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There are three main types of shower valves: pressure-balancing, thermostatic, and diverter. Pressure-balancing and thermostatic valves are both considered mixing valves because they regulate water flow and temperature, but they do so in different ways. A pressure-balancing valve senses changes in water pressure, such as from a flushing toilet, and adjusts the incoming hot and cold water to maintain a consistent temperature; these typically use a single knob. A thermostatic valve uses a thermostat to precisely control the water temperature and requires a separate control to adjust the water volume. A diverter valve directs the flow of water from one fixture to another, such as switching from a tub faucet to a showerhead in a tub-shower combination.

Yes, an ambitious homeowner could decide to replace their own toilet. A person attempting to do a DIY toilet installation should keep in mind that the average toilet weighs between 100 and 120 pounds. That means that you'll need to be comfortable lifting and carrying your old toilet and replacement toilet during both phases of the project. Additionally, homeowners will need to have basic plumbing knowledge to avoid plumbing problems that could result in messy, expensive water damage in their bathrooms. Hiring a plumbing pro from the get-go can help you avoid damaging your plumbing or your new toilet.

The cost to unclog a drain varies based on the location and severity of the clog. For simple clogs within your home, such as in a sink, toilet, or shower, hiring a plumber typically costs between $110 and $350, with an average of around $200. Snaking a toilet or sink usually costs between $110 and $275, while a bathtub or shower clog costs about $225.

For a more serious clog in the main sewer line, the cost is higher. Clearing a main line clog generally costs between $200 and $600, with an average of about $380. However, prices can range from as low as $100 for snaking a minor clog to over $1,600, particularly if advanced methods like video inspection and hydrojetting are needed for a large or hard-to-reach blockage. Some severe main line clogs can cost upwards of $1,000 to clear depending on factors like the cause of the clog, its distance from an accessible cleanout, and whether the pipe is located beneath an occupied space (e.g., in an apartment building). You may be able to save money on minor clogs by using a drain snake or bladder yourself.

Knowing which type of bathtub faucet you have is the first step toward finding a replacement. The faucet can be deck mount—meaning installed on the tub itself—or wall mount—meaning installed in the wall. Some bathtub faucets are freestanding and installed on the floor. There are also single- and double-handle models. Some faucets have a diverter on the spout to move the water from the showerhead to the bathtub spout, while others have a third handle that acts as a diverter.