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Yes, you can pour water down the toilet to help it flush. For each flush, you’ll need 1 to 2 gallons of water for newer toilets or 3 to 5 gallons of water for older toilets. Rather than dumping the entire bucket in all at once, pour the water in slowly for the best results. If you’re pouring water down the toilet to help it flush after a clog, only use 1 gallon of hot water.

Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, pipes are considered one of the best pipe types for drains and vent lines due to their low price point, lightweight material, corrosion resistance, and installation ease. But copper has long been considered the best piping option due to its durability. For many homeowners, though, the price of copper can be cost-prohibitive.

Pipes most often burst during winter and early spring because those seasons experience the coldest temperatures that can freeze pipes. Pipes typically begin to freeze when the outside temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit—but it’s not a hard and fast rule.

The largest risk is any period of time when outdoor temperatures fall below freezing for six hours or more. That’s an average winter night in many areas of the United States, so it’s best to take precautions before winter begins, like insulating your pipes.

Installing a plumbing system is a project best left to professional plumbers. Plumbing systems involve tons of moving parts—water supply lines, pipes, drain lines, sewer connections, and connections to appliances like water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers. Improper installation of your plumbing system can leave your house vulnerable to potential damages that could result in flooding or damage to your home’s foundation. While you can DIY your way through common plumbing problems like fixing clogged drains or leaky faucets, it’s highly recommended that you contact a plumbing professional for most of your plumbing-related tasks, especially installing the system.