4) You will need to have on hand trustworthy plumber tape, small gas torch, solder, flux, plumbing sandpaper, pipe cutter, gas tape (to seal gas line) and maybe some pipe glue. Ask the sales person at the hardware store for a more defined list.
Use the sandpaper to remove any loose particles from the hole. It is important for the surface to be properly prepared for these types of gutter water line repair.
The con to time well spent is only if the fix or installation works. Suddenly, when a pipe is squirting water or the dishwasher is leaking all over the floor, that time seems wasted instead of well spent. Now your time is wasted, plus you have to pay for a professional plumber to come over and fix the mess. That time could have been spent doing something else, like golfing or swimming or gardening.
Working on the gas lines is also a complex job that only a licensed plumber can handle because it is very dangerous. Small leaks can't always be detected by odor alone, but a licensed professional has the proper equipment that's needed to ensure that you don't have any leaks in the line.
Be certain that the bathroom exhaust fan vents to the outdoors, not into the house or attic. If the exterior vent dampers don't operate properly or water line repair don't seat well have them fixed or replaced.
If you do in fact choose to replace it, there is a good chance that you have an Aqua Magic IV which is no longer produced and has been replaced with the new Aqua Magic V. If you are replacing your toilet and have the Thetford Aqua Magic IV, there are other options such as the Thetford Aqua Magic Style Plus or Thetford Bravura Toilet as well as choices from the Sealand line of toilets. You will have to choose whether you want a hand or foot flush, and whether you want to stay with plastic or upgrade to china. You will also have the choice of adding a water saver. Regardless of which choice you make you will most likely be happy with the quality and dependability of any product available.
Sometimes there can be complications of broken toilet flanges, closet bolts or rotted sub-flooring. If you find any of that in your situation, it will need to be repaired before reinstalling the toilet.