When that trusty toilet that’s been in your bathroom for years suddenly develops a leak or just stops functioning properly, it’s time to call in a professional plumber for a replacement – But how much should you expect to pay for this common service?
If you want to know how much a plumber charges to replace a toilet, the cost can vary by a lot based on factors like the plumbing company, your location, the specific project scope, and what type of toilet you select.
Typically, labor can range from $100 to $250 or more, but the toilet itself could cost anywhere from $100 on the very low end, to $500+ for a high-efficiency smart toilet with extra features.
How Long Should It Take a Plumber to Replace a Toilet?
An experienced plumber should be able to remove your old toilet and install a new toilet replacement in about 2-3 hours.
This allows enough time for the proper prep work, carefully removing the old toilet, re-setting the flange if needed, installing the wax ring, securing the new toilet in place, connecting the water line and valve, and testing for leaks and proper functioning before cleanup.
Rushing through a toilet install isn’t good and often leads to problems down the road.
Do I need a Plumber to Fit a New Toilet?
While a very handy do-it-yourselfer can tackle a toilet replacement project, still many complications can come up, requiring a professional plumber’s expertise.
For example, removing a rusted bolt or dealing with a leaky shutoff valve under a sink built into the vanity can be extremely difficult, not to mention correcting any issues with the drain flange.
The small cost of hiring a pro is definitely well worth it to ensure your toilet functions properly and it doesn’t have leaks leading to water damage or mold growth.
Cost to Pull and Reset a Toilet
Sometimes the toilet itself is still in good working order, but the installation is the problem. This could show up as rocking, leaking from the base, or other problems.
When this occurs, a plumber can remove the toilet, inspect the area, make any necessary repairs, replace the wax sealing ring, and then reset the toilet properly. When pulling and resetting, the cost to replace toilets is typically $150 to $300, varying depending on your location.
Can You Replace a Toilet Yourself?
With some basic mechanical aptitude and plumbing knowledge, an average homeowner can tackle a DIY toilet replacement and see significant cost savings on labor charges.
The process isn’t horribly complicated, but getting the wax ring aligned properly or dealing with unforeseen issues like difficult bolts or modifications to supply lines can derail the project. You should carefully consider your skill level before attempting a do-it-yourself toilet replacement.
How Much Does a Plumber Charge to Replace a Toilet? The Cost of Labor to Install a Toilet
Assuming no major unexpected issues are uncovered, professional plumbers commonly charge $150 to $250 just for labor to remove your old toilet and install a new one you’ve purchased.
Rates for side work cash jobs or smaller independent plumbing companies may start around $100 per toilet. Conversely, large and reputable plumbing franchises operating in high cost-of-living areas may charge over $300. Get multiple quotes before choosing who to hire.
How Much Does a Plumber Charge to Replace a Wax Ring on a Toilet?
Many homeowners are unsure how to replace a wax ring on a toilet. A failed wax ring allowing water to leak at the base of the toilet is a common issue. To fix this, a plumber needs to completely remove the toilet, scrape away all old wax, replace the ring, and reset the toilet.
Parts are very inexpensive but you’ll typically pay at minimum $150 to $200 in labor for a toilet wax ring replacement service. The job may take a bit over an hour.
Should You Upgrade Your Toilet?
One question that often comes up when replacing a toilet is whether to upgrade to a more efficient model. Older toilets use 3.5 gallons or more per flush, while WaterSense labeled models use 1.28 gallons or less.
Upgrading makes the most sense when you’ll be residing in the home for years to come. The costs for installation are the same regardless of what type of toilet you choose.
Final Thoughts
How much does a plumber charge to replace a toilet? Standard toilet replacement costs to have a plumber replace a defective or outdated toilet in a home generally fall in the range of $250 to $500, inclusive of labor and the cost of the actual toilet.
Several variables affect pricing, however, so be sure to get quotes from qualified professionals in your local market before committing to a replacement project. With proper care and maintenance, your new toilet should last for decades.