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/)

You Don't Need a Plumber to Use a Plumbing Snake

Tending to a slow drain takes time and perseverance, but it does not always take a plumber to fix the problem.  Before calling a plumber or using a plumbing snake on a slow drain, there are a few things you can try first.  Some of these tips are for slow drains only, not for completely clogged drains.

• Clean the drain stopper of hair and buildup
• Use drano or other chemical drain cleaner
• Pour boiling water through the drain

If all of that failed, the problem is likely in the drain trap.  That’s the “S” shaped piping under the sink.  There are two ways to clear this part of the pipe.  A plumber will recommend trying a plumbing snake first.  A plumbing snake can be purchased at any hardware store.  The plumbing snake will break through the clog and as it beats the sides of the pipe, with hot water running, will move some of the buildup into the sewer.

The other method is harder or more likely to require a plumber.  You can remove the trap completely and replace it.  If your pipes are older and not made of PVC, there is a chance that teh fittings will be stuck together enough that you could break the pipe trying to get them loose.  Then you will definitely need a plumber and that is a good reason to try the plumbing snake first.

(Photo Credit:  www.flickr.com/photos/gcbound/118752848/)

(Photo Credit:  www.flickr.com/photos/gcbound/118752848/)

Kitchen Remodeling: Installing a New Kitchen Faucet

Many kitchen remodeling tasks can be done yourself.  For example, it doesn’t take a plumber to replace a kitchen faucet.  The biggest dilemma will be deciding which faucet will meet your needs, your tastes, and your budget.

You need to determine whether your kitchen remodeling project will include replacing the sink too, or just the faucet.  If you are only replacing the faucet, look at the current arrangement noting the number of holes in your sink.  If you have an older, traditional faucet with two handles and a sprayer to the side, the new faucet will have to use, or cover, all of those existing holes.  This information is on most packaging, or the “footprints” of your current faucet and the new faucet can also be measured and compared.

Removal of the old faucet without the help of a plumber:

• Turn off the water supply under the sink.  There is a valve for both the hot and cold water.
• Remove the water supply lines from the current faucet.  Plumbers use a faucet wrench, but a crescent wrench should work.
• Remove the nuts that hold the faucet in place.
• Remove the faucet.

Before setting the new faucet in place, be sure to clean the gunk from where the old faucet was.  One of the benefits of kitchen remodeling is that you get to enjoy a completely clean kitchen.

Because there are many types of faucets, each will come with different instructions for special options such as pullout sprayers, soap dispensers, etc.  Basic installation of the new faucet is as easy as doing the previous steps in reverse.

Turn on the water and check for leaks.  If you find a leak, don’t panic and call the plumber yet!  Check that the supply lines are adequately tightened and also check that the supply lines themselves are not leaking.  Lastly check that the faucet is firmly seated onto the plastic seal.

This kitchen remodeling project will enhance the look of your kitchen for years to come.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisasanderson/3757384947/)