At Rocky Ridge Handyman, we know that not every job is as simple as it first seems. What began as a basic tile repair request turned into a complete emergency bathroom remodel for a homeowner at 7121 Simms St in Arvada, Colorado.

The homeowner reached out thinking a few loose tiles needed to be replaced. But once we pulled up the surface, we quickly discovered much deeper problems: hidden water damage beneath the tile, corroded valves, a failing toilet wax ring, and leaking plumbing fixtures that had gone unnoticed for years.

This is the story of how our team transformed a minor tile project into a full-scale bathroom remodel, saving the homeowner from future water damage and even more costly repairs.



### Phase 1: Inspection and Discovery

When we arrived on site, the first sign that something wasn’t right was how the floor tile sounded hollow in certain areas. As we carefully removed the first few tiles, we noticed that the mortar underneath had deteriorated—clear evidence that water had been leaking below the surface.

We continued lifting the floor and found more signs of moisture and subfloor decay. In addition, the toilet flange was rusted and the wax ring beneath had failed, leading to slow leaks that had been seeping into the underlayment.

We also took a closer look behind the shower wall. The shower valve had corroded internally and was leaking into the wall cavity. That leak, if left unchecked, would’ve led to even more mold and drywall damage.



### Phase 2: Emergency Repairs and Demolition

The client approved the expanded scope of work once we explained the risks of not fixing these deeper issues. We moved quickly to start full demolition of the floor, toilet, and plumbing fixtures.

**Demolition included:**
- Complete removal of all floor tile and old mortar
- Pulling the toilet and capping the supply lines
- Removing the old shut-off valves, which were rusted and leaking
- Opening the shower wall to access the faulty mixing valve
- Disposing of damaged materials and prepping the space for repair

During this phase, we replaced the corroded plumbing shut-off valves and installed a brand-new ball valve in the crawlspace for added reliability. We also insulated exposed pipes to prevent future freezing and wrapped everything in foam insulation.



### Phase 3: Plumbing Upgrades

With the bathroom opened up, we replaced all problem plumbing points:
- The old compression shut-offs were swapped out with quarter-turn ball valves.
- The corroded shower valve was replaced with a durable, modern mixing valve.
- We replaced the toilet flange and installed a brand-new wax ring to ensure a tight, long-lasting seal.
- PEX and copper transitions were properly secured and supported to code.

Our techs used high-quality SharkBite and brass fittings rated for long-term durability. Every connection was pressure-tested to ensure no leaks before closing the walls.



### Phase 4: Tile and Finish Work

With the plumbing squared away, we moved on to replacing the tile floor. We installed cement board underlayment to create a solid, moisture-resistant base and prevent future cracking.

The client selected a neutral-tone ceramic tile that matched their existing vanity. We used self-leveling spacers to ensure a consistent layout and tight grout lines. After 24 hours of cure time, we applied a stain-resistant grout and sealed the surface for maximum durability.

**Finishing touches included:**
- Resetting the toilet with a new wax ring and stainless bolts
- Installing a new chrome shower handle and tub spout
- Cleaning and caulking all transition areas to prevent water intrusion



### Final Results

The final result was a fresh, clean, and water-tight bathroom that not only looks better—but functions like new. What started as a simple tile fix revealed several hidden plumbing issues that would’ve caused major damage if left unresolved.

Thanks to fast action and professional execution, we turned a risky situation into a long-term solution for this Arvada homeowner.


### Why This Matters

This project is a perfect example of why hiring a skilled, licensed handyman team matters. Our goal is not just to make your space look good—but to protect your investment for the long haul.

By catching issues like water under tile, corroded valves, and faulty seals early, we help clients avoid mold problems, structural rot, and expensive water bills.

---

### Rocky Ridge Handyman – Trusted in Arvada CO

We’re proud to serve Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, and surrounding areas with expert handyman services. Whether it’s plumbing, tile, drywall, or a full remodel—we’re the go-to team that gets it done right.

✅ Veteran-Owned 
✅ Latino-Owned 
✅ Fully Insured and Background-Checked Techs 
✅ Over 25 Years of Experience in Construction and Home Services 
✅ Based in Colorado and Committed to Local Quality

---

### Ready to Start Your Project?

Whether you’ve got a small repair or an unexpected problem that needs urgent attention, we’ve got your back. Rocky Ridge Handyman delivers quality you can trust—no matter the size of the job.

📍 **Job Location:** 7121 Simms St, Arvada CO 
📞 **Contact:** Schedule your estimate today!

Let’s fix it right the first time.