Clayton, 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, figure out if your current toilet can keep functioning, and be aware of other possible spots that need repairs in your home's plumbing.

Drain Cleaning STL is ready to assist you. On this page, you can read about the advantages of repairing versus those of replacing, factors to consider when deciding between the two, and everyday toilet difficulties and their solutions.

Continue reading to learn more, but if you're experiencing a plumbing emergency, don't wait: Call our team now and we'll send a plumber out ASAP to help you out. You can speak with us at 314-972-2233 or by filling out our online contact form. 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 whether the right choice is to repair or replace. Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each option is important:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Clayton, MO

  • Quicker Project: When you decide on a repair in place of a complete toilet replacement, your Clayton plumber will generally be able to perform the service faster.
  • Smaller Project: Repairs are more contained than replacements – rather than ordering, loading, transporting, and installing the new toilet and arranging your schedule around it, a plumber can usually handle things just in your bathroom.
  • Lesser Up-Front Cost: Buying a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and deciding to repair can normally save you some money in the short term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Clayton, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: We'll go over replacement benefits in the next section, but if you opt for a toilet repair instead of a replacement, you won't have modern efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
  • Not Always Practical: In some cases, a toilet repair can be impractical. In cases of serious damage like cracked porcelain, replacement is often your only practical choice.

In summary, repairs work well with smaller problems, and when you're comfortable without 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 Clayton, MO

  • Modern Efficiency: Today's toilets are more water-efficient than those of the past. Upgrading can lower your utilities without compromising on effectiveness.
  • Modern Design: A toilet replacement is an opportunity for something more comfortable. If you want to change the look, you can also look for a new style with an updated aesthetic.
  • Updated Warranty: Toilets typically come with a warranty, though depending on the details, your could be expired by now. A new toilet is an opportunity for an updated warranty.
  • Resolve Major Problems: In some cases, a toilet replacement is your only option when the damage is too deep for effective repairs.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Clayton, MO

  • Bigger Immediate Expense: A new toilet is an investment. The total cost for an installation can be hundreds of dollars, including materials and labor.
  • Larger Project: Even though it's typically worth it in the end, it will require some coordination. Be ready for a larger-scale project and all that entails.

In short, a toilet replacement is best when you are facing larger plumbing problems with your unit. It also makes sense when you're prepared to spend on a newer, more efficient, updated toilet.

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 another plumbing service, we will be by your side and help you find the right answer for your home.

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

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

As with any appliance, toilets will run into problems as a part of regular use. And most of the time it's nothing major. Toilet repair and replacement generally starts with examining the symptoms and making a plan to fix the root cause. Below, we've listed some commonplace toilet problems and what reasons might be 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. The main things to check are:

  1. That the water supply line behind the toilet is completely open, and
  2. 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 the bowl is still slow to fill after trying that, 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, which can be cleaned out to allow it to shut. If the problem remains after that, the toilet tank components could be worn out and due for replacement.

Problem 3: Toilet Drain Frequently Clogs

Solution: If there's just a small obstruction in your toilet's drain, 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. In this case, a drain camera inspection could be needed to figure out the root cause of the problem and provide a solution.

Problem 4: Toilet Backs Up Water Without a Clog

Solution: If the toilet is backing up water, but isn't clogged itself, you're probably seeing the results of another clogged drain further down your home's pipes. Just like with frequent clogs, a drain camera might be needed to find the leak or blockage. If it's serious, you might even need to have your sewer line cleaned for 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 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 leaks coming from cracks (anywhere) are unfortunately a signal that your toilet needs to be replaced.

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

Clayton Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we've listed out answers to some of the frequently asked questions we hear related to toilet replacement and repairs in Clayton, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Your typical toilet can last around 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 problems can typically be repaired without the need for a full replacement.

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. Lastly, if there's a leak coming from the water tank, you'll want to check for cracks and damaged internal mechanisms.

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 complete bathroom remodel, and replacing your bathtub and sink at the same time. While each bathroom's needs are different, a full remodel can provide both aesthetic and functional improvements.

If you have something going on with your toilet that we didn't cover here 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 Clayton, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL is prepared for your toilet replacement or repair in Clayton, MO. We're ready if you're facing a plumbing emergency, and will get out to your house as soon as we can.

Whether you're looking for a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or help making that decision, we take pride in providing first-class, quality service throughout the Clayton region. Speak with a plumber at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your toilet issue online to set up service.

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