Q: What is a realistic budget for a bathroom remodel?

• <div><p>Small <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-bathroom-remodel-cost.htm">bathroom renovation costs</a> don&rsquo;t have to break the bank. A <b>$5,000</b> budget is realistic, provided you're not adding luxurious fittings or making complex layout changes. Changing the layout is the most costly aspect of renovating a bathroom. So if you keep the layout, do some of the job DIY (within your skillset), and use relatively affordable fixtures and accessories, you should be able to stay within your budget.</p></div>

Question 1

What is a realistic budget for a bathroom remodel?

Accepted Answer

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Small bathroom renovation costs don’t have to break the bank. A $5,000 budget is realistic, provided you're not adding luxurious fittings or making complex layout changes. Changing the layout is the most costly aspect of renovating a bathroom. So if you keep the layout, do some of the job DIY (within your skillset), and use relatively affordable fixtures and accessories, you should be able to stay within your budget.

Question 2

Does pouring water down the toilet help it flush?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, you can pour water down the toilet to help it flush. For each flush, you’ll need 1 to 2 gallons of water for newer toilets or 3 to 5 gallons of water for older toilets. Rather than dumping the entire bucket in all at once, pour the water in slowly for the best results. If you’re pouring water down the toilet to help it flush after a clog, only use 1 gallon of hot water.

Question 3

Can you over-tighten toilet tank bolts?

Accepted Answer

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You definitely can over-tighten toilet tank bolts. Unlike some other materials, porcelain can’t bend or flex, so when you over-tighten a screw into it, it could break against the added pressure. Only tighten them as much as needed to keep them in place and firm; any more and you could risk breaking the porcelain.

Question 4

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 5

How much water should be in the toilet bowl after flushing?

Accepted Answer

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After flushing the toilet, you should have about half a tank full of water. While the exact amount of water you’ll have will vary, you want to make sure you have enough to cover the bottom of the bowl and enough to sit above the P-trap drain. While low water in your toilet bowl can indicate a problem, too much water can also be cause for concern.