If you’ve accessed the bolts and nuts that hold your toilet seat in place and can’t unscrew them, it’s possible that they were overtightened or that the material corroded over time, making it impossible to unscrew. If that’s the case, you can either call in a plumber for help, or you can DIY a solution if you’re careful. Lay down masking tape around the mounting bracket and then use the tape as a surface to lay a hack saw blade. Move slowly to cut through the bracket and bolt, being careful not to damage the porcelain in the process.

On average, it costs between $150 and $300 to fix a toilet that’s leaking at the base, including supply charges. If the flange is intact, the cost is between $150 to $200. If the flange needs to be replaced, you can expect an extra $50 or so. The actual price will depend on the hourly rate your plumber charges.

Start by gutting the old fixtures and features that need to be removed, such as the tile, vanity, and flooring. You may benefit by removing the toilet, even if you intend to use the same one. Next, install the new shower or tub, followed by the flooring, and then the drywall, which you should then paint. After that, install your new cabinets, vanity, countertop, sink, and faucet, in that order. Replace your light fixture next. Lastly, reconnect the toilet.

Replacing a toilet typically takes two to four hours. Several factors can impact this timeline, including the condition of the old toilet, flange, flooring, and pipes. If a professional discovers issues like a cracked flange, damaged flooring, leaky pipes, or a broken wax ring, the installation will take longer. Additionally, some toilets, such as wall-mounted or in-wall-tank models, are more complex to install and may require cutting into and repairing drywall, which adds to the project time. Given the weight of toilets and the importance of proper placement, it is often best to hire a professional for the job.