DIY Network

Plumbing and Walls From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-401F

Host Lynda Lyday answers a question concerning a toilet that has lost its power.

Hosts Brad Staggs and Lynda Lyday jump right into plumbing how-to and continue right through your questions concerning walls.

Toilet Losing Power

Problem: The toilet is losing power and won't send waste down to the sewer line.

Solution:

• The problem is probably not the vent stack or the water would move out easily.

• The siphon jet could be clogged.

• A crack in the toilet is the most likely answer. The siphon jet can't do its job. You'll need to remove the toilet because the bowl is not functioning properly. You may be able to get just a new bowl.

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Scalding Shower Water

Problem: When someone is taking a shower and someone else flushes the toilet, the person in the shower gets scalded. How do you install a bathroom regulator?

Solution:

• If you have a duel-handle system, you'll need to buy an anti-scalding valve that can be installed in the wall to combine the water.

• You can also buy an anti-scalding device for your showerhead.

Tips:

• An area to check and clean if your toilet if flushing slowly is the flush jet. It's a small hole about the size of a finger in the bottom of the bowl. Poke a stiff wire or ice pick into the hole to clear out any hard-water deposits.

• If you have a drain in your home that you rarely use, be sure to pour some water down it at least once a month. This will keep it clear and flowing for when you do need it.
  
  
• To keep your toilet tank lid from moving every time it's bumped, put a bead of silicone around the top and let it dry. This should keep the lid from slipping.

Figure A -- P-Trap

Fixing a Broken P-Trap

Problem: We have a stinky drain on our shower. Once the water goes down it give off a bad smell. We've tried everything. What can we do?

Solution: A P-trap (figure A) is what is supposed to prevent smells from coming up, but if the pipe is closed it comes up through the drain. Check to make sure the pipe is open.

Relocating a Toilet

Problem: We want to relocate our toilet just a few inches from its existing positon.

Solution:

• You could build a platform and use an extender.

• If you don't want a platform, cut the pipes out of concrete.

• Be sure to vent properly.

Using Venetian Plaster on a Wall

Problem: A caller wants to know how to use Venetian wall plaster.

Solution:

• You can purchase a Venetian plaster wall treatment product from any home store.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding moisture when using in a bathroom.

• Apply using a skip trowel motion, covering approximately 70 percent of the area.

• After drying, repeat for two more coats.

• When applying in a bathroom, apply a Venetian glaze sealer.

• Burnish with a trowel to bring out the color.

Figure B

Removing Wall Texture

Problem: A caller wants to know the easiest way to remove texture from a wall (figure B).

Solution:

• Knock off the tips with a trowel or putty knife.

• Spray area with water, using a garden sprayer.

• After sitting, use a putty knife to remove the softened texture.

• You may need to add a skim coat over damaged areas of the drywall.

Wall Tip: Here's a way to prevent pictures from scratching the walls. Clean the frame so it's dust free and place a button-size dollop of bathroom caulk on the back. Let it dry for two hours and re-hang the picture.

Painting Over Paneling

Problem: A caller wants to know how to paint over paneling.

Solution:

• Look behind the paneling, and if there is drywall behind it -- remove the paneling.

• If you decide to panel over, fill the grooves with joint compound.

• Sand with a 100- or 200-grit sandpaper to achieve the proper smoothness.

• Apply heavy-bodied texture wallpaper or textured paint.

Installing a Wall Niche

Problem: A caller wants to know how to install a wall niche.

Solution:

• A niche can only be as deep as the wall itself.

  
  

• Cut out desired area and frame with 2 x 4's.

  
  

• Apply drywall and corner bead with adhesive.

  
  

• Install paper or mesh tape on the back of the wall.

  
  

• Apply joint compound and paint.

  
  

• For an easier version, ready-made niches are available -- no framing required.

Wall Tip: To remove tape from a wall where a poster has hung, set an iron on the low setting, put a towel between the iron and the wall -- and iron over the spot. The tape should peel right off.

Hanging Drywall

Problem: A voicemail caller wanted to know the pros and cons of hanging drywall vertical or horizontal.

Solution:

• There's no right answer -- everyone does it differently.

  
  

• It's easier for one person to install them vertically, but vertical seams are more noticeable.

  
  

• There's more square footage of seams when hung vertically.

  
  

• When installing horizontally, use a ledger strip to support the drywall and to have less noticeable seams.

Sheetrock Tip: When patching a medium-size hole in sheetrock, expandable foam in a spray can works well. Pump it in, let it harden and shave it off. Then patch it with drywall mudd or plaster.

Vented Versus Ventless Fireplace

Problem: On this "wildcard" question, Brad and Lynda, along with fireplace expert Tim Rethlake, deal with a question concerning vented vs. ventless fireplace.

Solution:

• Vented -- Everything is vented into and out of the home via a vent in the back of the unit.

• Ventless (room vented) -- The exhaust comes back into the room. The single largest by-product of gas is watervapor, therefore, if the home is new or of extremely tight construction, this excess moisture can show up as mold or mildew. Pay close attention to installation and usage instructions.

• Check building codes to see if you can have a room-vented fireplace in your home.

Fireplace Vent

Ventless Fireplace

RESOURCES :

AntiScald, Inc.
70-40 137th St.
Flushing, NY 11367
Phone: 718-268-7126
Website: www.antiscald.com

Moen
750 Northgate Pkwy.
Wheeling, IL 60090
Toll-free: 800-BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636)
Website: www.moen.com

Style Solutions
We apologize no contact information is available.

Gas Products Supply, Inc.
4917 Ball Rd.
Knoxville, TN 37931
Toll-free: 877-250-4734
Phone: 865-691-5366
Fax: 865-691-5367
Website: www.gasproductsinc.com

Hearth & Home Technologies
Website: www.hearthnhome.com

Interior Walls: Framing, Drywalling, Trimming
0696213516
Stanley
(January, 2003)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Meredith Books

Advanced Plumbing: Pro Tips and Simple Steps
0696215365
Stanley
(January, 2003)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Meredith Books

Big Book of Home How-To
0696217287
Better Homes & Gardens
(October, 2003)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.

GUESTS :

Tim Rethlake
Hearth & Home Technologies
Website: www.fireplaces.com