water softeners 1.234 – gtg

Lead Contamination in Home Water Supplies

There has been a great deal of information in the news in the last several decades about the dangers of lead exposure, particularly where children are concerned. Most of the stories which have made their way into news programs and publications have focused on lead paint in old homes and on unsafely produced toys and other consumer goods. Little has been said about the risks of lead exposure in drinking water due to old pipes despite the fact that lead contamination in home water supplies is a legitimate concern, especially with older homes.

What Is Lead?

Lead is a metal which was used extensively in the years before it was determined to be toxic. It was used in the production of paints, pipes and other products in the past. Once it was discovered to have toxic qualities, regulations were established to eliminate the substance from newly produced and installed products, including laws which prohibit it from being used in water lines for public water systems and residential and non-residential buildings.

How is Lead Present in Water Then?

Although regulations now prohibit the use of lead pipes and other lead components in public and private plumbing networks that doesn’t mean lead is entirely gone from these systems. In older homes and buildings, lead pipes may still be present. The same is true for municipal water systems which predate the regulations on installing new water lines. Lead free pipes which are used to create new sewage and water supply lines may also contain small amounts of lead. The term “lead free” simply means these components must have a minimal amount of lead contained within them – specifically, no more than 0.3 percent for pipes and no more than 8 percent for pipe fittings and fixtures like faucets.

What are the Health Risks of Lead Exposure?

If your children are exposed to lead they can have developmental issues, including physical and mental problems. They may additionally exhibit learning deficiencies and attention span problems. Long term exposure often results in life-long issues for individuals exposed to lead during their developmental years (ages six and under). Even we adults who experience prolonged lead exposure can see serious health consequences as well. These can include high blood pressure and kidney problems, among others. Lead is serious business.

What Levels of Lead in Water are Dangerous? 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there should be no lead in drinking water in order for the water to be safe for human consumption. While this regulation is among the restrictions which must be followed by city water providers, the exposure to lead contamination from municipal water supplies should be virtually nonexistent. However in recent years investigations have found lead in the municipal water of some of the USA’s largest cities. That being said, most lead contamination now, actually results from old pipes and fixtures in homes. 

Reducing the Potential for Lead Exposure 

The EPA’s regulations reduce the chances but do not eliminate the chances of lead being present in city water supplies received from water processing plants. They do not prevent the potential of exposure to lead from old pipes in your own home. If you live in an older house which was built prior to the implementation of new laws governing the production and installation of pipes and other plumbing components, or you are unwilling to risk the health of your family your best course of action to further reduce the chances of lead exposure is to install water filters capable of capturing and eliminating lead from drinking water.

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Do You Find Plumbing Complicated? Use This Advice

Plumbing issues can ruin your house and home. There are some suggestions below to help you in fixing your plumbing problems.
You should clean your septic tank every five years! Septic systems can back up when the septic tank builds up sediment. This can even result in the septic system failing altogether. While it may cost a bit to have your septic tank pumped out, it will cost you much more to clean up any sewage backup or to repair or replace your septic tank.

TIP! If you have a clogged toilet and a plunger is not helping to clear the blockage, if the water level is low, pouring a bucking of boiling water from a height into the toilet bowl could resolve the problem. If the water goes down to a lower level again, then you should repeat the procedure.

Noisy pipes are an easy problem to fix. You will need to anchor any type of exposed pipe.

If your garbage disposal is having problems, don’t give in to the desire to attempt a fix by reaching down into the disposal. Garbage disposals can be dangerous, even when they are turned off. Hire a professional, or at least find your owner’s manual to look at a diagram of the disposal. Many owner’s manuals are available online, and may even contain interactive troubleshooters.

TIP! Avoid placing fat, grease, and other oils into your drain. These substances will harden as soon as they cool down, and clog your drains.

If one of your water pipes freezes, make sure you turn the closest faucet to allow the thawing water to exit. This gives the pressure somewhere to go, and keeps it from bursting.

You should always put plenty of cold water through your garbage disposal while it is running. The cold water helps the blades that are inside stay sharp, and will keep your disposal running smoothly. Hot water is not recommended because of what it does to greasy products.

