Marlborough, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repairs and toilet replacements each have their pros and cons. You have to weigh up-front versus long-term costs, consider if repairs are even feasible, and take into account other possible spots that need repairs in your pipes.

Drain Cleaning STL is ready to assist you. In this article, we go over the advantages of repairing versus those of replacing, factors to consider when deciding between the two, and regular toilet dilemmas and what to do about them.

Keep going for more information, but if your home is experiencing a plumbing emergency, don't wait: Call us and we'll send someone out as soon as possible to get things under control. You can talk to us at 314-972-2233 or schedule service online. We look forward to serving you.

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When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet

Unless you are experienced with bathroom and toilet repairs, it's not always obvious if you should repair versus replace. Here are some criteria you can use when making the decision:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Marlborough, MO

  • Shorter Process: When you opt for a repair instead of a full toilet replacement, your Marlborough plumbing technician will normally be able to complete the job faster.
  • Smoother Process: Repairs are normally easier to perform than replacements – instead of ordering, loading, transporting, and installing the new toilet and arranging your schedule around it, a plumber can usually handle things just in your bathroom.
  • Smaller Up-Front Cost: Buying a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and opting for a repair can normally save you some money in the short term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Marlborough, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Benefits: You can read about replacement advantages next, but should you decide on a toilet repair instead of a replacement, you won't have modern efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
  • Might Be Impractical: In some cases, a toilet repair can be impractical. If there is serious damage like cracked porcelain, replacement is typically your only practical choice.

Overall, repairs are best for smaller problems, and when you're not in need of a brand new toilet. When it's not practical to pay or find the time for a replacement, opt for a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in Marlborough, MO

  • Increased Efficiency: Updated toilets are more water-efficient than those of the past. Upgrading can lower your utilities without compromising flush quality.
  • New Design: A toilet replacement is a chance for you for a cozier seat. You can also take the opportunity to go with a new style that matches your decor.
  • Updated Warranty: Most toilets come with a warranty, though these can expire after a certain period of time. A new toilet is an opportunity for an updated warranty.
  • Do Away With Major Problems: Like it or not, sometimes a toilet replacement is your only option when problems are too much for repairs to handle.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Marlborough, MO

  • Bigger Immediate Expense: 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 you will end up with a nicer, newer toilet, it can take more work to get there. Be prepared for a longer project with more life adjustments.

To summarize, a toilet replacement makes the most sense when is older and/or too broken to repair realistically. It can also work when you're prepared to spend on a newer, more efficient, updated toilet.


When you work with 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 any other plumbing assistance, we will make sure you have what you need to make an informed choice on how to move forward.


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

5 Common Toilet Problems in Marlborough, 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 identifying what's going on and creating a plan to fix the root cause. In this section, you can read about some frequent toilet problems 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 key things to check are:

  1. That the water supply valve to the toilet is completely open, and
  2. That the fill valve and tube in the toilet's water tank are not obstructed.

It's typically easy to open a valve or clear an obstruction, but if they don't work, there could be an obstruction or leak somewhere farther up your pipes.

Problem 2: Constant Running Water

Solution: On the opposite side of a slow-filling toilet is one that runs constantly, but the root problem can actually be closely related. In many cases, you'll find some debris holding open a valve in the toilet's water tank, and by removing it, everything can return to normal. If that doesn't work, 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. 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 could be needed to find 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, conducting an inspection is probably necessary to find the actual issue. If it's serious, you might want to consider 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. If you see water just around the base of the toilet, you might be able to fix it by resealing, but if you discover that the leaks are coming from cracks in the toilet's body, that is unfortunately a sign that you need a toilet replacement.


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

Marlborough Toilet Repair/Replacement FAQs

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

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Your typical toilet 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. Smaller problems can usually be handled through toilet repairs.

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. Base leaks are usually caused by broken 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?

Whether a repair or replacement is best depends on the situation. Repairs are best for newer toilets with fewer, more isolated problems. 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 complete bathroom remodel, and getting a new bathtub and sink all at once. While each situation is unique, a total remodel can provide both aesthetic and functional improvements.


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 Marlborough, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL has over a decade of experience serving Marlborough, MO, homes, including performing toilet replacements and repairs. For any plumbing emergencies, give use a call and we will get out to your house as soon as we can.

If your house needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or help making that decision, with Drain Cleaning STL you'll get top-notch, quality service throughout the Marlborough region. Speak with us at 314-972-2233 or describe your toilet issue online to schedule service.

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