Tag: toilet

5 Benefits of Buying a Low Flow Toilet

Nov 08, 2019

5 Benefits of Buying a Low Flow Toilet

  • bathroom remodeling
low flow toilet in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

In the early ’90s, the American government responded to water conservation concerns by requiring all newly-made toilets to be low flow toilets. These new toilets used less water per flush, but the original versions were weaker than conventional toilets and sometimes required multiple flushes for solid waste. However, modern low flush models are stronger and are a good choice for any home. If your home has an older toilet, we can tell you why you should switch out to a new low flow toilet.

Here are five reasons you should switch to using a low flow toilet:

 

Save money

Older toilet models use about 3.4 gallons of water every time you flush. However, low flow toilets use about half of that amount, resulting in a savings of about 1.6 gallons per flush. Lowering your water usage by getting one of these toilets is certain to help you save on your water bills.

 

Save space

Do you not have enough space in your bathroom? Because low flow toilets use less water, they tend to have smaller tanks than older models. This means you can get some extra space if you switch out to a low flow model. Also, if you happen to have DIY skills, it’s easier to install a smaller toilet yourself.

 

Out with the old

Do you remember the low flow toilet mandate we mentioned in the intro? That was introduced in 1994. If your home’s toilets aren’t low flow models, they’re very likely to break from old age soon. Get yourself a low flow model and avoid having to deal with a broken toilet.

 

Environmentally friendly

Low flow toilets owe their popularity to a growing concern for water conservation. As mentioned before, low flow models use 1.6 gallons per flush compared to the traditional 3.4. Because of this, there’s more water for other applications, such as sustainable farming. Committing to saving energy and water can help improve your local community for years to come!

 

Get a rebate

Thanks to low flow toilets, water treatment plants have to treat less sewage. Along with their decreased water usage, this makes low flow toilets something water management companies want people to use. Many water management companies may have rebates or special offers if you replace your old toilet with a modern low flow model. Ask your local water company to see if you might qualify for any special offers.

 

Why call McHale’s KBA to handle my bathroom remodeling work?

At McHale’s Kitchen and Bath, our goal for every job is for you to enjoy your investment. Almost 70 years of experience have taught us that remodeling is a process, not a product. While any contractor can sell you a product, we sell you a seamless remodeling project. Our professional workers will complete your dream remodeling without making your home look like a construction site. Call McHale’s Kitchen and Bath today to learn more about remodeling your bathroom or kitchen!

By Michelle Fadeley

6 Signs It’s Time For A Toilet Replacement in Pennsylvania

Aug 30, 2019

6 Signs It’s Time For A Toilet Replacement in Pennsylvania

  • bathroom remodeling
toilet replacement in Pennsylvania by McHales KBA

Your bathroom’s toilet can run for a long time if you keep it properly maintained. However, you’ll eventually find a problem that can’t easily be fixed or find a problem too late to fix it. If that’s the case, you’ll want to call McHale’s KBA to get a toilet replacement for your Pennsylvania home. However, you’ll have to be able to tell when you need to call for a replacement. If you can’t tell when you need to replace it, you might wind up breaking your toilet and causing some major water damage.

Here are six signs you should schedule a toilet replacement for your Pennsylvania home:

 

Frequent repairs

As appliances and fixtures get older, they tend to require more repairs to keep them operational. Repairing your toilet often will result in the bills adding up. Eventually, it’ll be cheaper to just go out and get a new toilet. Next time you call to get an older toilet fixed, ask about whether getting a new toilet would be more viable.

 

Old age

As mentioned above, older toilets often require more repair work to keep running. However, older toilets also are likely to not be as water-efficient as newer models. Buying a newer toilet model can help you save money on your water bills as well as saving the environment.

 

Surface damage

As toilets get older and are scrubbed during cleaning, they tend to accumulate a variety of scratches. As well as being unattractive, scratches make it harder to keep your toilet clean. If you find yourself cleaning your toilet too often or just want an aesthetic change, call us about getting a new toilet.

