Author: Jonie

Durable as most toilets are, they all must be replaced at some point. It’s not even uncommon for homeowners to replace toilets that are still in good working order, because there are so many new features and designs to choose from. If your toilet is nearing the end of its useful life — or if you’re just eager for a change — there are lots of options waiting in store.

More Than One Way to Flush

Chances are you have a gravity feed toilet — one with a rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank, which opens up and lets gravity do the work of flushing everything away. But there are a couple of other flush mechanisms to consider.

A pressure assisted toilet is a design that uses air pressure to produce a faster, more powerful flush. They’re more common in public toilets, but they can be installed in homes, as well. Pressure assisted toilets stay cleaner longer and are less prone to clogs. They can be much louder than gravity feed toilets and are more expensive to buy and install, however.

An increasingly popular alternative is the dual flush toilet, which has both a gravity feed and pressure assisted flushing system. With a dual flush toilet, you can use a water-saving gravity feed flush for liquid waste, or a bowl-cleaning, clog-busting pressure assisted flush for solid waste.

No matter which type of flush mechanism you choose, there’s also an option for a cleaner, easier way to flush: touchless flushing. Some new toilets feature touchless flushing right out of the box, but most toilets can be modified with an aftermarket touchless flush system. With touchless flush, users flush the toilet by waving their hand over a sensor. It’s a plus for homeowners who worry about germs, and it can be a big help to anyone who has trouble using a traditional flush handle.

Form Follows Function

There are all sorts of sleek and unusual shapes among designer toilets, but there are a couple of basic design elements that all toilet shoppers should think about before they buy: bowl height and bowl shape.

The bowl height of the standard toilet is 15 inches, but this can range from as low as 10 inches and as high as 20. Taller toilets can be beneficial for people with limited mobility, because they reduce the amount of effort it takes to sit down and stand up. If that’s not an issue, and if there are small children in the home, a lower toilet might work well for everyone. Lower toilets can also assist in assuming a squatting position, which is a beneficial posture when it comes to using the facilities.

As for bowl shape, there are two main choices: elongated and round. Elongated toilets have an egg-shaped opening and are considered by many to be more comfortable because they’re more spacious. Round bowls may be less comfortable by comparison, but because they take up less space, they’re still used in smaller bathrooms. If you’d like to split the difference, elongated toilets come in a variety of lengths that allow you to get the benefits of the oblong shape in a tighter space.

Use Less, Save More

Federal standards limit the flush volume of all new toilets to 1.6 gallons, which is a big improvement on older, unregulated toilets that used as many as five gallons of water per flush. But many toilets go even farther than that, and you can be sure that you’re buying a water-saving toilet by looking for the federal WaterSense label at the point of purchase.

Similar to the Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR labeling program for energy efficient appliances, the WaterSense program designates plumbing fixtures that help you save water. Every WaterSense certified toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less.

High Tech Toiletry 

If you want your toilet to be a real conversation starter, you may want to look into smart toilets. Technology commonly integrated into smart toilets includes temperature-controlled seats, bidets and dryers, automatic flush, self-cleaning technology, LED lights and remote controls to use all the sophisticated features. It might be too much toilet for most, but it’s not every day that you get to buy a new toilet, right?

If choosing the right toilet is proving more difficult than you thought, or if you just need help installing the toilet of your choice, call up your local Rods Away today.

BE PREPARED FOR DIY PLUMBING WITH THESE 8 TOOLS

We’ll be the first to tell you that there’s no substitute for the expertise of a licensed plumber. But for simple jobs — or emergencies, like a broken pipe — it doesn’t hurt to be prepared to get your own hands dirty. And if you’re going to be ready for what your home’s plumbing can throw at you, you’ll need the right tools for the job.

These are the eight tools and supplies that every DIY plumber should have at the ready:

Pipe wrench. Or rather, pipe wrenches. Two is better than one when it comes to these hefty grippers, because you can use one wrench to stabilize your work while using the other one to turn. The pipe wrench is your go-to tool for situations that demand real leverage, such as loosening a rusted old fitting. It’s a good idea to throw a few rags in your toolbox along with your wrenches — that way, you can wrap your pipes and fixtures before you work, avoiding scratches.

