Olivette, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repair versus toilet replacement is never an easy decision. You have to weigh up-front versus long-term costs, consider if repairs are even feasible, and watch out for other potential spots that need repairs in your plumbing.

Drain Cleaning STL can help you evaluate your options. In this article, you can read about the pros and cons of replacing and reparing, factors to consider when deciding between the two, and frequent toilet issues you might see in your home.

Continue reading for more information, but if your home is experiencing a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call us now and we'll be out fast to get things under control. You can get in touch with us at 314-972-2233 or contact us online. We're proud to serve all of Olivette's plumbing needs.

You can jump ahead to a specific section of the page here:


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 or replace. When deciding between the two, keep the following things in mind:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Olivette, MO

  • Quicker Process: When you decide to go with a repair in place of a complete toilet replacement, your Olivette plumber will often be able to take care of it faster.
  • Smaller Project: 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, most of the time, all you have to do for repairs is let the plumber into your bathroom.
  • Smaller Up-Front Cost: Getting a toilet replacement can be expensive, and deciding to repair can normally save you some money in the near term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Olivette, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: We'll discuss replacement benefits next, but should you opt for a toilet repair instead of a replacement, you won't have increased efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
  • Might Be Impossible: Depending on your situation, a toilet repair may not be practical. If there is serious damage like a cracked bowl, replacement is typically your only option.

Generally, repairs work well with smaller problems, and when you're comfortable without a brand new toilet. When it's impractical for you to handle a replacement, opt for a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in Olivette, MO

  • Modern Efficiency: Modern toilets are more water-efficient than those of the past. Upgrading can lower your water bills while keeping a powerful, effective flush.
  • Updated Design: A toilet replacement gives you a chance to get something more comfortable. You can also take the opportunity to go with a new style that matches your decor.
  • Updated Warranty: Toilets typically come with a warranty, though these can expire after a certain period of time. A new toilet will likely come with an updated warranty.
  • Defeat 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 Olivette, MO

  • Larger Single 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 the end result can be excellent, it can take more work to get there. Be prepared for a longer project for which you'll need to make accommodations.

To summarize, a toilet replacement fits best 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. Whether you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or something else entirely, we will make sure you have what you need to make an informed choice on how to move forward.


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

5 Common Toilet Problems in Olivette, 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 typically begins with diagnosing the problem and making a plan to address the underlying issue. In this section, you can read about some common toilet problems 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. Often, you can find the problem somewhere in the water supply or the water tank. You'll want to check:

  1. That the water supply line to 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 issue remains after checking both of those, 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. 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 the problem remains after that, the toilet tank components could be worn out and due for replacement.

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. 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 might be necessary to locate the root cause of the problem and provide a solution.

Problem 4: Toilet Backs Up Water Without a Clog

Solution: If the toilet is backing up water, but isn't clogged itself, you're probably seeing the results of another clogged drain deeper in your home's pipes. 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 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. If you're lucky, the leak will just be a sign of a loose part, and you can resolve it just by tightening something down. If you see water just around the base of the toilet, you might be able to fix it by resealing, but any cracks that are letting water out are unfortunately a signal that a replacement is needed.


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

Olivette Toilet Repair/Replacement Common 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 Olivette, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Generally, toilets can last around 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 normally 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. Base leaks are usually caused by broken sealant. Water supply line leaks are usually caused by loose valves. 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?

Picking between a repair and a replacement depends on both your needs and the condition of the toilet. Newer toilets with smaller issues are normally best off repaired. Replacements are best for older, inefficient, and/or heavily damaged toilets.

Should I replace all my bathroom appliances at once?

If you're already replacing your toilet, it could be worth considering a a complete bathroom remodel, and getting a new bathtub and sink at the same time. While each scenario is different, a full 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 Olivette, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL has been offering toilet repair and replacement services to the Olivette, MO, area since 2011. We provide emergency plumbing services, and will bet at your door as soon as we can.

If your house needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or help making that decision, we take pride in providing high quality, friendly service throughout the Olivette region. Get ahold of us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your plumbing problem online to get started.

We also offer these services in Olivette, MO: