Crestwood, 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, diagnose whatever is going on with your current toilet, and look out for other potential problems in your pipes.
Drain Cleaning STL is here to help. In this article, we've outlined the pros and cons of replacing and reparing, factors to consider when deciding between the two, and regular toilet dilemmas that we've seen in Crestwood.
Keep reading for more information, but if you think you're in a plumbing emergency, don't wait: Call our team now and we'll send a plumber out fast to diagnose and fix the problem. You can reach us at 314-972-2233 or tell us what's going on online. We're proud to serve all of Crestwood's plumbing needs.
You can use the links below to navigate this page:
- Toilet Repairs Vs. Toilet Replacements
- 5 Frequent Toilet Problems and Possible Fixes
- Crestwood Toilet Repair/Replacement FAQs
- Get In Touch With Drain Cleaning STL
When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
If you don't have much experience with bathroom and toilet repairs, it's not always obvious whether the right choice is to repair versus replace. Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each option is important:
Toilet Repair Benefits in Crestwood, MO
- Shorter Project: When you opt for a repair over a complete toilet replacement, your Crestwood plumbing contractor will typically be able to get the job done faster.
- Less Intrusive: Repairs are normally easier to perform than replacements – rather than hauling a whole new unit into your home 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.
- Lesser Up-Front Cost: Buying a toilet replacement can be costly, and deciding to repair will often save you some money in the near term.
Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Crestwood, MO
- Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: You can read about replacement benefits next, but if you opt for a toilet repair over a replacement, you'll miss out on modern efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
- Situationally Not An Option: In some cases, a toilet repair isn't always practical. In cases of dire damage such as a crack in the water tank, replacement is often your only practical choice.
Generally, repairs are good choices for more isolated issues, and when you're fine with passing on the benefits of a brand new toilet. When you don't have the budget or flexibility for a replacement, ask about a toilet repair.
Toilet Replacement Benefits in Crestwood, MO
- Modern Efficiency: Modern toilets don't require as much water to flush as older toilets. This saves you on water bills without compromising flush quality.
- New Design: A toilet replacement gives you a chance for a cozier seat. If you want to change the look, you can also look for a new style with an updated aesthetic.
- Updated Warranty: Toilets generally come with a warranty, though depending on the details, your could be expired by now. A new toilet is an opportunity for a new warranty.
- Defeat Major Problems: Sometimes, a toilet replacement is the only choice when problems are too much for repairs to handle.
Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Crestwood, MO
- Bigger Immediate Expense: A toilet replacement 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 can take more work to get there. Be ready for a more expansive project with more life adjustments.
In short, a toilet replacement fits best when is older and/or too broken to repair realistically. It also makes sense when your current toilet is outdated and you're looking for an upgrade.
When you work with 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 something else entirely, we will be by your side and help you find the right answer for your home.
5 Common Toilet Problems in Crestwood, MO, and Their Causes
With the amount of use that toilets get, it's inevitable that some problems will come up on occasion. Toilet repair and replacement generally starts with examining the symptoms and creating a plan to address the underlying issue. Below, we've listed some frequent toilet problems and what reasons might be behind them:
Problem 1: Slow-Filling Toilet Bowl
Solution: In most cases, a slow-filling toilet bowl is an easy fix. Most of the time, you can find the problem somewhere in 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 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: Constantly running toilets are the flip side of slow-filling toilets, but the root problem can actually be closely related. In many cases, you'll find some debris holding open a valve in the toilet's water tank, and by removing it, everything can return to normal. If this doesn't fix it, the toilet tank components could be damaged in some way and need repairs.
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. But the main thing to watch out for is repeated clogs: It this case, the root cause might be somewhere deeper, in your sewer line. If you're up against this, a drain camera inspection might 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 you're seeing water backup from your toilet in the absence of a clog, there's probably another clogged drain deeper in your home's pipes. As with 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: 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, the leak will just be a sign of a loose part, 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 a replacement is needed.
Crestwood Toilet Repair/Replacement FAQs
Below, you can read answers to some of the frequently asked questions we hear about toilet replacement and repairs in Crestwood, MO:
What is the average lifespan of a toilet?
Generally, toilets will have a lifespan of approximately 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. Isolated issues can typically be taken care of by repairs.
Where are the most common places that toilets leak?
Toilets commonly leak at the base, the water supply line, and from the water tank. If you see a leak in the base, check for broken or worn-away sealant. If something is wrong with the valve or there's a loose fitting in the water supply line, that will cause a leak. 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?
Whether a repair or replacement is best depends on the situation. Repairs are best for newer toilets with fewer, more isolated problems. 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 already replacing your toilet, it could be worth considering a a full bathroom remodel, switching out your bathtub and sink all at once. While each scenario is unique, a complete remodel can provide both aesthetic and functional improvements.
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 Crestwood, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.
Drain Cleaning STL has over a decade of experience serving Crestwood, MO, homes, including performing toilet replacements and repairs. We're ready if you're facing a plumbing emergency, and will bet at your door right away.
If your house needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or help making that decision, we are ready to provide high quality, friendly service throughout the Crestwood region. Talk to one of our team members at 314-972-2233 or describe your issue online to set up your repair/replacement.
We also offer these services in Crestwood, MO:
- Drain Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
- Clogged Drain
- Drain Cleaning Contractors
- Unclog Drain
- Drain Cleaning Services
- Drain Cleaning