Basin wrench. If you’re not familiar with plumbing tools, you might not recognize the basin wrench as a wrench at all. Unlike a typical wrench head, the basin wrench has a spring-loaded, clamping jaw designed for gripping and turning bolts and fasteners in tight spaces. It’s the ideal tool for jobs like loosening the nuts underneath a deep kitchen sink.

Adjustable wrench. As the name suggests, these wrenches can be adjusted to fit a range of hardware sizes, making them very versatile. Quality adjustable wrenches are inexpensive and it can be useful to have a few of them in a variety of sizes, especially when you need to use one or two as clamps. Adjustable wrenches do most of the work with smaller jobs like replacing faucets and showerheads.

Tongue and groove pliers. Speaking of clamps, you’ll also want at least one good pair of tongue and groove pliers to help hold things in place. These pliers have a slip-joint design that allow the jaws to open wide and grab bigger things. Most pairs have long handles that also make them great for turning, tightening and loosening. As with your pipe wrench, you’ll probably want to wrap your fine fixtures with a rag before using these due to their serrated jaws.

Plumber’s putty. Also known as jointing compound, plumber’s putty helps form a watertight seal. For many DIY replacements and upgrades such as faucets and drains, a dab of plumber’s putty can help avoid leaks and keep parts firmly in place.

Plumber’s tape. One of the more frustrating plumbing problems is a leaky threaded joint, such as the one connecting a showerhead to a pipe. The solution is plumber’s tape, also known as teflon tape or thread seal tape. Just wrap a few layers around clean, dry threads, making sure to wind the tape clockwise. When you screw on your fixture, the tape will help form a watertight seal.

Plunger. They don’t call it the “plumber’s helper” for nothing. From overflowing toilets to clogged drains, your plunger is the plumbing tool you may find yourself reaching for most often. Keep it right in the bathroom so it’s always there when you need it. If you’re not familiar with proper plunger technique, take a moment to learn the ropes, and consider keeping a little tub of petroleum jelly under the sink to help you plunge more effectively.

Toilet auger. When your plunger can’t get the job done, it’s time to bring out the auger. A hand-crank toilet auger can extend a long metal cable into your toilet drain (or any drain where it will fit) to break up obstructions and send them on their way. For stubborn clogs, it’s a cheap and simple tool that could save you an emergency repair call.

You probably have a few of these tools in your toolbox already, and rounding out the list won’t cost an arm and a leg. Even if you don’t expect to get into any major DIY work, having these tools on hand might make the difference between calling for emergency repairs and handling it yourself. But if you ever do find you need the help of a licensed plumber, call your local Rods Away without delay.

TROUBLESHOOTING DISHWASHER LEAKS AND WATER FLOW PROBLEMS

Once you move on from hand-washing dishes, there’s no going back. So when the dishwasher starts having problems, there’s no time to waste in getting to the bottom of it. You can always call in a plumber — and for some problems, you definitely should — but there are some small, common dishwasher problems that you can diagnose, if not repair, all on your own.

Finding and Fixing Leaks

Dishwashers are designed to not spill a drop, but leaks can develop if certain parts malfunction or become damaged. If you have an older dishwasher, some parts may be failing due to age and wear, which can also lead to leaks.

If you notice pooling water or signs of water spray around your dishwasher, it could be coming from one or more of three areas:

• Around the door. The door is lined with a rubber gasket, much like the one on your refrigerator door. If there is a tear in the gasket, or if it has become cracked and brittle with age, this could be the source of your leak.
• At the water source. A hose or pipe carries water from your household plumbing to your dishwasher’s water inlet. If this connection is loose or if a gasket has failed, water could be leaking from this area.
• Underneath the dishwasher. There are three places a leak can occur under here: the water inlet, the drain and the seal around the pump. Leaks in these places can be caused by loose or failed hose clamps, cracked gaskets or a broken pump.

To get a good look around, you may need to clear out the area under your kitchen sink and remove the front kickplate of your dishwasher. Use a flashlight to look everywhere for the source of the water. If your dishwasher isn’t mounted to your countertop or cabinets, you may be able to scoot the dishwasher away from the wall to get a better look. Be careful not to snag or break any hoses if you do this.

