Toilets Archives - Leone Plumbing and Heating

Ways To Prevent Condensation on The Toilet Tank

July 13, 2023 Lester Nono Leaks, Plumbing, Toilets No comments yet

How To Prevent Condensation on The Toilet Tank By Leone Plumbing

Have you noticed sweat-like droplets around your toilet tank? If you do, is it something that you should be concerned about? Toilet sweating is caused by the moisture or condensation on the toilet tank. This condensation leaves your bathroom floor damp for several days. Let’s talk more about toilet sweating and what can we do about it.

Why Is My Toilet Tank Sweating? Is It Bad?

Condensation on the toilet tank forms during warm weather. If the weather is warm, condensation forms when damp air touches a cold surface. The excessive moisture will then drip off your bathroom floor leaving it wet for too long. The constant dripping of water on the bathroom floor may lead to mold growth, and it can become a habitat of bacteria which causes serious illnesses. If left ignored, this condensation can also damage the bathroom flooring over time. Leaving your bathroom floor wet for so long makes it slippery and can be a safety hazard for toilet users as well.

How to Prevent Condensation on the Toilet Tank

Here are the ways you can stop condensation on the toilet tank.

Install a Drip Tray

Installing a drip tray is a less costly solution for toilet sweating. Putting a drip tray under the toilet tank keeps the dripping moisture off the floor. This will also prevent your bathroom floor from possible damage caused by the excess moisture dripping from the toilet tank. You need to empty the tray regularly to keep it from overflowing.

Insulate Your Toilet Tank

Insulating the tank’s interior keeps it warm and prevents condensation on the toilet tank. Doing this requires you to empty the tank and fit the insulating foam panels, and glue them to the tank’s interior. You can visit a nearby hardware shop and ask for DIY insulation kits.

Anti-Sweat Valve Installation

Installing an anti-sweat valve to your toilet tank is another best solution. This plumbing part adds hot water to the toilet’s water line. It raises the temperature in the toilet to heat both the bowl and the tank. The hot water coming into the toilet tank is enough to keep it warm which keeps condensation from forming.

Minimize Moisture

A change of habit in using the toilet can also make a difference. Make it a habit to open the bathroom windows or turn on the bathroom fan during and after you shower. Doing this ventilates the area and prevents moisture from forming. You can also invest in placing a dehumidifier in your bathroom to minimize the amount of air moisture in the room.

What Do I Do If My Toilet Is Still Damp and Wet?

Condensation On The Toilet Tank Concern Solution by Leone Plumbing

If you keep on seeing puddles of water around the toilet and on the bathroom floor, it can be more than toilet sweating. It’s possible that the culprit is not the condensation on the toilet tank. You might be dealing with a serious plumbing issue! If this happens, call us right away to have your toilet checked and fix.

Bubbles In The Toilet: Is There Something Wrong?

June 29, 2023 Lester Nono Drains, Pipes, Plumbing, Sewer Lines, Toilets No comments yet

Fixing Bubbles In The Toilet by Leone Plumbing

Your toilet can show unusual signs if there is something wrong with it. One sign that you should be concerned about is when you see bubbles in the toilet. If the toilet is bubbling with an unusual gurgling sound after you flush, it could indicate that there is a problem. You should not ignore these signs! Today, let’s discuss why this could be happening and potential solutions.

Why Do I See Bubbles In The Toilet?

There are reasons why you see bubbles in the toilet. If you see this initial sign with unusual rumbling and gurgling noise, then it can be for the following reasons.

Clogged Drains

If the toilet drains or the overflow openings of the toilet are clogged, air won’t flow properly. This occurs because there is no other outlet in addition to the toilet bowl, pressurized gas created by the trapped air comes out as bubbles every time you flush. This issue calls for a service of a professional plumber. A professional plumber can find and remove any objects (large or small) that are clogging the main drain pipe and the overflow openings of your toilet.

Obstruction On The Vent Stack

The vent stack is designed to be open at all times. It regulates air pressure in the plumbing system and releases exhaust gas. If the vent stack is blocked, it will release negative pressure that slows down the draining system. The common obstructions are leaves, twigs, and birds’ nests. You need to contact a professional plumber to inspect and fix the issue.

Clogged Mainline

A clogged mainline can also cause negative air pressure in the pipes which causes the odd toilet bubbling and gurgling. If the clog is in the municipal sewer line, then it is your town’s responsibility and you should not do the repair yourself.

Too Much Air In The Water Tank

If you hear your toilet gurgling every time you fill up your water tank, then it means there is excess air. You will also see bubbles in the toilet because of it. To fix this, you need to open your toilet’s filler valve and let the water drain, then refill it again. In this way, you can get rid of any excess gas inside. If the issue still persists, contact a professional plumber to avoid further complications.

Get Rid Of That Toilet Bubbling And Gurgling!

