Ellisville, 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, figure out if your current toilet can keep functioning, and search for other possible spots that need repairs in your home's plumbing.
Drain Cleaning STL is here to help. Below, we go over the pros and cons of replacing and reparing, factors to consider when deciding between the two, and everyday toilet problems that we've seen in Ellisville.
Continue on for more information, but if you're in the middle of a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call us and we'll be out as soon as possible to diagnose and fix the problem. You can reach us at 314-972-2233 or schedule service online. We look forward to serving you.
You can jump ahead to a specific section of the page here:
- Deciding Between Toilet Repairs and Replacements
- 5 Common Toilet Issues and Solutions
- Ellisville Toilet Repair/Replacement Common 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 versus replace. Before you make your decision, be sure to consider the following:
Toilet Repair Benefits in Ellisville, MO
- Shorter Project: When you opt for a repair over a complete toilet replacement, your Ellisville plumbing technician will typically be able to perform the service more quickly.
- Smaller Project: Repairs don't require as much planning as replacements – instead of hauling a whole new unit into your home and arranging your schedule around it, it's normal for repairs just to take place in your bathroom.
- Smaller Up-Front Cost: Buying a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and deciding to repair can normally save you some money in the immediate term.
Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Ellisville, MO
- Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: We'll go over replacement advantages below, but should you decide on a toilet repair in place of a replacement, you won't get improved efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
- Situationally Not An Option: In some cases, a toilet repair could be impractical. For extreme damage like 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, ask about a toilet repair.
Toilet Replacement Benefits in Ellisville, MO
- Modern Efficiency: Updated toilets don't require as much water to flush as older toilets. Upgrading can lower your utility bills without compromising on effectiveness.
- Updated Design: A toilet replacement gives you a chance 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 some warranties only last for a set number of years. A new toilet will likely come with a new warranty.
- Do Away With Major Problems: Sometimes, a toilet replacement is your only option when the damage is too deep for effective repairs.
Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Ellisville, MO
- Higher Up-Front Cost: A toilet replacement 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 will require some coordination. Be prepared for a more expansive project and all that entails.
In short, a toilet replacement makes the most sense when you are facing larger plumbing problems with your unit. It is also a good choice when your current toilet is outdated and you're looking for an upgrade.
When you hire Drain Cleaning STL, we'll bring an expert eye to your current toilet when we make recommendations. Whether you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or something else entirely, we will enable you to make that decision and guide you through it.
5 Common Toilet Problems in Ellisville, 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 starts with examining the symptoms and making a plan to fix the root cause. Below, we've listed some common toilet issues 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. Most of the time, the issue will be located in the water supply or the water tank. The key things to check are:
- That the water supply valve coming in from the wall 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 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: 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 holding open a valve in the toilet's water tank, which can be cleaned out to allow it to shut. If the problem remains after that, 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 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, the real issue might be in your sewer. If this is the case, a drain camera inspection could be needed to figure out the root cause of the problem and come up with a solution.
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, 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 want to consider sewer line cleaned for a long-term fix.
Problem 5: Leaks
Solution: Whether you need a toilet repair or a toilet replacement for a leak mostly comes down to its location and size. If you're lucky, it just means that something wasn't screwed into place properly, and fixing it is as easy as tightening a screw. Leaks around the base can often be solved with new sealant, but any cracks that are letting water out are unfortunately a sign that your toilet needs to be replaced.
Ellisville Toilet Repair/Replacement Common Questions
Below, you can read answers to some of the most common questions we hear about toilet replacement and repairs in Ellisville, MO:
What is the average lifespan of a toilet?
Your typical toilet will have a lifespan of approximately 20-25 years, but many people opt for an earlier toilet replacement. This is due to technological advancements that improve efficiency in modern units.
How can I tell if I need to replace my toilet?
A toilet replacement is necessary if you notice cracks or if it regularly clogs. You might also want to replace it if your current unit is outdated and/or inefficient. Other problems can normally 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. 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. Replacements are best for older, inefficient, and/or heavily damaged toilets.
Should I replace all my bathroom appliances at once?
If you're replacing your toilet, you might be thinking about a full bathroom remodel, and getting a new bathtub and sink at the same time. While each situation is different, a complete remodel is sometimes easier to do all at once.
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 Ellisville, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.
Drain Cleaning STL is prepared for your toilet replacement or repair in Ellisville, MO. We specialize in plumbing emergencies will be there to help as soon as we can.
Whether you need a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or any other plumbing help, with Drain Cleaning STL you'll get first-class, friendly service throughout the Ellisville region. Speak with us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your plumbing problem online to get started.
We also offer these services in Ellisville, MO:
- Drain Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
- Clogged Drain
- Drain Cleaning Contractors
- Unclog Drain
- Drain Cleaning Services
- Drain Cleaning