A lot of people have an area of their house that is entirely misused to the point that it becomes wasted space. The area that we are talking about is the garage. In most cases it starts out being a place to store a few extra belongings, and eventually becomes a disorganized mess where possessions got to be forgotten. There is no good reason for this to happen; after all your garage can be a very useful part of your home. The key is to decide how you want to go about organizing your space.

Storage

The garage is a great place for storage. As we said, the problem is generally organization–things tend to pile up. The easiest way to fix this is to put in some shelving or other storage units. You’d be surprised how easily your car, your tools and those boxes of high school memorabilia can all fit in your garage with a little planning. While free- standing shelves can be purchased, if you really want to outfit your garage we suggest installing some storage options that mount to the garage itself.

• Cabinets- You can install cabinets that will hold all of your possessions. You can choose cabinets that are the same size–and realistically the same thing–as the ones in your kitchen to store boxes and tools. You can also purchase larger cabinets that can hold bigger items like lawn mowers. Garage cabinets can be made of wood, metal or both materials. They can give your garage an extra tidy look as everything can neatly be stored out of sight.
• Wall Shelves- There are many types of shelves that can be attached directly to the walls of your garage. They come in varying lengths and widths, so you will definitely be able to pick out a set of shelves that fits appropriately in your space and holds everything that you need them to.
  • Wood Shelves- Wood shelves can be purchased, or if you have some carpentry skills you can even make your own. Some prefer the way that wood finishing looks, but just keep in mind that wood shelves will not support as much weight–i.e., hold as much of your stuff–as metal shelves. The humidity in Florida can also have a negative effect on the integrity of the wood itself over time.
  • Metal Shelves- Metal shelves are good garage options because they are sturdy enough to hold heavy items. They are also durable and less affected by humidity, so they generally last a lot longer. Some people are not keen on the appearance of metal shelves and prefer their garage to have a “less industrial” appearance. If this is how you feel, you can purchase metal shelving that has a plastic coating that changes the look.
  • Adjustable Shelving- This option is very versatile. Adjustable shelves are just that: adjustable. You install a frame on the wall that has spaces for shelving to be interchanged. If you want shelves to be lower or higher, shorter or longer, you simply change the spacing of the brackets that come with the shelving and arrange the storage space to your exact needs.
• Ceiling Mounted Shelving- This type of shelving works when you have limited wall space or a small garage, or you have run out of space for wall shelves and want more. These shelves are attached directly to the ceiling and hang down far enough to provide additional storage while still allowing you to walk through your garage. Ceiling mounted shelves make excellent use of space that would otherwise stay empty and go unused.
• Peg Boards- Peg boards are very simple to install and almost as versatile as adjustable shelving. They attach easily to your wall and have multiple holes that you can use to set up light shelves or fit with bars where you can hang tools, bags or anything else. Peg boards are a popular option for some because they tend to be inexpensive and accommodate objects that do not require a shelf.

If you would like a little help getting control of your garage a good handyman knows what you need and how to install it.

Sources:

Do It Yourself.com

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Over time houses settle and some of the materials used to build them can warp or break. Sometimes when this happens, your house ends up being exposed. It is exposed because as the materials warp, they no longer seal the house. When a building is not sealed, it becomes vulnerable to weather and even rodents.

Keep the Elements Out

Keeping the weather out is an important aspect of a sealed house. If rain enters a building through places that should be sealed, it can cause damage. Rain can affect wood by soaking in and causing it to rot. In other cases the water can accumulate and cause mold to form. When wood beams that support your house rot or mold develops in an out-of-sight area, you are in for an expensive repair or cleaning bill. You can avoid such a bill by simply making sure that basic maintenance is performed.

An unsealed house can let in more weather than just rain. The air that comes into an unsealed house can drive your electric bill through the roof. Summer temperatures in Tampa require constant air conditioning. You do not want your AC to have to work harder just because you have not made sure that your house is properly sealed.

Stop the Invasion

Another possible problem that can arise with an unsealed house is unwanted guests. Rodents looking for places to nest can easily find their way into an attic through unsealed areas in the roof or around the foundation. Once inside, they can nest and reproduce at an alarming rate. Before long a small number of rats that take refuge in your attic can continually breed until you are living below a colony with several dozen rodents.