 

Wobbling

A wobbly toilet is a sign of either a minor problem or a major problem. At best, you could have some screws loose that can easily be tightened by a plumber. On the other hand, the floor beneath the toilet might be damaged or rotting due to water. Either way, you should call a plumber in case it’s something serious.

 

Mineral deposits

Homeowners who have to deal with hard water may find mineral buildups on their toilets and other plumbing. For a toilet, minerals can accumulate in the inlet holes or siphon tube, preventing water from flowing effectively. If you’re lucky, you can chip away at the blockage and keep your toilet working. Otherwise, you might need to buy a new model. If you have hard water and want to avoid this issue, consider purchasing a water softener for your home.

 

Inefficient flushing

Are you an environmentally aware homeowner who keeps careful stock of their resource usage? If you are, you might want to consider getting a new toilet to save on water. When it comes to modern models, your average toilet uses three to five gallons per flush and low-flush models only use around two. If you’re looking to help save water, try getting a new toilet to replace your old model.

 

What makes McHale’s KBA my best choice for bathroom remodeling?

We have award-winning Certified Kitchen Designers by The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) & The National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI) on staff. We’ll come to your home and give you a complimentary design consultation. Next, we set up an appointment in our state of the art showroom. We have a diverse selection of good, better and best products to fit every budget. Our interior designers will help you choose all the materials in our unique design center. You can see your products in the same light that is in your home. Our design center has fluorescent, halogen, LED, general, task, hi-hats, under cabinets & natural sunlight. Different types of lighting make a big difference in how your home looks. You’ll see the color and texture of your cabinets and tile change under different lighting styles. After your showroom experience, you’ll never say “that’s not what it looked like in your showroom”. We help you visualize your project with computer-aided designs. Call McHale’s KBA to learn more about how we can help you with a toilet replacement in Pennsylvania!

By Michelle Fadeley

Why Is My Toilet Not Flushing?

Jan 31, 2019

Why Is My Toilet Not Flushing?

  • bathroom remodeling
a toilet not flushing shouldn't slow you down

Of all the things that can go wrong with your plumbing in Bucks County, one of the most frustrating is a toilet that does not flush properly. Problems with flushing range from no flush at all to continuous “running” after the flush. Here at McHales Kitchen and Bath Remodeling, we want to break down the common culprits when it comes to an improperly flushing toilet. 

 

Not Flushing At All

If nothing happens when you press down the flusher, there are two common problems that may be happening inside your toilet. The first is that the tank may not have enough water in it. Without enough water, the tank will not flush. The valve for this is usually just behind your toilet, so ensure that it is open and the float inside the tank is unobstructed. The second most common problem with no flush at all is the chain connecting the flapper is loose or disconnected. If the chain is too loose, it will not activate the flush. Open the tank and ensure there is tension between the chain and your flusher handle.

 

Bowl Does Not Empty

When you press the flusher, it should lift the flapper in your tank allowing water to rush quickly into the bowl for a smooth flush. When your toilet bowl does not empty all the way, this can be the sign of a couple different issues. One may be that the pipes are clogged. This can be solved by plunging it yourself or snaking the pipes by a professional. If you have snaked and plunged your toilet and are still experiencing slow flushes, it can be the chain. If the chain is too loose, it may be lifting the flapper slowly when you pull it. This slow release does not give the water the momentum it needs to flush the bowl quickly.

 

Continuous Flushing

Perhaps the most annoying problem of all is when the toilet continuously “runs” after you’ve flushed it. That running water sound is not only annoying, but it’s also wasting water. When the flapper lifts to let the water into the bowl, it should seal tightly over the drain once the flush is complete. If the flapper is bent or warped, it will not seal properly which allows a slow stream of water to trickle into the bowl. That is the culprit for the running water noises. The flapper should be replaced if you hear that noise for extended periods of time after each flush.

 

Why Choose McHales Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

If your toilet is struggling to keep up with your family’s needs, then perhaps upgrading may be the solution. The expert bathroom remodeling team at McHales Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling can assist you in choosing and installing the right toilet for your needs. We have been in business since 1950, providing the highest quality services to Bucks County and the surrounding areas.

By Michelle Fadeley