Our NEW Toilet Wouldn't Flush! We Found Out Why...

Hey Gang. We thought today was going to be like any other day. Replace a valve, solder some pipe, install a new toilet. EZ PZ wrap up and go home. The Sewer Dwellers had different plans! See for yourself! Thanks for watching and we'll see ya on the next one!

[@westcocoagorilla380]

I would recommend to the owners that they have the sewer connections checked and investigate having a rat baffle installed.

[@donrechlin4832]

Yeah, my mother in law once sat down then noticed a squirrel in her toilet and she freaked.😂

[@markgreatrix5511]

Thanks guys for another awesome video. I love how you keep the curveballs in so we can watch you problem-solve in real time. Experienced DIY'er, but I feel like I learn something new every time I watch your viideos

[@detroitbob58]

Suggestion for you. When you solder a vertical pipe, always start at the bottom. You heat the bottom fitting, the heat will rise to the next fitting requiring less time to heat it up. The fitting under, will begin to cool as you work up. If you start at the top, as you work down the heat will rise in the pipe, possibly melting enough solder out to cause a leak.

[@grizz1108]

And don't start a fire in the wall like a plumber i had did one time. I'm glad he was properly insured.

[@bomonte]

I love the father-son combo. Great work, great memories.

[@Henray316]

I enjoy watching your videos. So calm and collective with any setbacks. You have all the tools to do jobs correctly and clean. I'm learning alot since I'm a first time homeowner thank you.

[@douglashernandez93]

Excellent video!!! Besides learning everything you might come across in the trades in the Jobsite. Keeping calm, a clear mind and a positive attitude will make you overcome every situation you might face. Your Dad is a great Dad, He not only teaches you his trades skills but his personal skills too. Good Job Guys!!!

[@GlenCannon239]

I always replace the wax ring with a Fluidmaster rubber gasket just in case you ever have to remove the toilet again just like you had too. You don't have to dig that wax off the flange or the bottom of the toilet. I keep one in my truck in case I ever need it. Great video.

[@johnsrabe]

I get you, but I’ve always loved how such an old old old fashioned product - wax - is still viable for such an important task.

[@procrastinatingnerd]

@@johnsrabe Plus I think you can replace a wax ring about 5 times before the cost of the rubber one would make sense. I mean, how often is a toilet removed, once every 20 years? A rubber ring would deteriorate to the point it would have to be replaced anyway next time the toilet is removed.

[@mikethompson3534]

Paul Your videos are great because you show what could possibly go wrong and how to solve these problems 👍👍👍

[@jpender0616]

As an upcoming handyman and former naval electrician I love watching your videos and a few other guys and gals. I appreciate how you teach.

[@dankelley9361]

Great job & video. Gives homeowners a good understanding of what goes into, and hopefully not out of a toilet installation!

[@evoll3303]

Love your videos, great information! I have gone back and watched all your previous series. I learned a lot. Keep up the great work!

[@chrisdavis3475]

I was in the trade for quite a number of years and sometimes I found it easy to stick a shop vac hose down the closet drain to retrieve lost or stolen items haha the 1-1/2 shop vac hoses seem to work good in those scenarios!

[@harrythoman5663]

I learned more today than i have in a while. Thanks for the lesson..

[@bobandes2016]

To dress up those solder joints, take your flux brush and wipe quickly while still hot from the torch. You'll have beautiful connections and be able to visually see that the joint will not leak.

[@palettetools6461]

You guys are great. High quality work.

[@barakeit1]

When removing old soldered fittings, they may not want to move and with soft copper you can crush it out of round. So, try using a crescent wrench and hammer on the shoulder of the fitting. Another tip, if the copper is out of round you can use a crescent wrench to make it round again by carefully adjusting the crescent wrench and rotating it on the out of round end. This will save a lot of frustration. Also, when removing soldered parts, wipe the molten solder off the ends with a dry rag so that you only need to give it a touch up with sand cloth and the new fitting will slide right on.

[@tlukins]

Good catch, enjoy all the information you share. Thank you

[@ronrichmond4694]

Awsome retrieve!! 👍👍👍

[@angellaboy1849]

Awesome info. Great idea on the test plug

[@briankowald6465]

Good info. Good job handling it. You guys are great!

