Handy Man on KELOLAND Living!
Learn how to add technology to your kitchen and bathroom!
Read about some of the items we mentioned in the video by clicking on the links below.
How to Check for a Leaky Toilet
Since the water flows down the sewer, leaking toilets don’t necessarily leave any signs of a leak, until you get the bill. The average leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day. That’s over 6,000 gallons a month for just ONE leaking toilet!
Check your toilet for leaks by following these easy steps.
- Remove the toilet tank lid
- Drop one dye tablet or 10 drops of food coloring into the tank
- Put the lid back on and wait 10-15 minutes
- Check back and see if any of the food coloring has seeped into the bowl.
- If so, you have a leak.
What causes toilet leaks?
The most common cause of a leaking toilet tank is when the flapper fails to seal properly and form a tight seal. This lets water leak from the tank into the bowl. Leaks may also be caused by the flapper being out of position.
How do I clean my flapper seal?
Turn off the water at the shutoff valve, flush the toilet and hold down the handle. There may be a little water left in the bottom of the tank, but don’t worry about it. Wipe the flapper seal with a clean cloth to make sure it is free of debris, and check it for cracks or splits. If the flapper is damaged, pick up a new one (they are inexpensive).
What causes toilets to run intermittently?
A toilet that runs on and off by itself has a problem that plumbers call a “phantom flush”. The cause is a very slow leak from the tank into the bowl. This problem is almost certainly caused by a bad flapper or flapper seal. You can try the above information to fix the problem, but if it continues to occur, please call your local plumber to fix it for you.
It is your responsibility to monitor your water use!
Article originally printed in Minnehaha Community Water Corporation newsletter 2017
Moen Garbage Disposal Winners!
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- Brenda & Ken – Lincoln
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- Sue – Sioux City
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- Mike – Sioux Falls
Congratulations to our three giveaway winners! Each winner received a Moen GXL1000c Garbage Disposal and Mountain Plumbing Air Switch. Thank you for participating in our event – we’re glad we could help you get your kitchen ready for the Holidays!
Toilet Buying Guide
Tired of your old, leaky, water guzzling toilet? If you’re in the market for a new one, there are a lot of options to consider.
Bowl Height:
The distance from the floor to the top of the toilet bowl rim makes a big difference. The trend is to buy taller 16-18” ADA compliant or “comfort height” toilets. Other options include the standard 14-15” height and a low 10-14” child height.
One or Two-Pieces:
Two-piece toilets have a separate tank pieces and bowl pieces. Although they are most common and less expensive, they are more difficult to clean. One-Piece toilets are smooth and easy to clean, but come with a higher price and are quite heavy. While we’re talking about easy-to-clean toilets, think about purchasing a “skirted” one which has an easy-to-clean smooth base instead of the usual visible squiggly pipe which can collect dust and grime. Below is an image of a one-piece skirted toilet.
Color:
We suggest sticking to a white or off-white toilet so you can find replacement parts easily, and your toilet will stay in style for years to come.
Flush Handle:
Most toilets place the flush-handle on the left side of the tank. If your toilet will be up against a wall, make sure there is enough room to reach the flush handle. If this could be an issue, purchase a toilet with the handle on the opposite side or on the top of the tank.
Rough-In:
Make sure to measure the distance from the wall to the flange bolts on the base. Commonly, toilets are twelve inches, but they can vary. If you purchase a toilet with a larger rough-in distance than your previous toilet, you will have problems.
Bowl Shape:
Elongated bowls are replacing round bowls in most homes. They are much more comfortable and hygienic for adult use. Yet, elongated bowls can be problematic in small bathrooms. The extra length can get in the way of cabinet drawers and doors. If you are considering replacing your round toilet, make sure you have at least two inches of extra room at the front of the bowl to spare.
Toilet Seat:
Most toilets do not come with a toilet seat because there are too many options available! The most important feature to focus on is whether you need an elongated or round seat depending on the bowl shape. After that, the options are endless. Choose a traditional seat, slow close, night lighted, heated, potty seat, or washlet! Each option comes with benefits depending on your preferences.
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- Washlet Seats
Efficiency:
Most new toilets come with an energy-efficient rating. Your old toilet you are replacing can flush up to 5 gallons with each use. Modern, efficient toilets use as little as 1.6 gallons, saving you hundreds of gallons of water and saving on your water bill each year.
While you’re at the store…
You will also need a few items for installation. A new wax seal, new water supply line, and some tools to put it together – an open-ended wrench, screwdriver, rag, gloves, and garbage bag.
Bringing Technology Into The Bathroom
In a world of smart homes and smart cars, it’s time to introduce the smart shower! The U by Moen fully integrates the power of technology with the experience of a rejuvenating shower.
Customization
Instead of controlling your shower temperature and spray pattern with handles or knobs, a small digital control panel is placed in your shower that can be set to a specific temperature, time limit, and pre-set. For example, if you prefer a hot shower in the morning and a cooler one after a workout, you can set it so.
Cleaning
The absence of levers and knobs makes shower cleaning a breeze and leaves your shower looking less cluttered.
Cost Efficient
The water-saving abilities are abundant with the U shower. Too often users turn on the shower, get distracted, and forget the shower is running while gallons of clean fresh water pour down the drain. The pause function not only saves water for the environment, but also saves you money on your water bill. You may also save water by programming the timer function. Reduce your water usage by setting a 5-minute shower limit. For each 5-minutes the shower is running, approximately 12 gallons go down the drain. By limiting, or simply being conscious of your time spent in the shower, you can drastically reduce your water bill.
