Mr. Handyman

I will be the first to admit that I'm not cut out to be a handyman. Unfortunately, I didn't learn basic handyman tasks when I was growing up, and it's not an area of interest. My hands are much better suited for a computer keyboard than a drill or screwdriver. Nevertheless, where there's a will, there's a way, and I recently proved to myself that I can perform a handyman task successfully.

While visiting my friend Scott in Utah, I had the privilege of using a bidet for the first time. I know bidets are popular worldwide but aren't as commonplace in the US. It's an unusual experience to have a cold jet of water on the ol' bum, but I got used to it and learned about the benefits. 

Yesterday, I researched bidets and decided to purchase one on Amazon. The choice was made much easier because I don't have an outlet in the toilet room, so an electric bidet would require more investment. It arrived yesterday afternoon, and I set about installing it with a screwdriver and pliers. 

The first step was to shut off the water valve, flush the toilet, and hold the handle to empty the tank. Next, I removed the water line from the bottom of the tank. I screwed on a fitting that had one end for the water line and the other end to attach to the bidet. I unscrewed the two plastic screws holding the toilet seat and removed it. I installed the bracket designed to accept the new toilet seat by sliding it on with a satisfying click. I tightened the toilet seat down and screwed on the hose. When I opened the water valve, I had water spilling out of the new connections. This was when I learned what Teflon tape is for. I unscrewed the hoses and applied Teflon tape to the threads to ensure a tighter connection. After I released the water valve a second time, there were no more leaks.

The next problem was that the toilet would not stop running. I watched a YouTube video that explained the issue. When I tightened the new fitting on the bottom of the tank, it inadvertently rotated the float apparatus. This caused it to push against the tank wall and make it immobile. Once I loosened the fitting and rotated the fixture to allow the float to be free, the problem was resolved. 

I used it for the morning poo this morning, and it works as advertised.