[@seniorcomputer3292]

Fantastic informative video. Thank you.

[@billclinton6040]

As much as I enjoy watching you guys do a job that goes without any hitches, in all honesty, I think your vids where something goes wrong and watching how you troubleshoot a solution is far more interesting. Really good stuff and keep 'em comin!

[@StudPack]

Thx Mr Prez 👍

[@embroideryguy]

You can still use rags... just drop some cheese down the drain first. LOL

[@moneyfornothing3264]

Nice you shined the inside of the pipe with that rag. Polished it up nice! 👍🏽

[@jamesmchugo9422]

Way back when my Dad built his house he used diagonal sheathing for the roof and walls. His entire house was built with recycled lumber from old barns and grain bins. Anyway, there was an odd end cut off, a wedged shaped 1X4 piece about 14 inches long. He kicked it off the roof so as not to slip on it. Years later, he was no longer a bachelor, and women started using the pumping. One day the 4 inch sewer main plugged up and snaking the drain was not clearing the problem this time. The main would plug up from time to time, we never could figure out why, it was a simple 4 inch line straight down one 90 degree angle and out to the septic tank. After inspection under the house we found the blockage was just below the main floor joists, about a foot above the clean out. So my cousin and I reluctantly cut the sewer main pipe to find a 1x4 pine board wrapped in feminine products and toilet paper. My first thought someone is using way too much fiber in their diet. We put the largest metal wash tub we had under the drain to attempt to catch roughly 17 feet X 4 inches worth of nasty coming from the upstairs bathroom and wiggled the board. It came out surprisingly easy and painted us in gallons of nasty. What came out with the filth was a wedged shaped 1X4 about 14 inches long pine board. After cleaning the mess and taking a couple of baths in the lake, then a couple showers we were wondering how in the hell a board got in the drain in the first place. Then Dad remembered the board he kicked of the roof, he said, he never heard it hit the ground, or ever found the piece and kinda forgot about it. Somehow when he kicked the board found its way down the vent pipe and remained in the drain for a good 6 years before it became an issue. There has never been an issue with the sewer line since we removed the board.

[@grizz1108]

That my friend was a crappy job.

[@3nertia]

@@grizz1108 Shit happens ;)

[@rudibo8353]

You are a real jack of all trades, master of everything. Impressed by your soldering skills...

[@marjaliner]

I’ve known them my whole life and it’s true. His wife is the same way! Power couple!

[@stillwalking64]

I love the way you guys do things. This is more than inspirational. Now I have to go and look at all your videos

[@24getful1]

Great Video and Instructor.

[@johntamulonis4626]

Great work!

[@tonychan4526]

I love the adventures of Paul and his son. Re: the rag in the toilet; this is the kind of caw caw that invariably happens when doing DYI. It's not about technique, it's just unexpected WTF issues! Thanks guys for showing real life issues during renovations.

[@odiesclips7621]

You guys are living right!! Another well planned execution. Wish my old Dad were alive so I could show him your videos!!

[@johnnybee1776]

I love your honesty.

[@OneManSays]

I love when I have to do things twice😡🤬. Nice recovery... and I’m amazed by your always calm and positive attitudes.

[@trespeland]

If you ever have a pipe with a slow trickle that you can’t bend up like you did a good trick is to use a small ball of white bread. You can use it to stop up the pipe long enough to solder and when you are done it will dissolve and can be flushed from the pipe. 👍🏻

[@blister762]

Learned that trick when I was a kid working for a local contractor. My stepfather was remodeling the kitchen and bath and installed new copper to the old copper. He could understand why the solder was blowing out. I told him to stuff bread in the pipe but he wouldn't believe me. He was getting frustrated and was on the phone trying to get a plumber to come out on short notice when I grabbed a couple slices of bread, crawled back under the house and completed the solder job. I turned on the water, went into the kitchen turned the water on and out came the bread. Step dad never forgave me.

[@richardtruesdell8289]

Or make biscuits...

