Easy Bathroom Maintenance

Common bathroom maintenance projects such as fixing faulty toilets, leaky faucets and broken or cracked tile may sound messy, but all can be fixed relatively easily with the right products and advice from
True Value.

Tackle these bathroom maintenance projects by following the easy steps provided below. For the right tools and expert advice, visit your local True Value store.

Repair Toilet
Repair Leaky Faucet
Re-grout Tile/Re-caulk Tub

Repair Toilet

One of the most used and, therefore, most troublesome household fixtures is the toilet. You might notice any number of issues, such as the toilet won't flush, won't flush completely, runs continuously or leaks water. Here are some tips on what to do when your toilet spells trouble:

Step 1. Check the Chain
Often, the chain that attaches to the rubber flapper can become loose, causing incomplete flushing and/or continuous running. To fix this, remove links from the chain using needle-nosed pliers until it is tight.

Step 2. Check Water Level
The wrong water level can cause problems for your toilet. Adjust the ballcock so the water comes to 1/2 inch below the overflow pipe, which is the open tube to the right of the handle. For water leakage, check to see if the toilet has shifted. Shifting can break the wax seal and allow water to seep out from underneath. To fix this problem, sit on the toilet and twist it back into position.

Step 3. Replace Parts if Necessary
If your toilet is still giving you problems, you may need to replace the ballcock and/or flush valve. Your local True Value store will have the items you need.

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Repair Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet can be a huge annoyance. Luckily, there's a simple repair solution using only a few materials.

Step 1. Find the Leak
Determine whether the leak originates from the hot or cold faucet. Then check whether water is leaking from the tap or the handle. If it is leaking from the tap, replace the washer. If the leak is from the handle, replace the faucet stem or o-ring.

Step 2. Disassemble
Turn off the water at the shut-off valve, located directly below the sink. Open the faucet to drain out any remaining water. Close the water stopper and place a towel in the sink to protect against scratches and chips. Remove the knob from the faucet handle and use a screwdriver to remove the exposed screw and handle. To remove the stem assembly, turn the locknut counterclockwise with a wrench and lift the stem assembly out. Remove the exposed screw and retrieve the washer underneath. Replace parts if necessary.

Step 3. Reassemble
Clean the stem, replace the washer and screw, and reassemble the parts exactly the way they were, including the locknut. Replace the faucet handle and decorative cap and you're done! Check to make sure no leaks are present.

Re-grout Tile and Re-caulk Tub

Re-grouting the tile or tub in your bathroom will instantly beautify surfaces and prevent water damage. If you're dealing with a bathroom where the wall grout has completely broken down, you'll first need to remove the tub spout, faucet spout, handles and trim. If you're just spot repairing, you can jump in and start extracting grout.

Step 1. Prep the Tub
Grout can scratch surfaces, so place a canvas drop cloth over the floor of the tub or shower to protect the surface. Place masking tape over the drain to keep out debris.

Step 2. Extract Grout
Use an abrasive grout saw to remove as much grout from the joints (area between tiles) as you can. Be careful not to scratch the tile.

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Step 3. Vacuum Debris
Vacuum thoroughly to remove dust and clean with bleach or mildew remover. Rinse and dry, but leave joints slightly wet before you grout.

Step 4. Apply Grout
Spread the grout diagonally across tile using a trowel. Press the grout into all joints with the trowel, going over the area at least three times. Cut off excess by holding the trowel at a 90-degree angle and moving across tile.

Step 5. Let it Set
After a few minutes, wipe off excess grout diagonally with a sponge. Leave a slight haze. Then wipe parallel until only the level below the tile contains grout. Wearing plastic gloves, fill any voids with your finger and smooth with a plastic straw. Wait another 10-15 minutes and wipe off the grout haze. Do not allow grout to cure on the surface of the tile.

Step 6. Caulk Tub
Soften old caulk in the tub-tile joint if necessary using caulk softener. Dig out damaged grout with a putty knife. Overfill the joint with caulk using a caulk gun. Then smooth and level excess with an ice cube or a plastic caulking tool.

Step 7. Seal
Because grout is not waterproof, you'll want to protect it with silicone grout sealer when you're done. Allow grout to cure for at least 48 hours, then use a toothbrush to apply sealer.

Safety Alert!