If you’re lucky, you may be able to pin the source down to a loose connection — something you can fix in under a minute. If it’s a failed gasket or pump, check your dishwasher manufacturer’s website for information on replacement parts and DIY repairs. You may find the instructions for these repairs surprisingly simple, and if it ends up being something you don’t want to handle yourself, your local plumber can always step in to make it a quick fix.

When Your Dishwasher Won’t Wash

Having a water leak is troubling enough, but your dishwasher is truly useless when there’s no water at all. And as with leaks, there are a few different common ways that this problem can occur:

• The float switch is stuck or broken. The float switch is usually a plastic disc or cone that is attached to the floor of the dishwasher and is able to move up and down a few centimeters. When enough water has filled the dishwasher, the rising float switch is supposed to tell the dishwasher to stop the water flow. But if the switch gets stuck in the “up” position by soap scum or a fallen fork, no water will flow at all. This switch can also break, in which case it will need to be replaced.
• The door sensor is stuck or broken. All dishwashers have a safety mechanism to prevent the flow of water when the door is not latched. If your latch isn’t “clicking” into place when you close the dishwasher, there could be a fallen object or some type of residue obstructing the latch. If the latch is functioning properly, it’s possible that the electronic switch that controls the water flow is broken and must be replaced.
• There’s a problem with the water supply. If you have water in the sink, you know the problem isn’t the main supply. The next thing to check is the valve under the sink that diverts water to the dishwasher. If that’s open, follow the supply hose to make sure it isn’t kinked. You may need to remove the dishwasher’s kickplate to see the full length of the hose.

All it takes is the ability to look at your dishwasher from some new angles and identify a few parts, and you’ll be able to diagnose most water issues all by yourself. And if it turns out to be something you can’t handle yourself, you can always count on the pros at your local Rods Away.

FIRST STEPS TO RECOVERING FROM WATER DAMAGE

Whether it’s from a flash flood or a broken pipe, water damage can be one of the most devastating home disasters a homeowner will face. Water-damaged possessions are often unsalvageable, cleaning up the mess can be back-breaking, and the threat of mold development can linger for weeks. But with quick action and a smart plan, you can make your water damage recovery as painless as possible by getting off on the right foot.

Put Electrical Safety First

Whenever you’re dealing with water damage near outlets or wiring, your first concern should be electrical safety. The precautions you take should be proportionate to the extent of the damage. If you have a minor leak affecting a small area, you should shut off the circuit breakers that power all wiring and outlets near the leak. Multi-room damage from a major pipe break will necessitate shutting down the entire circuit panel. If you’re recovering from a widespread flooding event and have standing water in your home, you’ll want to have your utility company completely remove the electrical meter before wading into flooded areas.

If you can’t safely access your electrical panel or have any doubt about the electrical safety of water damaged areas of your home, contact your electrical utility or a licensed electrician before proceeding.

Stop the Flow

If the water is coming from your household plumbing, the damage could be getting worse by the second. That’s why it’s important to know exactly where your home’s main water shut-off valve is, and to make sure you’re able to turn it.

In many homes, the valve is in the basement, close to where the main water supply enters the home. If you’re not sure where this is, check outside your home for the location of the water meter, as the main water supply leads inside from there. In other homes, the shut-off valve may be outside the home, beneath a water meter grate. These valves will often need to be turned with a special long-handled tool called a water key. If you don’t have one, pick one up at your local hardware store.

The shut-off valve can also be sticky if it hasn’t been turned in several years. If this is the case with yours, now is a good time to give it a try and grease the threads with lubricant if necessary. When you need to turn this valve in a hurry, you won’t want to be fighting with it.

Cover Your Assets

Once you’ve eliminated the risk of electrical shock and the flow of water, your next move should be to call your homeowners insurance company to report the damage. In many cases, homeowners insurance will cover damage from a burst pipe but not from a natural flood. Flood insurance is typically sold separately, often from different carriers. If you’re not sure what your insurance covers, look into it now before you have a water damage incident.

You should also plan to take photos of all the water damage in your home before beginning cleanup. Failure to do so could result in contested claims that may cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Call for Help

If you’re willing to put in lots of hard work and do a thorough job, you can perform most of your water damage recovery tasks by yourself. But because of the nature of this work and the mold risk associated with missteps, many homeowners will hire a water damage remediation company to assist.

