveiled to let natural light in, but with houses built so close together these days, that's almost impossible. However, with the use of glass blocks or other building tricks, you can still get privacy without completely blocking out all the light and beauty of the outdoors.

Space Considerations - Planning your new bath will be tricky if you are short on space, so it's important to sketch out a little diagram of what you'd like to be included before you start ordering materials. If space is no option, your decisions will be what to fill it with. Consider a large walk-in closet, a seated vanity in between double sinks, or his and her toilets. When space is not an issue, you can truly create the master bath of your dreams.

Choosing a High Efficiency Toilet For Sustainability and Water Saving

Do you know that one's residential lavatory is responsible for in the region of 30% of all home water usage, and leaking toilet pipes are a major source of water loss? This considerable use of water prompted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Country to sponsor a plan referred to as WaterSense to help those making acquisitions of toilets to find high-efficiency toilets that are extremely water-efficient to assist the nation save water by decreasing its water and waste water use within the home.

High Efficiency Toilets

The definition of high efficiency toilets is described under federal law within the US, but will probably be totally different across the world. Check your individual nation's specifications to see. In the US any new toilet isn't allowed to use more that 1.6 gallons of water each single flush. High efficiency toilets (HETs) need to advance on that by utilizing not more than 1.26 gallons for each flush (gpf). This saves around 20% over normal new toilets, a large saving if these are rolled out country wide. An impartial laboratory has to endorse these toilets to allow them to obtain the WaterSense label. The certification process is stringent and the toilets have to fulfill stringent efficiency and performance standards.

But Do They Work?

One of many major considerations of shoppers regarding low-flow toilets is whether they provide the same bowl clearing and cleansing standards because the non HETs. The good news is that Water Sense high-efficiency toilets really combine high performance with power and efficiency, unlike the other non HETs. There have been large advances in flushing expertise which makes these toilets usually a lot better at clearing the bowl that standard toilets.

What Savings May be Made?

When you were to put in high efficiency toilets in your house, changing your previous 3.5 gpf lavatory with a WaterSense label toilet you could possibly save water at a rate of4000 gals per year. Over the lifetime of that new rest room, you can save round $2000 in water use and waste water costs, certainly much more than the purchase cost of the toilet. In case you are changing a much older bathroom, the savings could be lots more. And if you happen to, as many other do, have two bathrooms in your house, changing both might be an amazing saver, both financially, and in terms of water conservation.

Excessive Effectivity Toilet Manufacturers

Nearly the entire main toilet producers are actually offering high efficiency low-flow and dual flush toilets for sale to the market. American Standard, Toto, Kohler, Eljer and Gerber all offer the HET alternative. Caroma, Mansfield and Niagara are a number of the lesser know manufacturers also offering these low consumption toilet designs.

It is sensible, in these occasions of drought, uncertainty about climate adjustments, financial turbulence and escalating costs of services like waste water disposal, to consider methods to cut back your water usage. The prices of HET toilets will not be high, rebates may be available on certain areas and their effectiveness makes it a very good time to consider installing excessive efficiency toilets in your home.

Vanity Mirrors - Make Your Bathroom Look Its Best

There are so many rooms in one house that need decorating that it could be easy to rush through certain rooms that you might think do not need thorough consideration, like the halls and the bathroom. Your time and efforts should be focused on what you consider to be the main areas of the house, you might feel, like the family and living rooms. However, if you really think about it, you actually frequent the bathroom a lot. In fact, it is most likely the first trip you make every single day. It also serves a very important function in the house, as it is the place you go to in order to get ready to go out and start the day. Therefore, while the bathroom may be easy to overlook when doing interior decorating, it is best not to do so. An important element in decorating the bathroom involves vanity mirrors.

Vanity mirrors make up a very important part of the bathroom because that is where most people do their daily beauty routine to get ready for the day. Men usually shave and women usually put on their makeup using these wall mirrors as guides. Therefore, it is important to think about how big the mirror needs to be and where it should be placed in order to optimize its performance in regards to the purpose that these bathroom wall mirrors should serve, that is helping to make yourself look your best before you go out. The angle in which the lighting hits your face has a lot to do with how you view yourself in the mirror, so you should probably figure out the placement and size of the mirror in relation to the placement and size of the bathroom lights.

Bathroom wall mirrors probably constitute the most attractive part of the bathroom. Therefore, if you want your bathroom to look good, you should invest in high-quality wall mirrors that fit the style that you are going for in the bathroom, whether it is lavish and luxurious or simple and elegant. Vanity mirrors can be oval or squared, framed or not, and large or small. You can also buy lighted mirrors with lights installed in them.

Once you have an idea of the type of mirror that you want installed in your bathroom, you should start searching stores for it. The best stores will offer a wide selection of vanity mirrors at affordable prices, so that you are more likely to find, as well as, afford the one that you have in mind.

Kohler Toilet Seat Review - A Combination of Ergonomics, Aesthetics, and Quality

Kohler is a well-known brand of bathroom appliances that makes innovative toilets and toilet seats. The company is dedicated to both performance and comfort. The flushing systems are designed to flush only when the seat is closed. The seats are designed to stay warm at all times without using up a lot of electricity.

If you are thinking about buying a Kohler toilet seat, you'll be glad to know that they are constructed to fit just about any toilet. They are available in many sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. Every single one is constructed with a focus on ergonomics for comfort. These seats also shut quietly, thus creating a peaceful bathroom atmosphere.

Sold by HomeClick, this collection of seats utilizes technology for an impressive amount of performance. While there are many models to choose from, they do all share some of the same features. For instance, they are all designed to ensure a proper fit. This means you can easily find the right size seat for your toilet, no matter its size or shape. They also have a Quick-Release function that allows them to be easily removed from the toilet.

Many of the Kohler toilet seat models also come with the Heated French Curve technology. This uses a small amount of electricity to warm the seat, thus enhancing the comfort and convenience. If you are concerned about stains, you can get a seat with polypropylene. The more expensive models, such as the Kohler Lustra, come with a resistant polypropylene finish that'll last for decades. It will not peel, stain, or chip. Furthermore, it is made with an antimicrobial agent that prevents bacteria and mildew from growing.

Even the more expensive models are affordable if you take advantage of online coupons and discount offers. No matter which size, shape, or color you want, you should easily be able to find a Kohler toilet seat to go in your bathroom. They all offer numerous features for comfort, quality, aesthetics, and convenience.