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The amount of clean water your cistern can supply depends on its size and the local rainfall patterns. Cisterns range from a few hundred to several thousand gallons in capacity. 

To estimate the potential supply, consider the average annual rainfall in your area and the catchment area of your roof. For instance, a 1,000-square-foot roof can collect around 600 gallons of water from just one inch of rainfall. 

Multiply this by the average annual rainfall to get a rough idea. However, factors like evaporation and system efficiency will also play a role.

Yes, frozen pipes can cause a toilet to stop working correctly. If the pipes are frozen, water cannot flow, which can lead to two main problems. First, the supply line to the toilet tank may be frozen, which prevents the tank from refilling with water after you flush. Second, the drain pipe itself can freeze, blocking water from flushing away. As a temporary solution for a non-refilling tank, you can manually add water, but this is not a long-term fix. To clear a frozen drain pipe, you can try pouring warm water into the toilet bowl or tank and then flushing, as the warm water may help thaw the ice blockage. Ultimately, the best course of action is to unfreeze the affected pipes to restore your toilet to full functionality.

If you don’t want to remove the sink stopper, pour ½ cup of baking soda and 2 cups of boiling water down the drain. Start by pouring 1 cup of boiling water, then the baking soda, followed by the remaining cup of boiling water. Use caution as boiling water can damage PVC or other plastic piping. Using a scrub brush or slightly abrasive sponge, clean the top of the stopper, and run the faucet to ensure the drain is clear and the stopper is clean. 

The type of sealant you use on a leaking pipe will depend on the pipe material and the cause of the leak. PVC P-traps should avoid petroleum-based sealants, which can degrade the plastic and worsen the leak. Pipe sealant is specifically designed for use on pipes, but remember—if your P-trap has a crack–it’s best to replace the pipe to avoid future leaks.