You might be able to get a team in your home on the same day as the incident if you have a plumbing leak. But when you’re recovering from a widespread flood, water remediation services book up quickly. Call as early as you can to get on the books.

Dry Out

That’s a lot of work to do before you even start dealing with the water, but it’s finally time to start drying out.

Remove any standing water with an electric pump and/or a wet/dry shop vac. Take all water damaged items out of the home and sort them into salvageable and unsalvageable piles. Carpeting, carpet padding, paper products, food products and many electronics will be a total loss. Valuable upholstered furniture and rugs may possibly be saved, but will require prompt attention from remediation experts.

Open all windows in damaged areas and use fans to blow damp air outside. If you have water trapped in the gaps inside your wall, punch holes in the drywall to allow it to escape. All water-damaged drywall will need to be replaced anyway.

Water damage recovery is a long haul, and these are just the steps you should take within the first 24 hours. If you ever need professional help recovering from a plumbing breach — or if you need help preventing one — contact your local Rods Away without delay.

BATHS OR SHOWERS: WHICH IS BETTER?

Everybody needs to get clean, but we don’t all do it in the same way. And when it comes to the choice between a hot bath or a quick shower, there are some pretty strong opinions on both sides. But which is better?

The real answer is simple: whichever one you prefer. But the two methods do have their own strengths and weaknesses, so depending on your priorities, one might be better for you than another. Let’s compare the two and see how they stack up.

Skin Care

While it can feel great to take a long soak in a steaming bath, it might not always feel great afterward. That’s because long, hot baths can actually dry out your skin, leading to itching and flaking. People with sensitive skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can have worse reactions. Shorter showers with slightly cooler water can help you avoid this problem.

On the other hand, baths provide the opportunity to soak in something soothing. Bath bombs, oatmeal blends, epsom salts and other additives can turn an ordinary bath into a rejuvenative experience, and some of these products are designed to relieve specific skin conditions. If you choose to try these, safeguard against dry skin by making the water no hotter than necessary and moisturizing after drying off.

Convenience

Showers are quick and to the point — other than the few seconds you’ll spend waiting for the water to warm up, you’ll spend the entire time getting clean and moving on with your day.

A bath is intended to be a more leisurely experience, but even if you have time to take things slow, taking a bath the right way poses some challenges. For instance, shampooing your hair in a bath can be difficult, and rinsing it afterward can be much more so. And when you’re done, it’s important to rinse off your body with clean water before drying so that you aren’t left with an itchy film of soap.

If that hassle isn’t enough to chase you out of the bath and into the shower, consider upgrading your bath fixtures to include a handheld wand. It’ll give you the water pressure you need to get fully cleaned and rinsed without standing up and using a traditional showerhead.

Water Consumption

Unless you’re fond of extra long showers, the shower is the more eco-friendly option.

There’s no way around the hefty water consumption of a luxurious bath, but if you want to push your water conservation to the limit, ask your local plumber about upgrading to water-saving fixtures.

Relaxation

Who doesn’t like to take a load off every once in a while? With a bath, you can relax your entire body and focus on other soothing things you might use to enhance the experience, like music or aromatherapy.

What’s more, a soak in warm water can soothe sore muscles and aid in recovery from physical stress. So if you’re getting clean after a tough workout, consider opting for the bath to give your body a break.

If all this back and forth about baths versus showers has you wishing for a more luxurious bath experience, maybe it’s time for a bathroom remodel. Feel free to call your local Rods Away to learn more about the latest designs in both tubs and showers, and we can help you plan the bathroom of your dreams.

So, you’ve purchased your own home and want to educate yourself on prudent and effective home maintenance. You’ve learned the basics about your plumbing system and have even brandished an adjustable wrench a time or two. Kudos on taking responsible steps to safeguard your home investment. However, make sure you aren’t being fooled by some common home plumbing myths that are at best useless and at worst could end up costing you a lot of money.

Some of the biggest plumbing myths to avoid:

Don’t worry about a leaky tap: It’s just a tiny drip, how big a problem could it possibly be? Very big. According to the EPA, a leak can lead to 10,000 wasted gallons of water per year in a single household, or the equivalent of 270 loads of laundry. Plus, a leak can actually damage the tap and stain the fixture. Get it fixed ASAP.

