Photo: todayshomeowner.com

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Listen to BOB VILA ON TOILET FLAPPERS or read the text below:

It’s time to stop the madness. Take off the tank cover, flush once, and watch the mechanism at work. A likely culprit is the flapper, the piece of rubber that stops the flow of water from the tank to the bowl. If dirt or debris is keeping it from closing completely, clear the obstruction. If the chain is so taut that the flapper can’t close, or so slack that it gets caught in the flapper, reposition the chain on the handle arm.

Flush again. If the flapper closes, but the toilet still runs after this cycle, push down firmly on the flapper. If this stops the running, your flapper is probably worn or torn and needs to be replaced.

To replace it, shut off the water to the tank, flush the tank to drain it, and unhook the flapper from the base of the overfill pipe. Note the make and model of your toilet and bring the old flapper with you to the hardware store to make sure you buy the right one.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on bathrooms, consider:

15 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Big
Bob Vila Radio: How To Replace a Shower Head
Helpful Hints for Cleaning Bathtubs

Bob Vila Radio: Toilet Flappers Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: lowes.com

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Listen to BOB VILA ON UNCLOGGING A TOILET or read the text below:

You’ll need a full-size plunger, an auger, a pair of rubber gloves, and a bucket. If your toilet is particularly tetchy, keep these supplies handy.

If the toilet is about to overflow or actually spilling over, shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet. Remove about half the water from the bowl. Insert the plunger, making sure there’s enough water to come halfway up the plunger cup, and start plunging. Keep a tight seal and plunge several times. If the water goes down, plunge once more just to be sure, turn the water supply back on, and try flushing the toilet.

If it’s still clogged, reach for the auger. Feed it into the drain, cranking clockwise, until it tightens on the clog. Reverse a bit then continue as far down as possible. Pull it all up at once and remove any debris. Plunge once more for good measure, and flush several times. Now you—and your guests—should be good to go!

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on bathrooms, consider:

Low-Flow Toilets
Quick Tip: Replace a Toilet
Bob Vila Radio: How to Replace a Shower Head

Bob Vila Radio: Unclogging a Toilet Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: abcorefinishingservices.com

Want to replace your vintage cast iron bathtub? You may be surprised that a comparable antique tub, or even a period-style reproduction, can easily cost thousands of dollars.

Sure, $30 will get you a refinishing kit at the local home improvement center. But while that may sound like a deal too good to pass up, understand that bathtub refinishing is no modest undertaking.

Related: Soak Up the Luxury: 11 Free-Standing Tubs

However, if you possess the requisite skills, feel comfortable working with chemicals, and are able to commit the time it takes to accomplish the task, you can transform your old stained bathtub into a new version of itself within one weekend.

Here are some important considerations to bear in mind:

Calculate the True Cost
Check to see what is included in your refinishing kit. If it comes with paint and only paint, then you will have to purchase other essential project materials separately. These include but are not limited to painting tools (brush, roller, painter’s tape), protective gear (rubber gloves, eye wear, respirator), and cleaning supplies (drop cloths, mineral spirits, chemical cleaning agents). While it’s possible to achieve a satisfying finish with a brush and roller, a paint sprayer will provide the most most professional-looking result.

Photo: TPopovitch

Understand the Project Scope
Like any do-it-yourself project, bathtub refinishing involves an order of operations. As a first step, rid your tub of scum or soap residue, and be sure that chipped or pitted areas are filled with putty and sanded. Also, remove the drain cover, lever plate, and caulking around the tub’s edge. Since you will be working with chemicals, wear adequate protective gear and keep the room well-ventilated throughout the process. Allow sufficient dry time between each application, and remember that once the project is complete, you won’t be able to use the tub for three to five days—something to think about if it’s your home’s only bath.

Related: SPA-oritize Your Home Bath

Prepare for the Unexpected
You never know when a straightforward bathtub refinishing job can turn into an elaborate bathroom overhaul. When I removed the old caulking around the tub in my own 1918 bathroom, I found hidden areas of damp in the walls. We had already planned to install new walls in the house, just not immediately. Needless to say, our priorities changed after this discovery. Indeed, older homes are full of surprises, so be ready for anything.