TIP! To lessen the chances of toilet problems, do not use as a place to put trash. A lot of commonly-flushed items such as tissues, cotton balls and swabs, paper towels, diapers, and sanitary napkins can clog up a toilet by failing to dissolve properly.

Don’t use any colored tablets in your toilet. These products may well remove odors, but they can seriously damage the rubber pieces in the toilet, causing poor functionality or even complete breakdown of the fixture.

Keep your dryer’s lint trap clean. This can prevent various problems, including a fire. Make sure that you inspect the lint trap for any holes or tears that might mean lint is going to your pipes, which might lead to clogs and other problems to deal with.

TIP! If you have grout deposits inside your pipes, it is almost impossible for an inexperienced homeowner to fix. You could dislodge the grout and cause it go further down.

Check the floors in your bathroom for soft areas in the floors. You can save money if you catch these issue sooner.
Try not to use drain cleaners if you can. Drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause your pipes to corrode if you overuse them. Sometimes, finding a professional to fix a blocked drain is the best way to solve the problem.

TIP! Be certain that your toilet does not leak. Try dropping a little food coloring in the tank.

The valves will fuse together if they are not used. Periodically turn these valves off and one. Use specially designed oils that can work their way through the buildup to keep them loosened up and operable.

TIP! Use services like the Consumer Affairs Department to find a reputable contractor. They provide many useful services, such as the ability to file a service complaint review complaints, and confirm that they are licensed.

By regularly incorporating a routine using a combination of dish soap, which includes a combination of lemon rinds, dish soap and even pits from a cherry, your disposal can be kept smelling fresh and running smoothly for many years to come.

Know where the location of the main water-valve is on your property. There should be a nearby water meter. Water fixtures typically have a cut-off valve of their own. Make sure your entire family is aware of the location of these shut-off valves and how to use them in the event of an emergency.

TIP! Plumbing can be a nightmare, because it can cause a lot of damage to a home. This can be avoided if you know just one thing.

It is important to to use lots of cold water while using your garbage disposal. Cold water keeps blades and makes the disposal run more smoothly.

If you are switching out an old water heater for a new one and you see a pipe connected to the drainage pipe, take the time to connect that pipe. This pipe is probably for recirculation of the water and it works to keep energy usage to a minimum by making water heating more efficient.

TIP! Shut off the water immediately and then call a plumber when you find a leak inside your walls. This usually indicates a serious plumbing problem.

Installing efficient shower heads could save you a lot of money on your energy bill. Most of the hot water is consumed in the shower. If you invest in purchasing and installing shower heads that are energy-efficient, you can save hundreds each year on your bills.

Copper pipes will expand when hot water runs through them. When they do, they can rub against the pipe hangers, causing pipe damage. To keep this from happening, put some tape on the pipe before setting into the hanger.

TIP! To save both time and money, group all your plumbing fixes to be done at one time. Before you schedule an appointment with a plumber, go through your system and write down everything that needs work.

Check your flooring for loose tiles or any water damage. Loose tiles can be an early sign that a leak exists and needs to be addressed, so press against the floor or wall around the tiles to determine if there is any “give”. By identifying loose tiles, you will be able to react more quickly to an unseen leak and repair the damage before it gets worse.

TIP! Purchasing plumbing tools can be expensive, but it can save you money in the long run. There are many Internet videos that can show you how to make basic repairs to plumbing.

If the hose that leads to your kitchen sink has not been maintained or installed properly, the problem is most likely a hose running to your kitchen sink that was not correctly installed. The hose from your sink to your dishwasher has to go up and then down so that there is no mixing between fixtures.

If you live in an area where the winter months are cold, make sure to use heat applied on any exposed pipes. This prevents the pipes from freezing. If you have cold weather where you live, and if you do not insulate pipes, they could freeze! Even pipes inside the house can freeze if the water in them is coming from outside. Try using heat lamps or heaters around the pipes in order to ensure that the water doesn’t freeze inside them.

TIP! Before winter rolls around, you should check to ensure that your home’s hot water tank is working safely and properly. This could easily save money on your winter utilities, because your water heater will be more efficient and use less energy to heat water.

Don’t flush items like paper towels, such as diapers, tissues, paper towels and cotton balls.