Toilets make a great garbage chute: Unless you want toilet water overflowing onto your floor, followed by a nasty plumbing job and cleanup, never flush anything except toilet paper and human waste.

Lemons and water are the key to a clean and functional garbage disposal: While a lemon slice or two can help eliminate odors, they don’t do anything in the way of cleaning. Read your manual to find out what kind of maintenance your disposal really needs to keep it running in peak form. Similarly, water will not prevent clogging. If you toss in something that the disposal isn’t equipped to handle, or if you overload it with too much at once, running water at the same time won’t be enough to prevent a clog or other damage.

You don’t need to think about your pipes unless they are clogged: Just because the water is draining for now doesn’t mean you don’t have nasty clogs building up in your pipes. Debris like food in the kitchen sink and hair and shampoo in the bathroom can accumulate over time, until the water starts backing up at the worst possible moment. Always practice good drain hygiene by using a trap to catch any solids, and have your system inspected annually to make sure there isn’t a major issue lurking just around the corner. You can also ask your plumber about maintenance products that will help keep your drains clear without damaging pipes.

In an emergency, any plumber will do: When you have a major problem and need plumbing assistance immediately, it’s tempting to hire the first handyman who answers the phone. However, if you trust your pipes to an untested novice you could find yourself out a lot of money while the problem remains unresolved, or even worsens. Only accept experienced professionals when it comes to the plumbing in your house so you know the job will be done right the first time.

Your Rods Away plumbers are here to help 24/7 with any plumbing problem. Give us a call for more pluming tips or to schedule an appointment.

You rely on your toilet daily, but you probably don’t think much about it until something goes wrong. Just like other major appliances in your home, your toilet will probably need to be replaced after years of use. How do you know when it’s time to call a plumber to install a new toilet?

• There are cracks in your tank
  If you frequently see a puddle of water /braround your toilet, this could be more than a simple leak: You could have cracks in your tank, and the toilet may need to be replaced. A plumber can help you determine if it’s an issue that can be repaired. If the toilet appears to be working properly – flushing well, not clogged, not running – but there is water around the bottom of it, that could mean there are cracks in the bowl.
• You have an old toilet
  Regardless of whether your toilet is working properly, if you have had the same one for decades you should consider replacing it. Older toilets are likely to be less efficient than newer ones, which means they could be driving up your water bill. Advancements made in the past few years have resulted in toilets that use significantly less water. When shopping for a more efficient model, you may want to consider one that offers dual-flush technology. This gives you the option of a partial flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste, so you can use less water while still flushing every time.
• You feel it wobble
  A toilet that wobbles or rocks is not normal. If your toilet is unsteady, call a plumber right away to evaluate the problem. While it could be a simple matter of tightening some bolts, it could also mean that the floor underneath is damaged or rotting and you’ll need to have it professionally repaired.
• You’ve had to fix it often
  If you’ve had to call a plumber several times in the past few years to have your toilet repaired, it may be time to purchase a new one. It will likely save you money in the long run.
• You have a round bowl
  While there’s nothing drastically wrong with your round bowl, replacing it with an elongated model is worth considering. These type of bowls tend to be more comfortable than round ones because they allow for more seating room. An elongated bowl also stays cleaner and allows fewer odors to escape, according to Consumer Reports. Round bowls do have a slightly smaller footprint, but if you have room, consider making the switch.

Give your local Rods Away plumbers a call if you see any of the trouble signs, or if you’re interested in replacing your old toilet with a newer model.

The holiday season often includes entertaining more guests, requiring even more upkeep than usual. Cleaning the toilet is no one’s favorite chore, but here are seven ways to make the job quicker and easier and keep your bathroom cleaner during this busy time of year.

