Get matched with top toilet pros in Thaxton, MS

The main causes for a leaky toilet flapper include wear and tear or a broken or incorrectly installed toilet flapper chain. If your toilet flapper is torn or deteriorated, it can’t provide a proper seal to keep water from running. Meanwhile, a chain that has come loose, was moved, or just wasn’t installed right can prevent your flapper from fully closing.

In most cases, it’s better to repair a toilet than to replace it. Fixing issues like low water levels, running water, and flushing problems is less expensive than buying a new unit. Start thinking about replacement if the toilet is cracked, using excessive amounts of water, or is over 15 years old. Newer models are more water-efficient and clog less often than older models.

Yes, continuing to flush a clogged toilet is not likely to break up the clog. Instead, it will continue to put pressure on the clog while filling the bowl with more water, which can potentially cause the toilet to overflow—leading to an even bigger mess. Rather than repeatedly flushing, use a toilet plunger or plumber’s snake to dislodge the clog.

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.