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- Typical Range: $224 to $532
- National Average:$371
If you have a toilet that leaks, wobbles, or has cracks, it’s time for a replacement. Even if the toilet seems like it has no issues, a decades-old toilet isn’t as efficient as a newer model. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the cost to replace a toilet ranges from $224 to $532, with a national average of $371.
Toilet replacement cost can vary depending on the complexity of the job, toilet brand, installation location, removal of the old toilet, plumbing conditions, any additional features, and the type of toilet replacement. Replacing a toilet can reveal some unexpected problems that can tack on extra fees. Labor costs depend on how long the toilet installation (and any additional repairs) takes. If the toilet needs to be replaced on a weekend or holiday, a plumber can charge time and a half or even triple their rate for emergencies. The cost to replace toilet parts, such as a flange or a wax seal, can only be done by removing, reseating, and resealing the toilet. Keep reading to learn all the factors that make up the cost to replace a toilet.
Factors in Calculating Cost to Replace a Toilet
Many factors can influence toilet installation cost. Prices can differ from the national average depending on toilet type, brand, installation location, labor, and removal of the old toilet.
Toilet Type
The type of toilet will significantly impact the total installation cost. Homeowners can choose from standard two-piece toilets with round or oval bowls to high-end smart options with seat warmers and bidets. One-piece and wall-hung toilets are also common options. Some toilets require the installation of additional plumbing lines for their extra features and will cost considerably more than a standard toilet. Extra features can also include music, lighting, hands-free flushing, self-cleaning, and remote control options.
Toilet Brand
A new toilet can cost from $90 for a basic two-piece toilet to $1,500 or more for a high-end brand. The average cost to replace a toilet can vary based on the different types and brands of toilets. Some of the popular toilet brands are American Standard, Delta, Kohler, and TOTO USA. Homeowners typically choose a toilet brand based on what shape, look, and extra features they want for their bathroom.
Bathroom Location
If you’re wondering, “How much to install a toilet?” one factor that influences the installation cost is the location of the bathroom. Some installation professionals may charge more if the bathroom is on an upper floor. If a leak or other problem is discovered, keep in mind that plumbing and flooring repairs are usually more expensive on the second floor of a home than they would be on the first floor. Moving a toilet costs about $3,000, with many homeowners paying between $2,500 and $3,500. This requires new plumbing and moving drains and vent lines. Adding new drain pipe ranges from $0.75 to $30 per linear foot, not including labor costs.
Labor
Many plumbers charge $65 per hour to install a new toilet. If the installation project isn’t complicated by additional repairs, the job typically takes between 2 and 4 hours. Extra labor pricing can include the removal of the old toilet; moving and installing a new drain pipe; repairing leaks and clogs; and the cost to install toilet flanges, wax rings, and flush valves.
Old Toilet Removal
There’s usually an extra charge to remove and dispose of the old toilet. Removal costs range from $50 to $200, but it’s always a good idea to check with a professional to see if they include toilet removal costs in with their estimate.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When planning for the cost to replace a toilet, it’s always helpful to know about any additional costs and considerations. While the cost of the toilet and labor make up a large part of the project pricing, additional work, customizations, and emergency call-out fees are all part of replacing a toilet.
Flooring and Drywall Repair or Replacement
If the toilet has a leak that has damaged the flooring, it’s crucial to repair the area to avoid structural issues and the growth of mold and mildew. The average cost to repair flooring while replacing a toilet is between $200 and $500. Removing old flooring and replacing it with a water-resistant option such as tile runs about $8 to $24 per square foot. Drywall can also be damaged from water leaks. If pipes need to be replaced within the walls, sometimes the only way to repair the area is to tear out the wall. Repair or replacement will drive up the costs of the toilet replacement project.
Additional Plumbing Work
There are many occasions where a plumber will not know the extent of needed repairs until the toilet is removed and the floor and walls are opened. There may be pipes that need to be replaced to meet current building codes, or there may be a hidden leak. Remodeling a bathroom and changing the location of the toilet can add significantly more in labor and materials to the total bill.
Customizations
Custom high-end features can significantly increase the price to replace a toilet. Choosing a toilet with an elongated bowl, taller height, self-closing lid, low-flow or dual flushing, lighting, music, and a seat warmer will cause the project cost to escalate quickly.
