The wider the pipe, the more waste it can move and the less likely it will be to clog. A 4-inch pipe for a toilet is recommended and can carry about twice the waste of a 3-inch drain. The toilet flange is the fitting that attaches the toilet to the drain line. Flanges are available in a variety of configurations to allow the toilet and drain to attach securely. The diameter of the waste outlet for the toilet may not match the drain pipe.
Red-brown rust stains result from the presence of iron in water making itself at home in your toilet bowl, tub, and sinks. Bleach will actually chemically-charge and super-power rust stains, making the problem even worse. Spray-on a mixture of 1-part vinegar to 1- part water and scrub with a toilet brush.
Have any Barkeeper’s Friend stashed in your cupboard? This tried-and-true cleaner is great at removing rust stains. Use this cleaner to get rid of rust stains on your sink’s toilet bowl. You should also open a window for ventilation and remove the water from your toilet Bowl by turning off the valve and flushing, to make cleaning easier.
Cleaning your bathroom once a week will keep surfaces smooth, preventing the buildup of iron and other deposits from taking hold. Add an Iron Filter or Water Softener. Upgrade your pipes to prevent rust stains in older homes with iron pipes, until the old pipes are upgraded. Some softener salts are even specifically formulated to fight rust.
A Dry Flush toilet comes with special liner bags that fit inside its bowl. The seal is airtight, no leaking occurs and there are no odors. The toilet weighs just about 26lbs, so it really is portable. Chemical toilets require you to use special toilet paper, but you can use any TP you want with a Dry Flushing toilet. It might be better to use a composting toilet instead and not worry about burying bags of crap in your yard.
“Dry flush” is the brand which makes a toilet called the Laveo (trademark). Uses no water and Requires no chemicals. At about $450-$600, the Dry Flush toilet is cheaper than many composting toilets and chemical portable toilets. You have to buy refill cartridges for the liner bags. The battery can be charged in a typical 120v outlet or with solar. It is especially good for RV owners who travel off the beaten track and might not have a place to empty out their chemical toilet. The biggest downside to the dry toilet is that the liner refills are expensive in the long run. It might push out the pee as it seals the bag, so you might want to follow the “If it’s yellow, let it mellow” rule or toss in some paper to absorb the liquid. It does seem like a good alternative to the chemical toilets which are normally used in RVs.
Toilet chemicals cost about $1 per week of toilet use. Dry Flush refill bags cost about$1 per use. Best option for off-grid homes is a urine-diverting composting toilet. If it is yellow, let it mellow” so you don’t have to “flush” each time you use the Dry Flushing toilet. Otherwise, look into other options for an emergency toilet for RVs or cabins. The Bottom Line? The Dry Fl flush toilet is a good choice for emergency toilet or RVs – but only if you can afford paying for those refill cartridges.
Call your local solid waste disposal company to see if it will accept old toilets for curbside pickup. Some cities offer rebates to incentivize a toilet swap. Some companies require prior notice before hauling away an old toilet. Some municipalities only accept toilets and other large items on bulk collection days. If your toilet is too old, you may need to swap it for a newer, more efficient toilet.
A comfort height toilet is sometimes known as an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) toilet. The height is 17 to 19 inches from floor to seat (or about the height of a chair). The one that is right for your home depends on the height of the family members.
A dual flush toilet works by incorporating a flushing mechanism that regulates the water used in order to flush either solid or liquid waste. Normal toilets can’t adjust to the type of waste being flushed, meaning they often use more water than necessary. Liquid waste needs much less help to exit the toilet bowl, meaning a liquid flush will use much less water. Because flushing liquid waste is the most common job for the toilet, a more water efficient flush can lead to many hundreds or even thousands of gallons saved in a year.
Many homeowners find dual flush toilets can take some getting used to. Reduced water flow means they tend to get dirtier faster and require frequent cleanings. But for homeowners seeking a greener approach, installing a dual flush toilet is an easy way to conserve water.
Water heater leaks occur for a multitude of reasons. Leaks stress homeowners because they sometimes indicate a replacement is necessary. In every circumstance, it’s best for homeowners to contact a plumber to properly diagnose the issue. Faulty temperature and pressure relief valve: Issues with the T&P valve result in higher water pressure. If a leak occurs on the inner shell because of age or deterioration, it isn’t plainly visible on the outside. It’s best to lower the pressure in the tank before replacements of the T &P valve take place.
Water heater leaks occur in specific places depending on the cause of the problem. Sediment collection is a common cause of leaks in old water heaters. If the tank has a crack, the water heater requires a replacement. Inlet and outlet connections loosen over time, which can cause leaks in the tank and water to leak out of the heater. The bottom of the tank can also cause leaks if the drain valve or the tank itself is the cause, but this is usually a simple fix.
Point-of-use water heaters can be added to a home’s existing plumbing without the need to re-do the whole plumbing system. The name describes a small device that heats water very close to the point where it’s used, such as a sink, shower, bathtub or washing machine.
A POS water heater provides a great solution for those who don’t like waiting several minutes for hot water to get to the tap. The different types of equipment available, potential energy savings, and lifetime cost can affect the price of a water heater, so check with your local retailer before you buy.
The importance of hot water in our homes is a cornerstone of the modern world. We need to make sure our water supply is reliable, affordable and abundant.
The U.S. Department of Energy says homeowners can achieve energy savings of up to 50 percent by using a point of use heater at each hot water outlet. POS tank water heaters typically last 10 to 15 years, while tankless water heater can last up to 25 years. You can expect to pay $400 – $800 for a point-of-use water heater, including installation, whether it’s tank-type or tankless. If you are planning to move to a new home within a year or two, you won’t save enough money on your utility bills to offset the cost.
Direct vent gas water heaters are better used where there is inadequate ventilation in the installation room in your house. A direct vent water heater draws air for combustion from outside your house. The water heater duct generates excess heat and then is vented outside.
A direct vent water heater uses special concentric venting with separate intake and exhaust chambers in a single assembly. The vent runs from the water heater across the building. They pull and push air from outside to negate any backdrafting. When setting up a propane tank water heater, it is easy to reduce chance of burning. We consider hiring a skilled plumber for installation.
The standard temperature for most water heaters is 140 degrees F, but the Department of Energy recommends turning down the temperature to 120 degrees to save energy. Any setting below 120 degrees increases bacteria growth inside the tank.
Consider the variables that affect what temperature you should set your water heater to: Your dishwasher, your health, the number of people in your home, and whether you have children or older adults living with you. If your dishwasher doesn’t have a booster heater, you may want to keep it at 140 degrees for optimum cleaning. If you live alone, it’s unlikely you’ll ever run out of hot water when you keep the tank at 120 degrees. However, if six family members shower back-to-back each morning, the extra 20 degrees helps ensure hot water for everyone.
The DOE recommends keeping the thermostat at the lowest setting unless you’re going out of town, in which case the lowest is the recommended setting. The best temperature is safe for most people, but consider keeping yours at 140 if you have a suppressed immune system.
Measure and adjust the setting of your water heater’s thermostat. Low-flow showerheads and faucets can consume less hot water. install a tankless water heater that heats water on demand to eliminate the need for storage and the resulting standby heat loss. Make these home improvements to decrease your water bills.
