Maplewood, 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, diagnose whatever is going on with your current toilet, and keep an eye out for other potential issues in your plumbing.

Drain Cleaning STL is ready to assist you. In this article, you can read about the reasons you might decide to replace versus repair, signs of which one you should go with, and frequent toilet problems you might see in your home.

Keep reading for more information, but if your home is experiencing a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call us and we'll be out as soon as possible to help you out. You can reach us at 314-972-2233 or by filling out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you.

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When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet

If you're new to bathroom and toilet repairs, it's not always obvious whether the right choice is to repair versus replace. Here are some criteria you can use when making the decision:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Maplewood, MO

  • Shorter Process: When you opt for a repair instead of a complete toilet replacement, your Maplewood plumbing contractor will generally be able to get the job done more quickly.
  • Smaller Project: Repairs don't need as much work on your end as replacements – rather than ordering, loading, transporting, and installing the new toilet 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 going with a repair will often save you some money in the short term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Maplewood, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: You can read about replacement advantages in the next section, but if you opt for a toilet repair over a replacement, you'll miss out on modern efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
  • Might Be Impractical: Depending on the damage, a toilet repair isn't always practical. In cases of critical damage like a crack in the water tank, replacement is typically your only real choice.

In summary, repairs are best for smaller issues, and when you're fine with passing on the benefits of a brand new toilet. When it's impractical for you to handle a replacement, opt for a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in Maplewood, MO

  • Improved Efficiency: Updated toilets don't require as much water to flush as older toilets. Upgrading can save you on utilities without compromising flush quality.
  • New Design: A toilet replacement is an opportunity for something more comfortable. You can also take the opportunity to go with 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.
  • Resolve Major Problems: Sometimes, a toilet replacement is the only choice when the damage is too deep for effective repairs.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Maplewood, MO

  • Higher Up-Front Cost: A new toilet is an investment. The total cost for an installation can be hundreds of dollars, including materials and labor.
  • Larger Project: Even though it's typically worth it in the end, it will require some coordination. Be prepared for a larger-scale project and all that entails.

To summarize, a toilet replacement is best when you are facing larger plumbing problems with your unit. It also makes sense when your current toilet is outdated and you're looking for an upgrade.


When you work with Drain Cleaning STL, our plumbers will be upfront with you about what we think is the best option for your situation. Whether you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or another plumbing service, we will enable you to make that decision and guide you through it.


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

5 Common Toilet Problems in Maplewood, 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 generally starts with examining the symptoms and making a plan to fix the root cause. Here are some typical toilet issues 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. Often, the issue will be located in the water supply or the water tank. The key things to check are:

  1. That the water supply line behind the toilet is completely open, and
  2. 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: Even though this might seem like the opposite problem to a slow-filling toilet, they can have similar causes. It's typical for this to be caused by debris stopping a valve in the water tank from closing, and clearing it away will restore full functionality. If that doesn't work, the toilet tank components could be worn out and due for replacement.

Problem 3: Toilet Drain Frequently Clogs

Solution: If there's just a small obstruction in your toilet's drain, you can probably take care of it with a plunger and possibly cleaning the toilet's drain. But when the clogs are frequent, you could be facing a sewer line blockage. In this case, a drain camera inspection could be necessary to identify the root cause of the problem and figure out a way to fix it.

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. 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 look at getting 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, it just means that something wasn't screwed into place properly, 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 leaks coming from cracks (anywhere) are unfortunately a signal that your toilet needs to be replaced.


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

Maplewood Toilet Repair/Replacement FAQs

Below, we've answered some of the frequently asked questions we hear regarding toilet replacement and repairs in Maplewood, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Most toilets will have a lifespan of approximately 20-25 years, but it's not uncommon to replace the toilet earlier. This is usually motivated by 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. Isolated issues can usually 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. Water supply line leaks are usually caused by loose valves. 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?

Repairs and replacements each have their place. Repairs are best for newer toilets with fewer, more isolated problems. A toilet replacement works best when you have an older model you're looking to upgrade from, or when the damage is so severe that you can't practically repair it.

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 replacing your bathtub and sink at the same time. While each situation is different, a full remodel can provide both aesthetic and functional improvements.


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 Maplewood, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL are experts in Maplewood, MO toilet repairs and replacements. We're ready if you're facing a plumbing emergency, and will be there to help right away.

If you need a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or any other plumbing help, we take pride in providing first-class, friendly service throughout the Maplewood region. Speak with us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your issue online to plan a service visit.

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