Cost of a toilet replacement

Cost by toilet type

The type of toilet you choose has a significant impact on your overall costs. A standard two-piece toilet is almost always the cheapest option, but more expensive toilets have benefits that might make them worth the added cost.

Low-flow toilets, for instance, tend to cost more upfront, but they can save you money on your water bill. Toilets made before 1994 used up to six gallons of water per flush. However, per federal law, all residential toilets installed after 1994 can use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, and newer models that carry the WaterSense label use just 1.28 gallons per flush without sacrificing effectiveness.

That’s why switching from an older, inefficient toilet to a WaterSense-labeled model can result in a possible savings of over $140 per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Making this switch can reduce the amount of water you use by 20% to 60%, saving 13,000 gallons every year.

Switching to a WaterSense-labeled toilet can lower your household water usage by 20% to 60%.

On the other hand, some types of toilets may have costs beyond their purchase price. A wall-mounted unit (often referred to as a “floating” toilet) can cost you extra because of the labor needed to hide the tank behind the wall and ensure it’s properly affixed. You’ll also have to choose between a round or elongated bowl and pick what height you want. Kewin Greenhill, general manager of All Plumbing, Inc. in Arlington, Virginia, recommends taller “comfort height” toilets for those who have trouble with standard models.

To help you understand what these options might cost you, we consulted eight installation professionals (including plumbers and home repair advisors) to get realistic prices that include the cost of installation.

Labor cost to replace a toilet

You might be comfortable purchasing a toilet, but installing it is a different story. Fortunately, replacing a toilet is a fairly simple job for a professional, and the labor costs aren't ridiculous in most cases.

The labor costs should run you $100 to $150 if there’s no damage to the subfloor or flange. However, these costs may increase by $100 to $400 if your previous toilet was leaking at the base or if the flange is broken, depending on how extensive the damage is.

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So, you can save yourself up to a few hundred dollars by installing your own toilet if you’re up to the task — just make sure you know how to turn off your water and move a heavy toilet outside before you begin.

Signs it’s time to replace a toilet

The basic mechanics of a flush toilet haven’t changed much in the last century, and a toilet can last decades if your plumbing is still intact and the unit itself isn’t damaged. Some homeowners think they need a new toilet when they only need to replace a component in the tank, like the flapper that seals off the tank from the bowl.

Greenhill says in his area, a flapper is only good for three to five years depending on usage. The good news is that you can often purchase a kit to help you replace these components for less than $20.

However, if your current toilet is leaking, wobbling, cracked or clogging — or if it requires multiple flushes to get waste down — it’s likely time to replace it. Most of these defects start small and get worse over time, so it’s best to address them sooner rather than later.

Also, just because a toilet still works doesn’t mean there’s no reason to update or replace it as part of a bathroom renovation. Older toilets use more water than many newer models, and many toilets last long enough for design trends to change, potentially turning what was once a new fixture into an outdated eyesore.

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DIY toilet replacement vs. hiring a pro

Many homeowners will be able to replace a toilet without much difficulty. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t run into problems or that you should attempt this without some basic plumbing experience.

Toilets are also heavy and cumbersome, so you might want to have someone help you remove your old toilet and place the new one.

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