How To Replace A Toilet Seat

Whether you're looking to replace an old, broken toilet seat or you're ready to upgrade to something a bit more attractive or comfortable, there are some basics that you'll need to know. For example, while most plumbing issues are going to require the services of a professional plumber, especially if you want the job done right, replacing an old toilet seat is something that just about anyone should be able to handle.

Measuring Your Toilet Seat

The first thing you'll need to do is determine what size replacement seat that you'll need. There are many standard size seats, but they all vary in their dimensions. You'll need three measurements in order to get the right fit.

• First: Measure the distance between the bolts that attach the seat to the toilet base
• Next: Measure the width of the seat at its widest point
• Finally: Measure the seat length from the back to the front, make sure to measure all the way to the outside edge.

Finding A Toilet Seat

Once you have the measurements you need, it's time to head off and find a replacement toilet seat. You'll find a great selection of seats at your local home improvement store as well as many large discount centers. There are padded seats, wood seats, raised seats, and toilet seats with various prints. Of course, you can also stick with a traditional white or beige seat to match your toilet. Make sure you get the right size, and you'll be ready to install it.

How To Install The New Toilet Seat

The first step is to remove the old seat. This is fairly simple; close the lid and you should see two small caps that cover where the screws mount the seat to the toilet. Pry open these covers and unscrew the bolts of the old toilet seat. There's a nut on the underside of the toilet, by the toilet tank, that holds the bolt in place, so if the bolt doesn't seem to be coming out, you might have to hold the nut to keep it from just spinning. Once the bolts are removed, you should be able to easily lift off the old toilet seat.

Prepping The Toilet For Installation

With the old toilet seat removed, it's time to prep the toilet for the installation of your replacement seat. Make sure that the rim of the toilet and the two post holes are clean. The new toilet seat should already have hinges attached to it, and these hinges should each have an attached bolt. Simply align the two bolts up with the post holes on your toilet base and gently slide the seat onto the toilet. Once the seat is in place, reach around to the underside and loosely tighten the nuts onto the bolts. Make sure that the seat is centered, then tighten the nuts so they are snug. Cover the bolts with the protective cover and your new replacement toilet seat is ready to go.

 

Toilet Repair Easton PA

Replacing a toilet seat is definitely an easy job, but if you need to install a new toilet or if you have other plumbing issues, it's time to call in a professional plumber. Do not attempt to take on a major plumbing repair on your own. Homeowners who have done this have regretted it later. It typically leads to a more expensive repair because the plumber has to come in and repair a problem that is worse than what it was to begin with. When you need a toilet professionally installed, contact Robinson Plumbing. We can install your new toilet so that it operates perfectly and without any issues. We also offer other plumbing services. For a list of our services, click here. Be sure to contact us if you have any plumbing related questions. Our trusted and certified plumbers will gladly answer your questions. We service Bath PA 18014, Bethlehem PA 18015, Easton PA 18040, Martins Creek PA 18063, Nazareth PA 18064, Riegelsville PA 18077, Stockertown PA 18083, Tatamy PA 18085, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

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Steps You Need To Take When Your Toilet Is Overflowing

There are few situations more stressful than watching idly while your toilet overflows and spills onto the bathroom floor below. We have all been there. We all agree that it is incredibly irritating and anxiety inducing. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know in order to prevent an overflowing toilet and how to remove a toilet clog.

Causes Of An Overflowing Toilet

An overflowing toilet is most often the result of a simple block. Less common are issues with the tank's floating mechanism. This means that your toilet may be incorrectly regulating the flow of water. That said, when you find yourself in an overflow situation, the first step is to cut the water. You can work on pinpointing the underlying source of the problem later.

Shut Off The Toilet's Water Supply

To shut off the toilet's water supply, check the line near the bottom side of the bowl. Typically this line will include a valve. Once you locate the valve, turn it counterclockwise to halt the flow of water. This will stop the toilet from overflowing further.

