"Repairman, Juan, did an awesome job of repairing my toilet. He was very polite and pleasant to be around. I would highly recommend Juan from Home Defense Plumbing. He was awesome!!!!"
We're a locally owned and operated company with over 22 years of industry experience. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of Home Improvement services that are customizable to each individual project. We specialize in handyman/carpentry work and a variety of related service and repair projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!
Basement toilets don’t always need a pump. However, it is the most common setup because plumbing systems use gravity to move waste away from the home. Basement toilets often sit below the home’s main sewage system, and installing a sewage ejector pump pushes the wastewater and sewage up to the main sewer line. Alternatively, you can use an upflush or macerator toilet that breaks down the waste and pushes it straight to the main sewer line rather than via a sewer line from the bathroom.
Some older homes have toilets in the basement to combat sewage backups. This type of toilet, also known as a Pittsburgh potty, acted as a safety valve over the incoming sewer line. If a line backed up, it would back up into the toilet because it was the lowest fixture in the home, keeping it out of sight and away from the finished areas of the house.
Basement toilets were also used by workers with messy jobs, like those who worked in coal mines or steel mills. This way, they could clean up and avoid tracking dirt through their home.
You definitely can over-tighten toilet tank bolts. Unlike some other materials, porcelain can’t bend or flex, so when you over-tighten a screw into it, it could break against the added pressure. Only tighten them as much as needed to keep them in place and firm; any more and you could risk breaking the porcelain.
While you don’t have to run out and immediately buy a new toilet at the first sign of a clog, if the toilet keeps clogging because it’s a low-flow or poorly designed model, a new toilet may be the way to go. If your toilet keeps clogging, you can try using less toilet paper, adjusting the fill valve, checking the toilet vent pipe on the roof, and using a toilet auger to make sure nothing is stuck in the pipe or trap.
It is okay to use a drain auger on a toilet, just make sure you are using the correct tip size. The auger is a plumbing snake with a protective sleeve to protect the porcelain toilet bowl from getting scratched. Using too large of an auger can cause the snake to loop back and damage the inside of the drain and plumbing.
The Spalding, NE homeowners’ guide to toilet services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Everyone can relate to having toilet issues—we’ve all been there. There are several reasons why your toilet might need repairs, and the cost varies based on the damage.
Toilets are a mainstay of American bathrooms, but is it time for a bidet? Before you decide, here’s everything you need to know about bidets versus toilets.
Remodeling a bathroom? Toilet dimensions matter more than you think. This guide will tell you everything you need to know—from seat height to clearance.
Before purchasing and installing a new toilet, you need to know the toilet rough-in measurement to ensure proper integration. Here’s how to get it done.
Understanding the types of toilets you can install in your bathroom is essential. You don’t have to stick to traditional two-piece gravity-flush toilets.