Meanwhile, even smaller invaders—such as ants, roaches, and other insects—can also find their way into your home. Getting rid of all these critters may require assistance from an experienced exterminator.

Seal it Right the First Time

In order to avoid any of these expensive and even unsanitary circumstances, you should have your home sealed. A professional knows exactly where to look to find places where weather and rodents might enter your home. They will check places like:

• Around doors
• Around the foundation of the home
• Around corners
• Near gutters (Soffits and fascia hold up gutters and contribute to sealing your house, so making sure that these overlooked pieces of your home are intact is very beneficial.)
• Around chimneys or pipes that provide ventilation
• Around windows

If open spaces are found after a home inspection, they must be sealed. Sometimes they can be sealed easily with caulk. In other instances you will need to put more effort into the project. Gutters, soffits, fascia and other parts of the structure may need to be replaced. If your house is not sealed, it is very important to address the problem. Once problems begin to arise, they will certainly grow. Ultimately you will likely have a much larger home repair job on your hands. It may be helpful to think about it like this. If you have to spend money on your house, you would probably prefer to spend it on a renovation, like putting in a new kitchen, than on fixing something that broken due to lack of diligence.

Sources:

Check This House.com

Center for Disease Control

HGTV

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Living in the Sunshine State means that you very well may have a room in your house that falls somewhere between an actual room and an overstated screened in porch. The Florida weather makes having one of these rooms that’s not quite inside, yet still not outside, a feasible possibility. A lot of the construction in Tampa, or even surrounding areas likes St. Petersburg and Clearwater, has this addition built on to it. In other cases you might be living in a house that originally had a porch that has since been enclosed or extended. Whatever your scenario, the name for this area of the house is a Florida room. As homes get older and need renovations or as homeowners look to add some value to their properties, these rooms often become a focal point.

The problem with most Florida rooms is that they are not entirely sealed. They may be screened in, or even surrounded by older unsealed windows, but they don’t keep heat out. This might have been acceptable in the 1950’s but let’s face it, today we like to be able to control the temperature. No one wants to sit in a Florida room in July or during one of our colder Februaries. So what do you do with this space? The way we see it, there are two viable options: seal it in as if it were a room but leave screened windows for the pleasant months, or focus on the outside and convert it into a glass room.

In either case, it is a pretty big job so you are going to want someone who is really handy around to oversee the process.

The Glass Room

Glass rooms can be great. You get to combine natural sunlight with controlled temperatures. They are great places to keep plants or even to set up a table for impromptu meals in the sun. You will only need lights at night time, and they can make for enjoyable places to read or relax. So long as you use storm proof glass you will not have to worry yourself much about storms breaking the glass (but we do not recommend taking refuge in this room during a storm). Let’s run down the pros and cons of a sun room really quickly.

Pros

• Natural light
• Aesthetic value
• Type of living space not every house has
• Great place to keep plants or an herb garden

Cons

• Lack of insulation will increase cooling/heating bills
• Fully glassed in rooms do not have a roof to provide shade
• Monetary costs of converting to a sun room could be high

Seal in a Screened Room

This option is one that many homeowners choose. In essence a Florida Room already has a foundation and a roof. Sealing in the exterior walls modernizes the Florida room and makes it more likely to be used. You can put a significant amount of windows to mimic the outside feel of a glass sun room but it won’t have the same feel. The trade off of course is the extra usable space. Consider the pros and cons of this choice.

Pros

• Extra living space (if it is insulated you can add it to the square footage of your house at resale).
• Ability to open windows if you do want fresh air
• Cooling/heating costs are less than a sun room

Cons

· The construction time may last longer as insulation and new walls may be needed.

· You do not get as open a feel as a sun room.

In the end it comes down to personal preference. If you need a room purely for enjoyment, you may choose the glass room. If the house is getting cramped with a growing family, maybe you need to close in the room for extra space. Either way you will add value to your house with this renovation.

Sources:

Sunroom Help

Associated Content: Screened in Porches vs. Sun Rooms

Better Homes and Gardens

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One of the underlying goals of any renovation project is to make the space more usable and up to date. Considering the current trends in society and the needs that our planet will have in the future, it makes sense to consider the environment during a renovation. These “green” concerns do not only apply to home remodeling; they can play a part in renovating a commercial space as well.

