Shopping for a New Toilet? Use Our Tips

Head down to your local home improvement store and you'll find loads of different toilets to choose from. The question is: Which is best for you and your family? It can be a tough choice, so allow us to give you a few quick tips to help you decide:

Save Water with Dual-Flush

We all know that not every use of a toilet is the same. That's why dual-flush models are perfect for those who want to save water by providing separate handles — a full flush for solids and a half-flush for liquids.

Save Money with Low-Flow

Although some homeowners have avoided low-flow in the past because of the need for multiple flushes from time to time, newer models aren't plagued by this problem. Pick up a low-flow model and your water usage bills will drop.

Consider a Taller Model

Toilets may not be constructed to the most comfortable seats in the world, but taller models provide an extra amount of comfort to their users. This is especially true for tall men and women, in addition to the elderly, who may have trouble getting up and down from a traditional model.

Check the Reviews

Selecting the right toilet for your home shouldn't be taken lightly. To ensure that you make the best purchase possible, it's important to check out reviews. This isn't a choice you'll make through a site like Yelp. Instead, head over to Consumer Reports for the low-down on the low-flow (and others, of course).

Defy Gravity

Were you aware that certain toilets can be attached to your wall instead of sitting on the floor? These models are extremely sturdy and are amazingly simple to clean, because they lack all the nooks and crannies found in many traditional models. Just be aware that, as you might expect, a wall-hung toilet will be more expensive.

If you're looking for a new toilet, these tips will serve as a great starting point. For even more information, feel free to reach out to the professionals at Air Assurance. We currently service the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about toilets and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Name/Shutterstock”

How to Know When to Replace a Toilet

Toilets are essential fixtures that generally last years and need little more attention than a plunger or wiggle of the handle when the chain gets stuck in the flapper. Though, there are times when toilets should be replaced, which may be by design or through necessity. Following are five good ways to know when to replace your toilet.

Water Leaks

Toilets may leak water from the tank gasket, the gasket beneath the bowl, or from cracks in the porcelain. Water leaks may result in substantial damage to your flooring, subflooring, utilities, and possibly to any rooms located below.If the leak is from the floor gasket beneath the bowl, it should be inspected by a professional plumber to determine the extent of damage. Replace the toilet if the water leak is due to a crack or other damage.

Damaged Tank or Bowl

Hairline cracks are eventually going to leak water. Further, cracks and damage in the tank or bowl compromise safety. If it chips or breaks completely, you are going to have pieces as sharp as broken glass.

Water Efficiency

Toilets manufactured after 1993 must have a maximum flush of 1.6 gallons. If you have a very old toilet, it's possible that it uses as much as 7 gallons of water every time you flush it. Older toilets should definitely be replaced to conserve water and to conserve your energy budget!

Bathroom Remodel

If it's time to remodel your bathroom, then it is time to replace your old commode. This is also true if you are only tearing up flooring for a new floor since the toilet will need to be pulled up, anyhow.

Comfort and Appearance

Toilets that are too short, too tall, too round, or too narrow are just too uncomfortable! You have many options for upgrading yours at your disposal, including heated seats, various color designs, different flushing mechanisms, and more.

If you have questions about toilet replacement or other plumbing concerns, please contact us at Air Assurance today. We have served residents of the Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Africa Studio/Shutterstock”

Troubleshooting Your Toilet to Avoid Common Problems

To solve serious plumbing problems affecting your toilet like a clogged sewer pipe or water leaks from burst supply lines, you'll need the help of a professional plumber. If you'd rather fix minor problems yourself, try troubleshooting your toilet using these tips before calling in the pros.

Shocking Shower Scalds

If you're tired of those mid-shower scalds that occur when someone flushes, it's possible to make them less traumatic. You just need to slow the flush rate on every toilet by turning the shutoff valve until it's about half a turn from being fully closed.

Endless Running

Wasteful, non-stop running is a sign that the flapper valve isn't going back into place properly when the tank refills. A build-up of scale that needs to be cleaned off the valve seat can cause this, as can a chain that's too short. To lengthen the chain, just unhook it and reattach it a few links farther down.

Eerie Moaning

If you hear strange moaning noises coming from the bathroom at night and you're on municipal water, you're being warned that the ball cock inside the tank is worn. At night when everyone's sleeping, municipal water pressure rises and makes the worn ball cock vibrate and moan.

Ghostly Flushing

Phantom flushes can occur when the tank's flapper valve becomes worn and starts allowing water to seep out. When the bowl fills up, the toilet will flush on its own. If you decide to install a new valve to solve the problem, make sure the replacement is identical to the old one.

Double Flushing

When a toilet flushes twice and you've pressed the lever only once, the tank's water level is too high. To stop this waste of water, you'll need to keep adjusting the fill valve float until the repeat flushing stops.

Noisy Tank Refills

If the sound of rushing water is excessively loud when the tank refills after a flush, it's easily fixed. Simply turn the shutoff valve slowly to gradually reduce the fill rate until the noise volume drops sufficiently.

For expert help troubleshooting your toilet problems, contact the Tulsa area plumbing pros at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Africa Studio/Shutterstock”