How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Toilet?

Toilet Repair Cost

In rural areas, the cost of hiring a plumber usually falls on the lower end of the scale at $45 to $75 per hour. In more expensive, urban areas, homeowners can expect to pay a higher rate of $75 to $200 an hour. Whether the pro charges by the project or by the hour, the price will include both labor and necessary materials.

A broken toilet is an inconvenience you cannot ignore. Finding a plumber and estimating costs as soon as possible is paramount.

Prices to Repair or Replace Parts

Most toilet repairs will involve replacing parts. When working with a pro, he/she will include the cost of the replacement parts in the project quote or fold it into his/her rate of $45 to $200 per hour. A professional plumber usually charges a one to two hour minimum per job to cover overhead like materials and travel to the job site, even for easy projects.

Some common problems homeowners experience include:

• leaky flapper

• broken handle

• broken chain

• faulty flush valve

• leaky shut off valve

• faulty wax ring

• broken tank

Fill, Shut Off & Flush Valve(s), Flapper

Valve replacement can run a homeowner between $50 and $150 or more depending on local rates and minimums. A homeowner may be able to save money by doing some of these jobs him/herself. Fill valves refill the tank and bowl to the correct water levels after flushing. A noisy fixture or one that is slow to fill may need a new valve.

Wax Ring/Seal

Replacing a wax ring, also referred to as a wax seal, will run between $50 and $200, including labor and materials. While the ring itself is inexpensive at $2 to $10, replacing it takes time and expertise. The closest flange may also need replacing, which can increase total project price.

Tank

A replacement tank will range from $50 to $100, not including the labor to install it. A professional plumber can put in a new tank in one to two hours for a total cost of $45 to $300. Total project price will depend on minimum charges as well as whether the internal tank parts also require replacement.

Bowl

A new bowl can range from $70 to $100 plus, not including installation. Most plumbers recommend replacing the entire fixture instead of the bowl. A replacement fixture typically costs only $40 to $50 or more. Labor rates will likely be the same since the fixture will already need removal.

Pipe

Sometimes, the problem is not the toilet itself, but a faulty pipe. In this case, your plumber can provide a quote for the cost to repair or replace plumbing lines.

Syphon

The syphon is an integral part of the bowl that allows the toilet to flush. If your syphon stops working, you will need to replace the bowl and/or the entire fixture. Please see Bowl section above, or Replace Toilet section below for pricing information.

Flange/Drain

To put in a new flange, expect to pay $145 to $165, including labor. The flange part itself averages $7 to $20. Faulty flanges cause leaks. Total project price will depend on the severity and location of the leak.

Plumber Cost to Unclog a Toilet

The cost to repair a clogged toilet drain can range from $85 to $600. Simple cleanouts with outside access will fall on the lower end of the scale at $85 to $150. More extensive clogs might require dismantling the fixture or snaking the drain at a cost of $150 to $300. Severe clogs that require cleaning multiple lines or roof-vent access by multiple plumbers can run $300 to $600.

The most common cause of a malfunctioning toilet is a simple clog. Many times, people flush inappropriate items. Often, a plumber opens a clogged fixture only to find a child's toy blocking the pipes. If you cannot clear it with a household plunger, the clog may be too far down the sewer line and need a professional to snake out the line. Most plumbers bill their services per hour, but some will have a set price to clear a clog.

Do-it-yourselfers may want to try loosening the clog themselves. Homeowners can purchase a manual drain snake for $4 to $50 online. Electric versions cost $100 to $500 or more.

Cost to Reseat a Toilet

The cost to reseat a toilet includes only labor. A professional plumber will charge his standard hourly rate or minimum fee. The cost to hire a handyman may be less, because this job doesn't require specific plumbing expertise.

In some cases, your fixture is in fine working order, but it needs reseating. This means the fixture moved from its original position, causing a gap and allowing leaks. Then, a professional should reseat and reseal it in place.

This is not a complicated job, but it will likely take a professional plumber a much shorter time to do than it will an inexperienced homeowner, so it may be worth the cost for a pro.

Cost to Replace Toilet

The cost to install a new toilet ranges from $220 to $525, including labor and materials. The fixture itself will run $50 to $350. Labor rates to install some high end toilets will be higher, due to different flange mounting systems, bidet seats, and other complexities.

Whether you are remodeling your bathroom or your plumber determines your existing unit is not fixable, you may need to replace the fixture itself. Though they are more expensive, low-flow models, up-flush toilets, and dual-flush toilets are better for the environment and can help save money on your water bills in the future.

DIY vs. Hiring a Plumber

Homeowners may be able to tackle some toilet repair jobs without a pro's help. Jobs like replacing a flapper, valve, or wax ring require only basic equipment and no plumbing expertise. However, a professional plumber should usually handle issues like complex clogs, severe leaks, and whole toilet replacements. While some jobs can appear at first to be simple, they can quickly spiral out of control so make sure you have a reputable plumber available, just in case.

Save money when hiring a plumber by checking all of your faucets and fixtures and getting every clog and leak fixed in one trip. To avoid poor workmanship and pricey future problems, be sure to ask the right questions and hire a trusted plumber who is licensed, insured and experienced.

“If you’d like to have a plumber inspect all of your plumbing during the repair service call, mention this add-on prior to your pro’s arrival,” Plumber and Expert Board Review member, Jeff Botelho, states. “Plumbers who work in a service-based business often have multiple stops to make in a day and every minute counts. They’ll be happy to help with any projects you have as long as they're aware of those projects ahead of time.”

FAQs

How long do toilet flappers last?

Most last 4 to 5 years before they need replacing at a cost of $5 to $10 plus labor. Chemical cleaners may shorten the life of a flapper to less than a year. If your flapper begins to deteriorate or hardens to the touch, you should replace it.

Jeff warns, “In-tank chemical cleaning products should NEVER be used in ANY toilet. Aside from doing damage to the flapper and other parts, they can void your toilet's factory warranty. Don't be fooled by discoloration inside of your toilet tank; the water is clean but the inside of the tank isn't glazed like the outside. China is porous, so the minerals in the water will seep into the surface of the tank and discolor it."

How many years does a toilet last?

Most last 15 to 20 years. In later years, it is usually more cost effective to replace than repair one. New fixtures save homeowners money by using less water.

Can you replace just the tank of a toilet?

Tanks and bowls are available separately. When replacing only one piece, ensure the manufacturer, model, and color match.

How easy is it to install a toilet?

Generally speaking, a professional plumber or experienced handyman should install a new fixture. An improperly-installed toilet can leak, causing additional damage to your home.

How often should you replace the wax ring on a toilet?

A wax seal may last the life of the toilet. Leaking water from the base of the toilet or sewer odors may indicate a faulty seal. A pro should also install a new wax ring any time he/she removes a toilet to access pipes or installs a new toilet.