July, 2021 | Totally Plumbing

Should You Caulk Around the Toilet

The main reason given for not caulking around toilet bases is that it could hide leaks and the resulting damage could become severe. Without caulk, leaking water would flow out freely from under the toilet and be noticed immediately. While that thought process would be true if there was a sudden and major break in a pipe, the majority of leaks are small and don’t spread onto the bathroom floor, but instead soak into the underlying structure. Water leaks under a bathtub are often found the same way. Learn more about caulking around the toilet base in a bathroom.

plumbingmbd2021-07-25T14:18:18+00:00July 23rd, 2021|

The Cost for a Shower Remodel

The average cost for a shower remodel is $5,400. Factors that impact the overall shower remodel cost include the condition of the old shower, the size of the shower, extent of the remodel, material and fixtures, and cost of materials and labor in your area. There is also the potential for unforeseen complications that can impact the cost, including plumbing or structural problems, mold, or rot. On the other hand, discovering those issues early could allow you to address them and prevent a bigger issue that would be more expensive to fix. Learn about factors and costs to consider when remodeling a shower.

plumbingmbd2021-07-20T17:32:33+00:00July 20th, 2021|

Does Copper Rust?

Nonferrous metals like copper don’t ‘rust’, however, they do eventually oxidize—or corrode. When copper reacts with air it produces copper carbonate, which is the greenish-blue color found on copper as it ages. Copper is easy to clean and it’s possible to protect copper by applying a clear lacquer. However, with decorative copper items, there are reasons you might not want to clear coat them. Learn about what causes copper to oxidize and how it can be prevented.

plumbingmbd2021-07-20T17:34:44+00:00July 19th, 2021|

Should I Replace My Water Heater Before It Fails?

How long a water heater lasts depends on how well it is maintained and the type of water heater. Traditional tank storage water heaters can last between 10-15 years, and tankless models can last 20 years or more. Signs that your water heater needs to be replaced include odd sounds emanating from it, inconsistent or no hot water, discolored water, visible corrosion on the tank, and the water heater leaking. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to replace your water heater.

There are several reasons to consider early water heater replacement. Waiting until the hot water tank stops working will leave you without hot water until a replacement is available. And, replacing it before it fails gives you time to research water heaters that might save you money, energy options such as gas, electric, or solar-powered water heaters, or you might decide you want to go tankless. Learn about considerations for when to replace a water heater.

plumbingmbd2021-07-20T17:37:34+00:00July 19th, 2021|

Why Is My Toilet Tank Sweating?

Toilet tanks usually sweat as a result of too much humidity in the bathroom. Bathrooms are usually the dampest room in a house, and they typically don’t have a lot of ventilation, especially if the room doesn’t have a ventilation fan or if the fan isn’t running frequently. To reduce the likelihood of toilet tank sweat, take steps to lower the humidity in the bathroom, including regularly running air conditioning units or dehumidifiers, which will help reduce condensation on the toilet tank. Learn about how to reduce toilet tank sweat and possible side effects, such as mold, mildew, and water damage.

plumbingmbd2021-07-09T14:51:09+00:00July 8th, 2021|