How Much Toilet Repair Costs

Many problems with toilets occur due to the fixture simply falling out of adjustment while others are simply caused by wear issues. The key is determining the remedy for the failure. A lot of common problems are actually relatively easy fixes that can be done with or without the help of a plumber given some skill level and a few simple hand tools. Like for a leaky flapper or a defunct ball-cock assembly.

Alternative Repair Pricing

Repairs by Plumbers - with an influx of new plumbers in the field, across numerous parts of the country, the good news for many homeowners is that some of the rates have dropped. And when calling a plumber, taking a service call into consideration, it may make sense to replace all of the internal guts in the tank. Minimum rates of $50 to $60 per hour during weekdays by non-major plumbing outfits can be found yet who are still qualified, yet form somewhat of an exception as many plumbers will charge an extra 50% to 60% above this rate for the same repairs.

If the toilet is constantly running, this could mean a new ball cock assembly or a swapping out a deformed flapper. Either one could bring a recommendation by a plumber to change out all internal tank guts. A procedure that can be done including parts at around $90 to $140 on average - with a percentage attributed to the service fee. If the tank-to-bowl juncture needs rebuilding however it is more like $120 to $160 including the rebuild kit.

Toilets leaking at the base might require installing a new wax seal that can typically be done in 1.5 to 2.0 hours or $125 to $175 including parts - understanding that not all plumbers install the same thickness seals - placing too thin a seal potentially can be a source of future leakage, of special concern for any ceilings and floors located below. Attending to leaks beneath the tank - might mean re-seating tank bolts or the supply line leading to the internal ball cock assembly - relatively simple tasks that can cost much when done alone on a per item basis and that may not make sense to order unless other work is being done at the same time.

Fixing Yourself - given the minimum service call fees by plumbers, it frequently makes sense to bring in help only when necessary. But the simplest of fixes, for instance, making a basic handle adjustment only takes a crescent wrench. Resetting the lift chain or float cup requires no special tools at all.

For $7 to $11 in parts, such as by Korky or Fluidmaster, a Do It Yourselfer can replace a fill valve equipped with antisiphon (Toto brand parts are priced considerably higher - where Korky may have more economical options for the same application). Another popular repair of changing the flapper alone is $4 to $10 for the flapper although some fill valve kits have the flapper packaged altogether at little more expense.

For the more ambitious, and skilled, non-plumbers among us, a new wax seal needed for changeout begins at around $5 to $6 with accompanying bolts and flange.

Reducing Toilet Repair Fees

• To avoid recurring fees, specify higher grade parts. Certain toilet components, particularly many fill valve kits experience much greater success rates than others.


• In general, traditional style toilets are most worked on by do it yourselfers while pressure-flush toilets operate on another principle, rendering them more serviceable by qualified plumbers.


• By sticking with the same brand and model parts throughout the home, they not only becomes simpler to service but toilet parts overall should become less of an expense. Since some parts are now sold in three packs at a discount. Also, this makes it more feasible to ensure that there are parts on hand in the event there arises a sudden failure in the present system. Owning the same brand of toilet throughout might therefore contribute toward an overall reduced operating expense.