Toilet repair troubleshooting tips
By Thumbtack Staff•Last updated Jul 21, 2020
Last updated Jul 21, 2020
So your toilet won’t stop running. Let’s fix that. Here’s how to deal with leaks, broken seats and clogged drains, according to plumbers on Thumbtack.
How to troubleshoot common toilet problems
Tip #1: If your toilet won’t stop running, check the fill valve or the flapper
These parts sit in the tank and help the toilet stop filling with water once it’s ready for the next flush. If you’ve already checked that the flapper chain isn’t caught, look at the flapper and fill valve.
The flapper is the round piece, often red or black rubber, that seals the bottom of the tank. When you flush, the flapper lifts so water can flow into the bowl. The fill valve is the vertical pipe that brings in the water. Both fixes are usually quick, especially replacing a flapper. Pros say it can cost as little as $50 to replace a flapper, including parts and labor.
Tip #2: Fix leaks by replacing the wax ring
There’s a wax ring around your toilet base that helps keep water from leaking onto the floor. If it’s worn out, you’ll need to remove the toilet, take out the old ring, replace it with a new one, and reinstall the toilet. It can cost anywhere from $150 to $200 or more on average, depending on where you live, the cost of parts, and other factors.
If you’ve never removed a toilet before, don’t try to tackle it on your own unless you’re comfortable dealing with leaks and water damage. Call a plumber or handyman who knows what they’re doing.
Tip #3: Avoid clogs and other problems before they start
Don’t flush anything that isn’t toilet paper. Put floss, makeup remover wipes, and ear swabs somewhere else. And go easy on “flushable” wipes. Even the ones that claim to decompose can be hard on pipes, according to professional plumbers.
When to replace your toilet instead
Reason #1: Your plumbing clogs no matter how often you snake the drain
If you’re plunging your toilet all the time, there might be something caught in the trap. The toilet itself could be the problem — older toilets are more likely to have porcelain glaze that wears off and gets stuck in the trap, causing flushing issues.
Have a plumber investigate to be sure. It could be another part of your plumbing, too — but if you’re having regular problems with clogs, it might be time to update the toilet.
Reason #2: The repairs are going to cost more than $400
A new toilet costs somewhere between $150 and $800, plus labor, which is usually around $150 to $200 on average, depending on how complicated the job is and factors like travel and junk hauling fees. If you’re spending hundreds of dollars on small parts and having pros service different leaks, broken pieces, and clogs, you could be wasting money.
Reason #3: The toilet is really old
A well-made toilet can last 20 to 40 years. But it depends on the model, among other things. If you have an older toilet and the seat breaks off, you might not be able to find a matching part. You’re also more likely to see parts and glazes break down and cause other working issues.
Newer toilets are more water efficient, and if selling a home is in your near future, you might not want to spend serious money repairing something you’re likely to replace soon anyway. After all, remodeling a kitchen or a bathroom is often at the top of the list when it’s time to prep your house for resale.
How much do toilet repairs cost?
If your repairs start to cost hundreds of dollars, you might be better off getting a new toilet — especially if your existing toilet is really old or if you plan to sell your home soon. If you’ve never replaced a toilet before, leave it to a professional so you don’t end up with water damage, mold, or worse.
Both full-service plumbers and general contractors can replace old toilets, swap out a toilet seat, replace a wax ring, or upgrade a standard toilet to a luxury model. An experienced handyman can also do the job if it’s a straightforward matter of removing the old toilet and installing a new one.
The average cost for toilet repairs is $60 to $245. Toilet installation ranges from $85 to $389, but can run as high as $800 or more for toilets with special features like heated seats. You may also have to factor in the cost of your plumber, contractor, or handyman hauling your old toilet away.
Who to hire to help with toilet repair
For a quick fix, find a plumber or handyman. But if you’re seeing water damage or your toilet replacement also involves basement or floor work, try a contractor. Find all the pros you need on Thumbtack:
How it works.
Search.
Browse profiles, see prices and use filters to find pros who match your project.
Chat.
Contact the pros you like to discuss project details.
Hire.
Check pro availability and book appointments right in the app.
Find local pros for your project
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll show you pros right for the job, with prices.