1. Clean it often
   Bathrooms are filled with germs and should always be cleaned once a week – especially your toilet. A quick weekly cleaning will save you from having to do an extensive scrub down every month.
2. Use vinegar to clean
   If regular cleaning products don’t seem to be doing the trick, consider trying vinegar. Pour some vinegar into your toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. In the morning, use your toilet brush to scrub around the bowl. You may be surprised by how effectively this simple household staple cleans.
3. Reach for a toothbrush
   Keeping your whole toilet clean can be a challenge because of all the nooks and crannies that can be tough to reach. You can combat this problem by using a cheap toothbrush to attack these spots. If chemical cleaning products don’t seem to work, wet the toothbrush and put a little baking soda on it to form a paste and use it to scrub any problem areas.
4. Get the right brush
   The most important tool to have in your bathroom (other than your plunger) is a good toilet brush. You’ll want one that’s sturdy and easy for you to keep clean. The wrong brush won’t be able to stand up to tough stains, and you’ll find yourself replacing it every month. You may find purchasing a pricier brush is actually more cost-effective and may save you money in the long-run.
5. Keep disinfecting wipes on the toilet
   One simple way to keep your toilet cleaner for longer is to keep disinfecting wipes in your bathroom and encourage your family to use them.  This will help keep germs at bay as well as avoiding the buildup of any spots or stains.
6. Don’t ignore the handle
   This is a prime area for germs. When cleaning your toilet, use some disinfecting spray on the handle to keep dirt and germs at bay.
7. Avoid carpets
   Carpets that wrap around your toilet may look nice, but they are they can harbor germs that can spread not only on your toilet but around your bathroom as whole. To avoid this, ditch the carpeting and consider getting a bathmat that you can place around the toilet.

If you notice leaking or other problems with your toilet, give your local Rods Away plumbers a call. We’re always here to help.

Homeowners can save money with a little do-it-yourself spirit when it comes to minor plumbing projects. However, tread carefully, because with a single misstep you could make things worse than before or even flood your house. Plumbing disasters can be a huge hassle and end up costing much more than you hoped to originally save, so it’s crucial to be prepared and take steps to avoid a worst-case scenario and to know your limitations. Even homeowners who would never dream of attempting a repair can take preemptive measures to help preserve the integrity of their pipes and faucets and ward off emergency calls to the plumber.

If You Have a Project You Can Take on Yourself:

• Study and understand your plumbing layout. Figure out where the pipes run in your walls, which are bringing water in and which are taking waste away. The more familiarity you have with the overall system, the better informed you will be when DIY-ing and the less likely you are to create a major problem.
• Know where your main water shutoff valve is located. Usually, it’s found near the meter where water first enters your house. If you have a major leak, turn off the water flow as quickly as possible so you don’t have to deal with flooding and water damage in addition to whatever caused your original problem. Your home probably has individual shutoffs for different rooms, as well (typically found in the basement). Take advantage of this to cut off the room where you’re working but still have water flowing to the rest of the house.
• Make sure you have the right tools for the job. Assemble a full assortment of pliers, wrenches, saws and files and whatever else a project calls for before you start so you don’t find yourself making an emergency trip to the hardware store while your sink is disassembled.
• If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t do it. Better to admit when you’re stumped and call an expert than stubbornly attempting a repair and mucking it up worse than it was. Never attempt a repair on your plumbing system unless you’re sure it’s something you can handle on your own.

Even if You Have No Intention of Breaking Out a Wrench:

• Be careful with what you put down your garbage disposal. Don’t overload it, and make sure silverware doesn’t fall in.
• Don’t pour grease down the drain. That’s a surefire way to clog the pipes.
• Don’t flush anything but human waste and toilet paper down the toilet.
• Keep a plunger in every bathroom. When a toilet starts overflowing, you don’t want to have to run through the house to find a plunger. Keep it close at hand and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to clear the clog before the waste water overflows onto the floor.
• One tip especially for winter: Make sure you don’t have prolonged heat outages when the temperatures are below freezing. You risk freezing your pipes, which is annoying in and of itself. This could also cause them to burst, leading to floods and much bigger headaches. If you are planning on being away from home during the cold months have somebody check on the house periodically to make sure the heat hasn’t failed.

One more, very important step every homeowner should take
Establish a relationship with a reputable plumber before you have a problem. This has several benefits: your new plumber can give your system a once-over and point out any potential issues you may have missed, further reducing your chance of having an emergency. And if despite all your best precautions, disaster still strikes you already have someone to call who is familiar with your setup, does quality work and whom you can trust.

Need some professional guidance?
Give your local Rods Away plumber a call and we’ll take care of your problem, big or small. You can trust us to repair, replace or install whatever you need.