3 Helpful Resources For A Running Toilet

Is your toilet running? Why don't you catch it?

It seems as if my toilet runs at the worst possible moments: when I am trying to sleep, running late for something, or when guests are over. Not only is this annoying, but it can also be expensive. A running toilet can waste two gallons of water per minute. Learning how to fix a running toilet can prevent you from paying for unnecessary water usage, but also save you time and frustration. Here are some resources that I found helpful.

This three-minute video from This Old House will show you where parts are located in your toilet tank and how to troubleshoot the problem.

To learn about different problems and the correct name for each toilet part, read this toilet repair article from Do it Yourself.

If your toilet needs to be replaced, read our toilet buying guide before making a decision on a new toilet.

Sources: This Old House & Do it Yourself

Steps to Replace a Clawfoot Bathtub Faucet

When the time comes to replace your clawfoot tub faucet, you have many options. According to The Facts On Faucets, an article featured in This Old House, a good idea is to replace the old faucet with one of a similar style. This means, if you have a faucet that mounts to the bathtub wall as opposed to the rim or bathroom wall, that style bathtub faucet should be your first choice.


Another factor to consider when replacing a clawfoot bathtub faucet, is the size of the drillings. Drillings are holes drilled into the tub by the manufacturer. The number of drilled holes can vary as well as the distance between the holes. If the measurement results are not standard and you have a unique distance between the drillings, you will want to purchase a faucet with variable centers. The distance between holes is no matter to be concerned about because these tub faucets are equipped with swing arms.


The article Claw Foot Tub Installation: New Plumbing, includes step by step photos and instructions on installing the necessary plumbing for your clawfoot tub. Depending on how much replacement is needed, you may be able to skip some of the beginning steps.

Included when purchasing a new clawfoot bathtub faucet, are installation instructions. Enlisting the help of a plumber is recommended on most instructions to ensure the product warranty is valid. These installation instructions are an example specifically created for a Randolph Morris Wall Mount Tub Faucet with Handshower (with variable centers, as mentioned above). Depending on the type of clawfoot tub faucet you choose, the installation instructions will vary. Installation instructions for the tub faucets can be found before purchase, below the Specifications section at the bottom of each product page.


View different styles of clawfoot bathtub faucets and faucet sets which include a faucet, drain, and supply lines. Also learn how to choose the correct style faucet for your clawfoot bathtub.

Sources: This Old House
DIY

Classic Bathroom Trends

I was recently reading an article called Kitchen and Bath: A Longing for the Past which was featured in This Old House. The author of the article stated that homeowners who are remodeling their kitchens and bathrooms are "choosing traditional and classic styles over the trendy or unproven". Also discussed in the article were some older trends that are being made new. Below are some products with similar characteristics of those listed in the article.

Cast Iron Bathtub


Handcrafted Copper Sink


Semi-Vessel Vanity Sink


Vintage Inspired Hot Water Dispenser

Read Kitchen and Bath: A Longing for the Past at This Old House