Get matched with top toilet pros in Trego, MT

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."

The biggest sign that your flange leaks is if you notice water at the base of the toilet. The cause is likely due to a poor flange installation, so you might have issues with loose bolts, an uneven flange, or a cracked plastic flange. Add a deteriorating wax seal to this, and you have a recipe for disaster. The best solution is to shut off the water valve, replace the toilet flange, and seal it with a new wax ring.

If you have to hold the toilet handle (also called the toilet lever) down to flush, you probably have a chain problem. A chain that cannot fully lift the flapper will close too early and not clear the toilet bowl. Try adjusting the chain length so there’s about ½ inch of slack.   

There are a few ways to unclog a toilet without a plunger. Break up the clog with homemade solutions containing soap, vinegar, and baking soda, or simply let hot water spend some time in the drain. You can also use a two-liter soda bottle filled with water to push pressurized water into the pipe to dislodge the debris (see the steps above).