Photo: allsurfacerenew.com

Consult a Professional
If you would rather not do the work yourself, professional bathtub refinishing may be an option worth pursuing, depending on where you live and how much you can spend. In your search for a local refinisher, don’t forget to ask whether additional expenses (e.g., travel) are counted in the estimate. You can expect to pay between $300 and $650, according to the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association.

For more on bathrooms, consider:

Helpful Hints for Cleaning Bathtubs
Nate Berkus on Updating a Dated Bath 
7 Easy Ways to Boost Bathroom Storage

Top Tips for Refinishing a Bathtub Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: shutterstock.com

There is nothing like a long, leisurely soak in a luxurious hot bath to soothe away the stresses of the day—that is, unless your dirty tub is one of the things that you’re stressed about!

Bathtubs seem to be magnets for soap scum, mildew, and grime, not to mention stubborn stains. We all know that a dirty or stained tub makes the whole bathroom feel grungy. Luckily, with just a few simple household ingredients and the following helpful hints, you can keep any tub sparkling clean:

• Diligence is the key. After bathing, rinse the tub with clean, warm water and wipe off excess moisture with a squeegee, microfiber cloth, or soft sponge.

• For a deeper clean, pull out the green-cleaning standby, white vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with a half-and-half solution of vinegar and warm water. Spray the tub surface, let stand for 15 minutes, then wipe with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water and wipe again.

• For heavier dirt or mild stains, sprinkle the tub with baking soda and spray on the vinegar-and-water solution. Let the mixture bubble for several minutes, then scrub with a soft cloth or sponge until a paste forms. Let the paste sit for 15 minutes, then wipe and rinse. If you have hard water stains, dip paper towels in full-strength white vinegar and put the soaked paper towels on the stains. Let stand for one to two hours, then scrub with the baking soda and vinegar paste before rinsing clean.

Related: How To: Clean EVERYTHING

Photo: DIYgreen.com

• To remove tougher stains, make a paste of one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts baking soda (or cream of tartar). Rub the paste on the stain and let stand for 30 minutes to one hour, then wipe and rinse. If necessary, repeat until the stain is gone.

• Rust stains can be treated with a paste of borax powder and lemon juice. Sprinkle the stains with borax and use the cut half of a lemon to rub the stain until a paste forms. Let the paste stand for 15 to 30 minutes, then wipe and rinse.

There are a wide variety of commercial cleansers available to clean bathtubs. Some of the more popular ones include Scrubbing Bubbles, OxiClean, Clorox Clean-Up and Clorex OxiMagic. Commercial stain removers include Lime-A-Way and CLR Cleaner. Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Some additional things to keep in mind:

• Avoid using steel wool or extremely abrasive brushes and scouring powders, as these products will scratch the surface.

• Never mix cleaning products! Certain combinations of chemicals—chlorine bleach and ammonia, for example—can create toxic fumes or burn your skin.

• When using chemicals, always make sure the area is well-ventilated. Protect your skin by wearing rubber gloves.

• Hydrogen peroxide and bleach will discolor fabrics, so be sure to wear old clothes when using any products containing these chemicals.

• Wipe and rinse away cleaning products to make sure that they do not leave any residue in the tub.

Again, taking a proactive approach—rinsing and wiping down the tub after bathing—is the best way to prevent dirt, grime, soap scum and stains from ruining your otherwise relaxing soak.

For more on cleaning, consider:

How To: Clean Grout
The Easiest Way to Clean Shower Doors
7 Surprising Pantry Items Naturally Clean and Freshen Your Home

Helpful Hints for Cleaning Bathtubs Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Delta's Cassidy Faucet

In the overall scheme of a bathroom, the sink faucet might seem like an incidental detail, but its design can set the tone for the whole space. If it’s been a while since you last shopped for a faucet, you’ll be amazed by the broad range of styles, finishes, and state-of-the-art functions available today.

