How to install a new toilet seat and fix a gurgling sink

Q: Last year I finished college and moved into my first apartment. After reading your column for years, I feel like I have a special Ph.D. (Plumbing & heating Degree!). I know that I'm limited as to what I can repair in my apartment since I don't own my unit, but I think I can change my own toilet seat, and want to do it up right. Can you recommend my choices for a special type of toilet seat that will impress my guests?

— Brian, Rhode Island

A: Congratulations for being out on your own. Installing a new toilet seat is a great start. My first recommendation is for you to get permission from your landlord, just to make sure you're not breaking any conditions of your rental agreement. Once you have permission, do a close inspection of the existing toilet for any cracks or leaks, and check to make sure the old toilet-seat bolts are not rusted or frozen in place. Tell your landlord about any issues before you do anything, so you don't end up buying a new toilet for an apartment you don't own.

You do have a few decisions to make. First, the correct color choice is key. If the toilet is not white, take a quality photo of the existing toilet to the home center with you to help match up the color of the new seat. Then you'll need to choose the material of the new seat. I recommend the molded "hard plastic" seats for easy cleaning and durability.

For special features, you can also buy these seats with "quiet close" and "quick release" features. These features will prevent the seat from slamming shut and allow for quick removal of the seat for easy cleaning. Plus, many of the molded-plastic seats feature comfort curves, commonly called "French curves": a seat that's designed for custom comfort by engineers who actually study how people sit down when they're in the bathroom. This will really impress your guests.

Good luck with your toilet job, and I hope I didn't bowl you over with too much information!

Q: My bathroom sink is not connected to a vent pipe, and the water constantly gurgles as it goes down the drain. Is there anything that I can do to fix this problem other than ripping up the walls and running a new vent line out to the roof?

— George, Texas

A: Just to recap, vent lines basically provide a vacuum break in the drain system so the wastewater can run more easily down the drains. Without drain vents, water may build up a vacuum in the line as it drains, and may slow up the flow and cause the "glub, glub, glub" noise we hear in some plumbing systems.

The good news is that vent fittings called "auto vents" can be added to sink fixtures if your local codes approve. This control can fix the problem without having to open up the walls.

The bad news is that you should call a master plumber for this job since plumbing venting can be a complicated issue that's best left to the pros. But, installing an auto vent control is usually not a major plumbing job.

Bottom line: Yes, your vent problem may be repaired without completely draining your wallet.

Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known as the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call" and for hosting TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. For information visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.