Oakville, 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 look out for other possible spots that need repairs in your pipes.

Drain Cleaning STL can help you evaluate your options. In this article, you can read about the pros and cons of replacing and reparing, what should influence your decision, and everyday toilet issues that we've seen in Oakville.

Continue on to learn more, but if your home is experiencing a plumbing emergency, don't hesitate: Call our team now and we'll be out fast to get things under control. You can reach us at 314-972-2233 or tell us what's going on online. When you need plumbing help, call Drain Cleaning STL.

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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 or replace. To help you make that decision, here are the pros and cons of each:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Oakville, MO

  • Quicker Process: When you decide to go with a repair in place of a full toilet replacement, your Oakville plumbing technician will normally be able to take care of it more quickly.
  • Less Intrusive: Repairs are normally easier to perform than 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: Purchasing a toilet replacement can be costly, and going with a repair will often save you some money in the immediate term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Oakville, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Benefits: You can read about replacement advantages next, but should you opt for a toilet repair over a replacement, you won't have modern efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
  • Not Always An Option: Depending on the damage, a toilet repair isn't always going to be practical. In cases of serious damage such as cracked porcelain, replacement is likely your only option.

In summary, repairs are best for smaller issues, and when you're not in need of a brand new toilet. When you don't have the budget or flexibility for a replacement, ask about a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in Oakville, MO

  • Improved Efficiency: Modern toilets don't require as much water to flush as older toilets. Upgrading can lower your water bills without compromising flush quality.
  • Modern 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 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 Oakville, MO

  • Bigger Immediate Expense: A new toilet is an investment. The total cost for an installation can be hundreds of dollars, including materials and labor.
  • Larger Project: While you will end up with a nicer, newer toilet, it will require some coordination. Be ready for a more expansive project with more life adjustments.

In short, a toilet replacement makes the most sense when is older and/or too broken to repair realistically. It can also work when your current toilet is outdated and you're looking for an upgrade.


When you hire Drain Cleaning STL, our plumbers will be upfront with you about what we think is the best option for your situation. If you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or another plumbing service, we will make sure you have what you need to make an informed choice on how to move forward.


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

5 Common Toilet Problems in Oakville, 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 begins with identifying what's going on and making a plan to address the underlying issue. In this section, you can read about some common toilet problems and potential causes behind them:

Problem 1: Slow-Filling Toilet Bowl

Solution: In most cases, a slow-filling toilet bowl is an easy fix. Often, the issue will be located in the water supply or the water tank. The main 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.

It's typically easy to open a valve or clear an obstruction, 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: Constantly running toilets are the flip side of slow-filling toilets, but the root problem can actually be closely related. 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: If there's just a small obstruction in your toilet's drain, you can typically get away with 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 real issue might be in your sewer. In this case, a drain camera inspection might be needed to find the root cause of the problem and come up with a solution.

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 elsewhere in your home's pipes. Just like with frequent clogs, conducting an inspection is probably necessary to find the actual issue. In extreme cases, 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, 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 any cracks that are letting water out are unfortunately a signal that your toilet needs to be replaced.


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

Oakville Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you can read answers to some of the most frequent questions we hear related to toilet replacement and repairs in Oakville, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Most toilets will be good for about 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?

Cracks, repeated clogs, and inefficiency are all signs that it's time for a toilet replacement. Smaller problems can normally be repaired without the need for a full replacement.

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. You can fix most base leaks by applying new sealant. A loose valve or fitting is responsible for most leaks in the water supply line. 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. 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 already replacing your toilet, it could be worth considering a a full bathroom remodel, switching out your bathtub and sink all together. While each scenario 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 Oakville, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL are experts in Oakville, MO toilet repairs and replacements. We specialize in plumbing emergencies will bet at your door as soon as we can.

Whether you need a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or any other plumbing help, we are ready to provide first-class, quality service throughout the Oakville region. Speak with us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your toilet issue online to set up your repair/replacement.

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