Related: Bob Vila’s “April Showers” Give-Away

Buying only one from a field of so many options may seem daunting. Allison McKinney, a product manager at Delta Faucets, says that “the three main considerations when choosing a new faucet are style, function, and fit.” Indeed, zeroing in on these criteria helps simplify the selection process.

STYLE
Are you updating an old sink or planning a complete bathroom remodel? If you’re focusing on the sink, your choices will be somewhat limited, since the faucet will need to fit into the existing setup (ideally, it will coordinate with other fixtures in the room). If you are redoing the entire room, all avenues are open. Curvy or sleek, one handle or two, there are truly styles to fit any taste.

Once you’ve honed in on a silhouette you like, next you will need to decide on a finish. Do you prefer traditional chrome or something a little unexpected, such as old-rubbed bronze? McKinney reminds renovators: No matter what shape and finish you love, be sure the faucet has matching tub and shower fixtures so that you can complete the whole room.

FUNCTION
If you want a faucet with no bells and whistles, take your pick—there’s no shortage on the market. But a lot has changed in faucet technology over the past decade, so you may find it worthwhile, not to mention fun, to see what’s out there.

Popular now are hands-free designs that use motion sensors to turn on and off automatically. (These are a great option for households with young children who tend to leave the water running.) Or maybe a luxurious waterfall flow is just what you’ve dreamed about for your new master bath.

Before visiting a showroom, consider your lifestyle and the amount of use the new faucet is likely to receive. A more decorative style better suits a powder room used mainly by guests, while your high-traffic kids bath may warrant a sturdier choice.

FIT
Whereas style and function are often a matter of personal taste, “fit” is the technical part of the equation that will be of particular importance if you are replacing the faucet on an existing sink.

The basic sink configurations and their associated faucet types are:

• Single-hole sinks fit either single-handled or smaller two-handled faucets.
• Centerset (also called mini-widespread) sinks feature three holes drilled within four inches and accommodate single-handled desins or two-handled faucets mounted on a plate or escutcheon.
• Widespread sinks, which have three separate holes at least eight inches apart, accept larger two-handled designs.

Wall-mounted designs are also available. If replacing an old faucet, be sure to bring a picture and dimensions of your sink to a showroom.

Delta's Victorian Faucet

BUDGET
Prices vary from about $50 to more than $500, depending on style, finish, and technology. Have a budget in mind before you begin your search and realize that to get the look you want, it may be necessary to compromise. Affording a hands-free design, for instance, may mean opting for a less expensive finish.

Related: 12 “Decorator Worthy” Bathroom Vanities

Inquire how the finish on a faucet was applied, as this usually affects price. So-called PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating is extremely durable but costs more. Also, note that warranties on faucets (for both finishes and inner valve construction) are usually worthwhile.

BEFORE YOU SHOP
Before you begin your search, take a picture of the sink you plan to update, jotting down its dimensions and hole configurations. Or if you’re renovating the space in its entirety, collect pictures of dream bathrooms and fixtures to develop a sense of what you like. Installing the faucet yourself? Ask which models have the greatest ease of installation. “Bring all the information you can with you to the showroom, so there are no surprises when you get there,” McKinney concludes.

For more on bathrooms, consider:

Delta Innovation: Then and Now
5 Simple Ways to Modernize Your Bath
Bathroom Sinks That Rise Above the Rest

How To: Choose a New Bathroom Faucet Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: orrplumbing.com

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Listen to BOB VILA ON HOW TO REPLACE A SHOWER HEAD or read the text below:

For this job, you need only the new shower head, a wrench, a soft cloth, and some teflon tape. Turn off the water at the faucets, then use the wrench to take off the old shower head. Lefty-loosey: turn the wrench counter-clockwise.

Depending on how long the old shower head has been in place, it could take some elbow grease to get it off. Be firm but don’t force it. And don’t throw it away until the new shower head is installed and working.