[@loueckert4970]

Great video, thanks for posting!

[@apt7777]

I've almost caught up with the older series'... and I think this is the first "use your (insert random tool) to hit the like button". Love it guys. Keep 'em coming. Thank you!

[@StudPack]

Awesome thx Anthony 💪

[@pshort8086]

Killer episodes, guys! I'm a fan & also do home repair & improvement. 👍🏽👍👍🏿

[@sweat319]

Woo something big is in that towel pipe, but what a great 👍 job you guys did 👏, thanks for your information I appreciate you guys.

[@jasonhill1520]

A little lubricant or pipe dope on the valve threads helps the angles top install much easier

[@iamnolegend483]

I like that your son works with you. Very nice!

[@michaelhegarty6977]

Absolutely brill videos guys.watching you both all the way from Donegal.Ireland.keep up the gd work.

[@conroe2502]

I have been watching y'alls videos all weekend and y'all are so awesome!!!

[@therrandy2506]

Great videos. I learned the same way. Saw your video about the crown moulding. I'm doing mine next. ThankYou.

[@emmetband4931]

I second 50's kid, I didn't know about the ferrule puller. The lenghts I have gone to in removing a ferrule is ridiculous.

[@javiergalvan242]

I'm with you Emmet

[@bugatti1075]

Love the content and standard of work you guys have. At first i thought it just fell and when you flushed the toilet it was pushed down the pipe and the "rat pulling it" was just a way to cover a mistake. Once it was pulled out consider my words eaten, that was unexpected. Love the content guys and love humble pie.

[@davehumphrey4075]

Thank for the video. I run a sewer and drain business. I was cabling a clog a few months ago and pulled out a big ol" dead rat. it died in the pipe and clogged it up. I see a lot of gross smelly jobs. This was the worst! Great video. I am now subscribed an looking forward to more. Way to go. Dave from Kirkwood, MO. USA

[@StudPack]

Thx Dave 👍

[@robingillespie4467]

Too funny, I love your attitudes!

[@T.E.P.]

in MN now and used to be in Tampa St Pete for a long time and don't miss that spray texture on walls ..... love the channel!

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Awesome videos guys!!!

[@edgbostonnorth7167]

Thanks for the detail in wrench sizes and other details that others typically "assume" you would know. The best part of this, aside of the hassle's you had to deal with, great Father - Son working relationship. Kudos to you !!.

[@djirate052380]

Just have to say I love watching you guys! I remodel homes myself, just something I love doing and apparently love watching too!

[@StudPack]

Cool thx Joe 👍👊

[@lyndawilliamson8543]

Hey Paul, My son suggested I watch your videos since I'm a do it your selfer and I have to tell you that I REALLY enjoy watching every video you and Jordan put out. You seem like such a lovely man and you have such a good, close relationship with Jordan. It's a joy to watch and learn from your videos. Please keep them coming. Lynda

[@T.E.P.]

super great job again Stud Pack!

[@jeisonsanchez4842]

14:00 very resourceful 🤓. I’ve done the same but only to look in the attic space through a recessed lighting cutout.

[@CitEnthusiast]

Good work!

[@OTuit]

I don't understand the reasoning for un-sweating the coupling since you were putting in new copper anyway. Couldn't you just cut the coupling off?

[@normhodgkinson6965]

i wondered that myself.

[@StudPack]

I think you got me. I had a reason but can’t remember it now 🤪 I’ll blame it on the rat 😂

[@whitechris720]

I didn't understand that also.

[@zefallafez]

Do you ever use sharkbite fittings and pex tubing?

[@TheAxecutioner]

I bought a $25 camera snake from Amazon for things like that. It connects to the phone over its own wifi connection and connects to a free app 👍🏽

[@evensflorest648]

Can I have the name camera snake you bought for $25 I need one the other are expensive

[@dljones61]

I first bought that one then I found one that has a side camera also, it'll do split-screen but it was about 75 bucks.

[@HalcyonAcorn]

I know it’s extra cost, but I like to factor in new stop valves when changing plumbing, unless it is obviously in new condition. Saves on coming back later to fix them.

