Eureka, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repair versus toilet replacement is never an easy decision. You have to take finances into account, make a call on whether your current toilet can even be repaired in the first place, and keep an eye out for other potential spots that need repairs in your pipes and drains.
Drain Cleaning STL can help you evaluate your options. On this page, you can read about the reasons you might decide to replace versus repair, what should influence your decision, and typical toilet difficulties and what to do about them.
Keep reading to learn more, but if you're experiencing a plumbing emergency, don't hesitate: Call us and we'll send a technician out as soon as possible to get things under control. You can speak with us at 314-972-2233 or schedule service online. We look forward to helping you.
You can jump ahead to a specific section of the page here:
- When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
- 5 Frequent Toilet Issues and Possible Fixes
- Eureka Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
- Get In Touch With Drain Cleaning STL
When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
If you're not well versed in bathroom and toilet repairs, it's not always obvious whether you should repair versus replace. When deciding between the two, keep the following things in mind:
Toilet Repair Benefits in Eureka, MO
- Quicker Project: When you decide to go with a repair over a total toilet replacement, your Eureka plumbing contractor will generally be able to take care of it faster.
- Less Intrusive: Repairs are more contained than replacements – instead of hauling a whole new unit into your home and planning your whole day for it, a plumber can usually handle things just in your bathroom.
- Lower Up-Front Cost: Purchasing a toilet replacement can be costly, and opting for a repair will often save you some money in the near term.
Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Eureka, MO
- Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: We'll discuss replacement benefits in the next section, but should you decide to go with a toilet repair in place of a replacement, you won't get modern efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
- Not Always Practical: Depending on the damage, a toilet repair may not be practical. For serious damage like a crack in the water tank, replacement may be your only real choice.
In summary, repairs are good choices for smaller problems, and when you're comfortable without 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 Eureka, MO
- Increased Efficiency: Updated toilets are more water-efficient than those of the past. Upgrading can save you on water bills without compromising flush quality.
- 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 that matches your decor.
- Updated Warranty: Most toilets come with a warranty, though depending on the details, your could be expired by now. A new toilet gives you a chance for an updated warranty.
- Do Away With Major Problems: Sometimes, a toilet replacement is outright necessary when the damage is too deep for effective repairs.
Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Eureka, MO
- Bigger Immediate Expense: A new toilet is an investment. You'll need to be prepared to pay a bill of over a hundred dollars for the full installation.
- Larger Project: While the end result can be excellent, it can take more work to get there. Be prepared for a longer 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 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, 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 make sure you have what you need to make an informed choice on how to move forward.
5 Common Toilet Problems in Eureka, 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 typically starts with examining the symptoms and coming up with a plan to fix the root cause. In this section, you can read about some common toilet issues 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, the issue will be located in the water supply or the water tank. The main 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.
These are normally quick to fix, but if the issue remains after checking both of those, you might have a plumbing issue somewhere else in your home's water supply.
Problem 2: Constant Running Water
Solution: Even though this might seem like the opposite problem to a slow-filling toilet, the root problem can actually be closely related. The main thing you'll want to watch out for is debris holding open a valve in the toilet's water tank, which can be cleaned out to allow it to shut. If this doesn't fix it, the toilet tank components might need to be repaired or replaced.
Problem 3: Toilet Drain Frequently Clogs
Solution: When your toilet clog is an isolated incident, you can typically get away with using a plunger and possibly cleaning the toilet's drain. But when the clogs are frequent, the root cause might be somewhere deeper, in your sewer line. In this case, a drain camera inspection might be necessary to locate the root cause of the problem and provide 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, there's probably 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. If it's serious, you might even need to have your sewer line cleaned as a long-term fix.
Problem 5: Leaks
Solution: Depending on where the leak is and how much water is coming out, a toilet repair or replacement may be necessary. If you're lucky, it won't be anything more than a loose part, and you can resolve it just by tightening something down. Other common leaks include those around the toilet's base, which can be resealed, but if you discover that the leaks are coming from cracks in the toilet's body, that is unfortunately a sign that a replacement is needed.
Eureka Toilet Repair/Replacement FAQs
Below, you can read answers to some of the frequently asked questions we hear related to toilet replacement and repairs in Eureka, MO:
What is the average lifespan of a toilet?
Your typical toilet will have a lifespan of approximately 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?
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. Smaller or isolated issues 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. You can fix most base leaks by applying new 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?
Repairs and replacements each have their place. If you have a modern toilet with a small, non-recurring issue, normally a repair is appropriate. 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 already replacing your toilet, it could be worth considering a a full bathroom remodel, and getting a new bathtub and sink all at once. While each situation is unique, a complete remodel is sometimes easier to do all at once.
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 Eureka, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.
Drain Cleaning STL is prepared for your toilet replacement or repair in Eureka, MO. We're ready if you're facing a plumbing emergency, and will bet at your door as soon as we can.
If you need a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or you're not sure and are just looking for guidance, we are ready to provide high quality, quality service throughout the Eureka region. Call us at 314-972-2233 or reach out online to arrange for service.
We also offer these services in Eureka, MO:
- Drain Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
- Clogged Drain
- Drain Cleaning Contractors
- Unclog Drain
- Drain Cleaning Services
- Drain Cleaning