First off, let’s discuss what we mean when we say “green.” Going green refers to any practice, be it single or repeated, that we maintain with the goal of creating better environmental outcomes. Some of the environmental outcomes that we are looking for would be:

• Reduced use of energy
• Improved sustainability, which means adding materials that need to be replaced less often or can be replaced from natural, readily available sources
• Increased emphasis on reusing and recycling

While those are not all of the things that are involved in going green, they apply to our discussion about an environmentally friendly office. Creating a green office will likely require some physical changes, which means you will want the help of an experienced handyman. The handyman will be able to advise you on what building materials you can purchase and what other additions you can make that will increase you work space’s environmental efficiency. Keep in mind that going green can save your business some money.

Ask your handyman about:

• Installing energy efficient windows. Modern windows are made differently; they can reflect the sun better and keep outside heat from affecting the inside of your office. You will see this immediately in your power bill, especially here in Florida. If you do not want to go all out and replace windows, ask your handyman to install blinds and drapes over windows to produce a similar effect.
• Installing energy efficient appliances. Every office has toilets, sinks and other appliances that a handyman can replace for you. Newer model equipment is designed to use less water which can save you money on a daily basis. Ask about Energy Star compliance to ensure that your new equipment will save water.
• Using sustainable materials. We recommend a two-faceted approach:
  • First off, decide which materials can be reused. Some of the materials that are already in your office may be useful in another part of the renovation; it is greener to avoid throwing away useful countertops, trim, etc. Some estimates say that a resourceful handyman can reuse up to 70% of the materials in your office during a renovation.
  • Secondly, use recycled or perishable materials. You can currently find building materials such as drywall, insulation and even paint that has been manufactured using readily available, easily replaceable products.
• Using solar energy. Using solar energy means that you pay for the equipment and then stop paying the power company. Over time the equipment will pay for itself—and then some–if maintained correctly. In addition to that, the Fed currently refunds up to 30% of your out-of-pocket equipment cost. A handyman can mount solar panels on top of or around you building to power everything or particular equipment. Keep in mind that a copier uses a lot of energy even when it sits idle, so powering it naturally will save you money every day. Whether you are in Orlando or Ft. Lauderdale we both know that you have more than enough sun 12 months a year to justify solar expenses.

These are just a few of the things that a knowledgeable handyman can help you with when you want to update your commercial space. Going green will save you money and have positive effects on the image of your company. Some simple commercial renovations can really make a difference.

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.

SOURCES

Handyman Connection-Commercial Renovations
Cal Recycle (California.gov)
GreenDepot.com
City of Seattle- Sustainable Building
HowSolarWorks.org
APS.com

So you have decided to go through with the home renovation project that you have been considering. It probably feels good to know that soon you will have a remodeled home to enjoy. The only issue is deciding who you are going to hire to do the work for you. You do not want to invite just anyone into your home, and on top of that you want to best quality workmanship that you can get and a reasonable price. The fact of the matter is, you have some research to do.

First you need to put together a list of potential handymen. We recommend two ways of doing this. The first is to seek a recommendation from someone who knows that company. Maybe it’s a friend or a neighbor or maybe you look here for reference on the internet. If these options do not work for you, it is likely that you can find a list of state certified professionals on the internet. Many of these choices will be listed as general contractors, but reputable handymen such as ourselves will be listed as well. Either of these methods will work, and we suggest checking both.

Now that you have found a list of candidates, it is time to decide which one will install your closet organizer or refinish your deck. Think about these things while you interview candidates.

• Get Estimates- Have all of your candidates give you cost and time estimates. Pay attention to which of your candidates provide you multiple options to get the job done. This is a sign of experience and a willingness to make sure that you are happy with the end product. Make sure that you get all estimates in writing. Also, inquire as to whether the handyman is insured and ask for proof as part of the estimate.
• Look for Someone You Like- This person or crew will be in or around your home. You need to make sure that you are comfortable with them as both people and service providers. If you are uncomfortable in any way, then you may want to cross a candidate off of your list.
• Ask about Payment- Beware of any handyman who wants you to pay in cash or who requires that you pay for the whole job up front before any work has been done. Either of these factors should be a deal breaker. If they are obtaining materials for you, ask if they have a discount account with a local distributor.
• Inquire about Experience- Be straightforward and ask about their experience in the field. The reference that you obtained will hint at this but make sure that your handyman has done jobs like yours before.
• Agree on Everything in Advance- Make sure that each candidate is willing to agree on the entire scope of the job in advance. Once you have reached an agreement you will want to have a contract drawn up that details what will be done, by when and for how much. Make sure that factors such as the handyman pulling necessary permits and guaranteeing the work for a particular time period are discussed n a contract. Remember it will work both ways; you cannot expect the handyman to do more than he agrees to in the contract.

