Articles by Lynda Stevens

Best Shower Soap & Shampoo Dispenser: Reviews Of Our Top Picks

Shower soap and shampoo dispensers compared, from three-chamber Aviva to simplehuman pumps, with tips on mounting, leaks and cleaning.

Toilet components explained: one-piece toilets are easier to clean but heavier and pricier, while two-piece models cost less and are easier to lift.

Toilet hard to flush? Check the flapper, chain slack and tank water level first, then look for a partial clog, blocked rim holes or a vent problem.

How to measure a toilet seat: check the 5.5-inch bolt spacing, measure bolts to bowl front (16.5 in round, 18.5 in elongated), then the width.

Toilet paper holders compared: freestanding stands from AmazonBasics and mDesign plus the Moen Preston, with ADA mounting height tips.

The best automatic toilet bowl cleaner for most homes feeds the bowl through the overflow tube. In-tank bleach tablets can damage tank fittings.

Toilet wiping tips: wipe front to back with soft paper, use gentle pressure, trash wipes instead of flushing, and wash hands for 20 seconds.

A DIY compost toilet is a bucket in a wooden box, covered with sawdust after each use. Here is how to build it, vent odors and handle waste safely.

How to empty a portable toilet: carry the waste tank to a dump station, point the spout down, hold the vent button, pour, rinse, and add chemicals.

How to flush a toilet without water: pour about a gallon into the tank and flush, or pour a bucket fast into the bowl, then find why it won't fill.