Replacing a Toilet Cost

• Expect to pay $60 -$300 for a basic round, gravity-flush white toilet; or $100 -$400 for a basic pressure-assist (noisy but good for heavy usage) or vacuum-assist (quieter, great for small apartments) toilet designed to improve the flushing capability of the 1.6 gallon-per-flush now mandated by federal law (compared to 3.5 to 5 gpf on older toilets.). For greater water conservation, some models include dual-flush technology with the choice of a lower-gallon flush for liquids and a higher-gallon flush for solids. Within these price ranges, two-piece toilets (bowl and tank are separate) typically cost less than one-piece models. CostHelper readers report paying $100 -$325 for a basic toilet (without installation), at an average price of $176.
• Specialty toilets with sleek lines, in designer colors, made to look like stone or furniture, or with options like a heated seat start at $500 -$1,000 but can cost $1,000 -$6,500 or more. For example, the Kohler Purist Hatbox one-piece elongated 1.6 gpf toilet is advertised as virtually silent but requires an electrical outlet to power the pressure-assisted flush, and costs $2,900 -$6,478, depending on retailer and color.
• Professional installation usually costs about $50 -$250 for a standard toilet depending on location and plumber, but can be $300 -$1,000 or more for a complex installation of a specialty toilet or if parts or lines leading into the toilet have to be repaired or replaced. There may also be a charge for extra labor, such as hauling a heavy one-piece toilet upstairs. CostHelper readers report paying $100 -$400 for installation, at an average cost of $198.
• The total cost for a toilet with professional installation is typically $150 -$600 depending on location and type of toilet, but it can be $700 -$7,000 or more for specialty toilets and/or if additional parts and repairs are needed.

• With the water turned off, the old toilet is emptied and removed, a new wax ring seal is installed and then the new toilet is put in place and hooked up. Do-it-yourself installation is possible, and this is considered a fairly simple plumbing procedure, but the installer should be able to lift a heavy-but-still-fragile toilet and know how to turn off the main water line. Lowe's provides step-by-step instructions.
• Before installing a new toilet, check with the local building department for any code or permit requirements.

• If the floor or flooring below or around the old toilet has water damage, there will be an additional charge for repairs, depending on the extent of the problem.
• For $100 -$1,300 or more, computerized/battery-operated toilet seats can do everything from glow in the dark to ventilate, deodorize and wash/dry (eliminating the need for toilet paper); This Old House features a few high-tech toilet seats.

• Check whether the local water district or department offers a rebate for replacing an old toilet with a low-flush model. Local plumbers are often aware of these programs and are usually willing to file any required paperwork.
• Some areas also offer free installation of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) toilets for the elderly or the handicapped; ask the local housing or aging departments.

• Major manufacturers include American Standard, Kohler and Toto.
• Before shopping, measure the bathroom dimensions -- especially the distance from the floor flange bolt holes to the rear wall, which is known as the rough-in dimension. A standard rough-in is 12" and most toilets come in that size, but older homes may have a 10" rough-in. HGTV explains how to choose the right toilet.
• CIDNetwork.com lists tips for choosing a plumber. Get several estimates, making sure all services, charges and fees are included in each quote. Request and check references, and be sure they're properly bonded, insured and licensed. Also search for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.

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