Gray Summit, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repair versus toilet replacement is never an easy decision. You have to weigh up-front versus long-term costs, diagnose whatever is going on with your current toilet, and be aware of other possible problems in your pipes.
Drain Cleaning STL can help you evaluate your options. On this page, we've outlined the pros and cons of replacing and reparing, what should influence your decision, and frequent toilet dilemmas and what to do about them.
Continue on to learn more, but if your home is experiencing a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call us and we'll send a plumber out as soon as possible to help you out. You can get in touch with us at 314-972-2233 or tell us what's going on online. We look forward to helping you.
You can use the links below to navigate this page:
- When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
- 5 Frequent Toilet Problems and Possible Causes
- Gray Summit Toilet Repair/Replacement FAQs
- Contact Drain Cleaning STL
When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
If you don't regularly perform bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be unclear whether you should repair or replace. Before you make your decision, be sure to consider the following:
Toilet Repair Benefits in Gray Summit, MO
- Quicker Project: When you decide to go with a repair over a full toilet replacement, your Gray Summit plumbing contractor will normally 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 arranging your schedule around it, most of the time, all you have to do for repairs is let the plumber into your bathroom.
- Lesser Up-Front Cost: Purchasing a toilet replacement can be costly, and deciding to repair can normally save you some money in the immediate term.
Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Gray Summit, MO
- Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: You can read about replacement advantages next, but should you decide to go with a toilet repair instead of a replacement, you won't get improved efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
- Could Be Impossible: Depending on the damage, a toilet repair isn't always going to be practical. If there is serious damage like cracked porcelain, replacement is probably your only option.
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, opt for a toilet repair.
Toilet Replacement Benefits in Gray Summit, MO
- Better Efficiency: Modern toilets use less water per flush than outdated toilets. Upgrading can lower your utilities without compromising on effectiveness.
- New Design: A toilet replacement is a chance for you for something more comfortable. You can also take the opportunity to go with 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 gives you a chance for a new 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 Gray Summit, MO
- Larger Single 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 prepared for a larger-scale project with more life adjustments.
In short, a toilet replacement is best when your current toilet has a massive problem that would be impractical to repair. It also makes sense when you're prepared to spend on a newer, more efficient, updated toilet.
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 any other plumbing assistance, we will be by your side and help you find the right answer for your home.
5 Common Toilet Problems in Gray Summit, 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 usually begins with examining the symptoms and creating a plan to fix the underlying issue. Below, we've listed some common toilet issues and potential causes behind them:
Problem 1: Slow-Filling Toilet Bowl
Solution: In most cases, a slow-filling toilet bowl is an easy fix. Often, the issue will be located in the water supply or the water tank. You'll want to be sure that:
- That the water supply line coming in from the wall 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 they don't work, you might have a plumbing issue somewhere else in your home's water supply.
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 stopping a valve in the water tank from closing, 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, it can probably be resolved using a plunger and possibly cleaning the toilet's drain. If clogs are a regular thing with your toilet, though, the real issue might be in your sewer. If this is the case, a drain camera inspection might be needed to identify 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, you're probably seeing the results of another clogged drain further down your home's plumbing. Just like 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. In some cases, the leak will just be a sign of a loose part, and you can resolve it just by tightening something down. Leaks around the base can often be solved with new sealant, but any cracks that are letting water out are unfortunately a signal that you need a toilet replacement.
Gray Summit Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, you can read answers to some of the regular questions we hear related to toilet replacement and repairs in Gray Summit, MO:
What is the average lifespan of a toilet?
Most toilets will be good for about 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. Isolated problems can typically be taken care of by repairs.
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. 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. 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 total bathroom remodel, and getting a new bathtub and sink at the same time. While each bathroom's needs are different, 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 Gray Summit, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.
Drain Cleaning STL has been offering toilet repair and replacement services to the Gray Summit, MO, area since 2011. We are ready for plumbing emergencies, and will bet at your door right away.
Whether your home needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or help making that decision, we are ready to provide high quality, quality service throughout the Gray Summit region. Speak with us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your plumbing problem online to get started.
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