Bathroom Category
Leaks in hot tubs are not easy to fix especially if you have difficulty locating where it is coming from. Nevertheless, there’s no need for you to call in a professional since it’s very possible for you to get the job done on your own. The things you will need for this project are a pump wet end seal, plumbing tubing, heater assembly manifold, knife and gate valves, jet bodies, wrenches, acrylic spa shell. Prepare all these materials first before starting to work. In the meantime, here’s the step by step guide in fixing a hot tub leak:
Step 1. Check the pump first since it’s one of the most common places that leaks occur. Make sure you turn the power off first before checking the pump. If you can confirm that the problem is coming from the pump, you will need to replace the seal or the pump itself.
Step 2. Check the heater next. Look for problems that may be present in the heater itself, the pressure switch, and the other components. Any parts that may need some fixing should be fixed or replaced immediately.
Step 3. If there is no problem with the pump or the heater, check the union fittings that are located around them. Usually, a hot tub may leak if the fittings become loose. Check the fittings and tighten them by hand if necessary.
Step 4. Another part you might want to check for problems would be the valves. The gasket present in the valve may get damaged and cause leakage. If the problem is with the gasket, you will have to replace as soon as possible.
Step 5. Next, check all the connections, as well as the jets and the pipes. For damaged PVC pipes, the solution is to patch the cracks or holes. On the other hand, loose connections can be sealed or tightened. If the problem is a leaking jet, there’s a huge chance that the gasket needs some replacing.
Step 6. Check the shell as well because even though most shells are made of strong materials such as fiberglass, they can still acquire some damage that causes leaks.
Step 7. After checking all the components and still you can’t seem to find the cause of the leak, then you might want to check other parts of the tub for problems. Sometimes, the leak may be caused by a hole in the tub itself. To find out the location of the hole or the crack, fill the tub with colored water. Mix some dye into the water and observe the tub for leaks. The dye in the water will make it easier for you to locate the problem especially if the leak may result to puddles underneath the tub. Once you confirm that the problem is indeed a hole in the tub itself, then you will have to allow the tub to dry completely and fix it accordingly.
Fiberglass is an excellent material for bathroom tubs. Many homeowners prefer it because of its style and durability. However, fiberglass tubs can also acquire damage over time, and more often than not these damages come in the form of holes. While the job of repairing fiberglass tubs may seem intimidating at first, it can actually be done even without the help of a professional. The materials you will need for the project include a fiberglass fabric, a fiberglass epoxy resin mix, fine grit sandpaper, oxygen bleach, mild detergent, acetone stripper, tongue depressor, and some popsicle sticks. The guide below will help you with the repair step by step:
Step 1. The first step to repairing holes in a fiberglass tub is to evaluate how large the damage is. In large fiberglass holes, fiberglass cloth is often used. However, if you’re dealing with a small or narrow hole, you can simply use epoxy resin.
Step 2. Using a stripping agent, strip the part where the hole exists and sand the area surrounding it using 100-grit sandpaper. Allow the area to dry and remove sanding residue using a brush or a cloth.
Step 3. After stripping and sanding the damaged area, it’s time to apply the fiberglass epoxy resin. Following the instructions in the label, mix the epoxy resin and fill the hole with it using a popsicle stick. See to it that you push the epoxy inside to fill holes completely. After applying the epoxy, wipe the excess with a rug or cloth. Allow the epoxy to dry and sand the area using 200-grit sandpaper.
Step 4. In case you’re dealing with a wide hole, you will have to patch it up. Take the fiberglass fabric and cut it according to how wide the hole in the tub is. Next, apply epoxy resin into the hole but make sure to leave a space for the fiberglass fabric to come in. Insert the fabric next and apply epoxy resin on top of it until the hole is completely covered. Again, get rid of excess epoxy resin by wiping it off with a rug or cloth. Ally the mixture to dry and sand the surface using 200-grit sandpaper. Cut any fabric that may be protruding and cover the hole again with epoxy. Allow to dry and sand the area.