Do not let yourself be bothered by the gurgling sound and bubbles in the toilet. If your toilet is starting to bubble with a gurgling noise, call us and allow our licensed plumber to help you. Leone Plumbing Professional Fixing Bubbles In The Toilet Conern

Leone Plumbing Professional Fixing Bubbles In The Toilet Conern

Plumbing Repairs That Should Not Be Done DIY

March 30, 2023 Lester Nono Plumbing, Sewer Lines, Sump Pumps, Toilets, Water Heaters No comments yet

Professional plumbing repairs solution by Leone Plumbing

Water damage caused by a failing plumbing system is probably the worst scenario your house may encounter. It’s destructive, time-consuming, and disrupts your household activities. But thanks to social media and the internet! An average person can now do plumbing repairs with step-by-step procedures provided online. However, we can’t avoid repairs that are beyond our basic knowledge and experience. There are complex plumbing works that have to be dealt with by a professional plumber.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs That Shouldn’t Be DIY

Burst Pipes

Broken pipes usually happen during the winter. Extreme cold weather can make the pipes brittle and then burst when water pressure comes in, leaving your home flooded. A burst pipe is a complex repair issue that should be fixed quickly. This has to be dealt with by a professional plumber. A professional makes sure that the pipes are fixed and prevent future leaks and pipe rupture.

Water Heater Malfunction

A water heater can be a dangerous house appliance when it fails. You should NOT resort to DIY solutions as it requires a professional hand to fix the water heater parts. If your water heater makes an unusual sound, leaks, and smells (leaking gas), these are the signs that it’s failing and you need to seek help from a professional plumber.

Clogged Sewer Line

Clog issues caused by tree root invasion or other obstructions are a mess when done DIY. Issues with clogging pipes require professional attention and expertise. A professional has the necessary tools and equipment to get rid of roots invading your lines and also those hard obstructions such as rags, small toys, hairs, and accumulated oils.

Sump Pump Failure

This is another plumbing appliance that is often overlooked until a failure happens. A sump pump failure may happen during heavy rain or snow which causes basement flooding. There are many factors why a sump pump may fail. The most common issues are clogs and other obstructions in the sump pit, leaking pipes, and even the loss of a power source. A professional plumber knows what is best in dealing with these kinds of plumbing issues in the sump pump.

DIY Repair or Call a Professional Plumber?

Plumbing repairs are made easy nowadays and anyone can be an “expert” in their own right. Thanks to the DIY solutions available online everyone can search on the internet! DIY solutions are helpful especially during emergency repair situations. Though DIY plumbing can be adequate, there are still repairs that need to be done by a professional. If you feel you lack the experience and knowledge in handling plumbing repairs by yourself, it is the best solution to contact a professional. You can always contact us and our team of professionals can help you with your emergency plumbing repairs.

ADA-Compliant Restrooms And Their Features

March 16, 2023 Lester Nono Bathroom Remodeling, Toilets No comments yet

ADA Compliant Restroom for the handicap article by Leone Plumbing

One way to create a healthy community is by being inclusive to all individuals, especially to people with disabilities (PWD). It’s good to know that there are ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) that help in creating inclusive facilities for the handicapped. This guideline sets the standard for establishments to comply with technical requirements that aid the needs of individuals with disabilities. An ADA-compliant establishment provides safe and accessible facilities such as restrooms for PWD.

What Is An ADA-Compliant Restroom?

The standards set by ADA apply to both public and employee restrooms. An ADA-compliant restroom contains features that are stated by the ADA Accessibility Guidelines. The ADA guidelines are set up for the needs and well-being of PWDs. Here are some of the key features of an ADA-compliant restroom.

Sink Areas

Everybody needs full access to sinks for washing and hygienic purposes. However, a PWD can become prone to accidents if a sink is too low or too high. According to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, a sink should have a knee and toe clearance of 27 inches high. To provide enough mobility, it should also be between 11 and 25 inches deep.

Faucets and Operable Parts

Toilet fixtures such as faucet controls, soap dispensers, and other components that require manual operation should be designed for one-hand use. It should be easy to grasp and not too tight when operated. It is recommended to install motion-activated or touch-free faucets and dispensers which are convenient not only for PWDs but also for other users.

Grab Bars

An ADA-compliant restroom should have grab bars that are mounted on the walls beside and behind the water closet. Grab bars can have circular or non-circular cross-sections but must have rounded edges. The 1½ inches clearance between the grab bar and wall is not a minimum but an absolute dimension to prevent entrapment. Grab bars cannot rotate within fittings. The structural strength of grab bars must withstand a vertical or horizontal force of 250 lbs. at any point on the grab bar, fastener, mounting device, or supporting structure.

Toilet Paper Dispensers

An ADA-compliant restroom should have toilet paper dispensers that are within reach of the water closet. It must allow continuous paper flow and cannot control delivery.

Stalls

According to the ADA toilet requirements, toilets and urinals both need to be at least 56 inches deep for wall-hung toilets and at least 59 inches deep for floor-mounted toilets. Measuring from the right angle of the sidewall, the width must be at least 60 inches.