[@suspicionofdeceit]

Yep, me too, we just do it as a matter of course, waste lines too.

[@StudPack]

Yeah I always change all the angle stops but ball valves usually aren’t a problem. At least till now 🤬

[@HalcyonAcorn]

@@StudPack I’ve yet to see a ball valve last forever. I usually find they don’t get used, and “corrode” into the “open” position.

[@juvenaldominguez7022]

I love the one u used with the drill Am learning.

[@chrisperrien7055]

Definitely use blanks/ plugs to cover toilet flanges, not a rag or a wad as this vids shows why. Might even want to solidly affix the cap so some other contractor don't kick them off, and also you can stand on them , with worrying about getting a foot caught or dropping a tool/ part/debris/glue/paint, etc. down the pipe.

[@zanderday4466]

Man I've learned some good stuff from you guys . . . Thanks!

[@tonyjohnson2719]

You can cap the drain with a red solo cup. :) Nice job taking a food break to think and relax.

[@martyking6942]

People wonder why remodeling costs so much. once you start tearing things out there is no telling what you're going to find so you have to cover yourself. Thank you for the video.

[@roynguyen5400]

great video, but the guy should wear gloves when fixing the flange of the toilet ?

[@MikeYeah]

Hey good job guys love the video as I always do. Loved that camera action down the drain and the puller.

[@Reevesi]

Nothing better than finishing off an install that was easy to fit, only to then having to take it all out and spending the rest of the afternoon figuring out the problem. Been there, done that. Great job as usual guys.

[@StudPack]

Thx 👍👊

[@sheltdog8463]

I've been Plumbing for 30yrs and I have never seen or heard of a Compression Nut & Ferrel Puller!! That is a awesome tool! If I had a dollar for every one I've had to remove I'd buy everyone on this channel that Tool! Where would one go about purchasing one of these life saving tools! Never have seen one in Ga!

[@wuteverr100]

Wow I love the father and son duo 💙 and the uncut part of the video showing the cause of the slow water leak!

[@StudPack]

Thx Ruby 👍

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

copper brillo/scratch pad works wonders for collecting solder. Basically the same thing that they sell you for cleaning soldering iron tips used in micro soldering circuit board work and such.

[@therealdojj]

at least it didn't go too far down the hole, and that puller is great, i'm going to go and find one to invest it tomorrow great video as usual

[@richardzapor1983]

I have been in construction since 1975 . I did for more finish carpentry than anything , but always a variety trades mixed in . So I at 72 I am still working but mostly as a handyman now . So i can relate to your videos. Just watched you installing a toilet. I would add a couple of things I do that you might find interesting . When i am replacing a compression stop i just leave the old nut and ferrule in place . I put some teflon based pipe dope to the threads and ferrule as a lube . Then install a new quarter turn stop. Never had a problem . Next when setting a toilet I always attach the flange bolts to the flange with a washer and nut before adding the seal and then the toilet and another washer and ,nut and decorative cap. How many times have you struggled getting an old toilet loose from the floor because the bolts were spinning as you tried to unscrew the nut or sawzall them off ?! . Next I have gone to Sani Seal brand synthetic seals over wax rings . I have tried all the brands available and found that this is the best . With wax you get one chance to luckily get it right, with no option to reposition because once the wax has been depressed it wont spring back if necessary. What do you do if the floor is not flat or you tilted the toilet a little when first setting it ? The ones i use are thick and springy .They cost more but call backs are way worse! I would say that about 99 % of toilets I have replaced showed signs of rot onthe sub floor . Finally the stainless steel supply lines are the best. but you have to get the right length. Also Menards sells supplies with built in shut offs which will shut off the water flow in the case of a burst supply line . I always say a little bit of water goes a long long way when it is leaking in your home ! And I will add that I have found cheap cone looking gadgets that you put into the toilet seat holes before putting the seat hinge into position and bolt it down . Seems like normally no matter how tightly you bolt down a seat without these cones the seats loosen up over time and wiggle around until the hinge breaks .

[@shanesmaineshop]

Great video

[@willfara8463]

Thats two very entertaining videos Kudos to you

[@watermouse9296]

When you said a rat pulled that down there I was like "that is BS", but when you pulled it up........words eaten. DANG!