Emergency Call-Out Fees
If your toilet is broken and you need a new one installed immediately, a plumber will typically charge an emergency fee. If a plumber needs to come to your house outside of regular business hours or on a holiday, the labor cost can double or triple. Some may charge a flat fee of $100 to $350 in addition to their hourly labor rate.
Types of Toilets
With the large variety of toilets on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing one for your home. Homeowners should pick one that fits well, matches the overall decor of the bathroom, and falls within their budget. Installing a low-flow toilet can help save on water costs and add to an eco-friendly home.
One-Piece
One-piece toilets can range from $150 to $1,500. These types of toilets do not come apart and are ideal for tight spaces. They have a modern design and are easy to clean and install. One-piece toilets cost more than their two-piece counterparts. They cannot be separated during shipping to save space and, in turn, cost more to transport. One-piece toilets usually feature new technology and are high-efficiency toilets (HET).
Two-Piece
Two-piece toilets are the traditional toilet style with a base that can separate from the tank. They’re the most popular option and can cost as little as $90 to as much as $875. This style is harder to clean with many hard-to-reach areas. While the toilet can be separated to save space during shipping, it’s not uncommon to have to wait for both parts of the toilet to arrive for installation.
Wall-Hung
A mounted or wall-hung toilet is affixed to the wall with the tank hidden inside the wall. A wall-hung toilet typically costs around $675 but can range upward to $1,200. These toilets work well for smaller, modern bathrooms, and they’re easier to clean since the space under the bowl is open. However, wall-hung toilets are more difficult to repair since the tank is inside the wall.
Smart Toilet
Smart toilets can cost from $1,200 to $13,000 or more. They use less water and offer special features, such as lighting, a heated seat, a self-cleaning bowl, a self-closing lid, remote control options, touchless flushing, music, UV-disinfecting technology, and built-in bidets.
Do I Need to Replace My Toilet?
There are many signs that show it’s time to replace a toilet. If it wobbles when you sit on it, leaks, needs repeated repairs, doesn’t flush properly, or frequently clogs, it’s time for a new toilet.
Toilet Age
If you don’t know how old your toilet is, it’s probably time to replace it. Since older toilets use more water than newer versions, installing a new one can save on water costs. The general rule is to replace a toilet every 25 years, so if the toilet is around that age, be aware that it is not as efficient as a new toilet. Federal law also requires that toilets made and sold after January 1, 1994, flush with 1.6 gallons of water. A new dual-flush toilet uses different options for solid and liquid waste and is a good choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
Frequent Repairs
Even though replacing a toilet costs more initially, the amount of money spent on frequent repairs can quickly outpace the replacement cost. Repairing and replacing fill valves, handles, and flappers may seem like small repairs, but they can signal larger issues in the future. Since the average price to repair a toilet is around $240 and the cost to replace one ranges from $224 to $532, multiple repairs can cost more than a new toilet.
Wobbling
If the toilet rocks or wobbles when you sit on it, chances are that it needs to be replaced or repaired. A wobbly toilet is a sign that there could be water damage to the flooring, some bolts may need to be tightened, or the toilet may need to be properly reseated.
Cracked Tank
An unnoticed crack can lead to serious flooring problems. A cracked toilet tank can be the source of pooling water on the floor and can lead to a flooded bathroom. Cracks that appear in the tank or on the lower part of the toilet need to be addressed as soon as possible. It’s recommended to replace a cracked toilet since it’s a safer option than repairing.
Regular Clogging
Frequent clogging is common with older toilets since they don’t flush as efficiently as newer models. If you find yourself reaching for the plunger more often than not, it’s time to consider a new toilet.
Constant Running
If a toilet is constantly running, it means that the parts inside the tank are failing. Most parts, such as a fill valve or flapper, are easy fixes. If replacing the tank parts doesn’t fix the problem, it could be time for a new toilet. A constantly running toilet will also increase the water bill.
Mineral Buildup
Hard water can leave calcium deposits in the toilet bowl and in the pipes. This can lead to clogging or water depletion. If the buildup is bad enough, it gets more and more difficult to remove. A plumber may be able to remove some buildup from the pipes, but many homeowners opt to replace the toilet and install a water softener to remedy the issue.
