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Toilet repair troubleshooting tips.
Updated
So your toilet won’t stop running. Let’s fix that. Here’s how to deal with leaks, broken seats and clogged drains, according to plumbers on Thumbtack.
How to troubleshoot common toilet problems.
Tip #1: If your toilet won’t stop running, check the fill valve or the flapper.
These pieces live in the tank and make the toilet stop filling with water once it’s ready for the next flush. If you’ve already checked that the flapper chain isn’t accidentally caught, look at the flapper and fill valve.
The flapper is the round (often red or black rubber) piece that suctions to the bottom of the tank. Flushing the toilet lifts the flapper so water can flow into the toilet bowl. The fill valve is where the water comes from (that vertical pipe). Both fixes are easy and fast, especially a new flapper. Pros say it can cost as little as $50 to replace a new flapper between parts and labor.
Tip #2: Fix leaks by replacing the wax ring.
There’s a wax ring around your toilet base that keeps water from leaking onto your floor. If it’s worn out, you’ll need to remove the toilet, take out the old part, replace it with a new one and reinstall the old toilet again. It can cost anywhere from $150 to $200 or more on average, depending on where you live, how much parts cost and other factors.
If you’ve never removed a toilet before, do not mess with your bathroom (unless you like dealing with leaks and water damage). Call a plumber or handyman who knows what they’re doing.
Tip #3: Avoid clogs and other problems before they start.
Don’t flush anything that’s not toilet paper. Find somewhere else to drop your floss, makeup remover wipes and ear swabs. And go easy on the “flushable” wipes. Even the ones that say they decompose can be hard on pipes, according to professional plumbers.
When to replace your toilet instead.
Reason #1: Your plumbing clogs no matter how often you snake the drain.
If you’re plunging your toilet all the time, there might be something caught in the trap. The toilet itself could be the problem — older toilets are likely to have porcelain glaze that wears off and gets stuck in the trap, causing flushing issues.
Have a plumber investigate to be sure. It could be other aspects of your plumbing, too — but if you’re having regular problems with clogs, it might be time to update the toilet.
>>Get free estimates. Contact the best toilet repair services near you today.
Reason #2: The repairs are going to cost more than $400.
A new toilet costs somewhere between $150 and $800 dollars, plus the cost of labor (which is usually around $150 to $200 on average, depending on how complicated the job is and other factors like travel and junk hauling fees). If you’re spending hundreds of dollars buying small parts and having pros service different leaks, broken pieces and clogs, you could be wasting money.
Reason #3: The toilet is really old.
A well-made toilet can last 20 to 40 years. But it depends on the model, among other things. If you have an older toilet and the seat breaks off, you might not be able to find a matching part. And you’re more likely to see parts and glazes break down and cause other working issues.
Newer toilets are more water efficient, and if selling a home is in your near future, you might not want to spend serious money repairing something you’re likely to swap out soon, anyway. After all, remodeling a kitchen or a bathroom are often at the top of the list when it’s time to prep your house for resale.
How much do toilet repairs cost?
If your repairs start to cost hundreds of dollars, you might be better off getting a new toilet — especially if your existing toilet is really old or if you plan to sell your home soon. If you’ve never replaced a toilet before, leave it to a professional so you don’t end up with water damage, mold or worse.
Both full-service plumbers and general contractors can replace old toilets, swap out a toilet seat, replace a wax ring or upgrade a standard toilet to a luxury model. An experienced handyman can also do the job if it’s a straightforward matter of pulling out the old toilet and installing a new one.
The average cost for toilet repairs is $60 to $245. Toilet installation ranges from $85 to $389, but can run as high as $800 or more for toilets with special features like heated seats. You may also have to factor in the cost of your plumber, contractor or handyman hauling your old toilet away.
Who to hire to help with toilet repair.
For a quick fix, find a plumber or handyman. But if you’re seeing water damage or your toilet replacement also involves some basement or floor work, try a contractor. Find all the pros you need on Thumbtack:
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