How much does toilet installation cost?

The cost of installing a new toilet project depends on how much the plumber charges and if any particular challenges arise because of your bathroom layout. To get a more accurate cost estimate, you can request cost estimates from toilet installers near you.

There are four basic kinds of toilets: one-piece, two-piece, wall-hung and smart toilets. The type of toilet you choose may affect how much it costs to install, as well as the installation steps.

One-piece toilet prices

One-piece toilets tend to cost between $169 and $1,138 each. They have the advantage of having a sleeker design, and they’re easier to clean and install. However, they tend to be more expensive. It’s also more costly to ship a one-piece toilet than a two-piece one because the individual pieces can’t be separated and stacked to save space. 

Two-piece toilet prices

Two-piece toilets tend to range in price between $89 and $413. These toilets are the most popular. They have two separate sections before they’re assembled. The front and base of the toilet comprise one piece, and the tank sits on top. These toilets tend to be less expensive to install and repair.

Wall-hung toilet prices

Wall-hung toilets, also known as wall-mounted toilets, are attached to your wall with the tank inside the wall. A new wall-hung toilet may cost between $216 and $5,175.

Because they don’t touch the floor, they’re considerably easier to clean. On the other hand, they’re more difficult to repair because sometimes the tank isn’t easily accessible, and the wall paneling has to be removed to access it. They also tend to be more expensive, but they’re a good option if you have a small bathroom with limited space.

Smart toilet prices

Smart toilets range in price from $1,199 to $6,750. Smart toilets can flush without being touched. They also tend to use less water than conventional toilets, potentially saving the homeowner money because they can give you more flushes per gallon. 

Some also feature self-closing lids and lighting that makes them easier to find in the dark. Many smart toilets also have seat warmers, self-cleaning capabilities and bidets.

You may also need to pay for parts needed for toilet repairs. However, many toilet parts are relatively inexpensive — all of these parts, except for the toilet seat, cost between $5 and $20. A basic toilet seat will cost around $40 to $50. 

Here are some of the things you might need to replace in your toilet:

• Toilet flange. You may need to replace your flange if your toilet is leaking at the base. A flange is located below the toilet base, between it and the floor. Replacing the flange requires your pro to turn off the water supply, remove the toilet and old flange, install the new toilet flange and put the toilet back in place.
• Flapper. The little rubber flapper inside your toilet tank wears out over time. When your flapper is broken or worn out, it might prevent your toilet tank from draining correctly and cause your toilet to run for hours after you flush. A rubber flapper valve is a device at the bottom of the toilet tank that lifts to let water out of the tank. Waiting to fix this pesky problem can drive up your water bill, so it's best to replace your flapper as soon as you notice.
• Wax ring. A wax ring, which sits between the toilet base and the toilet anchor flange, prevents water from seeping out from the bottom of your toilet, where it attaches to the floor. If you've noticed a leak from the base, you may need to replace the wax ring. This will allow your toilet to drain properly into the pipes that carry wastewater out to the sewers.
• Fill valve. The fill valve is the part responsible for refilling your tank after you flush. If your toilet fills up slowly between flushes, you may need to replace this valve.
• Overflow tube. As the name suggests, an overflow tube — connected to the flush valve — keeps the tank from overflowing with too much water. If you're having problems with toilet overflow, you may need to buy a replacement tube.
• Toilet seat. If your toilet seat broke and you need to replace it, this is a pretty easy fix. If you don't want or know how to DIY a toilet seat replacement, a professional can help.
• Toilet handle. Got a little too vigorous with your flushing and broke a handle? Replacing a handle, also known as a toilet trip lever, will usually cost under $20. Some high-end toilet trip levers will be around $50 to $100.

