Monday, July 29, 2019

DUH


I like a comfy toilet seat so I have always bought the padded ones. They don't last forever but are cheap and easy to change out.  Then when I was having back problems, I added a riser to the mix.  Wow, why aren't all toilet seats four inches higher??  I got so accustom to the extra height that when using a public toilet, I always felt I was crashing to the floor.

My padded seat got a tear that liked to pinch my bum so I thought, easy fix and bought a new one.  What I didn't realize is that when I put the riser on, they had supplied much longer "metal bolts" to attach the riser and seat together.
Lord a mercy were they rusted.

Ok, off to Google I went who suggested a penetrating oil and patience. Well I tried both and still no budging.  Let me tell you, penetrating oil has a NASTY smell. My whole house reeked like a car's exhaust. I had to open the windows, put a fan in the room and shut the door with a towel underneath to block the fumes. I have compromised lungs and feared the toxicity of the fumes. That bathroom was useless to me but thankfully I had a backup bathroom.

I tried calling in the pros.  I called two plumbers and a handy man leaving messages. Not too smart as I left my problem along with my phone number on their answering machines.  This must be a horror show repair for those fellows as not one called me back.  If I needed a new toilet, I'd have had better responses. Rusty bolts?? Nothing. Not worth the trip. Can't say I blame them.

The Internet said I might be able to use a drill to attack the rusted nut but that kind of intimidated me. I would have to lay on my back and use a power tool which doesn't excite me like it does you guys.

Then I thought of pasting a decal over the tear. I thought a few funky flowers might be attractive while mending the tear. That Google search didn't give me much confidence. Too many bad reviews on the decals.

Then in exasperation I discovered my "duh" moment. I looked at the replacement seat I had bought carefully. Ah ha, It was the exact same as the one I was replacing.


What were those tiny screws?? Four screws attached each section to the hinge.  I wondered if I just unscrewed them and swapped out the old seat for the new one as the  hinge on the old one was fine?  YES. It worked like a charm. So simple.

I still have the rusty bolts that need to eventually be removed in case I ever need to replace the riser but now I have all the time I need to find someone desperate enough for work to tackle it. Maybe I'll wait till I have a big problem and use the rusty bolts as an add on job.  The replacement plastic bolts I bought can wait.

Those of you who have a live in handy man or a willing relative on speed dial, give them a hug today and let them know you appreciate them. They are priceless.

45 comments :

  1. My son in law is a plumber and as I was reading this I was thinking "Thank God we have a plumber in the family". When I got to your final paragraph it was like you were reading my mind.

    With my knees, the toilet seat riser has been such a help. Ours just sits on the porcelain of the toilet and has little side pieces that keep it place. We had a new toilet installed that is "comfort height" (a couple of inches higher than regular) but it still wasn't high enough for my poor knees. Hopefully my knees will both be good enough to not use a riser some day. I'm recovering from total knee replacement right now. It's a long rather difficult road.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. susie,
      So sorry you are still recovering but those risers really do help. I have a friend going through the recovery right now. My back is fine now but I still use mine.

      Delete
  2. Aw, it's the little problems that keep life interesting! I find that bolts nowadays are mostly ungalvanized and prone to early rusting. I would have reached for my trusty drill and safety glasses. Glad you solved the puzzle, Patti.

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    Replies
    1. Out to Pasture,
      I thought these were galvanized but obviously not. Hum, do you make house calls:))

      Delete
  3. I would have used excessive force to snap the bolt, broken the porcelain bowl and then a plumber would have thought the job large enough to return my call.

    Your way was better.

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    Replies
    1. joeh,
      Ha,ha I had visions of that with me using a drill. You are right though, bet I'd have gotten call back.

      Delete
  4. Congratulations on figuring out how to fix it, and for sharing your journey along with your faithful readers, of which I am one. And this is way better than a decal. :-)

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    Replies
    1. Djan,
      Just wish I had figured it out before I fumigated the house:) And yes, much better than a decal. Thanks for always being here.

      Delete
  5. If I had a seat that was 4inches higher my feet would not touch the floor. Now that would be a site!

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    Replies
    1. Margaret,
      Think you and I are pretty much the same height and my feet are flat on the floor. I'm 5'1". If you ever need it, go for it. I know you have a plumber handy:)

      Delete
    2. yep same height challenged as me. :-) he sucks at plumbing but he can put on a new seat. He just put in a new flapper things. I know that is the term right? :-)

      Delete
  6. I am encouraged by your ability to find solutions. Thanks for sharing your "No Handyman Here Just One Determined Lady" adventure.

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    Replies
    1. LC,
      Now that would have been a good title. Just wish I had found it sooner.

      Delete
  7. I love Joeh's comment above.

    I have had good luck calling the (national chain) Handyman Services. They advertise no job too large or small. And so far, that's been true for me. You are really resourceful!

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    Replies
    1. Jean,
      I just checked and there are none near me. I had a handyman who would have done it in a heart beat but he has some serious health problems right now.