Cost to Replace a Toilet: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
If you have the experience, plumbing knowledge, and time to replace a toilet on your own, it can make a good DIY project. Those who are not experienced with replacing pipes, recognizing out-of-date plumbing, repairing flooring and drywall, or tackling mold and mildew remediation may need to call in a professional to deal with the complex plumbing work that comes with replacing a toilet. It’s recommended to hire a professional if you want to remodel a bathroom or move the location of the toilet to a different spot because of the intricate electrical and plumbing work that the job requires. It may cost more to hire a pro to replace a toilet, but the job will be completed faster, and professionals usually offer a warranty to cover any issues that may arise.
How to Save Money on Toilet Replacement Costs
Budgeting for toilet replacement costs can be daunting, and the additional fees associated with the project can quickly add up. One way to save money on toilet replacement is to install the cheapest toilet, but there are other ways to save without compromising on quality and the features you want.
- Get at least three estimates. Look up reputable plumbers near you and request quotes.
- Create a budget. Knowing exactly how much you have to spend can keep you on track and allow for the extra surprise repairs that commonly pop up.
- Remove the toilet yourself. Save the extra money it costs for a plumber to remove the old toilet.
- Talk to a pro. Ask questions about how you can save money on the installation. Some pros may offer discounts or rebates on the price of a new toilet.
- Install a high-efficiency toilet (HET). High-efficiency toilets can pay for themselves within 6 months to 5 years, depending on the size of the household. A dual-flush toilet uses less water, and homeowners can save on water costs.
- Opt for a standard toilet. The extra features that come with a smart toilet are attractive, but the pricing can quickly add up. Choosing a one-piece or two-piece toilet can save money.
- Hire a pro. While it may be tempting to save on installation costs and tackle the job on your own, hiring a professional ensures the job will be done right. If a toilet is installed incorrectly, it can cost much more money in repairs and replacement.
Questions to Ask a Plumber About Toilet Replacement
Asking a professional the right questions about toilet replacement can minimize miscommunication and save money. Here are some questions to ask a toilet replacement professional.
- Are you licensed and insured?
- How many years have you been in business?
- Will you provide referrals?
- Do you charge a flat rate or an hourly fee?
- How much does it cost to replace a toilet?
- How much does it cost to replace a toilet wax ring?
- Do you provide free quotes?
- Who will install the toilet?
- If the bathroom needs additional repairs, will you complete the repairs or will someone else do it?
- Will you come to my house for a walk-through to calculate the estimate?
- How long will the installation take?
- Is labor included in the installation price?
- Is toilet removal included in the quote?
- What type of warranty do you offer?
- Will you clean up after the installation and repairs are completed?
FAQ
Staying within your budget for toilet replacement costs can be challenging. Here are some frequently asked questions about the cost to replace a toilet to help guide you in your decisions.
Q. Why would a toilet need to be replaced?
There are many reasons to replace a toilet. If it’s stopped flushing, wobbles when you sit on it, leaks, needs frequent repair, frequently clogs, or if you do not know how old it is, it’s time for a new toilet.
Q. What does putting vinegar in your toilet tank do?
Vinegar works for cleaning calcium and lime deposits in the tank. Pouring a few cups of vinegar in a toilet tank, letting it sit for about an hour, scrubbing, and then flushing a few times to rinse can help clean the tank.
Q. Can I leave bleach in the toilet overnight?
Since bleach is a powerful cleaning medium, it’s not recommended to let bleach sit overnight.
Q. Can I replace my toilet myself?
If you have the physical strength, plumbing experience, and knowledge regarding toilet installation, it would make a good DIY project. Be prepared to call in a plumber if you discover plumbing issues or leaks.
Q. How do I get rid of an old toilet?
To prevent it from ending up in a landfill, you can transport a clean and empty old toilet to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a solid waste-disposal company, a recycling company, or a toilet recycling program. Or you can sell it or give it away.
Q. How long does it take a professional to install a toilet?
If there are no problems with the installation, it takes about 2 to 4 hours for a plumber to install a toilet.
Q. Should you caulk around a toilet?
Caulking around the base of the toilet helps keep it secure and prevents offensive odors from escaping. It’s a requirement of the International Plumbing Code to caulk a toilet to the floor.
Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide