Get matched with top toilet pros in Ellerbe, NC

No, the pink ring in your toilet bowl isn’t a hard water stain but a type of bacteria called Serratia marcescens. This bacteria can also cause pinkish stains in other areas of your bathroom, like around your tub, shower curtains, and faucets. Thankfully, it’s considered to be harmless. However, if you or anyone in your household is immunocompromised, it can cause issues like urinary tract infections. You can clean the pink ring with bleach and a plastic brush. Wear gloves and goggles when using bleach, and always work in a well-ventilated room.

Replacing a toilet typically takes two to four hours. Several factors can impact this timeline, including the condition of the old toilet, flange, flooring, and pipes. If a professional discovers issues like a cracked flange, damaged flooring, leaky pipes, or a broken wax ring, the installation will take longer. Additionally, some toilets, such as wall-mounted or in-wall-tank models, are more complex to install and may require cutting into and repairing drywall, which adds to the project time. Given the weight of toilets and the importance of proper placement, it is often best to hire a professional for the job.

Yes, an ambitious homeowner could decide to replace their own toilet. A person attempting to do a DIY toilet installation should keep in mind that the average toilet weighs between 100 and 120 pounds. That means that you'll need to be comfortable lifting and carrying your old toilet and replacement toilet during both phases of the project. Additionally, homeowners will need to have basic plumbing knowledge to avoid plumbing problems that could result in messy, expensive water damage in their bathrooms. Hiring a plumbing pro from the get-go can help you avoid damaging your plumbing or your new toilet.

Start by gutting the old fixtures and features that need to be removed, such as the tile, vanity, and flooring. You may benefit by removing the toilet, even if you intend to use the same one. Next, install the new shower or tub, followed by the flooring, and then the drywall, which you should then paint. After that, install your new cabinets, vanity, countertop, sink, and faucet, in that order. Replace your light fixture next. Lastly, reconnect the toilet.