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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.

You generally cannot replace a 10-inch rough-in toilet with a 12-inch model without making significant plumbing updates. A 12-inch rough-in toilet will not fit a 10-inch rough-in space because the floor drain is in the wrong position. To accommodate the larger toilet, you would need to move the drainpipe, which could cost between $0.75 and $30 per linear foot, plus labor. In most cases, it is more cost-effective and simpler to purchase a new 10-inch rough-in toilet. However, it is possible to install a 10-inch rough-in toilet in a 12-inch space by using a longer connector.

If you experience the telltale sign of wax ring failure, which is leaking water, replacing the faulty ring takes one to three hours, depending on accessibility. This is an exacting and time-consuming job, as several components must be removed for the plumber to access the ring. Once replaced, however, wax rings require little to no maintenance and last 30 years or longer.

Hiring an emergency plumber is expensive because of the urgency and inconvenience, but there are a few things you can do to help keep costs down:

• Minimize water damage by shutting off your water main 

• Clean up pooling water immediately to reduce damage and mold growth

• Avoid using fixtures if you have a clog or septic system backup

• Verify that your plumber is licensed before hiring

• Call a few plumbers for estimates if you can afford a short delay in getting service