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No, you can’t convert a gravity-flush toilet to a pressure-assist toilet. Pressure-assist toilets include a tank-within-the-tank, and a standard gravity-flush toilet doesn’t have a capability to include the additional tank. If you want the benefits of a pressure-assist toilet, you’ll have to make the investment in a new one. 

If you decide to replace the toilet flapper yourself, the only cost will be buying the new flapper for around $5 to $17. You can also hire a plumber or handyperson to take on the job instead, in which case you’ll pay an hourly rate for labor plus the cost of parts. Handypersons charge $50 to $150 per hour, while plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour. This repair might take less than an hour for your pro, but note that many providers have a minimum rate for a house call. 

There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

• Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

• Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

• Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

• Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

• DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

• Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.

Yes, you should screw your flange to the subfloor, including cement. The best way to get this done is to predrill holes into the concrete using a hammer drill and a ¼-inch concrete bit. Be careful when you’re ready to bolt your flange down, as you can accidentally crack it. You can avoid this issue by not installing the screws too deep. Or, you can opt for a flange with a stainless steel ring so you don’t have to worry about cracking the plastic.