Doors

To comply with the ADA requirements, doors should be easily opened with a single hand. Maneuvering clearance is required at doors based on the approach and swing. ADA Compliant Restroom layout for the handicap

ADA Compliant Restroom layout for the handicap

Does Your Restroom Comply With The ADA Guidelines?

You need to ensure that your restroom provides comfort, accessibility, and safety for the handicapped. That is what the ADA guidelines are all about. If you need assistance with upgrading your restroom to be ADA-compliant, contact us and we are here to help.

DIY Emergency Solutions: How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger?

February 28, 2023 Lester Nono Drains, Sewer Lines, Toilets No comments yet

how to unclog a toilet without a plunger by Leone plumbing

Unexpected situations can happen anytime. It may stress us but also push us to become resourceful in resolving a problem. Take it as an example if you deal with a clogged toilet without a plunger. Dealing with a clogged toilet without any tool on hand can be a nightmare! So how to unclog a toilet without a plunger? In this article, we will discuss other resources you can find at home which you can use to deal with a clogged toilet.

How To Unclog A Toilet Without A Plunger Using These 5 DIY Solutions Found At Home

Pour Hot Water

If you have a bucket (or any large containers), fill it up with hot water. Do not use boiling water or else it may crack the porcelain toilet. From the waist level, pour the hot water into the toilet bowl. As you pour the hot water, its pressure and heat can dislodge whatever is clogging your toilet.

Use A Dish Soap

Your kitchen has an available solution on how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. You can use dish soap as a quick remedy! If pouring hot water doesn’t work, add about half-cup of dish soap into the toilet. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes then flush it again with hot water. Its lubricating property can help the clogged debris to flow down easily.

Baking Soda And Vinegar

Another popular DIY solution is using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar in the clogged toilet. What you need to do is add a cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl. Next, slowly pour the vinegar into the toilet until it bubbles. The fizz may dissipate the clog through the pipe as you flush.

DIY Drain Snake Using A Wire Hanger

You can turn a wire hanger into a DIY drain snake. To do so, straighten out the wire hanger. Then, push it down and prob whatever is clogging the toilet. Though this can be effective, we do not recommend this approach as it may scratch the porcelain (do this approach at your own risk).

Use A 2-Liter Plastic Bottle

Fill the plastic bottle with warm water. You should wear rubber hand gloves when doing this since you’ll get your hands into the bowl. Once you fit the top end of the bottle into the toilet bowl, place your thumb over it and squeeze to shoot out warm water. The water pressure that it makes should displace the clog.

What To Do If The Toilet Is Still Clogged?

There are many resourceful ways how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. But there are times when DIY solutions may not do well in our favor. There might be a serious clogged issue on your toilet that needs to be dealt with by a professional. If this happens, contact us and we will be glad to help you!

The Types and Proper Ways Of Using A Bidet

February 16, 2023 Lester Nono Bathroom Remodeling, Toilets No comments yet

Using A Bidet The Proper Way By Leone Plumbing

Some homes and business establishments have a bidet in their bathrooms. Bidets are much more common outside of the U.S. Over time, their designs have evolved to suit the needs of every home and business. Regardless of how it has evolved, using a bidet can be strange to anyone and not all people know how to use them properly. In this article, we will get to know more about bidets and how to properly use them.

Common Types of Bidets

The proper way of using a bidet can be achieved if you are aware of its design, mechanism, and function. Let’s review the common types of bidets to get familiar with each of them.

Handheld Type

A handheld bidet is directly attached to the toilet or bathroom wall. It has a handheld sprayer that allows you to control the stream of water. Handheld types are flexible, versatile, and less intimidating to use. It’s not only used for cleaning or rinsing your private area but it can also be used to clean the toilet and even cloth diapers.

Tip: Take your time until you get the right water pressure before you get comfortable using a handheld bidet. Lightly squeeze the trigger on the nozzle and do not press it too hard.

Toilet Seat Type

You don’t need to shuffle around the bathroom to clean your bottom with a toilet seat bidet. While sitting on the toilet, a nozzle extends beneath you, spraying water to clean your bottom. It then retracts once you are done cleaning. Some toilet seat bidet feature integrated water heaters for those who prefer warm water for cleaning.

Tip: If you are planning to install a toilet seat type, be sure to pick the right size or shape for your toilet bowl. An oval-shaped toilet seat bidet is perfect if you have an elongated toilet bowl. For a round toilet bowl, it should be circular. To ensure that you pick the right size, measure the dimensions of your existing toilet seat.

Freestanding Type

A freestanding bidet usually stands next to the toilet. It looks like a sink and people may mistake it as a sink for hand washing. After using the toilet, you can sit, straddle, hover, or squat on it depending on the area you want the water jet to hit.

Tip: If you are not used to it, it’s better that you straddle facing the nozzle so you can control the jet settings conveniently.

The Benefits Of Having A Bidet

Installing a bidet is good for both sustainability and health reasons. It can save 54 gallons of water per week by reducing the use of toilet paper. Also, the excessive use of toilet paper in cleaning your bottom can cause a sore bum. Rinsing with water is less irritating than using paper wipes or toilet paper.