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

Why is the water in my toilet tank dirty?

Accepted Answer

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The water in your toilet tank refills after each flush. So if you see dirty water in the bowl, you should check the tank to see if it’s coming from there. A dirty toilet tank can be the result of sediment in the water itself—-after all, the water will sit in the tank between flushes and can cause the interior to change into a dingy color. Faulty toilet components, like an old flapper, corroded tank lever or chain, or damaged seals, can also lead to dirty water as the materials break down inside the tank. You can clean the toilet tank or change out the old parts to give it a fresh start.

Question 2

How can you save money when hiring an emergency plumber?

Accepted Answer

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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

Question 3

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 4

Is it safe to flush the toilet when pipes are frozen?

Accepted Answer

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It is safe to flush the toilet even if the pipes are frozen, and this may even help clear out the pipes. But if the supply line is frozen, the toilet won’t refill itself until it’s thawed out. You can still flush by pouring water into the tank to refill it.

Question 5

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.