Step 5. Bathroom tubs are usually white in color. If this is the case with your tub, then there’s no need for you to paint the hole to match the color with the tub. Otherwise, you will have to repaint the area you have just repaired to make sure the color of the fixed portion is uniform with the color of the rest of the tub. To get rid of any soap residue, apply wax to the tub before painting it. Once you are done repainting the tub, your tub will be as good as new.
The need to replace a bathroom sink may arise when one, your old sink is broken, and two, you need to renovate the entire bathroom. While you can certainly perform the job on your own, you have to understand first that replacing a bathroom sink can be really time-consuming. Nevertheless, it would be worth all your effort especially since you’re doing the task not just to improve the look of your bathroom but also to enhance your lifestyle. Meanwhile, the materials required to get the job done include a measuring tape, a putty knife, a wrench, sealant, a bucket, some cleaning rags, a screwdriver, and replacement sink.
Step 1. The first step in replacing a bathroom sink is to measure the sink. Using your measuring tape, get the dimensions of the sink, its depth, length, and width. Measure the dimensions of the counter top as well.
Step 2. Once you have taken the measurement of your old bathroom sink and the countertop it is resting in, only then should you buy the replacement bathroom sink. Take the measurements with you as you go the store to make sure you buy the right sink that would match your bathroom.
Step 3. Before you begin any kind of work, make sure to turn the water supply to the sink first. If possible, remove the faucet and the drain as well.
Step 4. Next, disconnect the plumbing from your old sink. Get the bucket and place it under the P trap. The P trap is where water is collected from your sink and once you disconnect it, so by placing a bucket under it, you are preventing water from getting all over the floor. Remove the drain as well by unscrewing it and getting rid of the existing putty using your putty knife. If there are any clips that connect the sink to the counter, you may want to remove them as well.
Step 5. The sink’s rim is connected to the counter top with sealant. Get rid of this sealant using your putty knife. Once you’re done removing all the sealant, you can gently lift the sink out and put it aside or throw it away.
Step 6. Next, apply sealant to the new sink and place it in the counter top. See to it that the new sink fits perfectly into the counter top. Get rid of excess sealant using a cleaning rag.
Step 7. Once the sink has been connected to the countertop, reinstall the P trap and the faucet next. If you are sure that there are no leaks, caulk the edges of the P trap.
Step 8. After connecting the P trap and the faucet, you can now test the new sink. Turn on the water supply and let water run freely from the faucet into the new sink. Check the edges of the sink and the connections as well and observe whether there are leaks or not. After a few minutes of observing and you see no leaks, you can congratulate yourself for a job well done.
Having new tiles installed in your bathroom or kitchen will certainly be attractive. Whether you installed the tiles yourself or hired an expert to do it, you will likely be excited to see the final outcome. After the tiles are set in place, the installer will add grout in the same color as the tiles. But what do you do when, after the installer leaves, you find that the tiles are not as shiny or as attractive as you had expected, owing to dried up grout stains on the tiles that do not seem to come off even as you brush and brush them off with just about any cleaner you can imagine? The following are the things you can use to remove the grout stains from your newly-tiled surface without hurting the tiles:
1. Paint thinner – Many experts go by paint thinner to remove grout stains. To apply, put some on a piece of cotton cloth and rub liberally on the grout stains. Leave it for a few minutes before you try to brush them off. After you do get the grout off, be sure to wash the tiles in detergent or a bathroom cleaner to get the scent of the thinner out.
2. Something to scrape with – Some architects recommend doing the painstaking task of scraping off the grout stains manually using a sharp piece of wood. You may also work using a soft wire wool, or a stainless steel scourer pad. Either way, make sure you do not scratch the tiles as you work on rubbing off the dried excess grout. Although it takes much longer, it is confirmed to work well for removing grout effectively without affecting the grout installed between the tiles. Some people who installed their tiles and grout themselves swear by the effectiveness of using a stiff brush to remove the dried up grout on the tile surface.
