Q: Why can’t I unscrew my toilet seat?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;ve accessed the bolts and nuts that hold your toilet seat in place and can&rsquo;t unscrew them, it&rsquo;s possible that they were overtightened or that the material corroded over time, making it impossible to unscrew. If that&rsquo;s the case, you can either call in a plumber for help, or you can DIY a solution if you&rsquo;re careful. Lay down masking tape around the mounting bracket and then use the tape as a surface to lay a hack saw blade. Move slowly to cut through the bracket and bolt, being careful not to damage the porcelain in the process.</p></div>

Question 1

Can I renovate my bathroom for $5,000 myself?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, $5,000 is a healthy budget for a DIY bathroom renovation. It can go a long way in making the space more accessible and stylishly spa-like. Providing you stick to modest materials and don’t make any major plumbing or structural changes, you can upgrade fixtures, retile, and add some stylish bathroom accessories and savvy storage solutions to maximize the space.

Question 2

Why can’t I unscrew my toilet seat?

Accepted Answer

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If you’ve accessed the bolts and nuts that hold your toilet seat in place and can’t unscrew them, it’s possible that they were overtightened or that the material corroded over time, making it impossible to unscrew. If that’s the case, you can either call in a plumber for help, or you can DIY a solution if you’re careful. Lay down masking tape around the mounting bracket and then use the tape as a surface to lay a hack saw blade. Move slowly to cut through the bracket and bolt, being careful not to damage the porcelain in the process.

Question 3

Why do some old houses have a toilet in the basement?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Question 4

What costs are typically associated with installing plumbing in a remodel?

Accepted Answer

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Plumbing installation costs in renovations typically range from $300 to $1,500 or more, depending on the complexity and specifics of the project.

Question 5

How do you empty a broken toilet?

Accepted Answer

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To drain a broken toilet, place towels or plastic sheeting around the base in case of splashing or overflowing. Next, shut off the toilet’s water supply, usually via a valve on the wall behind the toilet. Begin flushing the handle to remove as much water as possible from the tank and the bowl. Don’t flush the toilet if it’s clogged, though. From there, use a large sponge to soak up any remaining water and wring it over a bucket.