For a time last week, all girls’ bathrooms at one South Philly elementary school were closed, with 400 students diverted to a single stall. Water leaked through the ceiling into the teachers’ lounge.

Every bathroom may not have a plunger, but most have a brush to scrub the toilet bowl. This simple tool can also be used like a plunger, according to the handyman. "All you do is take it, insert it to ...