Get matched with top toilet pros in Clive, IA

Technically, you can put an elongated toilet seat on a round toilet, but it’s not a good idea. Elongated toilet seats are a few inches longer than round toilets, so they will hang over the front edge of your toilet, which isn’t appealing. Additionally, an unsupported toilet seat or portion of a toilet seat is more likely to crack and shift, which could result in injury to whoever uses the toilet. Always match your toilet seat style to your toilet, or replace the toilet entirely if you’re looking to switch styles.

The average cost to replace a toilet fill valve is around $100, and prices range from $50 up to $150, depending on your location, the experience of the plumber, and how accessible your toilet is. In most cases, a professional plumber can replace your fill valve in under an hour, although it might take longer if they also need to fix or replace other components at the same time.

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.

There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

• Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

• Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

• Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

• Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

• DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

• Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.