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Message |
    
jrbell
Citizen
Username: Jrbell
Post Number: 16
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, December 4, 2003 - 5:23 pm: |     |
Want to make sure I'm not getting in over my head here...
We're renovating our kitchen, but the powder room was out of scope b/c of cost. The problem is that the powder room is full of beautiful burnt rose and peach tile. A little too overpowering. We're thinking that replacing the WC and lavatory with white fixtures could lighten up the room a bit.
Is this a job for an eager, if inexperienced DIY-er? Any tips on places (websites) to go for good prices on new fixtures? Any advice on brands to use? My wife and I both prefer the round front toilets... are we crazy? |
jgberkeley
Supporter
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 3364
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 4, 2003 - 6:10 pm: | |
This is a rather easy DIY effort.
Trick. Measure from the back wall to where the sewer hole is on your current unit. This is called the setback.
Older W/C are 14" and newer ones 12". If you buy the wrong unit the tank will not rest against the wall and you will have a 2" gap. You can fill it in with a wood filler, but it is better to buy the correct size fixture.
Last trick. Be gentle when tighting the bolts. Snug will often do fine. The when the water is on and the tank filled, re-snug to stop water leaks. Get too heavy handed and you will break the fixture.
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3983
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 5, 2003 - 4:58 am: | |
Also, if your powder room is small, as many here are, be careful that the new toilet fits. This might not be the place to put an oval bowl and still close the door, although this doesn't seem to be an issue with you. 
When replacing a vanity or sink, make sure the new unit covers at least a much wall area as the old one because the area behind the existing fixture may be damaged or not tiled. You are going to have to replace the drain system and the supply tubes, both of which are easily available at home centers. Master Plumber will shudder I am sure but plastic for the waste is easier to work with than metal. Also braided supply tubes are easier to instal than copper.
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Richard O'Connor
Citizen
Username: Roconn
Post Number: 18
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, December 5, 2003 - 7:16 am: | |
Yes, this is very much an easy do it yourself process. I did the powder room in my home (it was the first project after I bought, and I had no problems with setbacks or any of the other things. Additonally, although they cost a bit more, if you have the 'old' 14" setback (I didn't) they make adapters and toilets for them that adjust for it.
Richard |
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