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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.

You generally cannot replace a 10-inch rough-in toilet with a 12-inch model without making significant plumbing updates. A 12-inch rough-in toilet will not fit a 10-inch rough-in space because the floor drain is in the wrong position. To accommodate the larger toilet, you would need to move the drainpipe, which could cost between $0.75 and $30 per linear foot, plus labor. In most cases, it is more cost-effective and simpler to purchase a new 10-inch rough-in toilet. However, it is possible to install a 10-inch rough-in toilet in a 12-inch space by using a longer connector.

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.

Left unattended, a leaking toilet will eventually cause water damage or mold growth. If you’re a homeowner, you can file an insurance claim for water damage. However, that can be a long and tedious process; sometimes, your insurance company may not cover the damage. Therefore, it’s always best to fix any leak you notice right away if you can.