Your water bill will be increased if water is running continuously into the bowl, which could be caused by a damaged flapper or flapper seat. A simple cleaning or replacement of the flapper and/or flapper seat will solve this problem.

TIP! You can make sure that your connection is at optimum tightness by using sealants specifically appropriate for steel or plastic, depending on what you have. Check with your local hardware store to find what you’re looking for.

Some people think it’s alright to get the cheapest version at the store. The issue with that these models are not highly durable and easily break.

An over-tightened pipe can actually be worse than an under-tightened one! You can damage threads and run the risk of cracking the pipe; make sure to tighten it just enough to stop leaks, not more.

TIP!

Use enzyme based if you want to clean clogged pipes. These are cleaners that work by using natural bacteria to eat away at your clog, and be removed from your pipes. Enzyme cleaners are not damage your metal pipes.

TIP!

No one wants to have problems with their plumbing, but with the right knowledge and some hard work, these problems can be remedied. You may have to do some research and talk to a professional. Hopefully this article has provided you with some useful advice for the next time you face another plumbing problem.

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Problems With Your Pipes? Plumbing Tips That You Can Use

Water is the source of life, though it can be the cause of frustration for anyone that is dealing with a plumbing issue. There are not many things more devastating to a house faster than to leave a major plumbing problem.

If any water pipe that you have freezes, be sure to turn on the faucet that is closes to the pipe to give the water an exit as the pipe thaws. This will relive some of the pressure, and could prevent cracks from appearing.

TIP! Pump your septic tank about once every five years, to make sure it is working well. This stop sedimentary particles from accumulating in the tank, and in the worst cases, flooding your home or making the entire system to fail.

To keep your pipes from freezing in the winter, maintain a constant temperature in your home above freezing, even if the house is vacant. Pipes have the potential to freeze if the surrounding temperatures are below the freezing temperatures. It may take some time in order for the pipes to thaw out so that you can have running water. However, frozen pipes often burst, as well – making a huge plumbing bill.

You do not give the plumber all the money until he is finished with his work. Although you might be required to pay a down payment before the job is initiated, never pay the bill in full until you are certain that the job is completed to your satisfaction. This ensures that the plumber fully completes the job before getting paid.

TIP! Toilet discs and odor removers should never be used in your toilet. These may deodorize, but they can seriously damage the rubber pieces in the toilet, causing poor functionality or even complete breakdown of the fixture.

If a pipe freezes, open a tap on the line to allow the thawing ice to drain. This helps to relieve the pressure in the pipe and may prevent bursting, and keeps it from bursting.

Look at the overflow holes to ensure they aren’t clogged up. Overflow holes exist to act as a double check in case of an overfilling sink. That may seem unimportant – but it will become a problem if they are clogged. Clear the overflow holes periodically when you are doing your periodic checks for other problems and things that need to be repaired.

TIP! Run cold water through your garbage disposal. The cold water helps keep the blades sharp and can make disposal much smoother.

If your toilet is clogged, and the plunger is not working, and a plunger is not doing the trick, you can sometimes fix the problem by dumping warm water into your toilet at waist level (or maybe even a little higher). Do this every time the water level dips back down again.

If water that is not supposed to be there is in the dishwasher, the likely culprit is a kitchen sink hose not properly attached. The water will not drain into the dishwasher from the sink if it is configured in an uphill and downhill position.

TIP! To lessen the chances of toilet problems, do not use as a place to put trash. Do not flush things like paper towels, sanitary pads, tissues, diapers, cotton balls or anything else that might cause the toilet to get clogged.

e sure to clean your dryer’s lint trap. This is preventative maintenance that will prevent many problems, including fires. Make sure that you inspect the lint trap for any holes or tears that might mean lint is going to your pipes, which might lead to clogs and other problems to deal with.

TIP! The secret to low or even no repair bills from plumbing issues is prevention. Drain clogs are a common plumbing issue and sometimes expensive to repair when they are not addressed promptly.

Never put your bare hands in your garbage disposal. Even an un-powered garbage disposal is turned off they can be dangerous. You can search online to find the diagram for your garbage disposal.

When running your garbage disposal, plumbers recommend using only cold water to help ease food particles down the drain.