Lift The Float Ball

Next, take off the toilet tank cover. Lift up the float ball high so the water stops running. While the water in the tank is sanitary, feel free to pop on a pair of rubber gloves for this step. Then, use a disposable cup or bucket to manually eliminate any excess water at the brim of the tank and the toilet bowl. Pour this water in an adjacent sink or shower if is clean. If the water is dirty, it is best to use a plastic bucket. Once you have fixed the flood, pour any dirty water back into the toilet bowl and re flush the toilet for a safe method of disposal.

Use A Plunger

Sometimes the toilet may also need a plunge to clear a potential blockage. Line up the rubber cup of your toilet plunger with the center hole in the toilet bowl. Push down on the plunger, gradually increasing intensity and speed to suction out the clog. After a few moments the momentum of the plunger should dislodge the clog or mass blocking the plumbing. Once cleared, water should flow freely throughout the toilet again. Remember to turn the water back on at the bottom valve one you have cleared the clog. Next, wait until the water level drops to normal. It also helps to give the toilet a test flush to ensure everything is working properly.

 

Use A Toilet Auger

Lastly, if a plunger doesn't work you may elect to try a little gadget called a toilet auger. An auger is a special plumbing snake lopped in a protective tube with a bend at the end. You can insert the auger inside the hole in the bowl and turn the handle to clear a hard to reach clog. Please note that a regular plumbing snake should not be used in a toilet, as it will damage or scratch the bowl.

Call A Professional

But please keep in mind that even the most intrepid do it your self-er is no match for a professional plumber. If you have a nasty clog or ongoing overflow problem is it of utmost importance for all homeowners to call a professional plumber for all repairs and maintenance.

Clogged Toilet Bethlehem PA

Sometimes a clog can be caused by something more complicated that what meets the eye. When you have made the above attempts, it is best to contact a plumber right away. For experienced, trusted, and affordable plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing. We are a family owned business that has been serving both residential and commercial properties of the Lehigh Valley. For a list of our services, click here. We service Allentown PA 18101, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Center Valley PA 18034, Coplay PA 18037, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The post Steps You Need To Take When Your Toilet Is Overflowing is courtesy of Robinson Plumbers

How To Pick The Perfect Plunger

Most people know what a plunger is but many people do not know how to use one. This is why your plunger does not always get the job done. The purpose of this article is to discuss plungers and how to use them. If you know how to use a plunger, you should be able to unblock your sink easily. However, if your best efforts do not work, the right move is to call a plumber to give you a professional solution.

Types Of Plungers

There are just two types of plungers. These are the cup/sink plunger and the flange/toilet plunger. Each one is used in different ways so it is vital that you choose the right one so that you get the right results.

The Cup/Sink Plunger

When many people think of the word "plunger", this is the one that comes to their minds. This plunger works very well on flat surfaces where the cup can easily form a seal around the hole. You should use this plunger on kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks and bathtubs. You should not ever use this plunger for your toilet because you will just be wasting your time. This plunger will not properly form a seal in the toilet so it will not create suction. Note that the cup/sink plunger may not always unblock clogs in the kitchen sink, bathroom sink and bathtub. Sometimes, you might encounter a plunger-resistant clog. When this happens, you simply put the plunger away and call your plumber. They will be able to clear the clog from your drain.

Flange/Toilet Plungers

The purpose of this plunger is to unblock toilets. This plunger comes with a rubber flap (flange) that can be folded out so that it fits into the opening in the toilet bowl. This creates the suction you need to loosen the clog. The flap of your toilet plunger can be folded in so that it looks like a cup plunger. This implies that you can use your toilet plunger for the toilet and other places (kitchen sink and bathtub). However, you have no sensible reason to do this. Buy the cup/sink plunger as well as the flange/toilet plunger. Give both plungers territorial integrity and use them in the right places.

Effective Plunger Tips And Tricks

Get Air Out Of The Plunger Cup

If there is too much air in the plunger cup, it will act like a shock absorber. In this case, the clog will not receive as much force as it should. Get rid of the air and you will be more likely to clear the clog.