We hope that your remodeling project goes well for you. We can make sure that it does if you choose us to do the work.

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.

SOURCES
Handyman Connection
Ezine Articles.com
Pinellas County Building and Development
Tesco Finance.com

When people think home renovation they tend to think about projects that can improve the inside of the house. But don’t forget how much you can enjoy the outside! Sitting outside on a pleasant summer evening can be very relaxing. Reading and even watching the kids play are all good reasons to go outside. But who wants to stand in the yard the whole time? Not us, that’s why we recommend the addition of a patio. Add a table and some chairs and you now have an outside dining area that will give you a change of pace and let you enjoy other areas of your property. But how exactly do you go about putting in a patio?

Surface Materials

First thing pick the materials that you want the base to be made of. Keep in mind that each type of material has a different look and price, both of which are important factors in deciding

• Concrete- Can be poured by a novice or a professional. It’s often your least expensive option.
• Outdoor Tile- Just like indoor varieties, there are a lot of options and look and price change with the options.
• Stone Veneer- A synthetic product, it is made in factories. Again there are a variety of looks.
• Pavers- Another factory produced option, you can choose from many sizes and colors.
• Brick- One of the oldest building materials in use besides stone. You can choose between contemporary and antique bricks depending upon what you are looking for and your budget.
• Stone- The most natural option. It can get pricy depending on which type of stone you like the best.

Other Supplies

• Shovel (square head shovel)

• Rocks (for all surface materials except cement)
• Sand (for all surface materials except cement)
• Sledge Hammer
• Hose
• Broom
• Wood Boards
• Measuring Tape
• Level
• Once you have gathered your building materials you are ready to get started.

1. Set the base- Decide where you want your patio to be. Clear the area of sod and debris. Dig down at least 6” to prepare for the foundation. Then use your wood boards to surround the area, this is your frame.
2. Lay the foundation- Once you have your frame, lay down the rocks and then pour the dirt over it. Use the shovel to level off the dirt, make sure your surface is flat. This will be your foundation. Allow the foundation to settle overnight.
3. Install the surface- If you chose concrete, your next step is to mix and pour the concrete and then level it. Most often people choose one of the other surface materials. If you did, now you will begin laying your pieces. Start in one of the corners. Lay the surface material so it is evenly spaced and level. The pieces should be separated but close together. (You can incorporate a pattern but for first timers we suggest sticking to this easier method.) Take plenty of breaks to use your level to ensure a smooth surface as you work. Press down firmly as you lay the material so it can begin to set.
4. Finishing- Once you have laid an even surface, pour some dirt over top, make sure it fills in between the cracks. Use a broom to sweep the dirt off the surface and into the cracks. Use the hose to gently spray water over the new patio, this will allow the dirt to compact between the surface pieces and help them stay together. After letting the patio set for a day, remove the wood frame.

Now you have a basic patio! Buy some patio furniture and enjoy the new addition to your yard. Let us know if you have any questions. Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.

Your bathroom is one of the most used places in your house. The bathtub in particular gets as much or more use than any appliance that you own. Everyone who lives in a home uses the bathtub on a regular basis. Replacing an entire tub can be costly. Maybe you should consider converting your tub into a shower stall or revamping it with a bathtub conversion kit.

Change your tub into a shower stall

This option gives the bathroom an entirely new look. It is also an excellent option if accessibility is an issue, since stepping over the edge of the tub can be difficult.

• Cut your current tub: Some people choose to cut a space out of the side of their tub. This makes stepping in and out easier and is the best option if your motivation for the conversion is to help family members who need easier access to the tub. With this option you may want to install some additional grip handles on the walls of the stall for extra support for your loved ones.
• Install a shower kit over top- Other people prefer to pick out a conversion kit that fits over the top of your current tub. These kits come in a variety of colors and styles. They can be applied directly over your current tub which makes the process a lot simpler than an all-out replacement. Both options are generally less expensive than replacing your tub.

