Q: Can you replace a toilet flapper yourself?

• <div><p>You can DIY your <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-replace-your-toilet-flapper.htm">toilet flapper replacement</a> if you&rsquo;re up for a small plumbing project. Turn off the water to the toilet, open the tank lid, remove the chain from the lever, and unhook the flapper. For a new, adjustable flapper, adjust it to the right setting according to your toilet's gallons per flush rating. Hook the flapper in place and install the chain with 1/2 inch of slack.</p></div>

Question 1

Can you replace a toilet flapper yourself?

Accepted Answer

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You can DIY your toilet flapper replacement if you’re up for a small plumbing project. Turn off the water to the toilet, open the tank lid, remove the chain from the lever, and unhook the flapper. For a new, adjustable flapper, adjust it to the right setting according to your toilet's gallons per flush rating. Hook the flapper in place and install the chain with 1/2 inch of slack.

Question 2

What type of toilet should you choose?

Accepted Answer

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You should choose the type of toilet that meets your budget, fits properly in your space, and matches the rest of your decor. If you’ve never gone toilet shopping before, you might be surprised at how many options are available. Most homeowners choose a two-piece toilet, which is the industry standard, and a gravity flush system is the most common. However, dual-flush and low-flush toilets are becoming more prevalent as more people become conscious of water consumption.

Question 3

In what order do you renovate a bathroom?

Accepted Answer

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The order of your bathroom renovation should prevent damage to the completed work. Start with demolition and removing the old fixtures. Then, address structural repairs or water damage, if needed. Next, tackle the rough-in phase for plumbing and electrical work, install waterproofing, and work on wall treatments like tile or paint. Install your shower or bathtub, toilet, vanity, and sink. Flooring goes in after major fixtures but before the toilet. Lastly, install new lighting fixtures, mirrors, and other finishing touches as desired.

Question 4

Will a toilet leak if bolts are loose?

Accepted Answer

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If a bolt at the bottom of your toilet tank is loose, it can directly cause a leak. If a bolt securing the toilet base to the floor is loose, it won’t directly cause a leak but can lead to the same result over time. That’s because the loose bolts will eventually move the wax seal or cause cracks in the bowl from the toilet being wobbly.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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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.