Ladue, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repair versus toilet replacement is never an easy decision. You have to be aware of financial impacts, both in the short-term and long-term, diagnose whatever is going on with your current toilet, and be aware of other potential spots that need repairs in your plumbing.

Drain Cleaning STL is ready to assist you. Below, we've outlined the pros and cons of replacing and reparing, factors to consider when deciding between the two, and everyday toilet problems and their solutions.

Continue on to learn more, but if you think you're in a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call us and we'll send someone out right away to help you out. You can get in touch with us at 314-972-2233 or tell us what's going on online. We're proud to serve all of Ladue's plumbing needs.

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When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet

If you're not well versed in bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be unclear if the right choice is to repair or replace. To help you make that decision, here are the pros and cons of each:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Ladue, MO

  • Faster Process: When you decide on a repair instead of a complete toilet replacement, your Ladue plumber will normally be able to complete the job faster.
  • Smaller Project: Repairs don't require as much planning as replacements – rather than ordering, loading, transporting, and installing the new toilet and arranging your schedule around 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 can normally save you some money in the near term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Ladue, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: We'll discuss replacement benefits below, but if you decide to go with a toilet repair in place of a replacement, you won't get increased efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
  • Might Be Impossible: Depending on your situation, a toilet repair may not be practical. In cases of serious damage such as a cracked bowl, replacement is often your only practical choice.

Generally, repairs work well with 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, go with a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in Ladue, MO

  • Increased Efficiency: Updated toilets use less water per flush than outdated toilets. Upgrading can lower your water bills without compromising on effectiveness.
  • Modern Design: A toilet replacement is an opportunity 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: Most toilets come with a warranty, though depending on the details, your could be expired by now. A new toilet will likely come with an updated warranty.
  • Defeat Major Problems: Sometimes, a toilet replacement is outright necessary when the damage is too deep for effective repairs.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Ladue, MO

  • Higher Up-Front Cost: A new toilet 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 the end result can be excellent, it will require some coordination. Be prepared for a larger-scale project and all that entails.

In short, a toilet replacement is best when you are facing larger plumbing problems with your unit. It can also work 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 will give you a fair and honest evaluation of your home's toilet. If you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or any other plumbing assistance, we will enable you to make that decision and guide you through it.


Toilet Replacement and Repair in Ladue | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

5 Common Toilet Problems in Ladue, 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 begins with diagnosing the problem and creating a plan to address the root cause. Here are some typical toilet problems and potential causes 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, you can find the problem somewhere in the water supply or the water tank. The key things to check are:

  1. That the water supply valve coming in from the wall is completely open, and
  2. 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 they can have similar causes. In many cases, you'll find some debris keeping a valve in the water tank from shutting, which can be cleaned out to allow it to shut. If this doesn't fix it, the toilet tank components could be worn out and due for replacement.

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 this is the case, a drain camera inspection might be needed to locate the root cause of the problem and provide 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 further down your home's sewer line. Just like with frequent clogs, an inspection can help identify the actual problem. For widespread wastewater backups, you might want to look at getting your sewer line cleaned for 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 fixing it is as easy as tightening a screw. 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 your toilet needs to be replaced.


Toilet Replacement and Repair in Ladue | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

Ladue Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we've listed out answers to some of the frequently asked questions we hear about toilet replacement and repairs in Ladue, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Most toilets can last around 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?

Cracks, repeated clogs, and inefficiency are all signs that it's time for a toilet replacement. Other problems can normally be handled through toilet 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. 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. Newer toilets with smaller issues are normally best off repaired. 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 replacing your toilet, you might be thinking about a full bathroom remodel, and getting a new bathtub and sink all at once. While each scenario is unique, a full 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 Ladue, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL is prepared for your toilet replacement or repair in Ladue, MO. Call us ASAP if you're facing a plumbing emergency with your toilet, and we will be there to help as soon as we can.

Whether you need a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or help making that decision, we are ready to provide first-class, quality service throughout the Ladue region. Get ahold of us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your issue online to get started.

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