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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.

Technically, you can put an elongated toilet seat on a round toilet, but it’s not a good idea. Elongated toilet seats are a few inches longer than round toilets, so they will hang over the front edge of your toilet, which isn’t appealing. Additionally, an unsupported toilet seat or portion of a toilet seat is more likely to crack and shift, which could result in injury to whoever uses the toilet. Always match your toilet seat style to your toilet, or replace the toilet entirely if you’re looking to switch styles.

A wax ring can often last the entire lifespan of a toilet, which is typically 20 to 30 years. However, it may need to be replaced sooner if it becomes damaged. Signs that your wax ring needs replacement include bad odors or leaks coming from the base of the toilet. The wax can also dry out, flake, or crumble if the toilet was not secured correctly upon installation or has become loose over time. If you notice your toilet wobbles, it's a good indication that the wax ring may be compromised and should be inspected to prevent leaks.

Yes, $5,000 is a healthy budget for a DIY bathroom renovation. It can go a long way in making the space more accessible and stylishly spa-like. Providing you stick to modest materials and don’t make any major plumbing or structural changes, you can upgrade fixtures, retile, and add some stylish bathroom accessories and savvy storage solutions to maximize the space.