[@hrcnick11]

I was thinking suction from other plumbing.

[@MadMetalShop]

Why? rats do live in sewer systems.

[@watermouse9296]

@@MadMetalShop - I just didnt know a rat could pull something so tightly fit that far backwards is all.

[@50sKid]

Paul, a few years ago my neighbor’s toilet had a flood because the plastic nut on the supply line got old and snapped off in the middle of the night. I immediately replaced all of my lines with ones that have metal nuts on either end and stopped using the ones with plastic.

[@bigtom1948]

Had one snap off while I was standing next to it shaving at the vanity. The damn shut off valve was frozen open so after shutting off the main water after getting a unwanted 5:00 AM cold shower plus a change of clothes I went off to work. After work I made a trip to Home Depot and changed out the shut offs in both of my bath rooms and put on braided stainless steel supply lines. I was lucky though, if it had let loose after I left for work my house would have been flooded.

[@StudPack]

Yeah I know the metal nuts are better but my local supplier doesn’t carry them. I suppose I could order online 👍

[@scottsatterthwaite4073]

This usually happens because people over tighten them. Should never be more than finger tight.

[@straight_to_finish]

I was finishing up a bath remodel about 6 years ago and I decided to christen the toilet. The toilet backed up immediately; I forgot to remove the test plug!

[@HhhHhh-hh9dc]

Haha this was one of the best I've viewed only recently subbed your work ethics are spot on 👍👍 and you always get the job done with a smile.

[@travisk5589]

Hey Paul. I used to carry 2 big wrenches around with me to change out those angle stops. But I found a better wrench made by ridgid. Model 27023. It works to hold and tighten/ loosen angle stops and supply lines.

[@jewelzTv6950]

Great stuff enjoyed the content....

[@joshweir6512]

Paul looking a little spooky with that lighting in the WC. haha Great video Guys Thanks!

[@OkayAhhgain]

Cool that you were able to fish it out. I’ve never had that happen to me :)

[@texasgemtree]

I love how you explain so well and I LOVE the glitches you figure out. I'm impressed every video I view. I have been very good at dimensional thinking like you guys do. This just makes my mind expand more. It gives me other viewpoints. I am really glad I subscribed!

[@StudPack]

Thx for the sub 👍👊

[@texasgemtree]

@@StudPack of course I did! You are not only saving me a fortune because I can do it myself, but you're making it easier for me as well. I'd be crazy not to sub

[@papiwe1]

Well done. Good that you didn't push the rag further down.

[@StudPack]

Yep 😩

[@RoseGreen]

Always a good idea to have a 3 claw screw pull on hand. My husband is a mechanic, so I have access to one. More than once has that been down a pipe to grab something. Just don't tell him what I use it for. :P

[@StudPack]

🤐

[@tittyrino]

I know most use pex these days and I do to; however, I am very good at sweating in copper. Many just can't do it but at 53 I have years of experience doing it.Take care.Great video.

[@travisbrust8995]

Paul, we gotta hear the story about how you came to be a carpenter and how Jordan got into working with his pops!

[@50sKid]

Nice, I didn’t know they made pullers for that!

[@seephor]

Me neither. I've always just used Channel lock pliers to twist them off. Has worked for me always but I can imagine if you had a 300 lb gorilla tighten the hell of the value, it would compress and squeeze into the pipe at which would would have it very difficult to pull out.

[@bigtom1948]

It looks like something I need in my tool box, just in case.

[@50sKid]

@@seephor Yeah plus copper pipe is very easy to bend out of round and then you have to put it back into round with adjustable pliers. Pain in the butt.

[@ahelpinghandtony4465]

Dint know that tool even existed. Gonna hava git er one!

[@donkuhn6315]

@@seephor I love you im7

[@mattwilliamson1714]

I keep zip-lock bags that fit my phone in my van... have used them (seal downward) taped to a stick to get clear underwater videos. Very minimal risk of damaging (or contaminating!) a phone when it's sealed in a bag.

