les toilettes, anniversary edition

That was us, on June 25, 2010. See how happy we look?

Two years later we spent the evening buying plumbing supplies and finishing our toilet installation. 

Once we had a longer water supply hose, the upstairs toilet was ready. I must confess, part of me will miss the pink toilet - it was very pretty. But we still have a pink vanity and a pink bathtub.

Downstairs, the glue had dried on the tank insulation, so we turned on the water. The toilet started leaking right away. 

We tried tightening bolts, but realized that the styrofoam from the insulation was preventing everything from sealing properly. An exacto knife to cut out a bit of the styrofoam solved the problem. The results were definitely worth it - the green toilet will not be missed.

And that is the story of how we spent our second wedding anniversary.

les toilettes, part deux

One of the most retro features of our house was the rainbow-hued toilets.

Back in March we purchased two new white toilets. But we were in no particular rush to get them installed, and over time the boxed toilets became more like furniture.

Kohler magazine rack and iPhone charging station

However, we finally stopped procrastinating and started the installation process. I'm hosting a baby shower for my sister on Thursday, and along with cupcakes, canapes and champagne, I want my guests to enjoy pristine white toilets.

Thank goodness for the internet, which is full of detailed tutorials. We definitely aren't experts (which will become evident in a minute), but here are some of the steps involved in replacing a toilet.

Step 1 - disconnect the water supply, and flush

Step 2 - empty the remaining water

Step 3 - remove the bolts, then gently rock the toilet to break the seal

Step 4 - remove the toilet, then clean up the gross mess left underneath

Step 6 - go to Home Depot

(Seriously. Why is it that every project involves a trip to the hardware store? In this case it was to pick up new wax seal kits.)

Step 6 - take the old toilets to the dump

 Step 7 - take a break

At this point we stopped documenting the process, because it was getting late and we really needed to have a working toilet. Aaron started installing the downstairs toilet while I made another trip to Home Depot for a tank insulation kit*. I installed the tank insulation while Aaron went to borrow an angle grinder from his dad so he could cut the floor bolts on the downstairs toilet. Aaron started installing the upstairs toilet while I continued with the tank insulation. 

Sadly, work on the upstairs toilet stopped when Aaron realized that the water supply connector was not long enough. (see how sad he looks?)

By that time I had finished the tank insulation, so we still had the downstairs bathroom. Until I read the last step on the instructions, which stated the glue used for the insulation had to dry for 5 hours.

And that is how, on the eve of our second wedding anniversary, we are going to bed without a properly working toilet.

* A toilet insulation kit, or toilet liner kit, is a styrofoam liner that prevents the toilet tank from "sweating".

before & after

The most satisfying projects are the ones with dramatic before and after photos. Here are two that we've checked off our To Do list.

The first project was actually completed in March. When we moved in, the bannister was painted white, which really popped against the blue walls.

the "before" photo

But after we painted the walls white, it was time to return the bannister to its natural state. Once again we found ourselves spending many hours stripping. Many, many hours stripping (and not the fun kind).

first coat of stripper - February 27, 2012

second coat of stripper - February 28, 2012

the "after" photo (after a third coat of stripper) - March 18, 2012

The second project is even more dramatic. And the best part is there was no work involved (for us). Here's how our house looked in the fall.

And here's how it looks now.

It's like a whole new house! (Which, by the time we've finished everything we want to do, it practically will be.)