People are misguided in thinking that it will work better with the water running, but it is actually of no help. In some cases, water can actually cause garbage to become lodged in awkward places, and contribute to future problems.

TIP! Keep from using harsh drain cleaners. The chemicals that these cleaners are made up of are corrosive, and will damage the pipes in your house if you overuse them.

Avoid dumping oil and grease in your drain. This is especially damaging to garbage disposals because the fats will make the blades go slower and less freely. Make certain you dispose of oils away from the sink.

The clean out plug can sometimes be difficult to remove, and if you are having problems, there are two approaches to fixing this problem One way is to make the fitting looser with a hammer and chisel. The only other option is to chisel right through the clean out plug.

TIP! Valves that are rarely used tend to fuse together. You can prevent them from becoming fused by regularly maintaining them with a penetrating oil, and running water through them on a regular basis.

If you live in a home using well water and your bathtubs have stains pink and orange in color, this is most likely caused by an excess of iron in your water. You can deal with use by using a water softener, which you could purchase at a local store, or by hiring a professional to come out.

Consult your Department of Consumer Affair if you’re looking to hire a plumbing contractor. They will tell you if their licenses are all up to date or if they have received any negative feedback. Do not hire a plumber with a license that is not in good standing.

TIP! Everyone in your family should know exactly where your home’s main water shut off valve is and how to use it. You will see the water meter near it or on it.

By regularly incorporating a routine using a combination of dish soap, which includes a combination of lemon rinds, and even cherry pits, you can keep your disposal running smoothly and smelling as fresh as the day it was installed.

To get your water heater to perform better, you will have to make a determination of your household needs in relation to the size of the hot water tank. If you know how many people are in the home and how many appliances use hot water, you will have a good idea of what size tank is appropriate.

TIP! If you find that your drain stack is overflowing on the washing machine, try snaking it out with the standard pipe snake. The pipe may be clogged up due to lint.

If you’re the type of individual who likes to conserve water, then you can opt for a tankless model of water heater instead of a traditional one. In contrast to conventional water heaters, these appliances only heat the water when it is needed rather than storing hot water in a tank. Obviously, you will save money when you are not paying to keep water hot all the time.

TIP! If you are purchasing plumbing fixtures, think about selecting brass ones. To start, brass fixtures are more durable and lasts for a longer period of time.

If you are seeing water at the bottom of the dishwasher, it is most likely because of the hose to the kitchen sink being installed improperly. The hose connecting the kitchen sink and the dishwasher needs to go up and then down in order for the water of both locations to not mix.

Certain things like chicken skin, carrots, pumpkin and banana are considered bad on the blade, because they have the potential of getting caught and clogging the drain. Make sure that you put these items in the regular trash can, rather than subjecting your garbage disposal to them.

TIP! Consider adding flood alarms to your home’s plumbing. A flood alarm works in much the same way as a smoke alarm, only they’re placed at floor level.

Some people think it’s alright to get away with the cheapest head for your shower in the store. The issue with that they are not very sturdy and can break much easier.

Be sure that everyone in your home knows how to shut off the water to your house, and to all of the different connections in your home. If a situation arises where the water needs to be cut off it is important for everyone to be able to do it, so that it can be done in a timely manner and ultimately reduce the amount of damage that is caused from the flooding water. If they understand how to turn it off, they will have the ability to prevent water flow.

TIP! Be sure to keep your pipes from blocking up by cleaning them regularly with tools or chemicals. This is very important for pipes located outside your house, such as toilet pipes or drains, which are sometimes blocked by tree roots.

Use enzyme based if you want to clean clogged pipes. These cleaners use natural bacteria to turn the sludge into a liquid, and turn it into a liquid that is then flushed from your pipes. Enzyme cleaners are not damage your pipes.

Make sure you put insulation on pipes, and in small areas that get cold during the winter months. Home improvement stores sell easy to install insulation. It will prevent the bursting of freezing pipes, as well as, keeping the hot water warmer on it’s way to your shower or sink.

TIP!

Frozen pipes are on of the most expensive plumbing repair bills. The first thing you should do is ensure your outside pipes are well insulated. When colder weather is approach, you should also make sure your garden hoses are disconnected and that your exterior faucet is shut off. This will help to save you money on pipe repairs over time.