      Delete
  8. Job well done. Just shows there's more than one way to crack an egg.

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    Replies
    1. Fun60,
      Well put and that is just what I did. Egg cracked and cooking.

      Delete
  9. Fantastic fix all on your own! Whoohoo!! :)

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    Replies
    1. Rita,
      Thank you and I am feeling much better about things than I was earlier. Back being functional.

      Delete
  10. Oh my That smell would cause me to react. Cannot have those products near me as my heart rate climbs fast and goes very high. So glad you found a solution. I find help even for small stuff but they charge a fee just to come by to look at the issu

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    Replies
    1. Heidrun,
      That smell was what caused me the most distress. It took a couple of days to air out the house but it's all good now.

      Delete
  11. Glad you got it figured out and all is good now. I am getting ready to purchase a riser so your post was informative for me. Enjoy the new seat it looks nice. Hugs sweet Patti

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    Replies
    1. Maggie,
      I think you will love it. I would use one even if I didn't need it. Sure makes everything easier but it does spoil you when you go to use a public toiled.

      Delete
  12. Hi There, A few years ago, we invested in some 'Old Folks' toilets --you know the higher ones... Best investment ever. BUT --you are right!!!! When I go to a public bathroom, I feel like I'm going to hit the floor... ha

    I know you have friends around your area... What about any churches? There should be people (mostly retired men) who do this kind of work to help others.... I know you are an independent lady ---but HEY---we all need help at times... ASK!!!!!!

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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    Replies
    1. Betsy,
      I do love mine since I got it and don't know why they all aren't like that. I mean think about men who are much taller than we are. I have a neighbor who would have done it in a heartbeat but he is having health problems now. For a while we had a rash of handymen in the paper but they have all quit. I have time now to find someone to help.

      Delete
  13. I've seen those cushioned seats. But, son & hubby, grandsons would have it ruined in no time. Now a HEATED cushion I might consider!

    It's great that you fixed it.

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    Replies
    1. Hootin' Annie,
      I have been lucky enough to experience a heated toilet. Wow.

      Delete
  14. I feel blessed to have a handy husband who loves to do repairs. I tell him constantly that he has to let me go first because if it's him, our house will fall to rack and ruin around me because I am terrible at repairing things. A good plumber is hard to find. We have found one in our town who does all our plumbing as that is one thing my husband refuses to tackle. Hope you find a good one. And when you replace your toilet, get one that cleans itself when it flushes. It's made my life a whole lot easier and it sets up high. I know what you mean about those low toilets. I have almost fallen to the floor in some cases.

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    Replies
    1. Snickelfritz,
      Oh I will have to Google the self cleaning ones. Didn't know they existed.
      That is a scary feeling when you have bared yourself and start falling.

      Delete
  15. Well done finding a solution! I so wish I had a handy person in my life. My check book would appreciate it if I did too. I had to call a plumber last week and at $100 a call out it's expensive!

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    Replies
    1. Eileen,
      I know they are expensive. That is why I wondered why no call backs. They would get the house call fee anyway.

      Delete
  16. You are an inspiration!

    My husband is mighty handy and our S-in-law is super. I am blessed.

    You can duct tape to fix anything at all. Toilet seats are included.

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    Replies
    1. Susan,
      Yep, if I hadn't spied the tiny screws, I was ready to shop for a matching color duct tape.

      Delete
  17. A riser? I have enough trouble with regular height toilets. I'm short, so prefer a lower seating arrangement where my feet can stay flat on the floor. Glad you worked out a solution.

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    Replies
    1. River,
      I am 5'1" and my feet stay flat on the floor. If you are shorter, that may be a problem.

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    2. I'm 5', but many toilets here appear to be made for taller people. There's quite a variety of sizes available apparently.

      Delete
  18. You bet I will, and thanks for the idea of a riser.

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    Replies
    1. George is handy isn't he? Think you will love the riser.

      Delete
  19. As the old saying goes, "Where there's a will, there's a way." We installed the taller toilets when we were young. Even the children didn't mind climbing onto them. But, we are all tall. Even the kids were tall when they were little! :~)

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    Replies
    1. Chip Butter,
      Didn't know they made them but it is a grand idea for taller folks.

      Delete
  20. That's quite a job you find an easy solution to. I do feel very lucky that Roger is such a good handyman. On the other hand, I don't get to develop any new skills.

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  21. robin,
    I know you appreciate roger and that he knows you do. You are in the same position as most women whose husbands are handy around the home.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh poor thing... I can't imagine how frusterating that was. When I had my bathroom remodeled in my house I installed the taller comodes. But, now I am in an apartment and had to take what they offered... the lower ones. I miss the taller ones for sure.

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  23. I miss my husband being able to do all the things he used to do...it is so hard to find someone to do anything at all!

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  24. We used to have one of those taller toilets, but I asked hubby to install a lower one when we were having them changed. I'm just too short and the other one made my legs dangle a bit. Granted, someday, I might need grab bars. Sigh...

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