How Much Does Toilet Repair Cost?

Plumber Cost to Unclog a Toilet

The most common cause of a malfunctioning toilet is a simple clog because people often flush inappropriate items. If you can't clear it with a household plunger, the clog may be too far down the sewer line and need a pro to snake out the line. The cost to snake a drain can range from $85 to $600. Most plumbers bill their services per hour, but some will have a set price to clear a clog.

Simple clean-outs with outside access will fall on the lower end of the scale, at around $85 to $150. More extensive clogs might require dismantling the fixture or snaking the drain, at around $150 to $300. Severe clogs that require cleaning multiple lines or roof-vent access by numerous plumbers can run $300 to $600.

DIY-ers may want to try loosening the clog themselves. Homeowners can purchase a manual drain snake online for about $4 to $50, while electric versions cost around $100 to $500 or more.

Toilet Repair Costs by Part

Most toilet repairs involve replacing just one or two parts rather than a significant portion of the actual toilet setup. Depending on the problem, this tends to cost between $50 and $300. See below for some of the most common replacement parts and their associated costs, including labor.

Flange

Flange repair costs around $60 to $200, including labor and materials. This is one of the most common parts to require repair or replacement. The flange is affixed to the floor and sewer drain pipe and is responsible for holding the toilet firmly on the floor and preventing instability and leaks. If it's damaged, the toilet becomes unstable, can leak, and quickly become unusable. It's important to stop using the toilet and call a plumber immediately before the problem worsens.

Fill, Shut-Off and Flush Valve(s), Flapper

Fill valves refill the tank and bowl to the correct water levels after flushing. A noisy fixture or one that is slow to fill may need a new valve. A valve replacement can run a homeowner between $60 and $200 or more for labor and materials, depending on local rates and minimums. A homeowner may be able to save money by doing some of these jobs themselves.

Wax Ring/Seal

Replacing a wax ring, also called a wax seal, will run between $60 and $150, including labor and materials. While the ring itself is inexpensive, at around $2 to $10, replacing it takes time and expertise. The closest flange may also need replacing, increasing the total project price.

Tank

Replacing a toilet tank costs around $80 to $250, including labor and materials. With age or abuse, toilet tanks can develop cracks or holes that lead to leaks. For minor damage, expect to pay between $50 and $80 for the repair, as this typically requires the plumber to drain and dry the tank and apply a coat of waterproof epoxy or sealant. 

“In-tank chemical cleaning products should never be used in any toilet,” says Jeff Botelho, Angi Expert Review Board member and Massachusetts-licensed journeyman plumber. “Aside from doing damage to the flapper and other parts, they can void your toilet's factory warranty. Don't be fooled by discoloration inside of your toilet tank: The water is clean,” says Botelho.

Bowl

Fixing a toilet bowl costs approximately $100 to $300, including labor and materials. If you have some basic DIY skills, you could use epoxy resin to fix minor cracks in the bowl, saving you the cost of hiring a handyperson. For more significant damage, you'll need to hire a pro. The bowl comprises most of the fixture, and its problems may vary. Minor issues can happen with bowls over time. They may become marked, cracked, or damaged due to accidents, and a broken bowl increases the chances of leaks or wobbliness.

Pipe

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the toilet itself but a faulty drain pipe, which costs anywhere from $100 to $3,900, including labor and materials, to repair. The wide price range is related to where the problem in the pipe is and what the problem is. A small leak just below the flange will cost closer to the $100 mark. But if you have a significant blockage, root incursion, or corroded pipes, then you could pay $3,900 or more for repair or replacement. In this case, your plumber can provide a quote for the cost to repair or replace plumbing lines.

Siphon

It costs around $75 to $200 to repair a siphon, including labor and materials. The siphon is an integral part of the bowl that allows the toilet to flush. If it's damaged, you won't be able to flush your toilet, and you'll need to stop using it until you can get a plumber to fix the issue.

Seat

Repairing a toilet seat costs $50 to $70, including labor and materials, and is a simple task that most homeowners choose to tackle themselves to save money. A loose toilet seat is uncomfortable as it can wobble or slide and may break. It's usually due to a loose bolt or misaligned washer or protective pad.

Drain

Repairing a toilet drain can cost anywhere from $75 to $700, including labor and materials. A clogged drain is one of the most common issues, but most clogs are minor and can be easily rectified by the homeowner or plumbing pro. However, more significant clogs require removing the toilet and possibly the drain itself, hence the large cost range for fixing this problem.