Plunge Up And Down

Do not use your plunger by tilting the plunger at an angle. If you do this, you will not be able to muster the force you need to unclog a sink. Keep the handle vertical and straight. This way, you will get the right results.

Clogged Drain Allentown PA

Your plunger is not a magic wand and you are not a professional plumber. If you have tried your best with the plunger without getting any positive result, call your plumber. This professional will do the magic in no time. Robinson Plumbing is here to help you. We offer affordable, honest, and high quality plumbing services for residents and businesses all over Lehigh Valley. We are a family owned business which means that delivering positive customer experiences is a priority. Be sure to call us if you have a troubling clogged drain. For a list of our plumbing services, click here. We service Allentown PA 18101, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Center Valley PA 18034, Coplay PA 18037, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

How To Pick The Perfect Plunger originated at http://www.RobinsonPlumbing.com/

How To Handle A Basement Flood

A basement flood is among the worst nightmares of every homeowner. If your basement floods, you can lose cherished keepsakes to mold and mildew, others to water damage. Also, you can expect a large bill to salvage the remainder. Coming home to a basement flood can feel very overwhelming. However, the tips below will help you handle it in the best possible manner.

Act Immediately

The first thing you should do when your basement floods is to act immediately. This is because the damage is only going to get worse with time. If possible, cut off the basement's supply of water, electricity, and gas. Wading through water to reach any of these is hazardous,. It is best left to an expert such as a certified plumber. You should also wear boots and gloves in the flood zone to protect yourself from any contaminants in the water.

 

Determine The Source

Next, you need to determine the source of the flood. Excessive rainfall, a burst pipeline, a water leak,  a malfunctioning sump pump, and overflowing sewage systems are all common causes of basement flooding. If you are unsure of the cause, you really can't do anything to fix the problem. A professional plumber can help you find the cause and advise you how to solve it. Your plumber will also be on hand to expertly restore any drains, pipes, or other systems damaged by the flooding event, so bringing in a professional is your wisest course of action.

Clean Up

When the actual flooding stops, clean up can begin. Options include a wet vac system, sump pump, and a mop and bucket. Having multiple people on cleaning duty can make the job go faster. Larger jobs may require an expert who has the expertise and equipment to clean any flood. In this situation, your plumber should have all the tools and experience necessary to get the job done right. Items soaked in flood water have 48 hours to dry before mold and mildew set in. You can expedite the drying process by leaving all windows and doors open to promote airflow, pointing fans at the wettest items, and moving items into the sunlight, or at least out of the wet basement. It is dangerous to move anything with an electrical plug, however, so do not attempt to do so without expert assistance. Wet drywall will require speedy replacement, and cardboard boxes should be considered a lost cause once wet.

How To Prevent A Flooded Basement

The best way to handle a basement flood is never to have one in the first place. While every basement is prone to flooding, you can protect your home by ensuring that yours is as waterproof as possible. A licensed plumber should be brought in to make sure your sump pumps and basement drains are in perfect working order, allowing them to perform as intended should the need ever arise. Your lawn should also be graded toward the sewage system rather than your home, guiding water away when it rains. If you're unsure of your lawn's grade, go outside when it is raining and look for pools of water near your home. If you find any, you have a problem.

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Be sure to take the necessary steps to prevent a flooded basement. In the event that your basement does flood, knowing the above steps will help keep you safe. The bottom lone is that it is always safe to leave a job like this to a professional. Many people have gotten hurt by taking on a project like this on their own. For an expert plumbing service company, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing. We offer affordable plumbing repairs, installations, and maintenance. One of the best ways to avoid a flooded basement is to have a sump pump installed. Save your self the time and headache associated with a flooded basement. Call us to today for more details. In conclusion, a basement flood will probably ruin your day but not your life. A plumber's assistance can make it much easier to handle your flooded basement. We service Allentown PA 18101, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Center Valley PA 18034, Coplay PA 18037, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

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