Maryland Heights, 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, figure out if your current toilet can keep functioning, and be aware of other possible problems in your plumbing.

Drain Cleaning STL is ready to assist you. Below, we go over the pros and cons of replacing and reparing, what should influence your decision, and regular toilet issues and their causes.

Keep going for more information, but if you're in the middle of a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call our team now and we'll be out right away to diagnose and fix the problem. You can speak with us at 314-972-2233 or schedule service online. We want to give your Maryland Heights home the care and attention it deserves.

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When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet

If you don't frequently have to worry about bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be hard to tell when the right choice is to repair versus replace. To help you make that decision, here are the pros and cons of each:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Maryland Heights, MO

  • Shorter Project: When you decide to go with a repair instead of a full toilet replacement, your Maryland Heights plumbing technician will generally be able to take care of it faster.
  • Minimal Life Interruptions: Repairs don't need as much work on your end as replacements – rather than hauling a whole new unit into your home and arranging your schedule around it, a plumber can usually handle things just in your bathroom.
  • Smaller Up-Front Cost: Getting a toilet replacement can be costly, and deciding to repair can normally save you some money in the immediate term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Maryland Heights, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: We'll go over replacement advantages below, but if you decide on a toilet repair instead of a replacement, you won't have increased efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
  • Might Be Impossible: In some cases, a toilet repair can be impractical. In cases of critical damage such as a cracked bowl, replacement is typically your only option.

Generally, repairs work well with more isolated issues, and when you're not in need of a brand new toilet. When it's impractical for you to handle a replacement, opt for a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in Maryland Heights, MO

  • Improved Efficiency: Updated toilets use less water per flush than outdated toilets. Upgrading can save you on water bills without compromising on effectiveness.
  • New Design: A toilet replacement is a chance for you for something more comfortable. You will also have the chance to pick a new style that matches your decor.
  • Updated Warranty: Most toilets come with a warranty, though some warranties only last for a set number of years. A new toilet is an opportunity for an updated warranty.
  • Do Away With Major Problems: Sometimes, a toilet replacement is your only option when problems are too much for repairs to handle.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Maryland Heights, MO

  • Bigger Immediate Expense: A toilet replacement 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's not an easy task. Be prepared for a more expansive project for which you'll need to make accommodations.

In short, a toilet replacement fits best when your current toilet has a massive problem that would be impractical to repair. It is also a good choice when your current toilet is outdated and you're looking for an upgrade.

When you work with Drain Cleaning STL, we will give you a fair and honest evaluation of your home's toilet. Whether 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 Maryland Heights | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

5 Common Toilet Problems in Maryland Heights, 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 typically starts with examining the symptoms and coming up with a plan to fix the root cause. In this section, you can read about some common 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, this is an issue with the water supply or the water tank. The key things to check are:

  1. That the water supply line coming in from the wall is completely open, and
  2. That the fill valve and tube in the toilet's water tank aren't being blocked.

It's typically easy to open a valve or clear an obstruction, but if the issue remains after checking both of those, it's possible that the problem is deeper in your home's pipes.

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. In many cases, you'll find some debris holding open a valve in the toilet's water tank, and clearing it away will restore full functionality. If the problem remains after that, the toilet tank components might need to be repaired or replaced.

Problem 3: Toilet Drain Frequently Clogs

Solution: If there's just a small obstruction in your toilet's drain, 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. In this case, a drain camera inspection could be necessary to figure out 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 the toilet is backing up water, but isn't clogged itself, there's probably another clogged drain further down your home's pipes. Similar to frequent clogs, conducting an inspection is probably necessary to find the actual issue. For widespread wastewater backups, you might even need to have your sewer line cleaned as a long-term fix.

Problem 5: Leaks

Solution: Depending on where the leak is and how much water is coming out, a toilet repair or replacement may be necessary. In some cases, it just means that something wasn't screwed into place properly, 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 your toilet needs to be replaced.

Toilet Replacement and Repair in Maryland Heights | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

Maryland Heights Toilet Repair/Replacement FAQs

Below, we've answered some of the frequently asked questions we hear related to toilet replacement and repairs in Maryland Heights, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Generally, toilets will have a lifespan of approximately 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. Other issues can usually be taken care of by 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. A loose valve or fitting is responsible for most leaks in the water supply line. 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. 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 getting a new bathtub and sink at the same time. While each scenario is different, a total remodel can keep your bathroom looking cohesive.

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 Maryland Heights, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL has been offering toilet repair and replacement services to the Maryland Heights, MO, area since 2011. For any plumbing emergencies, give use a call and we will be there to help as soon as we can.

Whether your house needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or any other plumbing help, we take pride in providing high quality, friendly service throughout the Maryland Heights region. Call us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your issue online to get started.

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