Sweaty Toilet in the Bathroom: a Plumber isn't Needed to Fix it!

Sweaty Toilet

A sweaty toilet is a common bathroom problem for many homeowners.  Fortunately, a plumber is not needed to remedy this bathroom problem.

Moisture on the outside of a toilet tank is formed by condensation from warm air that forms on the water-cooled tank. To correct this bathroom problem you will need to insulate the inside tank walls of your bathroom toilet.  Then follow these steps:

• Shut off the water supply,
• Drain and dry the inside of the tank, 
• Cut ½-inch-thick foam rubber to line the insides and bottom of the tank,
• Don’t let the foam interfere with moving parts or you will end up needing a plumber.
• Use silicone glue or rubber cement to hold the foam rubber in place.
• Do not refill the tank for 24 hours.

By following these simple steps, you should be able to cure the bathroom problem of having a sweaty toilet without the help of a plumber.

If in your area water is delivered at less than 50 degrees, you may have to install a tempering valve to mix hot water with the cold that flows into the tank.  Installation of a tempering valve may require that you hire a plumber, depending on your skill and confidence level.  Most people only find this problem to plague their bathroom in the winter months.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/68414952@N00/187813791/)

Bathroom Remodeling with Glass Blocks

Glass blocks offer a variety of remodeling possibilities for use in your bathroom and elsewhere to add style and value to your home.  Glass blocks can be used to create a shower wall, as a bathroom window, or even a basement window.

Anywhere that light is needed, privacy is valued, and additional ventilation (from opening a window) is not required, could be a place for glass block use.  In the bathroom, remodeling could include removing a shower wall and installing a wall of glass block instead.  Any window that doesn’t need to open can be replaced with glass block, but bathroom windows are especially appropriate as natural light and privacy are both desirable in bathrooms.

If you are remodeling a basement window, glass blocks could also be used there.  First, make sure that building codes don’t require that the window be able to be opened.  Glass blocks will allow more light into your basement, provide excellent insulation, and depending on your tastes, eliminate the need for window treatments.

Glass block windows or shower walls can be ordered and installed as a preassembled unit for this remodeling project.  They also can be ordered in a kit that will come with assembly spacers, strips, and instructions.  You can also just buy the glass blocks, spacers, and mortor and assemble the window or wall yourself.

After remodeling with glass blocks, your bathroom or basement will have more natural light and you’ll retain valued privacy.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/anikarenina/2888619376/)

Small Bathroom Remodeling, Pedestal Sink

Stylish Pedestal Sink

It’s time to think about opening up some room in that bathroom by doing some small bathroom remodeling.  But will a pedestal sink really meet your needs?  Pedestal sinks are very stylish and can be an integral part of small bathroom remodeling, by making the room appear larger.  The downside of a pedestal sink is that you will need to figure out where you are going to put items that are currently stored in your vanity.

Some pedestal sinks only have a sink top, while others do have a small shelf of space for a bar of soap or possibly a toothbrush canister.  What they don’t provide is a cabinet in your bathroom to store toilet paper, towels, wash cloths, brushes, combs, etc.  So, if you are considering installing a pedestal sink, you need to add storage as part of your small bathroom remodeling project.  Look around your bathroom or the adjacent hallway to find storage options.  You may be able to create storage in your bathroom with baskets or overhead cabinets, depending on the layout of your small bathroom.  Remodeling these spaces is always a challenge for the imagination.

The other things to think about when making a decision to install a pedestal sink, are what the wall finish behind your current vanity looks like and will you be able to blend it into the rest of the wall.  Also, you may need a plumber in order to move the drain and supply lines to fit within the pedestal part of your new sink.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/26106530@N06/2498726503/)

Add a Bathroom Vent Fan during Bathroom Remodeling

Venting your Fan through Insulation and the Roof

Bathroom vent fans can be decorative and should always be functional.  They are certainly necessary to install during any bathroom remodeling project.  Whether you are embarking on an entire bathroom remodeling project, or just looking to spruce up your current bathroom, consider whether your vent fan is adequate for the job.

Bathroom vent fans are categorized by the square footage of your bathroom.  Be sure to choose a vent fan appropriate for your bathroom size, or even a little larger.  Vent fans can be noisy, but peace and quiet can be had at a price.  A quieter fan can be found, but it will cost extra.  The vent fan usually contains a light fixture which can be turned on separately from the fan.

The purpose of a good vent fan is first and foremost to prevent mold in your bathroom.  Remodeling may reveal mold.  If mold is found, follow the proper steps to remove the mold and installing a properly sized vent fan is one step toward preventing mold.  Proper installation of the vent fan means that it vents outside, not just into your attic or wall space.

Installation of a bathroom vent fan requires a knowledge of electrical wiring, the ability to route the vent through an existing vent or the roof, and the ability to repair any plaster or drywall that is disturbed.  Whether you have to hire someone to do the job, or do it yourself, installing a bathroom vent fan should be on your bathroom remodeling list.

Bathroom Remodeling, Start in the Shower

Shower Idea!

Remodeling your bathroom can easily include shower remodeling.  New surrounds and tile are obvious places to start your shower remodeling, but don’t forget the showerhead.  Showerheads don’t have to be merely functional.  They can also be attractive and add to the comfort of your bathroom and the value of your home.  This is one simple and inexpensive improvement that makes sense.

There are a variety of showerheads to choose from which can compliment the style of any bathroom and shower remodeling project.  Most new showerheads require minimal plumbing work, however in order to install some of the high-end fixtures, pipes may need to be extended or moved and a professional plumber may be required.

One popular new showerhead model is often either placed higher on the wall than a standard showerhead, or is mounted on the ceiling.  This showerhead is large and gives a soothing rain-like effect.  Another high-end showerhead includes multiple jets of water placed at different heights to surround your body in water.  Nearly all new showerheads include low-flow technology to conserve water.  Of course, for shower remodeling, you want to choose fixtures with the same finish as the rest of your bathroom fixtures.

Whichever new showerhead is chosen for your bathroom and shower remodeling project, be sure to choose high quality fixtures that you can enjoy for years to come.