[@bobrub]

Hey Guys, Luv the series. When I saw the blockage I was screaming "Use your fish/glow rod with the hook on it"..... but i guess I was about 9 months too late. I'm now watching everything from your start about 2 year ago and loving every one. Paul, have you always been a jack of all trades and a master of them all? Was your DAD like that also? You and Jordan make a great team and will never run out of customers or projects with that quality of work. 200k on the way!

[@StudPack]

Thx. Yeah my dad could do it all ❤️

[@Casmige]

I would’ve put BOTH of the valves over by the drywall underneath on that tub....& then follow the framing stud to anchor it (Remember water “hammers” And hammering eventually due to pipe movement causes leaks). As always? When soldering? Wait for the green flame & then apply the solder.

[@kool7763]

Awesome adventure loved the video this should be a movie it was so intense 👍😂

[@simonatkinson4886]

interesting to watch how different things are in the US as from the UK where I make my living doing bathroom and kitchen remodels, one thing though in my experience ball valves don't leak until you use them so as a matter of practice I always replace for new cost is pennies (cents) but savings can be huge if one catches you out

[@bxb590]

Put a sewer inspection camera into the pipe and look out to the street. You may have more problems than you realize.

[@chrisperrien7055]

Exactly, could have big dead rat down there , and that might plug up the system, and those under the slab problems can be a real bad issue down the road.. Had neighbor, their little kids flushed some plastic toys , and that house sewer system is still messed up, overflow/flooding a couple times, ( might be some root intrusion and some funky piping too IDK). Nice house, but I wouldn't buy it (have some family getting old and I'd like them closer), knowing what I know about its under the slab issues. Personally I prefer houses on footings, good access under the house. Slab house problems ? can be hard to fix

[@mikemorgan4280]

Love the videos

[@VRVitaly]

Showing the real problems and issues that come up! Great vid. Hate pulling that toilet off again but needs to be done. :)

[@sinclair4961]

I felt you should have replaced both valves under the tub, both vales looked a similar age. This would reduce the chance of a later flood. This could have been done prior to tub installation. Great video.

[@kenveron2857]

My late uncle was a professional cabinet maker and a very thrifty guy. When he would see a clean wax ring removed he would save it. Then, he would use some of the assorted small plastic cups he kept that held the frosting in cans of cinnamon roll dough ( did I mention he was thrifty) and fill them with the wax. Then he kept them in his tool box and on his bench to dip screws in before driving them. Just like soap only better. You would think this would stain or keep finish from applying well, but he never had a problem.

[@diyjohn9584]

Fish tape, wow. I would thought of hand snake. Good going

[@barakeit1]

When connecting water supply lines to toilettes or fixtures, it is a good idea to run some water through the supply lines before hooking them up to the fixtures so that any debris from your work or that was disturbed in the pipe or the hot water tank will not plug the screens in spouts, cause the stops to leak, plug up toilette flush valves or mess with ceramic stem cartridges. The screens and restrictors in telephone showers or kitchen sink faucets are difficult to clean, so better to be safe than sorry. When installing hot and cold lines, if they are inadvertently crossed or you are installing two taps back to back, don't despair. In single handle Moen valves the hot and cold can be reversed by rotating the cartridge 180 degrees. Unfortunately, if hot comes out in the toilette you have a problem....it can't be used as a bidet.

[@MrGguardado]

awesome video.

[@StudPack]

Thx 👍💪

[@NITZO83]

That's insane the things we come across as contractors during what is supposed to be a normal situation that puts a "clog" in our days! Great work fellas!

[@dangraves25]

I had this happen once, at least kinda similar. I stuck my shop vac hose down and got it that way

[@JustinLaNoue]

Hey that's a good idea! Nice!

[@stuartround]

If there's a rat in there the sewer line is probably broken. That rat can easily come out of that toilet at any time.

[@susantau]

now that would be an unpleasant surprise

[@Tedybear315]

@@susantau Anyone remember the movie "Porky's"?

[@CarlosGonzalez-mr5qz]

True.

[@bobrub]

Sewers in your street are full of rats with nothing to stop them from following the pipe into your house, that's their environment!