Avoid leaks by hiring a plumber
There comes a time when you’ll need to know who to call to replace a toilet, whether yours is on the fritz or you want an upgrade. Properly licensed plumbers and handypeople are your best bet for toilet replacement because they can ensure it’s properly installed and sealed to prevent leaks or other issues later on.
Improper toilet installation can result in a wobbly toilet, leaks, and potential water damage. When a plumber or a local toilet installation pro replaces your toilet, they’ll make sure the water is turned off and back on properly, level the toilet, and seal everything up to prevent leaks.
Another benefit of hiring a licensed plumber is that it may not cost as much as you’d think, especially for a simple toilet replacement that may only take a couple of hours to complete. Replacing the toilet can cost as little as $90, although it can climb to $1,500 or more depending on the type of toilet you buy. Labor costs between $40 and $200 per hour, so you can ask your plumber for an estimate before starting the project.
When many people think of plumbers, they are often associated with repairing faucets and toilets or unclogging pipes. However, due to the certifications and intensive training required for this trade, plumbers have diverse skill sets and can also assist in areas like HVAC, water testing, and appliance installation, among others.
An experienced handyperson can likely replace your toilet. The exception would be if there are more plumbing issues that need to be fixed. A handyperson may also be a good choice for toilet replacement if they’re working on a flooring project or replacing other bathroom fixtures like faucets or lights.
Replacing a toilet is a fairly straightforward job as long as no plumbing complications arise along the way. Plumbers are experts at troubleshooting if they encounter an issue, but the basic steps for how to install a toilet are as follows:
Measure and purchase a new toilet. The measurement that plumbers go by is the “rough-in.” To find this, measure from the wall to the center of the bolts on the base of the toilet. This will be 12 inches, but it can vary between 10 and 14 inches depending on the toilet style.
Turn off the water with the shut-off valve on the toilet’s pipes.
Remove the supply line using an adjustable wrench.
Remove the toilet seat and lid.
If it’s a two-piece toilet, remove the tank by unscrewing the bolts that hold the tank and bowl together.
Remove the bolts at the base of the toilet. Then, to break the seal at the base, gently rock the toilet back and forth.
Inspect the flange—the piece of pipe connecting the toilet to the floor—and the bolts. If they’re in good condition, the plumber will reuse them. Otherwise, they’ll replace them with new pieces.
Install a new wax ring around the flange.
Settle the toilet over the bolts and flange, pressing down on it to set the seal on the wax ring.
Secure the toilet by tightening the nuts on both bolts, making sure the toilet is level.
Place the tank on the toilet and secure it.
Reattach the supply line.
Attach the toilet seat and lid.
Test for leaks.
Caulk the base.
If you have toilet issues, hiring a licensed plumber who can diagnose and resolve the problem is a good idea. Most of the time, the problem requires simple toilet repairs. If your toilet is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may need to replace it.
For most homeowners, toilet repairs cost between $150 and $400. If you need a full-on replacement, the cost to install a toilet averages $250 to $550 for your contractor’s time. The toilet itself can range anywhere from $100 (for something basic) to $3,000 (for an ultra-high-end designer toilet). Most toilets last 10 to 50 years—or longer if they’re well-maintained.
Replacing a toilet with a similar model requires intermediate-level DIY skills and some plumbing experience. However, call in a plumber if you’re installing a toilet with a drastically different design, or if you’re moving the toilet to a different location in the bathroom. The size can also make a difference, as a heavier toilet could be an issue for a DIYer.
Complicated projects involving reinforcing or moving plumbing should be handled by a professional who can finish the job without damaging the existing plumbing or leaving behind leaks.
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