Chesterfield, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repair versus toilet replacement is never an easy decision. You have to take finances into account, figure out if your current toilet can keep functioning, and watch out for other potential spots that need repairs in your pipes.
Drain Cleaning STL can help you evaluate your options. In this article, we go over the reasons you might decide to replace versus repair, factors to consider when deciding between the two, and regular toilet difficulties and what to do about them.
Keep reading for more information, but if you're in the middle of a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call us and we'll send a technician out fast to find a solution. You can talk to us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about the issue online. We look forward to serving you.
You can use the links below to navigate this page:
- When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
- 5 Frequent Toilet Issues and Fixes
- Chesterfield Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Drain Cleaning STL
When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
If you're new to bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be hard to tell if you should repair or replace. Here are some criteria you can use when making the decision:
Toilet Repair Benefits in Chesterfield, MO
- Shorter Process: When you opt for a repair in place of a total toilet replacement, your Chesterfield plumbing technician will generally be able to perform the service more quickly.
- Less Intrusive: Repairs don't need as much work on your end as replacements – rather than ordering, loading, transporting, and installing the new toilet and taking a whole day to get it done, most of the time, all you have to do for repairs is let the plumber into your bathroom.
- Lower Up-Front Cost: Getting a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and deciding to repair will often save you some money in the near term.
Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Chesterfield, MO
- Miss Out On Replacement Benefits: You can read about replacement benefits below, but when you decide on a toilet repair instead of a replacement, you'll miss out on improved efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
- Not Always Practical: Depending on your situation, a toilet repair isn't always going to be practical. If there is dire damage such as a crack in the water tank, replacement is typically your only real choice.
Overall, repairs are best for more isolated 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, opt for a toilet repair.
Toilet Replacement Benefits in Chesterfield, MO
- Better Efficiency: Today's toilets are more water-efficient than those of the past. This saves you on utility bills without compromising flush quality.
- New Design: A toilet replacement is an opportunity for a cozier seat. You can also take the opportunity to go with a new style with an updated aesthetic.
- Updated Warranty: Toilets typically come with a warranty, though some warranties only last for a set number of years. A new toilet gives you a chance for a new warranty.
- Do Away With Major Problems: In some cases, a toilet replacement is the only choice when repairs aren't enough to get the job done.
Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Chesterfield, MO
- Higher Up-Front Cost: A new toilet is an investment. When you add it all up, the new unit, transport, and installation fees included, it can easily be hundreds of dollars.
- Larger Project: While you will end up with a nicer, newer toilet, it's not an easy task. Be ready for a more expansive project and all that entails.
In short, a toilet replacement fits best when your current toilet has a massive problem that would be impractical to repair. It is also a good choice when you are looking to upgrade to a more modern toilet and are comfortable with the extra cost.
When you hire Drain Cleaning STL, our plumbers will be upfront with you about what we think is the best option for your situation. If 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.
5 Common Toilet Problems in Chesterfield, 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 typically begins with examining the symptoms and making a plan to address the root cause. In this section, you can read about some typical toilet problems and what reasons might be 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, this is an issue with the water supply or the water tank. The key things to check are:
- That the water supply line behind the toilet is completely open, and
- That the fill valve and tube in the toilet's water tank are not obstructed.
It's typically easy to open a valve or clear an obstruction, but if they don't work, you might have a plumbing issue somewhere else in your home's water supply.
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 by removing it, everything can return to normal. If that doesn't work, the toilet tank components might need to be repaired or replaced.
Problem 3: Toilet Drain Frequently Clogs
Solution: For the occasional toilet clog, you can typically get away with using a plunger and possibly cleaning the toilet's drain. But when the clogs are frequent, you might actually have an issue with your sewer line instead. In this case, a drain camera inspection might be needed to identify 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 you're seeing water backup from your toilet in the absence of a clog, you're probably seeing the results of another clogged drain elsewhere in your home's plumbing. Similar to frequent clogs, a drain camera might be needed to find the leak or blockage. In extreme cases, you might even need to have 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. If you're lucky, it just means that something wasn't screwed into place properly, and you can tighten the valve or fitting to stop it. 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 you need a toilet replacement.
Chesterfield Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you can read answers to some of the frequently asked questions we hear about toilet replacement and repairs in Chesterfield, MO:
What is the average lifespan of a toilet?
Generally, toilets will have a lifespan of approximately 20-25 years, but many people opt for an earlier toilet replacement. This is usually motivated by 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 or isolated issues can usually 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. If you see a leak in the base, check for broken or worn-away sealant. A loose valve or fitting is responsible for most leaks in the water supply line. Water tank leaks are usually the result of either broken internals (normally easy to repair) or a crack in the wall of the tank (a sign that you need a toilet replacement).
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 all together. While each scenario is unique, a full remodel can provide both aesthetic and functional improvements.
If you have another toilet question 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 Chesterfield, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.
Drain Cleaning STL has over a decade of experience serving Chesterfield, MO, homes, including performing toilet replacements and repairs. We're ready if you're facing a plumbing emergency, and will bet at your door as soon as we can.
If your house needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or you're not sure and are just looking for guidance, we are ready to provide top-notch, quality service throughout the Chesterfield region. Speak with us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your toilet issue online to set up your repair/replacement.
We also offer these services in Chesterfield, MO:
- Drain Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
- Clogged Drain
- Drain Cleaning Contractors
- Unclog Drain
- Drain Cleaning Services
- Drain Cleaning