Fenton, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repairs and toilet replacements each have their pros and cons. You have to take finances into account, diagnose whatever is going on with your current toilet, and watch out for other possible spots that need repairs in your pipes and drains.
Drain Cleaning STL is here to help. In this article, we go over the reasons you might decide to replace versus repair, what should influence your decision, and frequent toilet problems that we've seen in Fenton.
Continue reading to learn more, but if your home is experiencing a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call us now and we'll send a plumber out ASAP to find a solution. You can get in touch with us at 314-972-2233 or contact us online. We look forward to serving you.
You can skip ahead to a specific topic below:
- Deciding Between Toilet Repairs and Replacements
- 5 Frequent Toilet Issues and Possible Fixes
- Fenton Toilet Repair/Replacement Common Questions
- Get In Touch With Drain Cleaning STL
When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
If you don't frequently have to worry about bathroom and toilet repairs, it's not always obvious if the right choice is to repair versus replace. Here are some criteria you can use when making the decision:
Toilet Repair Benefits in Fenton, MO
- Quicker Project: When you decide on a repair in place of a total toilet replacement, your Fenton plumbing contractor will often be able to take care of it faster.
- Smaller Project: Repairs don't need as much work on your end as 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.
- Lesser Up-Front Cost: Getting a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and deciding to repair will often save you some money in the short term.
Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Fenton, MO
- Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: You can read about replacement advantages next, but when you decide to go with a toilet repair in place of a replacement, you won't have increased efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
- Might Be Impractical: Depending on your situation, a toilet repair may not be practical. If there is dire damage such as a crack in the water tank, replacement is often your only option.
In summary, repairs work well with more isolated problems, and when you're fine with passing on the benefits of 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 Fenton, MO
- Improved 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 is an opportunity for something more comfortable. You can also take the opportunity to go with a new style that matches your decor.
- Updated Warranty: Toilets typically come with a warranty, though these can expire after a certain period of time. A new toilet gives you a chance for an updated warranty.
- Defeat Major Problems: Like it or not, sometimes a toilet replacement is your only option when repairs aren't enough to get the job done.
Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Fenton, 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: While you will end up with a nicer, newer toilet, it can take more work to get there. Be ready for a larger-scale project with more life adjustments.
To summarize, a toilet replacement is best when you are facing larger plumbing problems with your unit. It can also work when your current toilet is outdated and you're looking for an upgrade.
When you hire Drain Cleaning STL, we will give you a fair and honest evaluation of your home's toilet. If you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or another plumbing service, we will make sure you have what you need to make an informed choice on how to move forward.
5 Common Toilet Problems in Fenton, 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 typically starts with examining the symptoms and coming up with a plan to address the root cause. Here are some frequent 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. 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.
These are normally quick to fix, 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 the root problem can actually be closely related. It's typical for this to be caused by debris stopping a valve in the water tank from closing, and by removing it, everything can return to normal. 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: For the occasional toilet clog, you can probably take care of it with a plunger and possibly cleaning the toilet's drain. If clogs are a regular thing with your toilet, though, you might actually have an issue with your sewer line instead. If you're up against this, a drain camera inspection might be necessary to identify the root cause of the problem and come up with 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 deeper in your home's pipes. As with frequent clogs, a drain camera might be needed to find the leak or blockage. For widespread wastewater backups, you might even need to have your 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, the leak will just be a sign of 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 signal that your toilet needs to be replaced.
Fenton Toilet Repair/Replacement FAQs
Below, we've answered some of the regular questions we hear related to toilet replacement and repairs in Fenton, MO:
What is the average lifespan of a toilet?
Most toilets will be good for about 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?
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. Isolated problems can normally be repaired without the need for a full replacement.
Where are the most common places that toilets leak?
The major areas you'll want to watch out for toilet leaks are the base, the water supply line, and the 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. 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. 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 already replacing your toilet, it could be worth considering a a total bathroom remodel, switching out your bathtub and sink all together. While each bathroom's needs are different, a full remodel is sometimes easier to do all at once.
If you have a toilet question we didn't answer above 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 Fenton, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.
Drain Cleaning STL is prepared for your toilet replacement or repair in Fenton, MO. We specialize in plumbing emergencies will be there to help as soon as we can.
If you're looking for a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or help making that decision, with Drain Cleaning STL you'll get high quality, friendly service throughout the Fenton region. Speak with a plumber at 314-972-2233 or describe your toilet issue online to arrange for service.
We also offer these services in Fenton, MO:
- Drain Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
- Clogged Drain
- Drain Cleaning Contractors
- Unclog Drain
- Drain Cleaning Services
- Drain Cleaning