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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.

Some of the most common bathroom leaks include showers, sinks, and toilets. Most homeowners discover these leaks because of the chronic dripping sound faucets and showers make as water drips to the ground, but a leaky toilet will often appear as a puddle. Inspect your bathroom faucets, showers, and toilets every month to detect leaks quickly.

Even though they’re modern-looking, easier to clean, can be hung at any height, and help save space compared to traditional toilets, wall-hung toilets have some downsides. They’re more expensive than standard toilets, sometimes by a few hundred dollars. They’re also difficult to install and may require major plumbing work to reroute the drain if the previous toilet was a floor-mount model.

This tight fit can make repairs more difficult. You’ll also have to consider where you can hang them and weight limit restrictions, so they may not be the best fit for every home.

Check connections, clean fixtures, and apply finishing or protective coatings to preserve months' worth of shine and functionality.