Here are a few key things to keep in mind when selecting the right professional to repair your toilet:

• Find out if they're licensed and insured. You only want to deal with plumbers who are legally allowed to do plumbing jobs in your area.

• Look for a licensed plumber who specializes in residential projects. If you call a commercial plumber, they might cost a lot more or not be able to help you.

• Ask the plumber how soon they can be there. A toilet that’s not working needs to be fixed as soon as possible, so you want someone who can come out immediately.

• Get cost estimates. The plumber will ask some questions to determine what kind of repair is needed, and most should be able to provide a rough estimate right away.

• Check referrals and reviews. A personal recommendation from someone you trust is ideal, but reading a pro’s online reviews is also a good way to validate their expertise, reliability and experience.

• Find out if they have a warranty. This will help cover the cost of anything that goes wrong after the repair. Make sure you read the fine print and understand the warranty’s conditions.  

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

When it comes to toilet repair, most plumbers can usually handle just about anything. Some of the most common toilet repairs include:

• Broken valves

• Toilet leaks

• Constant running

• Clogged pipes and drain lines

• Rocking or wobbling

• Bubbling and gurgling

• Chipped or cracked porcelain

• Weak or low water pressure when flushing

• Complete replacement

The national average cost to fix a toilet ranges from around $160 to $390,* according to Thumbtack data. 

Plumbers typically charge for their time and any materials they need to make a repair. In most cases, a toilet repair is simple (like clearing a clog). It doesn't take very long or require any materials, so the cost isn’t that high (the average cost for this repair is around $240*). 

But if any special parts are required, or if the plumber needs to make more than one visit to your home to fix the problem, the cost might increase significantly. Examples of more expensive toilet repairs often include:

• Replacing a cracked toilet bowl or tank 

• Opening up the wall to fix a pipe or valve

• Removing the toilet to replace a damaged flange

Most plumbers should be able to give a rough estimate if you describe the problem to them in detail. However, it’s usually best to have them come to your home to see the issue in person so you can get an accurate diagnosis and estimate. Keep in mind that they may charge a service fee for visiting your home, but you can ask them if they’ll waive the fee if you hire them for the repair work.  

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Here are a few common toilet problems and culprits:

• Clogs in the sewer pipes: If water, toilet paper and waste aren't draining from the bowl of your toilet, it usually means there's a clog in the pipe going from your toilet to the sewer. If plunging doesn't work, you might need to have someone clear the clog using a tool called an auger. 

• Issues with the float: If water isn’t going into your toilet after you flush, then that's usually a sign that there's something wrong with the float mechanism in the tank. This could be something as simple as a rusted or missing part, or you might need a new mechanism. 

• Damaged wax seal: If there’s water pooling around your toilet, the wax seal may be damaged and need to be replaced.

• Blocked vent stack: Anything that’s blocking your vent stack and pipe might cause your toilet to bubble and make gurgling sounds.

Hire a plumber to diagnose and troubleshoot your toilet. They can help you understand what’s wrong and recommend repairs. 

Most simple toilet repairs are relatively quick, and your plumber could be in and out of your home in under an hour. That timeline typically applies to simple problems like unclogging your toilet or fixing a stuck float.

If your toilet repair is more complicated — like a damaged pipe, broken valve or cracked toilet bowl or tank — it could take much longer, especially if the plumber needs to cut into walls or order replacement parts. In such cases, the job could take several hours or longer, and you might not be able to use that toilet for a while.

The process of fixing the toilet typically starts with the plumber inspecting it to assess the problem. Plumbers can usually understand what’s wrong with your toilet by troubleshooting and looking out for common signs, such as bubbling water, gurgling sounds, leaks, low water levels and more. They may determine there’s a clog, a faulty part, a broken seal or something else.

Next, your plumber will probably give you an estimate of the repair cost. Your estimate should include the cost of labor and materials, as well as how long the repair will take. 

If you decide to proceed, the plumber may be able to do the work right away unless they need to order a part or tackle a major problem, like a broken pipe or crack in the toilet itself.

Unless it's clearing a simple clog with a plunger or fixing your toilet’s water levels, toilet repairs are usually best left to the professionals. Hiring a plumber can help lower the risk of extensive damage, including leaks and flooding.

Consider hiring a plumber if the repair involves:

• Working on the plumbing pipes and valves

• Dealing with issues (like clogs) in your sewer lines

• Trying to fix a cracked porcelain bowl or tank

• Creating holes in your drywall to access pipes

• Removing your toilet to fix the flange

Also, some toilets have warranties that cover the cost of future repairs, but those warranties may be voided if you perform a DIY repair. Check your warranty’s conditions before you attempt to DIY.