Wipe off the threads to get rid of any dirt, grime, or old pieces of string or tape. Then wrap the threads with new teflon tape in a clockwise motion and screw on the new shower head. If you need to tighten it with the wrench, be sure to cover it with a soft cloth to prevent scratches, and only give it a quarter turn. Then turn on the faucet and check for drips – you’re done!

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on showers, consider:

Take Your Showers Outdoors
Replacing Faucets
The Easiest Way to Clean Shower Doors

Bob Vila Radio: How to Replace a Shower Head Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: Kohler

It’s always a challenge to clean shower doors, but that doesn’t mean you have to use powerful cleansers made with ammonia, bleach, and other harsh chemicals. Without much trouble, you can effectively clean shower doors in ways that are much safer for your family.

Photo: thekitchn.com

Jill Schoff, author of Green Up Your Cleanup, recommends using a mixture of baking soda and water. Combine the two in a wide-mouth container, using just enough water to form a thick paste. Rub the paste on shower doors with either your hand or a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse with vinegar. “The paste works amazingly well—better than any commercial cleaner I’ve ever used,” says Schoff.

Related: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for Your Home

If your shower doors slide, don’t forget to clean the metal tracks that the doors run along. According to Schoff, this part of the process couldn’t be simpler, just “plug the drain holes with a bit of paper towel, fill the track with vinegar, and let sit overnight.”

Photo: askville.amazon.com

Prevent soap scum and mold buildup by using a squeegee, sponge, or absorbent towel on the doors and walls of the enclosure after every shower. Doing so helps remove residue before it hardens, while also eliminating the moisture that mold and mildew need in order to thrive. “If you use a sponge or towel, be sure to wring it well and allow it to dry completely between uses,” says Schoff, who adds, “Launder the towel or throw the sponge in the dishwasher to disinfect.”

If you can get your family to adopt this regime, it won’t be necessary to clean shower doors often, only to shine things up occasionally by spraying with a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water.

For more on cleaning, consider:

Top Tips for Cleaning Grout Lines
How To: Clean Stainless Steel
HHow to Clean Vinyl Flooring

The Easiest Way to Clean Shower Doors Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: interi0r-design.net

Without a major renovation, it might not be possible to create the minimalist, modern bath of your dreams, but you can get pretty darn close by making these low-effort, big-impact changes.

 

1. Go Tankless

Photo: chictip.com

Ditch the traditional floor-mount toilet in favor of a model that mimics the look of a tankless wall-mount. DIY the installation of Geberit’s Monolith using a pencil, drill, hand saw, file, screwdriver, and caulk—that’s all you need! No expensive new plumbing required.

2. Hang It

Photo: Kontextür

Available in red, white, or black as part of Kontextür’s Hanging Line collection, silicone bands are an innovative method of hanging bath towels and toilet tissue in a visually interesting, lightweight way.

3.  Mirror, Mirror

Photo: Restoration Hardware

Install a surface-mount medicine cabinet to gain storage and achieve clutter-free look. Shown here in a white, powder coat finish, the Pharmacy cabinet from Restoration Hardware boasts an appealing combination of modern lines and classic details.

4.  Quick Change

Photo: American Standard

American Standard has simplified what used to be so very uncomfortable and time-consuming: faucet replacement. An avid DIYer using the Speed Connect system is able to complete a switch-out in no time, making it easier than ever to match the faucet to other modern touches around the room.

5. Lighten Up

Photo: Rejuvenation

An inconspicuous porcelain light fixture finished with a mirrored incandescent bulb is the ultimate minimalist statement. The Hannah fixture by Rejuvenation is clean, simple, and elegant.

For more on bathroom remodeling, consider:

15 Ways to Create a Spa Bath at Home
Nate Berkus on Updating a Dated Bath
9 Designer Tips to Maximize Small Bathroom Design

5 Simple Ways to Modernize Your Bath Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Harbor Breeze bathroom fan in brushed nickel with light from Lowes.

Indoor air quality can be problematic at any time of year, but it is especially a concern during the winter months when all of the windows are sealed up tight…and nowhere is this more evident than in the bathroom. Stale air, humidity, mold, mildew and—to put it delicately—foul odors can wreak havoc with your indoor environment. The solution: install a bathroom exhaust fan.

