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Some older homes have toilets in the basement to combat sewage backups. This type of toilet, also known as a Pittsburgh potty, acted as a safety valve over the incoming sewer line. If a line backed up, it would back up into the toilet because it was the lowest fixture in the home, keeping it out of sight and away from the finished areas of the house.

Basement toilets were also used by workers with messy jobs, like those who worked in coal mines or steel mills. This way, they could clean up and avoid tracking dirt through their home.

The most common reasons a toilet won’t stop running are a faulty flapper or fill valve, improper fill height, or incorrect chain length. Luckily, all these issues are relatively easy to fix with parts you can find at a local hardware store. You can also call a plumber or toilet repair professional to solve the problem.

The lifespan of a toilet can vary significantly. While the porcelain body itself can last up to 50 years or more with proper care, most plumbers suggest an average functional lifespan of 10 to 25 years, and many homeowners replace their toilets after about 20 years.

A toilet's longevity is influenced by factors like maintenance quality, hard water buildup, and damage to the finish. It's also important to note that internal components have much shorter lifespans than the bowl; for example, flappers may last only a few years, while fill valves can last around 10 years.

Even if an older toilet is still functional, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model to save on water costs.

Toilet augers are hand-held drain snakes. Most of them come with 3 to 6 feet of cleaning cable and a curved, plastic elbow sleeve to protect your toilet bowl. If your clog does not go beyond the toilet’s wax seal, a 3-foot auger would be sufficient. Otherwise, you may need a 6-foot auger to unclog the drain.