Mehlville, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repair versus toilet replacement is never an easy decision. You have to take finances into account, figure out if your current toilet can keep functioning, and perform inspections for other possible issues in your plumbing.

Drain Cleaning STL is ready to assist you. In this article, you can read about the advantages of repairing versus those of replacing, factors to consider when deciding between the two, and routine toilet difficulties and how to address them.

Keep reading for more information, but if your home is experiencing a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call us and we'll send a plumber out right away to diagnose and fix the problem. 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

If you're not well versed in bathroom and toilet repairs, it's not always obvious whether you should repair versus replace. When deciding between the two, keep the following things in mind:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Mehlville, MO

  • Shorter Process: When you decide to go with a repair instead of a complete toilet replacement, your Mehlville plumbing technician will typically be able to get the job done more quickly.
  • Minimal Life Interruptions: Repairs are normally easier to perform than replacements – instead of ordering, loading, transporting, and installing the new toilet and taking a whole day to get it done, it's normal for repairs just to take place in your bathroom.
  • Lower Up-Front Cost: Buying a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and going with a repair will often save you some money in the near term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Mehlville, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: We'll go over replacement benefits below, but when you decide to go with a toilet repair in place of a replacement, you won't get improved efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
  • Not Always Practical: Depending on your situation, a toilet repair can be impractical. If there is dire damage like cracked porcelain, replacement is typically your only real choice.

Overall, repairs work well with more isolated problems, and when you're not in need 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 Mehlville, MO

  • Better Efficiency: Today's toilets use less water per flush than outdated toilets. Upgrading can save you on utilities without compromising flush quality.
  • New Design: A toilet replacement gives you a chance to get something more comfortable. You will also have the chance to pick 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 gives you a chance for a new warranty.
  • Do Away With Major Problems: Like it or not, sometimes a toilet replacement is your only option when the damage is too deep for effective repairs.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Mehlville, MO

  • Higher Up-Front Cost: 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 ready for a more expansive project and all that entails.

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


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 make sure you have what you need to make an informed choice on how to move forward.


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

5 Common Toilet Problems in Mehlville, 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 identifying what's going on and making a plan to fix the root cause. In this section, you can read about some typical toilet issues and what reasons might be 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, the issue will be located in the water supply or the water tank. You'll want to check:

  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 are not obstructed.

These are normally quick to fix, but if the bowl is still slow to fill after trying that, 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. 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 this doesn't fix it, the toilet tank components might need to be repaired or replaced.

Problem 3: Toilet Drain Frequently Clogs

Solution: For the occasional toilet clog, 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, you might actually have an issue with your sewer line instead. In this 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, you're probably seeing the results of another clogged drain elsewhere in your home's pipes. 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: Depending on where the leak is and how much water is coming out, a toilet repair or replacement may be necessary. If you're lucky, it won't be anything more than a loose part, and you can tighten the valve or fitting to stop it. Other common leaks include those around the toilet's base, which can be resealed, but any cracks that are letting water out are unfortunately a signal that a replacement is needed.


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

Mehlville Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we've listed out answers to some of the most common questions we hear related to toilet replacement and repairs in Mehlville, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Most 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?

The main things to watch out for are cracks, persistent clogs, and rising water bills. Smaller or isolated problems can typically 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. You can fix most base leaks by applying new 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. 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 replacing your bathtub and sink at the same time. While each situation is unique, a total remodel can keep your bathroom looking cohesive.


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 Mehlville, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL has over a decade of experience serving Mehlville, MO, homes, including performing toilet replacements and repairs. Call us ASAP if you're facing a plumbing emergency with your toilet, and we 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 first-class, quality service throughout the Mehlville region. Talk to one of our team members at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your plumbing problem online to arrange for service.

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