3. Grout haze remover – This may be easily found in a tile shop or most home stores. It typically comes with instructions, and you can use it with a scouring pad.
4. Diluted hydrochloric acid – If your tile mess is a bit on the thick side, extreme measures might require the use of acids. Dilute hydrocholoric, or muriatic acid, and apply it first on a small spot using a small bristle brush. The chemical will cause bubbling, and when that stops, wash the area off with water and use your scourer on the spot to remove the grout. Continue working on a small area as you go along, making sure you are properly ventilated and properly geared.
5. Sulfumic acid – Now, this is a very strong chemical that is highly effective in removing dried up grout. Before you work with this substance, though, be sure you are wearing gloves and goggles and have the room properly ventilated, and apply it in a similar way as the muriatic acid.
Ceramic bathroom tiles are preferred by most homeowners since they are easy to clean and maintain. But while they may seem to be durable, they cannot withstand the impact of being hit by a heavy object and may crack. Nevertheless, replacing a broken bathroom tile is a job that can easily be handled by anyone. Whether the problem is a crack or a tiny chip, it’s basically something that’s not beyond your ability to deal with, so there’s no need for you to hide the problem while waiting for a professional to fix it . However, you may want to be extra careful when removing the broken tile by yourself so as not to break up the tiles surrounding it. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how you can replace a broken bathroom tile with ease.
Step 1. The first thing you need to do is to remove the grout surrounding the tile. Make sure to wear protective glasses to prevent dust and debris from getting into your eyes. Using a scoring tool, gently but firmly rake out the grout around the broken piece but be careful enough not to damage the other tiles.
Step 2. Apply duct tape or painter’s tape around the borders of the broken tile to protect the surrounding tiles while working. Using your drill, create small holes into the broken tile to loosen the tile. This will make chiseling out the broken piece a lot easier.
Step 3. Starting from the center of the broken tile, gently chip off the pieces using a hammer and chisel. A screwdriver will also do in case you don’t have a chisel at hand. Again, be extra careful in using the hammer to avoid damaging the surrounding tiles. When you have completely removed the broken tile, remove the old thinset from the floor using a putty knife. Make sure that you smooth out the substrate and free it from dust and chips afterwards.
Step 4. Apply a small amount of thinset onto the substrate and the back of the replacement tile. Be sure not to put too much adhesive to avoid messing the grout line and the surrounding tiles. When you’re done, set the tile and press it firmly until it is level with the other tiles.
Step 5. It would take at least two hours for the thinset to cure, so while waiting, mix a batch of grout. See to it that you use the same grout color as the original. Next, apply the grout into the joints and edges and smooth it out. Wait 15-20 minutes for the grout to settle in place and remove any excess using a damp sponge. Allow the grout to dry for at least 24 hours and see to it that no one steps on the new tile within that period. The tile would be set in place overnight and your bathroom should be fully functional again the following day.
A toilet that seems to clog all the time can be really annoying. But as long as you have a plunger, which is also referred to as a plumber’s friend, then there’s definitely no need to worry about. Most of the time, using a plunger can get the job done so there’s no need to call for the help of a plumber in case of a clog. A toilet that’s partially clogged can result to a poor flush, but if there is severe clogging, water may fill the toilet to the brim and even overflow. Before working with a clogged toilet, let the water level drop first and start working using a plunger.
Step 1. Always wear protective gloves when working with toilets as the job can get really messy sometimes. Your first plunge should be gentle as the plunger is usually full of air, and when you thrust it hard into the toilet, you will just cause water to blow over you.
Step 2. Once you’ve set air free from the plunger, you can start thrusting into the toilet forcefully. See to it that there is enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the suction cup so that you can generate more pressure. If there is none, don’t use the flush to get water into the bowl as this may cause water to overflow. Instead, get water from a different source and gently pour it into the bowl using a dipper. After 20 thrusts, you can probably get rid of the problem if the clog is only a minor one. However, you may have to remain patient when dealing with a serious clog.