You need to be properly educated and prepared in order to stay away from plumbing problems. Knowing as much as you can about plumbing will lead to making sound decisions and avoiding costly plumbing problems. Also, a homeowner who researches solutions before working on plumbing will avoid potential disasters.

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Tips And Tricks On Doing Your Own Plumbing

Welcome to plumbing and its world! Plumbing covers a wide range of complicated equipments and laborious repairs. Plumbing is quite an issue when dealing with home improvement, so it is not always easy to find what works for you. The following article can provide you with helpful advice.
If your pipes are making a racket, there is a simple way to quiet them down. Any exposed pipes will need to be anchored. For pipes that are situated inside walls, or the floor or ceiling, you should hire a professional.

TIP! Wait until a job is done before you pay for it. In some cases, you have to make a down payment prior to the first day of work.

Noisy pipes that make squeaking or hammering sounds are actually a lot easier to fix than you would imagine.You must anchor any type of exposed pipes.
Knowing all your different tools and how they are used will be a great help when you work on a plumbing job. Research the project you are going to attempt online, and read the manuals that come with the tools before you use them. Don’t just blindly rush into a project. Plan each project so that you don’t make costly mistakes.

TIP! You can unclog a toilet by pouring warm water in the bowl from waist level. Do this every time the water level gets too low.

Have a professional flush your septic tank cleaned every five years or so to keep it working well. Although it is somewhat of an expense to pump out a septic tank, it will cost a lot more having to clean sewage backup or having to fix or replace a septic tank.

If you get your water from a well and orange or pink stains appear in your sink or tub, then you can be sure that the culprit is iron in your water. You can deal with use by using a water softener, which is something you can get on your own at a local retailer, or by hiring a professional to come out.

TIP! To keep your garbage disposal lasting for a long time, make sure you clean it on a daily basis. Keep your garbage disposal fresh and running by using dish soap, cherry pits and lemon rinds regularly.

Use filters on all drains to keep foreign objects and debris that might clog the pipes from clogging drains. The ones in the bathroom can be cleaned out on a regular basis.

Try to have all your plumbing repairs done at once. While you may be tempted to call the plumber whenever you have a slight problem, scheduling it all at once gives you the opportunity to save money to pay for the repairs. Because plumbers generally round up to the nearest hour, this also allows you to save money. The time only gets rounded up once, rather than multiple times.

TIP! When running your garbage disposal, always use a lot of cold water. The helps sharpen the blades and clears out the drain mechanism.

Don’t put things like fat, grease or fat into your drain. This is primarily true if you are someone who has a garbage disposals because the fats will make the blades go slower and less freely. Make certain you dispose of oils in other places other than the sink.

When your pipes have clogs and you are thinking of using a pipe cleaner, choose a cleaner that is enzyme based. These are cleaners that work by using natural bacteria to eat away at your clog, and turn it into a liquid that is then flushed from your pipes. Some of the finest cleaners are enzyme cleaners.

TIP! Frozen pipes can lead to a large plumbing bill. This can usually be prevented.

Pour baking soda and vinegar down your bathtub drain once a month. Plug the opening or cover it with a cloth while the chemical reaction to occur. After waiting a few minutes, just flush the drain out with water that has reached a boiling point. This procedure will clear the hair and soap .

If you have grout stuck in the line, it probably won’t help you cleaning it all by yourself. You could dislodge the grout and cause it go further down. This is more successful in plastic plumbing as compared to metal pipes. This is a tough problem, however, that very often requires professional intervention.

TIP! Letting your sink run is not really necessary when you put something down the in-sink disposal unit. It is popular belief that running water will help the garbage disposal work, but this is mistaken.

Always have cold water when you are using your garbage disposal is running. Cold water will allow for the food particles to be properly disposed of while keeping the blades sharp and encourage a smoother disposal.

The clean out plug can sometimes be difficult to remove, and if you are having problems, there are two approaches to fixing this problem The first method involves a hammer and chisel to loosen the fitting. The only other method is to take the chisel and use it right through the plug.

TIP! No matter what plumber you use, you should know a little about him before he comes to the door. Even if your insurance company assigns a plumber to you, you can get online and learn his name and the quality of his work.

