Get matched with top toilet pros in Del Sur, CA

Hiring an emergency plumber is expensive because of the urgency and inconvenience, but there are a few things you can do to help keep costs down:

• Minimize water damage by shutting off your water main 

• Clean up pooling water immediately to reduce damage and mold growth

• Avoid using fixtures if you have a clog or septic system backup

• Verify that your plumber is licensed before hiring

• Call a few plumbers for estimates if you can afford a short delay in getting service

If a toilet is not properly vented, you could experience issues like poor drainage, slow flushing, frequent clogs, malfunctioning traps, gurgling noises, and the release of sewer gasses. If left untreated, all of these issues could lead to longer term structural damage or (in the case of sewer gasses) harmful health side effects.

A standard toilet flange should fit snugly into the outflow pipe and sit level with the subfloor. Installing a new one without first removing the old one will make it impossible to form a seal and keep the toilet bowl bolted securely in place. 

However, if you’re dealing with leakage or wobbling because you’ve installed a new type of bathroom tile (making the floor taller), you may be able to avoid fully replacing the flange by opting for a toilet flange extender. Extenders typically come in kits for easy DIY installation, fit over the existing flange, and bring the drain connection higher.

The cost to install a new toilet typically runs from $225 to $530. This doesn’t include the price of the toilet itself, which can cost $90 to $1,500 depending on the model and features you choose. You can save money if you choose to install a toilet yourself. However, you might want to hire a pro for this project.

"Due to the many complexities of replacing a toilet flange, it is typically a job best left to the pros," says Jeff Botelho, Angi Expert Review Board member and plumber. "Many times it isn't as simple and straightforward as 'pop off the old one and pop on a new one' because the flange is either glued on (PVC/ABS), soldered on (brass/copper), or caulked in place with a lead & oakum joint (cast iron) and none of these things can be easily reversed without years of training and repetitive practice."