Step 3. Although using a plunger can get the job done most of the time, there will also be times when it is not enough. If the toilet is still clogged after several tries, you may want to use a plumber’s snake instead. A plumber’s snake is actually a long wire coil that you can insert into a toilet bowl or drain to reach for whatever is causing the blockage and either pull it out or break it down to pieces. Most clogs occur at the S-bend of the toile but you will know that you’ve reach the cause of the clog when you can’t push the snake further.
Step 4. If you’ve tried several times with the plunger and the snake and the clog still remains, perhaps it’s time to pull the toilet out to get to the root of the problem quickly. This method may be the most effective but it is not the least easy one so you should consider it only as a last resort. Once you have unscrewed the toilet and taken it out, you can get to the problem and solve it immediately.
Otherwise, you should call a plumber as the clog may be more serious than you think and may occur not just in the toilet but further in the drain pipe.
Some bathroom faucets are easier to install than others, and if you have a very old piping system in your bathroom or are in need of a complicated two-sided or feature-rich fixture, then you may just want to hire a plumber to make the installation for you. However, if you just want to replace a simple faucet with a new one, then the steps are relatively simple. If you have moderate comfort with plumbing, you can do it yourself by following these steps.
Step 1: Turn off the water to the sink. The easiest way to do this is just to shut off all the water to your home, but you can also turn off the water intake valves under the sink. To be safe, try both.
Step 2: Remove the old faucet by removing the nuts that connect the water to the faucet tailpieces. Drain the water into a bucket, remove the screws that hook the fixture to the sink, and pull the fixture out.
Read the rest of this entry »
Replacing a broken toilet seat cover is by far the easiest toilet-repair task, but if you’ve never done it before, it’s understandable to have some misgivings about doing it yourself. In fact, even if your existing toilet seat cover is not broken, you might want to replace it to better match the design of your bathroom. There are myriad colors, designs, and styles of toilet seats, and having one that matches your design can actually bring some nice visual flair to your bathroom. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Before going any further, take measurements of your existing toilet and toilet seat and head to the hardware store to find a replacement that fits.
Step 2: Once you have your new seat, close your existing lid and lift up the caps that cover the screws fastening the seat to the bowl. There are different kind of screws that you may find here—some are screws requiring a screwdriver to unfasten, some are plastic and can easily be unscrewed by hand, and some are nuts requiring an adjustable wrench to remove.
Read the rest of this entry »
Having a ventilation fan in your bathroom helps prevent windows and mirrors from getting fogged up, and it can also reduce musty odors and mold. In fact, if you don’t have a fan in your bathroom, you’ve probably found that mold develops relatively quickly. Having a fan won’t completely get rid of this issue, but it will cut down on the frequency with which you need to clean that mold. Plus, it’s nice not to have to wait 10-15 minutes after your shower to use the mirror.
Installing a bathroom fan is not the easiest thing in the world, but if you have a good amount of experience with home improvement tasks, you should be able to do it yourself. These instructions apply to a bathroom below an attic that you have access to.
Step 1: Use your drill to make a reference hole in the spot where you want the fan to be. It’s best to make this spot roughly equidistant from the toilet and shower.
Read the rest of this entry »
If you’re running out of storage space in your small bathroom, having a medicine cabinet just makes sense. It’s anyone’s guess why some builders neglect to install this basic convenience, because it’s so simple and crucial, and it’s actually not that difficult to install. If you’re ready to expand the storage space in your bathroom, follow these steps to install a medicine cabinet.
Step 1: Purchase a preassembled medicine cabinet from the hardware store. They come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, so you can pick one that matches the style of your bathroom design. Look for one that has a nice mirror and ample storage space.
Read the rest of this entry »
