Get matched with top toilet pros in Caliente, NV

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.

Replacing a toilet costs between $275 and $480 in most cases, and the average cost sits around $375. This includes removing the old toilet and installing the new toilet. Your price could be significantly higher if you invest in a high-quality brand, need the replacement done on an emergency basis, or replace your toilet as a part of a larger bathroom remodel that demands additional work.

Even though they’re modern-looking, easier to clean, can be hung at any height, and help save space compared to traditional toilets, wall-hung toilets have some downsides. They’re more expensive than standard toilets, sometimes by a few hundred dollars. They’re also difficult to install and may require major plumbing work to reroute the drain if the previous toilet was a floor-mount model.

This tight fit can make repairs more difficult. You’ll also have to consider where you can hang them and weight limit restrictions, so they may not be the best fit for every home.

Snaking a toilet is similar to clearing sinks and bathtubs, but there are unique circumstances where you’d have to drain, disassemble, and remove the toilet to fix the clog. For stubborn clogs in the toilet trap, a toilet auger—designed with a shorter cable and a protective plastic encasing—can navigate the tight bends and clear the clog without risking damage to the porcelain.