Is a leaking toilet bad?

• <div><p>Left unattended, a leaking toilet will eventually cause water damage or mold growth. If you’re a homeowner, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-make-a-water-leak-insurance-claim.htm">file an insurance claim for water damage</a>. 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.</p></div>

Get matched with top toilet pros in Jackman, ME

Q: Why do some old houses have a toilet in the basement?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What tools are used for plumbing repairs?

• <div><p>Tools include pipe wrenches, plungers, and augers. Professionals use advanced equipment for complex issues.</p></div>

Q: What order should a bathroom remodel be done?

• <div><p>Start by gutting the old fixtures and features that need to be removed, such as the tile, vanity, and flooring. You may benefit by removing the toilet, even if you intend to use the same one. Next, install the new shower or tub, followed by the flooring, and then the drywall, which you should then paint. After that, install your new cabinets, vanity, countertop, sink, and faucet, in that order. Replace your light fixture next. Lastly, reconnect the toilet.</p></div>

Q: What is the most common plumbing item to fail in a residential home?

• <div><p>Many parts of your plumbing system can fail, but clogged drains are one of the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/plumbing-problems.htm">biggest plumbing problems</a> you&rsquo;ll likely encounter. From your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or bathtub, there are plenty of opportunities for gunk, hair, food scraps, and more to get stuck in drains. When this happens, water will slowly drain, leading to standing water, bad odors, drain flies, and other issues.</p><p>Many homeowners can handle a minor clog themselves, but if you have a clog in your main line, you&rsquo;re best off hiring a local plumber to get the drain back to its normal flow rate.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your toilet service project in Jackman, ME?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Toilet pros in Jackman

Walter's Plumbing Heating and Gas

5.0(

)

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes - Repair or ReplaceFaucets, Fixtures and Pipes - Repair or Replace - For Business

Serving Jackman, ME and surrounding areas

"Did an excellent job- what a great guy! Wonderful plumber- responsive to call, punctual, excellent work and very reasonable price. We love Walter
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

New England Home Renovations LLC

4.0(

311

)

Drain Clog or Blockage - ClearFaucets, Fixtures and Pipes - Repair or ReplaceFaucets, Fixtures and Pipes - Repair or Replace - For Business

Serving Jackman, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We were pleased with the price and my husband said the owner was very easy to work with. We knew this was a small job (not much money involved), and the owner came out himself to check things out and give a quote. The bathroom is very small and hard to manuever, but we were disappointed that the workemen left scratches on doors and the wood frame. No big deal, they can be cleaned up with a little Old English. After the tub was installed, the area around the tub was plastered by the workmen that day and they said they were done. Of course, since it was thick, it cracked while it dried. But, the owner came out a day or so later and re-plastered it. It cracked a little less during the curing time and my husband was able to fix it and repaint the bathroom. If you don't have someone that is handy, keep this in mind. While I love the new bathtub, there are a few concerns. First, the scratches on the door and woodwork. Hard to avoid with the size of this bathroom. So, that was almost understandable. But, the men put their tools in the sink without protection. This left surface scratches in a new sink. While they were installing the tub, they mentioned that they would have to take out the toilet to fit it in. Since we wanted a new toilet anyway, my husband went out and purchased a new toilet while they were working. They installed the new toilet (rather than putting the old one back in, so it wasn't extra work), but after they did that, they stood on the brand new toilet cover with work shoes and put scratch marks on the cover! During the last meeting with the owner, my husband showed him and he said he would bring a new toilet cover the next day. My husband told him no rush ... but it's been about six weeks now, and we haven't heard anything. The last thing is that while I was taking a bath, I noticed that one of the tub joints under the faucet was not caulked. My husband did it himself. Not sure if these problems happened because it was a small job and almost a losing prop for the company. But, I'm asked all the time for references and we (and my family) do have a lot more work we would like done. As friendly and easy the company/owner is to work with, I can't recommend them without the caveat that you might need to have someone handy to "finish up". "

+37

Recommended by89%of homeowners

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes - Repair or ReplaceFaucets, Fixtures and Pipes - Repair or Replace - For Business

Serving Jackman, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

A-1 Plumbing and Heating is a locally owned plumbing and heating contractor that specializes in service and repair work along with construction and remodeling services. We are a veteran owned residential and commercial plumbing and heating contractor based in Franklin County, Maine. Our expertise includes new construction, remodels, service, and repair.

Request Quote

American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Drain Clog or Blockage - ClearFaucets, Fixtures and Pipes - Repair or ReplaceFaucets, Fixtures and Pipes - Repair or Replace - For Business

Serving Jackman, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"Fixed shower but stated Toilet not on work order but suggested remedy. To keep in mind: If you need more than one thing done, Be sure to specify on initial work order as they will only do what is on work order from AHS"

Recommended by65%of homeowners

Request Quote

E. Lord Plumbing Services

0.0(

)

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes - Repair or ReplaceFaucets, Fixtures and Pipes - Repair or Replace - For Business

Serving Jackman, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Production, Quality, Service, Technology, and Value-Added leader in all areas of plumbing installation. We believe our service should exceed industry standards and be the best value for our customers. We will support our customers by providing a diverse choice of quality products that will enable them to be the leaders in their field and enhance their competitive position.\n

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Toilets questions, answered by experts

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.

Tools include pipe wrenches, plungers, and augers. Professionals use advanced equipment for complex issues.

Start by gutting the old fixtures and features that need to be removed, such as the tile, vanity, and flooring. You may benefit by removing the toilet, even if you intend to use the same one. Next, install the new shower or tub, followed by the flooring, and then the drywall, which you should then paint. After that, install your new cabinets, vanity, countertop, sink, and faucet, in that order. Replace your light fixture next. Lastly, reconnect the toilet.

Many parts of your plumbing system can fail, but clogged drains are one of the biggest plumbing problems you’ll likely encounter. From your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or bathtub, there are plenty of opportunities for gunk, hair, food scraps, and more to get stuck in drains. When this happens, water will slowly drain, leading to standing water, bad odors, drain flies, and other issues.

Many homeowners can handle a minor clog themselves, but if you have a clog in your main line, you’re best off hiring a local plumber to get the drain back to its normal flow rate.

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.

The Jackman, ME homeowners’ guide to toilet services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Kat Brancato
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Toilet Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
This guide to toilet installation cost covers what you can expect to pay when adding a new toilet to an existing or new bathroom.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
How Much Do Toilet Repairs Cost? [2026 Data]
Everyone can relate to having toilet issues—we’ve all been there. There are several reasons why your toilet might need repairs, and the cost varies based on the damage.
Stephanie Mickelson
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Bidet vs. Toilet: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?
Toilets are a mainstay of American bathrooms, but is it time for a bidet? Before you decide, here’s everything you need to know about bidets versus toilets.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026
A Total Guide to Toilet Dimensions and How to Measure for Your Space
Remodeling a bathroom? Toilet dimensions matter more than you think. This guide will tell you everything you need to know—from seat height to clearance.
Samantha Hawrylack
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Toilet Rough-In Dimensions: A Complete DIY Guide to Measure a Toilet
Before purchasing and installing a new toilet, you need to know the toilet rough-in measurement to ensure proper integration. Here’s how to get it done.
Samantha Hawrylack
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
12 Types of Toilets to Upgrade to in Your Bathroom Remodel
Understanding the types of toilets you can install in your bathroom is essential. You don’t have to stick to traditional two-piece gravity-flush toilets.