Bathroom exhaust fans typically come in one of three styles: ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted or inline/remote. Ceiling-mounted fans are installed in the ceiling and vent into the attic or out through the roof. Wall-mounted fans are mounted on the external wall of the house and generally are used when there is no practical way to vent through the roof; for example, a first-floor bathroom. Inline fans, also known as remote fans, have a fan unit located in a remote location such as the attic; ductwork connects the fan to an opening in the bathroom ceiling covered by a grill. Inline fans are often used when a homeowner wishes to use one fan to vent multiple bathrooms, or to have multiple vents in one large bathroom.

Craftmade two-light ventilation bathroom fan at lightinguniverse.com

A bathroom exhaust fan is a key component to preventing humidity and moisture buildup, which can damage paint and also lead to the growth of mold and mildew. The Home Ventilating Institute recommends that every bathroom have an adequate ventilation system that changes the air eight times an hour. According to HVI, an easy approximation is to provide one cubic foot per minute (CFM) per square foot of bathroom, or a minimum of 50 CFM. So, if your bathroom measures 10 feet by 8 feet, for instance, you have 80 square feet and will want a fan rated for at least 80 CFM. For bathrooms larger than 100 square feet (10-by-10) The Institute also suggests adding 50 CFM for each toilet, shower and bathtub; and adding 100 CFM for a whirlpool tub.

Once you ascertain the proper air rating, there are several other factors to consider, including noise level. Bathroom fan noise levels are measured in sones, with a higher number of sones equating to a louder fan. The HVI recommends fans with a noise level of 1.0 sones or less; there are numerous models available with ratings as low as .03 sones.

Broan Polymeric White Bathroom Fan with Heater and Light at Lowes.

Energy efficiency is also a consideration: Energy Star-rated bathroom fans use 20% less energy than minimum federal guidelines. Many bathroom fans also come with an on/off timer, to save electricity; humidity sensors, which cause the fan to turn on only when moisture is present; or motion sensors, which turn the fan off automatically once someone leaves the room.

Features and aesthetics also come into play when choosing a bathroom exhaust fan. In one of our bathrooms, for instance, we installed a fan/light combination with a nightlight option; in another bathroom, we installed a fan/light combination with an accessory heater (which makes it particularly nice to step out of the shower!) There are also various styles from which to choose, including contemporary, traditional and industrial looks.

Installing a bathroom exhaust fan is well within the reach of most do-it-yourselfers, although there are some considerations to take into account before you begin: if this is a new installation, you may have to run electrical wiring and ductwork in your attic. If you are replacing an existing fan, or replacing an existing light with a fan/light combination, you need to make sure your existing wiring can handle the additional load. And, as with most home improvement projects, make sure to check on your local building codes before you start work, to ensure that you are in full compliance with local regulations.

For more on fans, consider:

How to: Install a Ceiling Fan
Venting a Bathroom Fan through the Roof
Winter Ceiling Fans

How To: Choose an Exhaust Fan Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: accessiblehomesnj.com

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Listen to BOB VILA ON BARRIER-FREE SHOWERS or read the text below:

A barrier-free shower is one that has no threshold, so it’s easy to step, shuffle, or wheel yourself in and out. With some of the new vertical-drain products coming out now, these installations are both easy and stylish. Water drains through a perforated metal strip into a hidden trough, which channels water back toward the drain so it doesn’t get all over the bathroom floor.

For between one and two thousand dollars, you can get a shower base with the integrated drain all in one piece, saving a lot of prep. A universally-designed bathroom doesn’t have to scream “nursing home” or “hospital”. You can include wider doorways, lever-handled, rather than twist-handled faucets, and grab bars that are disguised as shower shelves or toilet paper holders without calling attention to their purpose.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more bathrooms, consider:

Creating a Personalized Shower
How to Install a Faucet
Bathroom Remodeling 101

Bob Vila Radio: Barrier-Free Showers Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com