Keep a bathtub

Once again you have options. The wide variety of options is one of the reasons that converting a bathtub can be a fun project. You can create a new look regardless of which option you choose. In this case you get to choose between

• Resurfacing your bathtub- Maybe you like the way your bathtub looks except for its color. Or maybe the old tub’s surface has worn away with use. Resurfacing your tub will fix either scenario. Remember that if you resurface yourself, you will be working with a variety of chemicals that need to be handled carefully. Precautions need to be taken so you are safe. Regardless of whether you do it or you hire a professional, resurfacing will make your tub look brand new and it will definitely feel smoother to the touch.
• Purchase a conversion kit- Just like with the shower stall conversion, there are kits that will fit over your tub, turning it into a new one. This option lets you change everything about the way your tub looks because you can choose from different styles and finishes (maybe you are tired of porcelain and want marble for instance). One appealing option is turning your traditional tub into a whirlpool tub. Having massaging jets in your tub will help you relax, or in some cases even recover.

You can look up pictures on the internet or go to your local hardware store to see what all of these choices actually look like. You have so many options when converting a bathtub that you will definitely be able to find the one that fits you best. As always, if you have any questions about how to install, or would like the job done professionally, we are ready to help at Handyman Connection. Good luck and happy remodeling!

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.

Updates to your home make it more comfortable while you are living in it and add value in the event that you want to sell or draw equity. You can change the entire look of a room and add durability to your floor with properly installed tile. Making the remodel decision is easier than actually installing the tile, but following the right steps simplifies the process.

1. Gather your tools- Here are some of the things you will need:

1. Scrapers
2. Wedging tool
3. Sandpaper
4. Spacers
5. Level
6. Chalk string
7. Tile cutter
8. Knee pads
9. Measuring tape
10. Sponge
11. Grout
12. Tiles
13. Tile cement

2. Prepare the area- The underlying floor itself will need some work. Remove any old adhesives that may be left from the previous floor. Sealing cracks in concrete may also be necessary. You want your floor to be level all the way across, so that your new tile floor will be even and last for years. Also be aware of parts of the room that will require you to cut tiles. Thinking about this during the preparation stage will make the work more efficient during installation.

3. Find the center- The exact center of your floor is where you will begin laying the tile. First measure the center points of the walls of the room. Then stretch your chalk string from wall to wall, stretched from center point to center point. Now “snap” it down and it will leave chalk lines giving you an accurate center point of the floor.

4. Do a practice run- Lay tiles down without any adhesive. Use your spacers and make sure that you like the look and that the center has actually been found. A dry run is important because it easy to fix mistakes when you haven’t used any adhesive.

5. Install the tile- Once your floor is prepped, you know where center is and you have completed your practice run it is time to get started. You will be working on one small section at a time. Space out the section you will be working from (starting from the center of the room of course) and apply your chosen adhesive. Then carefully place tiles in straight lines. Use your spacers to help keep your floor uniform. Work quickly so that the adhesive dries against the back of the tiles, but don’t go so fast that you lay the floor unevenly. The corners of the tiles should be next to each other to obtain the look you want for your finished floor. When laying the tiles, place them in a downward motion in the place you want them to be. Do not slide them or wiggle them into place. Place them gently, apply some pressure to spread the adhesive and move on to the next tile.

6. Lay the grout- After you have installed the individual tiles, you will need to let the adhesive set. Your best bet is to let the tile set for 24 hours before you begin grouting.

1. Start by removing the spacers you put down during installation.
2. Next vacuum the crevices between the tiles to remove any excess dirt or pieces of flaked adhesive.
3. Next mix your grout according to the instructions.
4. Spread the grout evenly over the open portions between the tiles. Make sure you are using enough to completely fill the gaps. Like with the tile installation, work in one section at a time.
5. Once you have spread the grout, use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe any grout that may be on the tile itself. Do this right away so that the grout does not have time to dry. You only want grout in between tiles, not on top of them.
6. Look over the whole floor when you are done grouting to make sure you have been consistent in all areas. This will be the best time to fix mistakes because once the grout sets it is very difficult to fix mistakes.

Consulting with a professional is a good idea before you begin any home improvement project. We are available to provide tips for projects you decide to undertake yourself. We can also reduce your workload and do the installation for you, ensuring a professional finish.

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.

Remodeling a bathroom is one of the best ways to add function and value to a home. Whether you are an ambitious do-it-yourselfer ready to undertake a complete remodel, or prefer to let the pros handle it, knowing the right steps can make the process go more smoothly. Follow these simple steps to take your bathroom remodeling project from concept to reality.

1. Draw up a budget—and commit to it. Be realistic about the cost associated with a bathroom remodel. Replacing fixtures, flooring, and other materials can really cost you. Make a bathroom “wish list,” do some research on cost, and then decide on the scope of your project.
2. Consult the experts. Even if you plan to do the work yourself, talk to a licensed independent contractor and get an estimate for the work. He’ll be able to estimate how much labor is really involved and point out any items you may not have considered, such as replacing that ancient plumbing.
3. Check on permits. If a contractor is doing the remodeling, he should take care of all the permits for you. Avoid a contractor who says he is unable to pull permits, or asks you to pull your own permits. Putting the permits in your name makes you liable for any errors or damage, even if the contractor made the mistake.
4. Choose your new materials. Keeping your budget in mind, decide on a new look for the bathroom, and choose materials accordingly. While it’s important to consider current trends in home design, your family’s needs are just as important. If the bathroom will get lots of use, go for durable materials that are relatively easy to clean.
5. Do the demolition. For many people, this is the most exciting part of any renovation project. But be careful not to damage underlying plumbing, along with any materials, such as flooring, that may be sticking around after the remodeling.
6. Install the new fixtures. Put in the items that require plumbing first: the tub or shower; sink; and toilet. These should go in before any tile, so that tile can be cut properly to fit around it. It’s advisable to let a professional do this step, because some seemingly minor details—like the shower drain—can cause major problems if installed incorrectly.
7. Lay the tile and flooring. Laying tile is a painstaking process. Be sure to complete each step properly, carefully cutting tiles with a wet saw if necessary. Plan on a few broken or mis-cut tiles when purchasing supplies. Meanwhile, be sure to space tiles precisely and allow plenty of time for the adhesive to dry before applying grout.
8. Paint the walls. Some people recommend painting before installing new fixtures and tile, to avoid paint spills. But carefully painting around these items can save on paint and create a more finished look. It also prevents the need to touch up walls that get scratched or marred during other installations.
9. Put in new light fixtures. Choose fixtures that match the overall look and feel of the bathroom, but provide sufficient light for tasks like applying make-up and shaving. Consider adding spotlights in the shower or in other areas that might get dim.
10. Add those finishing details. Install crown molding, baseboards, and hardware. These touches make the bathroom look complete and polished. If you plan on eventually reselling the home, go for a clean, understated look that will appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers.

Remodeling a bathroom is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By working through the process one step at a time, anyone can create a beautiful bathroom.

A running toilet is more than just a minor annoyance—it’s also an expense. Caused by a leaky valve, the running means that extra water is constantly being cycled through the toilet, resulting in hefty water bills. But this home repair is easy and inexpensive to make, usually requiring no more than a quick trip to the hardware store and a $5.00 part.

What Causes a Running Toilet

A toilet tank contains a reservoir of water that cycles into the toilet bowl whenever the toilet is flushed. To maintain the proper level of water, the tank has a float and lever system to regulate flow. With each flush, a valve at the bottom of the tank opens up, releasing water into the toilet bowl. The tank begins to refill, and when the float reaches the right level, water stops flowing into the tank.

The valve’s rubber cover, called a flapper, can degrade or warp over time. Eventually the flapper no longer seals the valve tightly, and water can leak through into the bowl. Once this seal is compromised, water never stops flowing from the tank to the bowl, nor does it stop flowing into the tank. That constant flow creates the familiar running noise, along with the increased water bills.

How to Fix It

Repairing a running toilet is a simple procedure. Begin by turning off the water to the toilet: find the water shut-off handle, usually located near the toilet’s base, and turn it to stop water flow. Next, remove the old flapper valve. Take this with you to the hardware store, to ensure that you buy the right replacement part.

The new flapper valve should be relatively inexpensive and take less than ten minutes to install. Turn the water back on, and give the toilet a flush to test it out. Monitor both the toilet and the water bill, to make sure there are no other hidden problems. If the running persists, it’s probably time to contact a professional plumber.

Do-it-yourself home repair is both rewarding and cost effective, especially for easy projects like repairing a running toilet. Skip the expensive plumbing visit and repair it yourself.