Affton, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repairs and toilet replacements each have their pros and cons. You have to weigh up-front versus long-term costs, make a call on whether your current toilet can even be repaired in the first place, and search for other possible problems in your pipes.

Drain Cleaning STL is here to help. On this page, you can read about the advantages of repairing versus those of replacing, signs of which one you should go with, and everyday toilet problems and their causes.

Continue reading for more information, but if you're in the middle of a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call our team now and we'll send a plumber out right away to help you out. You can get in touch with us at 314-972-2233 or schedule service online. When you need plumbing help, call Drain Cleaning STL.

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When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet

If you don't regularly perform bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be hard to tell when the right choice is to repair versus replace. When deciding between the two, keep the following things in mind:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Affton, MO

  • Faster Process: When you decide to go with a repair instead of a full toilet replacement, your Affton plumber will normally be able to complete the job faster.
  • Minimal Life Interruptions: Repairs are more contained than replacements – rather than ordering, loading, transporting, and installing the new toilet and taking a whole day to get it done, a plumber can usually handle things just in your bathroom.
  • Lower Up-Front Cost: Getting a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and opting for a repair can normally save you some money in the short term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Affton, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Benefits: We'll go over replacement advantages below, but when you opt for a toilet repair over a replacement, you'll miss out on increased efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
  • Situationally Not An Option: In some cases, a toilet repair isn't always going to be practical. For extreme damage such as a crack in the water tank, replacement is likely your only option.

Overall, repairs are best for smaller problems, and when you're not in need of a brand new toilet. When it's not practical to pay or find the time for a replacement, go with a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in Affton, MO

  • Modern Efficiency: Modern toilets don't require as much water to flush as older toilets. Upgrading can lower your utility bills without compromising flush quality.
  • Updated Design: A toilet replacement is a chance for you to get something more comfortable. If you want to change the look, you can also look for a new style that matches your decor.
  • Updated Warranty: Toilets generally come with a warranty, though these can expire after a certain period of time. A new toilet gives you a chance for an updated warranty.
  • Defeat Major Problems: Like it or not, sometimes a toilet replacement is outright necessary when repairs aren't enough to get the job done.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Affton, MO

  • Bigger Immediate Expense: A toilet replacement is an investment. You'll need to be prepared to pay a bill of over a hundred dollars for the full installation.
  • Larger Project: While the end result can be excellent, it can take more work to get there. Be prepared for a larger-scale project and all that entails.

To summarize, a toilet replacement makes the most sense when you are facing larger plumbing problems with your unit. It can also work when you are looking to upgrade to a more modern toilet and are comfortable with the extra cost.


When you work with Drain Cleaning STL, we will give you a fair and honest evaluation of your home's toilet. Whether you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or something else entirely, we will make sure you have what you need to make an informed choice on how to move forward.


Toilet Replacement and Repair in Affton | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

5 Common Toilet Problems in Affton, MO, and Their Causes

If you're a homeowner, you'll run into a toilet clog at some point or another. Toilet repair and replacement generally begins with diagnosing the problem and making a plan to address the root cause. Here are some common toilet issues and potential causes behind them:

Problem 1: Slow-Filling Toilet Bowl

Solution: Normally, a slow-filling toilet bowl is not a huge endeavor to resolve. Often, the issue will be located in the water supply or the water tank. You'll want to check:

  1. That the water supply valve behind the toilet is completely open, and
  2. That the fill valve and tube in the toilet's water tank aren't being blocked.

It's typically easy to open a valve or clear an obstruction, but if the issue remains after checking both of those, there could be an obstruction or leak somewhere farther up your pipes.

Problem 2: Constant Running Water

Solution: On the opposite side of a slow-filling toilet is one that runs constantly, but they can have similar causes. It's typical for this to be caused by debris stopping a valve in the water tank from closing, and by removing it, everything can return to normal. If that doesn't work, the toilet tank components could be worn out and due for replacement.

Problem 3: Toilet Drain Frequently Clogs

Solution: When your toilet clog is an isolated incident, it can probably be resolved using a plunger and possibly cleaning the toilet's drain. If clogs are a regular thing with your toilet, though, you could be facing a sewer line blockage. In this case, a drain camera inspection could be necessary to find the root cause of the problem and come up with a solution.

Problem 4: Toilet Backs Up Water Without a Clog

Solution: If the toilet is backing up water, but isn't clogged itself, there's probably another clogged drain elsewhere in your home's plumbing. Similar to frequent clogs, conducting an inspection is probably necessary to find the actual issue. If it's serious, you might even need to have your sewer line cleaned as a long-term fix.

Problem 5: Leaks

Solution: Depending on where the leak is and how much water is coming out, a toilet repair or replacement may be necessary. If you're lucky, the leak will just be a sign of a loose part, and fixing it is as easy as tightening a screw. If you see water just around the base of the toilet, you might be able to fix it by resealing, but any cracks that are letting water out are unfortunately a signal that a replacement is needed.


Toilet Replacement and Repair in Affton | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

Affton Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we've answered some of the frequently asked questions we hear regarding toilet replacement and repairs in Affton, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Most toilets will be good for about 20-25 years, but it's not uncommon to replace the toilet earlier. This is due to technological advancements that improve efficiency in modern units.

How can I tell if I need to replace my toilet?

Cracks, repeated clogs, and inefficiency are all signs that it's time for a toilet replacement. Smaller problems can normally be taken care of by repairs.

Where are the most common places that toilets leak?

There are three areas where toilets typically get leaks: The base, the water supply line, and the rear water tank. Base leaks are usually caused by broken sealant. A loose valve or fitting is responsible for most leaks in the water supply line. And water tank leaks can either come from malfunctioning internals or cracks in the wall.

Are toilet repairs better than toilet replacements?

Picking between a repair and a replacement depends on both your needs and the condition of the toilet. Newer toilets with smaller issues are normally best off repaired. If your toilet is older and/or the damage is severe, look to replace.

Should I replace all my bathroom appliances at once?

If you're replacing your toilet, you might be thinking about a total bathroom remodel, and replacing your bathtub and sink at the same time. While each bathroom's needs are unique, a complete remodel can keep your bathroom looking cohesive.


If you have other questions and need help, call us at 314-972-2233, and we'll do our best to give you an answer.


Got a Toilet Problem in Affton, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL is prepared for your toilet replacement or repair in Affton, MO. Call us ASAP if you're facing a plumbing emergency with your toilet, and we will get out to your house right away.

Whether your home needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or any other plumbing help, with Drain Cleaning STL you'll get first-class, quality service throughout the Affton region. Call us at 314-972-2233 or describe your toilet issue online to get started.

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