Some people think they can get away with the cheapest head for your shower in the store. The disadvantage to doing so is that these models are not very sturdy and easily break.

You should be very careful when choosing drain cleaners. Some drain cleaners contain chemicals that can hurt your pipes. Pick a brand that will be gentle on your pipes. Your plumbing needs some forms of bacteria in order to work properly and the wrong chemicals can kill these good bacteria, as well as being toxic to people.

TIP! To better the efficiency of the water heater, see what size a tank your household requires. Being aware of how many people in your house use hot water, and how many of your appliances will need hot water to work, will help you know the size that your hot water tank should be.

Plumbing Repair
If you are switching out an old water heater for a new one and you see a pipe connected to the drainage pipe, take the time to connect that pipe. These pipes help to recirculate the water in the tank, keeping it hot while using less water and energy.

TIP! If you find that your drain stack is overflowing on the washing machine, try snaking it out with the standard pipe snake. Sometimes lint and small items that come from the machine can start to build up inside the pipe, making it back up or clog.

Prevention is necessary when you want to keep plumbing repair bills down. Clogs are one of the top reasons for needing a major plumbing repair.It’s a lot easier to take hair that is on a screen than eliminating it off a pipe.

Avoid chemical based drain openers when you need to deal with drain clogs. These products are so dangerous to your skin and eyes that it is simply not worth the risk using them poses. If you must use such chemicals, be sure to wear long sleeves and gloves.

TIP! Remember not to overdo. Take frequent breaks when working hard – especially if you are in the hot sun.

Clean the aerator to adjust water pressure issues due to sediment build up. Take the aerator off, disassemble it, and clean inside with a brush soaked in vinegar.

If you see water pooling under your water heater, turn the water off using the shut-off valves. If you procrastinate about shutting off water valves, the leak may get larger, and harder to contain.

TIP! Make sure that everybody in your family knows how to turn off the water going into your house, and the various areas connected in your house. You definitely want everyone to be able to stop excess water from flooding your home and damaging flooring and baseboards.

In the plumbing world, you have many techniques to make your approach better and more efficient. The plumbing world has something for everyone, but what is workable for one system might not be for another. These tips have hopefully provided a base for you to repair or improve your plumbing system.
If there is plumbing system wear, get new parts. You can fix minor leaks with plumbing foam, but do not expect this kind of solution to last. In order to fix it the right way, buy some new replacement parts.

TIP! If you are preparing your home for the winter, now would be a excellent time to have someone take a look at the hot water tank for any potential problems. By doing this, you could end up saving yourself some money when the water heater does not have to perform so hard over the colder months.

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General Toilet Information

Plumbers refer to toilets as water closets or “closets” for short.
A typical toilet has the following identifying parts:
A tank that sits atop the bowl and is attached by tank bolts and sealed with a sponge gasket
A trip lever handle that operates the flush valve
A flush valve with a flapper located in the center of the tank. Some make a flapper less flush valve now.
The tank has water that the level can be adjusted to the proper level, a half inch below the top of the refill tube on the flush valve.
A float cock that opens to refill the tank and bowl. The float cock is on the left side of the tank and has a small tube going to the refill tube on the flush valve.
Bolts that hold the toilet to the flange. These are called closet bolts and closet flange respectively

Toilet Constantly Runs

It’s the old problem of the toilet stopping and going all night. It can drive you crazy! You have probably done a little of your own investigating already. By lifting the lid of the tank you can see what is going on. On a typical toilet there is an apparatus in the center where all the water drains out to flush the bowl. It is called a flush valve. There is a rubber part that seals the valve and opens when the chain is pulled, it is called the flapper. The flapper must be in good condition to seal the tank. You most likely will need to replace the flapper. When you go to buy a new one, by a Korky brand flapper. They make the best one. Kohler toilets and some other brands may require original replacement parts such as a large rubber washer that fits on a plastic flapper. The seat on which the flapper sits must be absolutely clean and smooth. Use a Scotch-Brite scrub sponge or pad to clean the seat before replacing the flapper. The chain connecting the flapper to the handle must be properly adjusted. A small amount of slack is just right.