Connectivity
By connecting your smartphone to the U by Moen, you can start the shower from anywhere in your home. When the water temperature meets the programmed setting, it will pause the water and let you know that your shower is ready to go!
With all of the technological advances in kitchens and bathrooms, the U by Moen will be welcomed along with touch and motion faucets, electric mirrors, washlet toilet seats, and more! Find and experience all of these items in Handy Man’s showroom!
As seen on Keloland.com
Bathroom Modifications: Following ADA Guidelines
More and more people are building their homes and remodeling existing homes following guidelines from the American Disabilities Act (ADA). While you might not have someone in your family with a disability, you might consider future uses of your space, or that of an elder who might need some basic modifications to help keep them in their home.
The bathroom is the room in the house that can present some of the biggest challenges. From washlet bidet toilet seats to safety handrails, there are many options to make a bathroom more accessible. Here are some things to consider whether you’re building a new home or modifying an existing one. You might also be looking to help a parent who wishes to stay in their own home, but needs some basic modifications for safety and convenience.
Consider comfort height toilets to avoid having to bend knees too far. A grab bar and toilet paper holder-in-one can provide great convenience. It can be mounted at any height you’d like. You can also install a safety hand bar that comes down on either side of the toilet for support. It’s simply mounted on the wall behind the toilet, providing stability and support while on the toilet.
When it comes to the shower, consider installing a bench or seat for stability. Also look at the curb of the shower. There are many options available. You might consider a low profile curb to avoid a tripping hazard, making it much easier to get in and out of the shower safely.
If you prefer a bathtub, but have difficulty climbing in and out, consider a walk-in bathtub with a door for access. This option makes it much easier to get in and out of the bath. These tub systems come with a special valve to allow for a faster fill-up time and a larger drain allowing the water to drain quickly when you are finished.
Whether you’re looking to add modifications for your own convenience, or someone else, be sure to consult with an expert to find out what options will work best and follow ADA guidelines. From simple fixes to complete remodels, there are many modifications that can make all the difference when it comes to safety for your loved ones in one of the most used spaces of your home.
As seen in The Hood Magazine October 2017
Bathroom Hacks for Germaphobes
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- Skirted Toilet
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- Touchless Flush
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- Wall-Mounted Toilet
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- Washlet Seats
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- Wall-Mounted Vanity
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- Wall-Mounted Faucet
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- Touch Faucet
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- Onyx Shower
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- Glass Doors
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- Doorless Shower
Congratulations to our Onyx Top Giveaway Winner!
Nichole signed up for our Onyx vanity top giveaway and won! Congratulations and thank you for entering!
The Colorful Benefits of Chromatherapy
- Red light can energize you. Use this color in the morning when you are getting ready for a big game or important presentation at work.
- Purple is a sleep-inducing color – great for the kids’ nighttime baths.
- Blue light has been known to be calming and reduce stress.
- Green light is associated with growth and balance. Select green when you are in need of a little “me time” to regroup and set goals.
- Orange is a warm and optimistic color. It increases energy and rejuvenates the body and soul.
- Our final color is refreshing white. A bright white light is great for cleansing the body. The clean color will leave you feeling fresh and new.
Designing a Home for All Ages
When it comes to building or remodeling your home, did you know there are ways to make your home accommodating for all ages? Universal design provides an accessible space regardless of abilities or disabilities and it will suit your family and guests for many years to come.
In the Bathroom:
- Consider a low threshold shower. Easy access into the shower will work well for a child and an adult, or even a visiting grandparent using a walker or cane.
- Comfort-height toilets are becoming common in bathroom designs. The extra inch or two make them accommodating for all ages and abilities.
- Grab bars are a basic safety tool for kids and adults. There are many options to choose from to match your bathroom décor. They’ll provide years of safety at the entrance of tubs, showers and near the toilet.
In the Kitchen:
- Touchless faucets are becoming the latest trend in kitchen design. They’re ideal for those with strength and hand control issues. They also work well when it comes to eliminating germs with little ones.
- Apron sinks aren’t just stylish, but they considerably reduce back pain while washing dishes. Removing the few inches of countertop between your body and the sink makes it more ergonomic for both young and old users.
- Accessing those lower cabinet shelves can also be a challenge. Consider adding sliding shelves on the bottom and middle of cabinets to gain better access.
In the Entryway:
- Look at your door handles. Did you know lever door handles are better for people with hand strength issues? They also work great when your hands are full and you need to open the door.
- Just like your shower, you might consider looking at no threshold entries. These types of entryways are great to accommodate elderly guests or even young families with strollers.
Is your Home Smart?
- Lights with motion sensors not only save energy, they also operate without the need to turn them on. Gone will be the days of tripping over objects in the dark searching for a switch!
- There are also many home automation devices coming on the market, making it easy to heat and cool your home and even enjoy different technologies all through voice command, or through your phone.
As technology advances, think of ways you can incorporate new ideas into your home design that will be enjoyed by family members and guests for decades to come.
Handy Man is the Kitchen and Bath Expert for Sioux Falls’s ‘Hood Magazine. Check out our article in the “Home” section of every issue of Hood Magazine.