Get matched with top toilet pros in Milaca, MN

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.

Whether wall-mounted or floor-mounted toilets are better comes down to personal preference.

Overall, standard floor-mount toilets are less expensive to purchase and install, but they don’t offer the streamlined, modern appearance and adjustable height of wall-hung toilets. Ease of cleaning should also be considered, as wall-hung toilets are easier to clean than standard models.

The average cost to hire a plumber is typically between $45 and $200 per hour, with a common average rate around $125 per hour. This cost can vary based on your location, the plumber's experience, and the complexity of the job. Rates are often broken down by experience level: an apprentice may charge $45 to $90 an hour, a journeyman $60 to $110 an hour, and a master plumber $80 to $200 an hour. While hourly rates are standard, some plumbers may charge a flat fee for routine projects or offer project-based pricing. It's also common for plumbers to charge a minimum service or trip fee. For reference, some typical flat-rate costs for common jobs include: drain unclogging ($220), leaky faucet repair ($270), burst pipe repair ($400), toilet repair ($300), and water heater repair ($600). Note that these rates are for standard service hours; emergency, holiday, and after-hours calls will cost significantly more.

If you know the job is going to be extensive (and you don’t like surprises), hiring a Roto-Rooter specialist may make sense for you. You’ll know how much you’re going to pay right away.

That said, hiring the best plumber isn’t solely about price. If you've worked with a plumber you trust before or have a list of plumbing services you need tackled at your home, working with a plumber might be a better choice for you.