If you still have problems with water escaping into the bowl chances are you need a new flush valve. To be certain this is the problem before proceeding, turn off the water supply to the toilet and see if the tank drains on its own. If you replace the flush valve, you will want to replace the tank bolts and sponge gasket at the same time. The tank bolts may need to be cut to be removed.

Another problem that occurs in the tank is the apparatus on the left side known as the float cock. The water in the tank should be about a half inch below the top of the flush valve fill tube, also known as the hush tube. A standard float cock with the ball on the end of the rod can easily be adjusted by bending the rod. If the float cock needs replacing, I recommend using a Fluidmaster brand float cock. It is easy to install and adjust.
Please refer to replacing supplies and stops if needed.

Toilet Overflows

If the toilet overflows or gurgles when other drains are used you probably have a clogged main. If not, proceed to the next step. By now you hopefully have stopped the toilet from overflowing, but if not be sure the water is off to the toilet. Always attempt the easiest fix first. The Plumber’s Helper, the good old plunger. The proper plunger for a toilet is shaped more like a rubber ball than a cup. The correct action on the toilet plunger is the downward stroke to force the water down the drain. Be aggressive. If the plunger doesn’t clear the toilet, the next easiest is the Closet Auger. The closet auger is a short snake designed to clear an object from the toilet itself. If you don’t have a closet auger, and most don’t, you can always remove the toilet and check it for objects.

Toilet Leaks

Toilets leak from one of three places: the base, the tank, or the supply connection. Leaks from the base are fixed by removing and replacing the toilet. Leaks from the tank require removing and replacing the tank. To remove the tank turn off the water to the toilet, empty the tank, and remove the tank bolts. Cut them if you have to. Remove and replace the old sponge gasket sealing the tank to the bowl. Replace the tank bolts with new ones. If you can’t get the tank bolts to stop leaking, install an extra rubber washer, brass washer and nut between the tank and bowl. If the supply connection is leaking refer to repairing supply lines.

Toilet Doesn’t Operate

This section is for if you operate the handle and nothing happens. Open the lid of the tank. Check to be sure the chain is connected between the flapper and the flush handle. Adjust the chain so that there is a tiny bit of slack. If the handle is broke or droops replace it with a new one
Remember the toilet handles nut has a left hand thread and is removed by turning it clockwise or to the right, the opposite of a standard nut.

Toilet is Loose

Remove the caps from the closet bolts (floor bolts). Tighten down the floor bolts. If that doesn’t fix the problem you will need to remove and replace the toilet..

Removing and Replacing the Toilet

Turn the water supply off to the toilet. Flush the toilet. Remove all water from the toilet with a large sponge or wet vacuum.
Remove the caps from the closet bolts holding the toilet to the floor.
Remove the nuts from the closet bolts. If the bolts spin, use a pair of pliers on the nuts giving them upward pressure when removing them. If need be, cut the bolts with a hack saw or Sawzall.
If the toilet is caulked to the floor the caulking will need to be broken with a knife.
Prepare a place to set the toilet by laying down a rag or a piece of cardboard.
With hands on either side of the toilet seat hinge area, gently lift the toilet out of place.
If you are reinstalling an old toilet, the wax will need to be removed from the bottom with a small putty knife.
Inspect the closet flange for damage to the area the bolts hold onto. If the flange is broken it will need to be replaced.
Install new closet bolts on the flange. If there is a hole under the place the bolts go they will need to be secured to the flange with a stainless or brass nut and washer.
Install a new wax ring with a plastic insert onto the flange. If the floor level is above the flange you may need to add an extra plain wax ring.
Lower the toilet directly in place so that the bolts go through the holes. You should feel the toilet rest on the wax and crush the wax ring as it is secured to the floor.
If you have two-piece bolt caps, place the base on first. Next place the metal washer and secure it with a nut. After the toilet is securely fastened, check it to see it doesn’t rotate or move in any way. If need be, shim up the bottom to keep it from rocking.
Attach the water supply. If need be, replace the washer on the toilet connection. If the supply is corrugated copper the washer will need form fitting threads on the inside.
Turn on the water and test for leaks flushing the toilet several times.
Cut off the excess closet bolts with a hacksaw or sawzall being careful not to damage the porcelain. Install the bolt caps
Caulk the base of the toilet and install the seat if needed.

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