Ballwin, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Deciding between a toilet repair and a toilet replacement is not an easy task. You have to be aware of financial impacts, both in the short-term and long-term, make a call on whether your current toilet can even be repaired in the first place, and be aware of other potential spots that need repairs in your plumbing.
Drain Cleaning STL is here to help. In this article, you can read about the advantages of repairing versus those of replacing, what should influence your decision, and regular toilet problems you might be experiencing.
Continue reading to learn more, but if you're in the middle of a plumbing emergency, don't wait: Call our team now and we'll be out right away to help you out. You can reach us at 314-972-2233 or tell us what's going on online. We want to give your Ballwin home the care and attention it deserves.
You can skip ahead to a specific topic below:
- When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
- 5 Common Toilet Issues and Solutions
- Ballwin Toilet Repair/Replacement Common Questions
- Contact Drain Cleaning STL
When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
If you don't regularly perform bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be hard to tell whether you should repair or replace. Before you make your decision, be sure to consider the following:
Toilet Repair Benefits in Ballwin, MO
- Quicker Project: When you decide on a repair over a total toilet replacement, your Ballwin plumbing contractor will typically be able to get the job done faster.
- Smaller Project: Repairs are more contained than replacements – rather than hauling a whole new unit into your home and planning your whole day for it, most of the time, all you have to do for repairs is let the plumber into your bathroom.
- Smaller Up-Front Cost: Getting a toilet replacement can be expensive, and going with a repair can normally save you some money in the immediate term.
Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Ballwin, MO
- Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: You can read about replacement advantages below, but when you go with a toilet repair in place of a replacement, you'll miss out on modern efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
- Not Always Practical: In some cases, a toilet repair may not be practical. For critical damage like a crack in the water tank, replacement is typically your only practical choice.
Overall, repairs are best for more isolated issues, and when you're not in need of a brand new toilet. When it's impractical for you to handle a replacement, ask about a toilet repair.
Toilet Replacement Benefits in Ballwin, MO
- Better Efficiency: Updated toilets use less water per flush than outdated toilets. Upgrading can lower your water bills without compromising flush quality.
- New Design: A toilet replacement is an opportunity for something more comfortable. You will also have the chance to pick a new style with an updated aesthetic.
- Updated Warranty: Toilets generally come with a warranty, though some warranties only last for a set number of years. A new toilet is an opportunity for an updated warranty.
- Resolve Major Problems: Like it or not, sometimes a toilet replacement is the only choice when problems are too much for repairs to handle.
Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Ballwin, MO
- Larger Single Expense: A new toilet is an investment. The total cost for an installation can be hundreds of dollars, including materials and labor.
- Larger Project: While the end result can be excellent, it can take more work to get there. Be ready for a larger-scale project for which you'll need to make accommodations.
In short, a toilet replacement is best when is older and/or too broken to repair realistically. It can also work when you are looking to upgrade to a more modern toilet and are comfortable with the extra cost.
When you hire Drain Cleaning STL, we'll bring an expert eye to your current toilet when we make recommendations. If you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or any other plumbing assistance, we will make sure you have what you need to make an informed choice on how to move forward.
5 Common Toilet Problems in Ballwin, 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 starts with examining the symptoms and creating a plan to address the root cause. Below, we've listed some typical toilet problems and potential causes behind them:
Problem 1: Slow-Filling Toilet Bowl
Solution: The good news is that it's rare for a slow-filling toilet bowl to need extensive repairs or replacement. Often, the issue will be located in the water supply or the water tank. The key things to check are:
- That the water supply valve to the toilet is completely open, and
- 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 they don't work, there could be an obstruction or leak somewhere farther up your pipes.
Problem 2: Constant Running Water
Solution: Constantly running toilets are the flip side of slow-filling toilets, but they can have similar causes. In many cases, you'll find some debris stopping a valve in the water tank from closing, and clearing it away will restore full functionality. If the problem remains after that, the toilet tank components could be damaged in some way and need repairs.
Problem 3: Toilet Drain Frequently Clogs
Solution: For the occasional toilet clog, you can probably take care of it with a plunger and possibly cleaning the toilet's drain. But the main thing to watch out for is repeated clogs: It this case, you might actually have an issue with your sewer line instead. If this is the case, a drain camera inspection could be needed to locate the root cause of the problem and figure out a way to fix it.
Problem 4: Toilet Backs Up Water Without a Clog
Solution: If water is coming up the drain of your toilet even though it's not clogged, there's a good chance that there's another clogged drain elsewhere in your home's pipes. Similar to frequent clogs, conducting an inspection is probably necessary to find the actual issue. If it's serious, you might want to look at getting your sewer line cleaned as a long-term fix.
Problem 5: Leaks
Solution: Some leaks can be handled via repair, while others require a full toilet replacement – this is mostly a matter of the placement and size of the leak. In some cases, it just means that something wasn't screwed into place properly, and you can resolve it just by tightening something down. If you see water just around the base of the toilet, you might be able to fix it by resealing, but leaks coming from cracks (anywhere) are unfortunately a sign that your toilet needs to be replaced.
Ballwin Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you can read answers to some of the most common questions we hear regarding toilet replacement and repairs in Ballwin, MO:
What is the average lifespan of a toilet?
Most toilets can last around 20-25 years, but it's not uncommon to replace the toilet earlier. Normally, this is because of technological advancements that improve efficiency in modern units.
How can I tell if I need to replace my toilet?
The main things to watch out for are cracks, persistent clogs, and rising water bills. Smaller problems can usually be handled through toilet 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. You can fix most base leaks by applying new sealant. Water supply line leaks are usually caused by loose valves. 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. If you have a modern toilet with a small, non-recurring issue, normally a repair is appropriate. A toilet replacement works best when you have an older model you're looking to upgrade from, or when the damage is so severe that you can't practically repair it.
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 all together. While each scenario is different, a full remodel is sometimes easier to do all at once.
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 Ballwin, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.
Drain Cleaning STL are experts in Ballwin, MO toilet repairs and replacements. We provide emergency plumbing services, and will get out to your house right away.
If your home needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or any other plumbing help, we take pride in providing first-class, quality service throughout the Ballwin region. Speak with a plumber at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your toilet issue online to get started.
We also offer these services in Ballwin, MO:
- Drain Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
- Clogged Drain
- Drain Cleaning Contractors
- Unclog Drain
- Drain Cleaning Services
- Drain Cleaning