Bathroom Repair

Instructions Step 1: Remove the lid Put on rubber gloves and remove the lid. Inspect the float arm to make sure it’s moving freely within the tank. If the ball is filled with water or corroded, unscrew it and replace it. TIP: Most toilets have either a flapper or diaphragm valve cover. Step 2: Examine …

Instructions Step 1: Measure Measure the size of your toilet seat to make sure it’s standard. Note the distance between the two bolts holding the seat in place (located at the top of the toilet seat) as well as the seat’s length and width. Step 2: Buy your new seat Buy a toilet seat that …

Instructions Step 1: Turn off water Turn off the water to the bathtub and shower at the shut-off valve. Let any remaining water flow out of the faucet. Step 2: Remove the cap and screw Remove the cap and screw from the faucet handle using a screwdriver, and take off the handle and escutcheon. Step …

Instructions Step 1: Get rid of water Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to remove most of the water. Use a sponge to soak up any water remaining in the tank and the bowl, or siphon the remaining water out with a rubber tube. Step 2: Disconnect supply line Disconnect the brass …

Instructions Step 1: Unscrew the old handle Remove the broken handle by unscrewing the plastic nut from the back of the handle, inside the toilet tank. You may need to use channel locks to get a grip on the nut. TIP: Toilet handle bolts generally loosen in a clockwise direction — the opposite of most …

Instructions Step 1: Soak up existing water Soak up standing water around the toilet with a towel. Wait half an hour to determine whether the water is coming from beneath the toilet or from the water supply line on the bottom of your toilet tank. Step 2: Remove old supply line Replace the supply line …

Instructions Step 1: Remove old flange Remove the old flange by breaking it away from the drainpipe, or closet bend, with a small sledgehammer and a cold chisel. The flange is made of cast iron, so it will break away fairly easily. Once it’s broken, pry it up and out with a pry bar. TIP: …

Instructions Step 1: Test the size of your container Remove the lid from your toilet tank and insert a clean, ½-gallon plastic bottle to make sure it fits. TIP: The bottle should fit in the tank without touching the mechanical parts of the flushing and refilling system. Step 2: Fill the bottle Remove the bottle …

Instructions Step 1: Try baking soda If the clog isn’t too bad, try this easy cure. Remove the stopper and pour one-quarter cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by two ounces of vinegar. Let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with two quarts boiling water. : Don’t try this if you’ve already used …

Instructions Step 1: Tighten the nut Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing the screw that attaches it, which is often covered by a decorative cap you’ll need to carefully pry off. Using your wrench, try tightening the packing nut, which is the nut at the base of the handle’s stem. Some leaks are simply caused …

Instructions Step 1: Look inside tank Get to know your toilet. Lift the cover of the tank to see what’s inside. At the bottom of the water, either a ball or a flapper will be covering a valve that lets water into your toilet bowl when you flush. Flush the toilet to see the valve …

Instructions Step 1: Remove the old caulk Using a utility knife, cut along the edge where the caulk meets the tub. Scrape out all the old caulk. Step 2: Clean the area Pour a capful of bleach into a small bucket of water. Using a toothbrush, scrub the area with your bleach solution to help …

Instructions Step 1: Put on rubber gloves If the waste water level is too high to plunge without making an even bigger mess, put on rubber gloves. Step 2: Reduce waste water level Dip the cup into the toilet repeatedly and pour its contents into the bucket, until you’ve reduced the waste water level enough …