Bathroom Plumbing: From Toilets to Shower Valves

There is a bathroom in a century old craftsman on Spokane's north side where the shower faucet has been dripping for three months. The homeowner hears it at night when the house goes quiet. Drip. Drip. Drip. It is not just annoying. It is slowly causing damage that could become expensive if left alone.

That drip is where our story begins.

The Toilet: Simple but Essential

Replacing a toilet is one of the most straightforward ways to update a bathroom. New flush technology has made toilets remarkably more efficient over the past several years. A modern toilet uses less water and delivers a significantly more powerful flush.

Have you ever considered an elongated toilet with comfort height? Elongated models feature a larger, oval bowl that many folks find more comfortable. The oval shape offers more room and is more ergonomic, especially for taller people. Comfort height refers to the seat itself sitting a bit higher, making it easier to sit down and stand up.

There are wall mounted options too, where the tank is installed inside the wall. The toilet appears much smaller, making it a great choice for compact bathrooms. And cleaning around a toilet that floats above the floor? That is about as easy as it gets.

Sometimes, though, a toilet does not need replacing. It just needs a tune up. Most toilets can work like new again with a few replacement parts. That annoying phantom flush, the random flushing sound your toilet makes when nobody has touched it, is usually a simple fix. If you are unsure whether to replace or repair, our technicians are happy to take an honest look and give you the facts.

Faucets and Shower Valves

If your bathroom faucet cannot be repaired, replacing it is a chance to give the whole room a fresh look. There are many styles and finishes from manufacturers like Moen, Delta, and Kohler. We recommend these brands for their style, reliability, warranty coverage, and the availability of replacement parts down the road.

One important note: some faucet styles require a new sink or vanity top. If you want to keep your existing setup, make sure the new faucet matches the same hole pattern. If you are unsure, send us a photo and we will help you make the right call.

For showers, a continuously dripping faucet is more than a nuisance. Over time, a constant drip can cause permanent damage to your tub or shower, and it can damage the valve inside the wall. If you have even a small drip, getting the cartridge or stem replaced early prevents costly repairs later.

Most tub and shower valves can be rebuilt. But if the valve has been leaking for too long, full replacement may be the only real fix. This can sometimes be done from the front of the shower, and other times we may need a small access point behind the valve.

The Bigger Picture

A working bathroom requires several types of plumbing all working in concert. Pipes bring hot and cold water. The toilet needs its own supply line plus a wax ring and flange. Shower and tub setups need water lines, drains, and a vent system that controls pressure and keeps sewer gases where they belong. Each fixture has shut off valves. Traps sit under sinks to block gases.

All of these pieces have to work together. When they do, you never think about them. When they do not, it is the only thing on your mind.

We are here to make sure your bathroom works the way it should. Contact Plumb Zebra to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly technicians.