 | DIY Shutoff Valve Replacement: $10-$25 |
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 | Toilet Replacement: $50-$350+ |
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 | Plumber: $45-$150 Per Hour |
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| Many toilet repairs can be relatively straightforward. H2ouse.net describes and illustrates the basic parts of a toilet that might need repair. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Do-it-yourself replacement of a leaking toilet shutoff valve typically costs $10 -$25 for new parts; requires no special tools or skills; and usually takes 1-2 hours. Broken or failing parts inside the tank (like a fill valve, flapper, ball cock or tank lever) may cause a toilet to run continuously. DIY replacement parts for this problem typically cost $5 -$50 depending on the brand of toilet, with an average cost of less than $25. This project might take 20-30 minutes or two hours.
- A faulty wax ring/gasket underneath can be the cause of a leaky toilet while a wobbly toilet may need both a new wax ring and a closet flange (the plate under the wax ring). DIY replacement typically costs $5 -$35; might take 45 minutes to a couple of hours; and is relatively straightforward, although it does require enough strength to lift the toilet. It might also require a heavy-duty 24" plumbing wrench, which typically costs $30 -$100 or more.
- Plumbers either charge a flat fee per job or an hourly rate that varies from $45 -$75 in low-cost rural areas and $75 -$150 in high-cost urban areas. Having a plumber or a handyman replace failing toilet parts like a fill valve or flapper can cost $50 -$150 or more, depending on local rates and the worker's qualifications. Replacing a shutoff valve typically costs $25 -$50 and replacing a wax ring (and possibly also the closet flange) might cost $50 -$200. For example, HoneyDoRepair.com, a professional handyman service in California, charges $150 for labor and materials to replace a failed wax ring, and a minimum of $190 (two hours at $85 an hour) plus parts for repairing the tank mechanism (replacing parts, flushing holes, tightening bolts).
- Having a plumber or rooter service unclog a toilet can cost $85 -$150 if it's a simple cleanout with outside access, but it can cost $150 -$300 for dismantling a toilet and snaking/drilling the drain line or $300 -$600 for more complex projects, where multiple lines need cleaning or if the cleanout requires roof-vent access (which means two plumbers, one on the roof and one operating the equipment on the ground). For do-it-yourselfers, augers or "drain snakes" cost $4 -$50 for hand held-manual models and $100 -$500 or more for electric versions on Amazon.
- Replacing a toilet can cost $50 -$350 for a basic toilet and $50 -$150 for installation, for a total cost of $100 -$500. However, designer or specialty toilets can cost $500 -$3,000 or more, and installation costs increase for a complex project, if parts or lines leading into the toilet need replacing, or if extra labor is required to haul a heavy one-piece toilet upstairs.
What should be included: | |
Additional costs: | - Ignoring a running toilet can add hundreds of dollars -- in some cases $1,000 or more -- to water bills. Ignoring a leaking toilet can result in damage to the floor and subfloor (and to the downstairs ceiling for an upstairs toilet), and might require replacing part or all of the floor and subfloor, with total costs depending on the extent of the damage.
Shopping for toilet repair: | - Ask for recommendations for plumbers or handymen from family, friends, neighbors or co-workers, or at the local home improvement or hardware store. CIDNetwork.net lists tips for choosing a plumber.
- Verify that a plumber is properly bonded, insured and licensed. Check for any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.
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Article updated June 2011 |
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