Get matched with top toilet pros in Sunburst, MT

The main cause of bathroom leaks is seals and connectors that loosen or deteriorate over time, causing leaks to develop. It's important to stay on top of your bathroom materials, as toilets, showers, and sinks all have different lifespans. Toilets and faucets last between 10 and 15 years on average with regular maintenance, but different parts may have shorter lifespans than others.

Yes, an ambitious homeowner could decide to replace their own toilet. A person attempting to do a DIY toilet installation should keep in mind that the average toilet weighs between 100 and 120 pounds. That means that you'll need to be comfortable lifting and carrying your old toilet and replacement toilet during both phases of the project. Additionally, homeowners will need to have basic plumbing knowledge to avoid plumbing problems that could result in messy, expensive water damage in their bathrooms. Hiring a plumbing pro from the get-go can help you avoid damaging your plumbing or your new toilet.

In most cases, it’s better to repair a toilet than to replace it. Fixing issues like low water levels, running water, and flushing problems is less expensive than buying a new unit. Start thinking about replacement if the toilet is cracked, using excessive amounts of water, or is over 15 years old. Newer models are more water-efficient and clog less often than older models.

Yes, you’ll need to replace your toilet’s wax seal any time you move the toilet. This is because movement of the toilet will break the seal, rendering the remaining wax useless. Thankfully, replacing a wax seal is fairly easy, and the seal itself only costs $2 to $10 at most home improvement stores.

When replacing a wax seal you typically also have to replace the closet bolts that secure the toilet to the flange. These are usually about 2.5" - 3" long and have to be cut once the toilet is secure. Cutting them usually makes them too short to reuse.