Cost to Fix a Toilet by Type of Problem

Expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $700 for most toilet repairs, depending on your issue. A loose or running toilet can cost as little as $50 to fix, while a clogged drain can cost as much as $700.

Leaks

Toilet leak repair costs between $50 and $600. There are many potential reasons a toilet leaks and many places they can occur. A damaged wax seal is one of the most common and easiest to remedy. The tank and bowl are other common leak points and can cost over $300 to repair. It's important to take care of leaks as quickly as possible since a leaking toilet can cause significant and expensive damage to your subfloor if left unattended.

Running Water

To fix a running toilet, expect to pay between $50 and $400. Having too much water in the tank is an easy, quick, and inexpensive fix. However, if you have problems with the refill tube or the flange, you're more likely to pay toward the upper end of the range. While not a critical issue, you should still get it taken care of sooner rather than later because you're wasting water and money. 

Loose Toilet

On average, loose toilet repair costs are around $50 to $150. It's generally a quick and easy job that involves replacing the wax seal and possibly reseating the toilet. While a relatively straightforward task, it's better to let a pro handle it to reduce the likelihood of leaks and further stability problems.

Slow-Filling

If you need to fix a slow-running toilet, expect to pay between $60 and $200. This issue is usually caused by a defective filler valve and may be accompanied by gurgling, whistling, or other strange noises. This part is usually replaced, not repaired, and the job is pretty simple. 

Repair vs. Replace a Toilet

Whether you should repair or replace a toilet depends on the issues. If you regularly have problems with an old toilet and require part replacement or repair, it may be more economically sound to replace the toilet with a new high-quality one. 

The cost to install a toilet ranges from $220 to $530, including labor and materials. The fixture itself will run $50 to $350. Labor rates to install some high-end toilets will be higher due to different flange-mounting systems, bidet seats, and other complexities.

Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom or a plumber determines your existing unit isn’t fixable, you may need to replace the fixture itself. Though they’re more expensive, low-flow models, up-flush toilets, and dual-flush toilets are better for the environment and can help save money on your water bills in the future.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Homeowners may be able to tackle some toilet repair jobs, like replacing a flapper or wax seal, without a pro's help. However, it's well worth hiring a plumber if you don't know what you're doing or the job is more complex. Remember that if you get it wrong and the toilet leaks or breaks, you could look at significant damage to your subfloor and a costly repair. 

Save money when hiring a plumber by checking all of your faucets and fixtures and getting every clog and leak fixed in one trip. “If you’d like to have a plumber inspect all of your plumbing during the repair service call, mention this add-on prior to your pro’s arrival,” says Botelho. “Plumbers who work in a service-based business often have multiple stops to make in a day, and every minute counts. They’ll be happy to help with any projects you have as long as they're aware of those projects ahead of time.”

Also, be sure to ask the right questions to your plumber and hire a trusted pro who’s licensed, insured, and experienced to avoid poor work and pricey future problems.

Handyperson vs. Plumber

Whether you should hire a local plumber or a handyperson depends on the problem and the licensing requirements in your area. In some localities, a contractor has to be licensed to complete plumbing jobs of any kind. Not all handypeople will have a plumbing certification, so you may have to hire a plumber. 

In areas where no license is required for plumbing work and the job is fairly simple, hiring a handyperson can save you money, as handypeople charge $55 to $75 per hour compared to the typical $45 to $200 per hour average for plumber rates. Simple jobs, like replacing the wax seal or flapper, are suitable for a handyperson. But more complex tasks, like repairing or replacing a drain line, require the services of an experienced plumber.

FAQs

How long do toilet flappers last?

Most toilet flappers last four to five years before they need replacing, but chemical cleaners may shorten the life span of a flapper to less than a year. If your flapper begins to deteriorate or hardens to the touch, you should replace it. 

How many years does a toilet last?

Most toilets last 15 to 20 years. In their later years, it’s usually more cost-effective to pay for the cost of a toilet than repair one. New fixtures save homeowners money by using less water.

Can you replace just the tank of a toilet?

Yes, tanks and bowls are available separately. When replacing only one piece, ensure the manufacturer, model, and color match.

How easy is it to install a toilet?

Generally speaking, a plumber or experienced local handyperson should install a new fixture. An improperly installed toilet can leak, causing additional damage to your home.

How often should you replace the wax ring on a toilet?

A wax seal may last the life span of the toilet. Leaking water from the base of the toilet or sewer odors may indicate a faulty seal. A repair plumber near you should also install a new wax ring whenever they remove a toilet to access pipes or install a new toilet.