Category: Residential

Time for a New Toilet

Time for a New Toilet

If it’s time to buy a new toilet and turn that old one into a planter, but you don’t have a clue where to start… I’m here to help.  Working in the plumbing industry for over 25 years and also being married to a plumber, I can be a little bit of a snob when it comes to my plumbing fixtures and where to purchase them; with that being said; If I needed to replace my toilet I would first measure from the wall to the first set of bolts at the base of the toilet, depending on how old your house is, the rough measurement is most likely 12”.  Older houses may have a 10” or 14” rough.  Once I have that information I would see how much space my current toilet takes up, take that information to the nearest bath showroom and pick out my new toilet.  But what if you wanted to just pick a toilet online or go to your area home improvement center.  I am going to assume here you have a 12” rough toilet.  You need to figure out if you want a one piece or a two piece toilet, a round or elongated toilet, comfort height or standard height and last what kinda flush.  What you ask does all that mean, let me try to help you

Toilet Piece

 

 

A one piece toilet integrates tank and bowl into a seamless design that is easy to clean.

A two piece toilet features the traditional design of a separate tank and bowl.

 

 

 

 

Toilet Height

 

A standard height toilet bowl is about 14-1/2” and is also good for small children.

A comfort height toilet bowl is about 16-1/2”, which is about the height of a chair.  Most people find it to be more comfortable and easier on the knees.

 

 

 

 

Toilet Shape

An Elongated bowl is about 2″ longer then a round front bowl and provides added room and comfort for adults.  Some manufacturers offer a compact elongated bowl, which will enable you to fit an elongated bowl in a tight space.

A round front bowl requires less space, so if space is an issue this is your toilet and tends to be good for small children.

 

 

 

Once you have figured out the type of toilet you want you need to figure out the flush.

Gravity flush, assisted flush, how many flushing options do you want, do you want touchless or even a bidet feature.  (Bidet Feature a whole another blog)

A gravity flush toilet is your standard toilet flush.

An assisted flush toilet moves water from the tank to the bowl and out of the trapway using electricity or pressure.  I have a pressure assist toilet and it can be a bit loud, commercial toilet sounding and when we first moved into our house my girls where young and refused to flush the toilet because it scared them.

Some toilets offer a dual handle for your water gallons per flush option to save water and money.

Touchless technology allows you to flush your toilet by placing your hand over the senor, thus minimizing the spread of germs around the bathroom.

Outdoor Gas Appliances

Outdoor Gas Appliances

With the unofficial start of the summer this weekend, don’t forget to check your idle gas appliances ie. Gas Grill or Gas Fire Pit connections. Check burner jets for clogs and be sure that gas hoses are sound and secure. To do a gas leak test, you spray the connections and any open lines with soapy water, then turn on the gas, if it bubbles turn off the gas and call a gas professional to repair.

Aquavar Pump Class

Aquavar Pump Class

On a beautiful summer day in July the techs at Bee and Jay got a lesson on the Aquavar Submersible Pump Controller. What, you ask is an Aquavar Submersible Pump Controller. Well it is just what it sounds like, a control for your well pump. But, unlike older controls with a large cold water storage tank and inconsistent pressure when multiple outlets are being used, the Aquavar Submersible Pump Controller will maintain constant pressure, allowing for use of multiple outlets without pressure loss, while using a smaller cold water storage tank and protecting your investment down your well.

Kid’s Bath

Is it time to update your kid’s bathroom? Do you want to make it fun for your kid’s and easy for you? Check out the children’s FunBath tub conversions kit from American Standard. The Funbath fits over an existing standard 60 inch bathtub. The kit features a kid-friendly acrylic tub deck, a strong powder-coated aluminum frame, decorative front apron, and a chrome hand-shower with an integral on/off switch that ties into existing plumbing.

The Pretty Princess, Fierce Firetruck or Customizable Flat Panel are sure to make any child ask “Is it tubby time yet”?
KidsBath1-castle-tub1-150x150KidsBath-firetruck1-150x150KidsBath-as-plain-front-bath2-150x150

Signs you need a water softening system

Do you ever wonder if you need a water softening system? Here are a few signs around your house that it maybe time to give Bee and Jay a call for a free water analysis.

  • You begin to notice scales forming in your shower heads, boiler, and bottom of steam irons, dishwashing machines and pipes.
  • You notice low flows through kitchen faucets and showerheads.
  • You begin to see excessive buildup in your bath tubs.
  • You use more shampoo or laundry soap than you think you should.
  • Your dishes and glasses becoming spotted when dry.
  • You may see staining on your sinks, tubs, showers, and clothing.
  • Your hairs feel sticky when washed with hard water.
  • Your Domestic water heater begins to plug, volume/pressure slows to a trickle.
Tub to Shower

Tub to Shower

Do you need to remove your tub and replace it with a shower only for health reasons or ladies you just want to sit down when you shave your legs. Check out two shower bases that are the same size as a tub and have an integrated seat.

Don’t forget the Grab Bars!! (See our last blog for some great two in one grab bars)

 
Tubs_image0021

Tubs_image0031

Bathroom Safety

Bathroom Safety

Bathroom Safety doesn’t have to be ugly and cluttered!

With today’s multi-function and decorative grab bars you can add safety without sacrificing look.

Do you have a small child who has used the paper holder as a grab bar and the next thing you know the paper holder is in their hand and you have a hole in the wall where the paper holder used to be? Been there done that. With a grab bar and paper holder in one like this it will not longer be an issue.

BRSafety1_moen-grab-bar-with-toilet-paper1

Do you need a grab bar outside your bathtub or shower but room is an issue? Not anymore with a grab bar and towel bar all in one like this one.

BRSafety2_moen-grab-bar-with-towel-bar

There is even a grab bar with a basket for inside your tub or shower.

BR_Safety3_moen-grab-bar-with-basket

According to the IRS Publication 502 “you can include in medical expenses amount you pay for special equipment installed in a home, or for improvements, if their main purpose is medical care for you, your spouse or your dependent.” So put those Flexible-Spending dollars to use. Just don’t forget the doctor’s note.