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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.

The lifespan of a toilet can vary significantly. While the porcelain body itself can last up to 50 years or more with proper care, most plumbers suggest an average functional lifespan of 10 to 25 years, and many homeowners replace their toilets after about 20 years.

A toilet's longevity is influenced by factors like maintenance quality, hard water buildup, and damage to the finish. It's also important to note that internal components have much shorter lifespans than the bowl; for example, flappers may last only a few years, while fill valves can last around 10 years.

Even if an older toilet is still functional, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model to save on water costs.

The cost of making a bathroom accessible can be $3,000 to $25,000, but you could spend as much as $50,000 building a brand-new ADA-compliant bathroom. Some bathroom accessibility upgrades to consider include:

• Installing grab bars: $100–$500 

• Lowering cabinets and vanities: $1,200–$2,500

• Installing modified doors: $700–$1,500

• Installing a modified toilet: $400–$1,000

• Installing an accessible sink and faucet: $100–$1,000

• Adding a walk-in tub: $1,100–$17,000

• Converting a bathtub into a walk-in tub: $350–$1,000

• Installing a wheelchair-accessible shower: $2,000–$7,500

• Installing a shower ramp: $16–$300

To avoid the high costs of plumbing repairs, watch for potential problems. If you see any signs of a leak, consider hiring a professional plumber. A pro can assess the level of damage and make the appropriate repairs.

Plumbing leaks are always better tackled immediately. You can also fix any minor repairs yourself or ask the plumber if they can use less expensive materials.