Several factors affect the cost of getting a new toilet installed. For example:

• Emergency installation. If a plumber has to quickly come and do a rush installation, they may charge an emergency fee for the expedited service. The plumbing may also cost a little if the plumber has to travel a far distance before installing the toilet.
• Plumber rates. Some plumbers, particularly those with more experience, may charge more for their services. Others have experience in a wide range of plumbing disciplines, and you may pay a little more for that body of knowledge. Plumbers also charge different rates for their services, and some charge by the hour.
• Complexity. Your toilet installation cost will typically cost more if the job takes longer or involves complicated steps or repairs.
• The number of toilets you’re installing may affect the price, as well. Each toilet requires different connections and positioning, so a plumber may either add hours or flat fees for each unit you have put in.
• The type of toilet often has a significant effect on the cost of installation. This is due to both the labor cost and toilet prices. Some toilets require special skills to install, such as composting toilets. Because some plumbers may not have experience with these non-traditional toilets, you may have to pay a premium to find someone with experience.
• Toilet removal. The plumber may charge a fee for taking your old toilet to the appropriate recycling facility. The plumber may also charge extra for dismantling your existing toilet.

Additional work is needed to make adjustments to the sewer line, supply lines, waste pipe or water lines in some cases. Regardless of the type of toilet you have, whether it’s an American Standard, TOTO or another brand, the plumber has to make sure everything connected to the toilet is working. This may add to the toilet cost.

A simple fix to unclog a toilet may not cost a lot of money — project costs for a simple toilet repair run about $100 to $250 — but complicated clogs can increase plumbing costs dramatically. To unclog a severe blockage, your plumber may need to take apart the toilet and snake the main drain. Your plumber may even need to replace a toilet drain pipe.

If your leak has soaked the drywall in your bathroom, you may also need to tear out the wall and replace it. If a plumber finds your sewer line clogged with tree roots (a rare circumstance), a simple repair can transform into an expensive plumbing problem. The cost to remove a serious blockage from your pipes can cost several hundred dollars.

Replacing wax rings or installing a new flange may be more expensive, too, because the plumber has to remove the toilet entirely to access the old flange or wax ring. The plumber then needs to reseat and reseal the wax ring, flange and toilet.

Removing an old toilet often reveals unexpected problems, which can lead to surprise costs. These problems may include:

• Unexpected leaks around the toilet or in the pipes
• A cracked flange, which causes a wobbly toilet
• An improper wax ring seal replacement or compression
• Poor caulking around the toilet base
• A leaky flush valve

Sometimes homeowners discover more expensive problems, such as plumbing lines that must be repaired or modified to fit the new fixture, water damage to the floor underneath or around the toilet or water damage to the wall behind the fixture.

Some installers and plumbers may charge by the hour, while others charge a flat rate. The costs vary depending on where you live and the installer you choose.

At times, homeowners may opt for toilet repair instead of a complete toilet replacement, such as when you have a broken toilet seat. In some cases, however, you need to replace your toilet. 

Here are a few tell-tale signs you may need a toilet replacement:

• Broken or cracked toilet bowl
• Damaged tank
• Persistent leaking from the bowl
• Damaged toilet base

When in doubt, consult with a professional to determine if you need minor repairs or a replacement toilet.

You can save money by choosing a different type of toilet or by finding ways to reduce the installation costs. One way to save is by having several toilets installed at the same time. In this case, the homeowner may pay less per toilet than if they had the plumber install one toilet per visit. You may also want to consider having them all done by the same plumber in one visit.

Choosing a less expensive toilet or one that may be easier to install can save you money, too. One-piece and two-piece toilets, for example, may cost less to install than a smart toilet or wall-hung toilet.

When doing a full bathroom remodel, your contractors might be able to secure deals or discounts on new toilets. Don’t hesitate to ask them how to save money on this project.

When hiring a plumber or toilet installation service, ask the right questions and provide them with the information they need to assess the job. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Ask the pro how much experience they have with your specific kind of job. Tell them about the type of toilet you want or have purchased, and ask if they’re familiar with the procedures for installing it.
• Tell them how many bathrooms you have and all the details about those that will be getting a new toilet. Include information about where the toilet will be located, what’s surrounding it and if there are any potential space issues.
• Ask how they charge — by the hour, for a flat fee or a combination of both.
• Ask about free estimates. Then, have three or more plumbers provide you with their prices and keep track of their costs. 
• Check your local municipality to see which credentials a plumber needs to have to install a toilet. Then, ask if each plumber has the credentials required in your area.

A new toilet can enhance your comfort and improve your bathroom’s functionality. If you're ready to hire a pro, start searching for toilet installation services near you on Thumbtack.