How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Toilet?

Cost to replace toilet

A basic model runs between $99 and $199 on average. Certain pressure-assisted toilets can cost as much as $500 to upwards of $700 or more. Newer toilets can save you quite a lot on water costs. Old toilets use up to 7 gallons of water per flush, while new models use closer to 1.28 gallons. The shape of your new toilet also matters. A toilet with an elongated bowl can cost between an additional $10 to $80.

There are many reasons why you may need to replace your toilet. If you're planning to remodel your bathroom, a new toilet will be part of the renovation. However, if you simply need to replace a broken toilet, you could end up doing so because the cost to repair it is higher than just getting a completely new toilet altogether. The total toilet replacement cost can vary depending on the complexity of the job, who you hire, and the price of the toilet itself.

Cost to repair a toilet

The average cost to repair a toilet ranges between $142 and $316, which should include labor and materials. In some cases, replacing a toilet may cost less than repairing a broken one. There are several common problems that your toilet may experience that would result in the need for repair, and each one has its own associated costs. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common issues and the costs that come with fixing them.

Toilet common problems cost

The following list includes the cost to make specific repairs to a toilet including the price of labor and all required materials.

Leaky flapper repair cost

A leaky flapper is an easy fix that can usually be done DIY. You should be able to replace a leaky flapper for approximately $10 and around 30 minutes of your time. However, if you hire a plumber to replace the flapper, it could cost closer to $50 to $100.

Broken handle repair cost

Toilet handles cost around $8 on the low-end and up to $400 for luxury fixtures. Plan to pay an additional $45 to $150 for one hour of labor if you hire a plumber to install the broken handle.

Broken chain repair cost

A broken toilet chain is another inexpensive fix that can be done by most homeowners at a cost of around $6-$10. Plan to pay around $100 if you need a plumber to do it for you.

Faulty flush valve repair cost

A new flush valve ranges between $20 and $30 for most models, so prepare to pay around $70 to $150 to have yours replaced by a professional plumber.

Leaky shut off valve repair cost

Shut-off valves range between $5 and $35 and should take no more than two hours to repair, resulting in an average repair cost of around $55 to $235.

Faulty wax ring repair cost

Wax rings or seals are cheap, costing just $2 to $10. However, the process to replace them is time-consuming and requires skill which brings the repair cost closer to between $50 and $200 total.

Broken tank repair cost

A replacement toilet tank can range from $50 to $100 and should take a professional plumber between 1 and 2 hours to complete, with a total cost of around $50 to $300.

Broken toilet bowl repair cost

A new toilet bowl can be between $70 to $100 or more not including the cost of installation. Plan to add another $40 to $50 more to replace the entire fixture, which is what most plumbers recommend.

Faulty pipe repair or replacement cost

In some cases, your toilet could be broken due to a faulty pipe/plumbing. Contact a plumber to get a quote for this job, which can range from $350 to $1,800 or more.

Syphon repair cost

The syphon is an important part of the bowl that allows your toilet to flush. If it stops working, you'll need to pay to replace the bowl or the entire fixture altogether. Refer to the pricing for a broken toilet bowl listed above.

Flange/drain repair cost

Plan to pay between $145 to $165 to put in a new flange. The part only costs between $7 and $20, but a professional plumber is usually required to identify the cause and severity of the leak before they can make the proper repairs.

Plumber cost to unclog a toilet

A clogged toilet or drain can cost anywhere from as low as $85 to repair to as much as $600. Your cost varies depending on the severity of the clog. A simple cleanout usually ranges between $85 to $150 but a more expensive clog that requires more labor and investigation to identify the problem can range between $150 to $300. If you're dealing with an extreme clog that requires roof-vent access or the help of several plumbers, prepare to pay between $300 and $600.

Cost to install a toilet

Now that you know more about the average cost to repair common toilet problems, how much does it cost to install a new one? A basic toilet costs between $122 and $228 on average, but this depends on the brand, the style, and any other features the toilet may have. High-end brand names or "fancy" toilets will cost you more. You'll also need to factor in the cost to remove an old toilet when applicable as well as the labor cost to replace your toilet, which we will explore below. If you're considering something different, like a bidet, this will cost you much more. The cost to install a bidet ranges closer to between $700 and $1,500.

Toilet removal cost

If you're having your bathroom remodeled or you need to replace a broken toilet, the plumber will likely charge a separate fee to remove and dispose of it. Most plumbers charge between $30 and $50 to remove and dispose of your old toilet. If the plumber runs into any issues removing the toilet, it could cost you additional charges of around $75 to $120 per hour of labor. When you contact several plumbers for estimates, make sure you inform them that you need to have your current toilet removed. Some plumbers may "bake" this charge into their total price, while others may charge a separate line item fee.

Labor cost to repair a toilet

Whether you're installing a brand-new toilet or having your current one repaired, most plumbers charge a flat rate to perform both types of work. The labor cost to repair a toilet ranges from between $45 to $75 per labor hour in most areas. However, if the demand for plumbers is high or you happen to live in an urban area or somewhere with a higher cost of living, labor rates could be closer to between $75 to $150 per hour.

Repair or replace a toilet cost

When weighing the costs of repairing or replacing your toilet, it often comes down to the severity or complexity of the problem. For example, if you just need to replace a broken chain or a worn-out flapper, you should be able to find these parts at your local home improvement store and replace them yourself. On the other hand, if the repairs are intense or require a lot of manpower, it might be wise to simply replace the entire toilet. Always get several estimates from at least three local plumbers in your area for both the repair and the replacement so you can decide which option will work best for you and your budget.

DIY vs hire a pro

You may wonder if you can simply make repairs or replace your toilet on your own. Simple repairs like replacing a valve or flapper should be fairly easy since they don't require any plumbing knowledge or special tools to complete. On the other hand, if you need to remove the toilet to replace the wax ring, replace faulty plumbing, or identify and fix a leak, it's usually best to leave this type of job to the professionals. Even if you watch plenty of DIY videos, a skilled plumber knows how to work on your toilet to prevent possible leaks or other issues. Try to get at least 3-4 estimates from different plumbers in your area so you have a better idea of your total cost. If you think you may have leaks and clogs in other areas of your home, get them all repaired at one time to save money on labor and trip charges. Always hire plumbers who are licensed and insured, and don't forget to ask about any possible warranties for the labor and materials.

Pros and cons

There are several benefits to replacing a toilet as opposed to repairing one, as well as some drawbacks, too.

Pros

• If your toilet was installed before 1994, it probably uses a lot more water per flush than today's models. The federal government set forth some guidelines in 1994 that requires every new toilet to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, which means a new toilet will save you on your monthly water bill.
• A new toilet can add a nice, fresh look to your bathroom which is especially useful if you're planning to sell your home, or you were planning to remodel your bathroom anyway.
• New toilets should include a limited warranty on faulty parts. If you have the new toilet installed by a plumber, they may also offer you a warranty on the labor which means your new toilet is covered for a while if you run into any issues.

Cons

• Most toilet problems are an easy fix, which means repairing your existing toilet should cost you less than a replacement in many cases.
• If your plumber discovers issues with pipes or other plumbing red flags, you'll end up paying much more than you originally planned to correct them before your new toilet can be installed.
• While most basic toilets won't set you back more than $100 or so, many brands are now charging much more for extra features like Bluetooth connectivity and special water-saving features. For example, Kohler's Numi toilet can cost as much as $9,000!