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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.

A toilet flange secures your toilet in place to the floor, and connects your toilet to the drain pipe that carries its contents to the sewer. Obvious signs that your flange needs replacement include when it can’t keep up with these two functions. If your toilet rocks back and forth or you see leaks coming from the bottom of your toilet, it’s time for a replacement. Other signs that your toilet flange is broken or faulty may include loose tiles or soft flooring around the toilet, and sewage smells.

There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

• Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

• Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

• Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

• Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

• DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

• Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.

Putting caulk around a toilet’s base where it touches the flooring can help hold the toilet in place. A more effective way is using caulk with plastic shim wedges. Place the shims underneath the base to steady and stabilize the toilet. Add some caulk to help keep the shims in place and provide a stronger and more lasting stabilization effect.