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A running toilet is not a plumbing emergency, but you will want to try some DIY fixes or call in a plumber to prevent wasting gallons of water. The three most common causes of a running toilet are a broken or dirty flapper, an incorrectly sized chain between the flush lever and flapper, or a float that is out of position.

Yes, you should screw your flange to the subfloor, including cement. The best way to get this done is to predrill holes into the concrete using a hammer drill and a ¼-inch concrete bit. Be careful when you’re ready to bolt your flange down, as you can accidentally crack it. You can avoid this issue by not installing the screws too deep. Or, you can opt for a flange with a stainless steel ring so you don’t have to worry about cracking the plastic.

If you notice water leaking down the side of the bowl or tank and you don’t notice any cracks in the porcelain, the odds are that it’s condensation. If you notice water around the base of the toilet, this points to a leak. Check for loose bolts. A sewage odor may also indicate a broken toilet flange.

The average cost to hire a plumber is typically between $45 and $200 per hour, with a common average rate around $125 per hour. This cost can vary based on your location, the plumber's experience, and the complexity of the job. Rates are often broken down by experience level: an apprentice may charge $45 to $90 an hour, a journeyman $60 to $110 an hour, and a master plumber $80 to $200 an hour. While hourly rates are standard, some plumbers may charge a flat fee for routine projects or offer project-based pricing. It's also common for plumbers to charge a minimum service or trip fee. For reference, some typical flat-rate costs for common jobs include: drain unclogging ($220), leaky faucet repair ($270), burst pipe repair ($400), toilet repair ($300), and water heater repair ($600). Note that these rates are for standard service hours; emergency, holiday, and after-hours calls will cost significantly more.