Many toilet repairs can be relatively straightforward. H2ouse.net describes and illustrates the basic parts of a toilet[1] 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[2] , 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[3] .
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.
AskTheBuilder.com describes 10 common toilet problems[4] . ThisOldHouse.com posts how-to videos showing what it takes to repair: a runny toilet[5] by replacing faulty parts; a wobbly toilet[6] by replacing the closet flange and wax ring; a sweating toilet tank[7] ; or a pressure-assisted toilet[8] .
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[9] .
Verify that a plumber is properly bonded, insured and licensed.
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Plumber wanted to replace complete toilet, and inside materials, quote started at 650.00. I said “I have a leaky valve maybe a 10.00 part. Then he said the job required new inside parts because my water level was too low??!! Really!! Emergency fix because I just had new flooring put down but I will never call them again. Only way I was able to pay 265.00 because I pointed out a discount online for new jobs.
Replaced flush valve & flapper on 2 toilets. Job 1 hr, maybe bit over, plumber charged 2 hrs @$100/hr. OK, fine. BUT, to charge $420 ea toilet just to replace 2 parts...REALLY? I had a choice to say 'No' plus, I did NOT Google (always do) nor price-shop, MY fault! Very $$ job when I compared other plumbers the next day! Bank account lowered! Lesson learned: DO YOUR HOMEWORK or, DIY!
Cost could have been cheaper, but previous owners hired a plumber and contractor who didn't do the job right. So we ran into problems. The first wax ring didn't work, so we had to buy the old fashioned type. The tile floor was also grouted over the flange causing more issues that I had to chip away at the floor to get the old anchors out. Then I had to fix it by adding some epoxy putty. I doubled up on my wax rings as my flange was undermount deep because the floor had two layers. I also like to caulk partway around my toilet. So that was extra. It took several hours, but it was well worth my time for $25, and I taught my two boys how to change a wax seal. Nasty job that requires patience and a careful hand.
Notice that toilet moved and rocked when used. Tried to reset screw in collar to fix toilet fixture. Couldn't get the screw to catch. Called plumber and they were there within 3 hours. Found collar to be broken, replaced collar and wax seal, reattached toilet and water line. Everything is good. Completed job within 1 hour.
Posted by: Titanfan949 in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Posted: June 19th, 2019 03:06AM
Project: Information
Plumber: Me
Do you people realize that these are licensed plumbing companies? Mayve you dont understand the costs to run a plumbing business. State Plumbers license, business license, city license, workmans comp, vehicle insurance, employee wages, costs of tools & equipment to repair your problems, rent for an office, office staff wages, Computers. Phones, utilities, vehicles, gas for vehicles, maintenance for vehicles, uniforms, etc...the list goes on & on. Out of every $100 they charge, literally after all the costs the owner might make $15-20. Remember you are calling them because you can't. You either dont have the tools or the know how.
Quite expensive for replacing just the flapper. $75 for the trip, the rest for part and “labor”. I am 79 and try to live on a limited amount each month. This hit me hard.
I just replaced a toilet and when I pulled it the flange was broke. They also glued the flange down. I had to go under house, cut pipe, run new pipe and reconnect a flange. Then set new toilet. I charged $450.00 total labor
most toilet repair jobs are simple don't pay the high price of a plumber if you don't know look on YouTube and you will see how easy it is save yourself some money it took me a little time replaced flange was ring and new bolts around 50usd
PLUMMER GAVE ME A PRICE OF $261 PLUS TAX TO REPLACE A FILL VALVE. I ASKD HIM TO LEAVE. I BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT VALVE AT HOME DEPOT AND DID THE JOB MYSELF IN 15 MINUTES.A KORKY PLATINUM VALVE WAS $10 PLUS TAX.IT IS WORKING VERY WELL.
If I could do it, I would. The part itself costs little or next to nothing. He had to come look and then go to Home Depot to get the part. If I had use of my thumb, I would have tried to do it myself. It was only a matter of changing the flapper and putting it back on the "S" hook. Was a little late; but they call to say they are on the way. Guess it really does matter where you live and if we weren't already dealing with a lot of issues, I would have asked a neighbor to do it.
Great company. Came out and gave me honest pricing for a toilet replacement. Everyone wanted 600-700. $400 very reasonable. Install and toilet. Can not complain. Thanks again. Chair height also.
Posted by: Not pleased with bait and switch in Vancouver, Other.
Posted: November 14th, 2018 10:11AM
Project: Baitandswitch
Plumber:
Asked plumber to come see 2 running toilets and a leaky kitchen faucet. Quoted $500 to replace the kitchen faucet because it’s customer supplied, and the adjustments to toilets were free. We had a $200 discount which brought everything to $318. Then half way through, he says the fill needs to be replaced, another $340 but will give discount, so $565 altogether. Felt like it was a bait and switch, because a local guy with small company says it’ll be between $125-250 for him to do it. :-/ should have gone with my gut and the local person instead of a plumbing company
After Mr. Rooter replaced the wax ring, the toilet still leaking. They recommended to replace the plastic flange, involving cutting the ceiling open and cut off a section of piping. I was offered a "discount" price of $950 since they worked on the same toilet already. I am shopping for 2nd opinion/quote right now.
Two plumbers from Stuart London Handyman company arrived within 15 minutes of me contacting the company. They lifted up the toilet, and said there was no damage to the subfloor. Then they replaced the wax ring, reset the toilet, replaced the flex hose with a new one, put on new bolt covers at the base of the toilet, and caulked the base of the toilet. $200 for about 15-20 minutes of labor, plus $24 for materials, and a $15 discount. They were fast and professional, and did good work.
Supply hose was leaking, we tried to replace ourselves. Supply valve was compressed so we couldn't get it off. Called plumber they wanted to replace all in the house (6 sets) for $981. Could not afford that cost right now, so just did the one that was broken.
Bought a sponge to get the remaining water out of the tank after the water valve was turned off,a universal toilet tank gasket kit with two bolts, four metal washers, four washer gaskets, four nuts, and one large tank gasket for the main tank. Turned off the water, flushed to get most of the tank water out. Removed the rest of the water with a large sponge. Followed the instructions on the gasket kit packet with some references to a do it yourself home depot book I already have. Fixed it better than how it was when I bought my house. Tank doesn't wobble anymore and is sealed tight!! Super easy and quick. No more leaks and it was only $15!!
Had leaking shut off valve. Asked plumber to repair it but he said it could be fixed. Installed new hose into toilet. Fill Valve was broken and flapper did not seal. He replaced these too. Total $221. First plumber I've found in 30 years that I thought was honest and knowledgeable.
Talked to a Lowe's employee about replacing a toilet flange after remodeling my bathroom. He recommended Culwell Flange (www.culwellflange.com) It's supposed to seal the floor from water damage and be durable. Has anyone else heard of this brand? It looks really good, but I want to make sure.
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