Overland, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repair versus toilet replacement is never an easy decision. You have to weigh up-front versus long-term costs, diagnose whatever is going on with your current toilet, and look out for other possible problems in your home's plumbing.

Drain Cleaning STL is here to help. On this page, you can read about the advantages of repairing versus those of replacing, what should influence your decision, and typical toilet problems and their causes.

Continue on for more information, but if you think you're in a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call our team now and we'll send someone out fast to diagnose and fix the problem. You can talk to us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about the issue online. We look forward to helping you.

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When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet

If you don't regularly perform bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be hard to tell when you should repair or replace. Before you make your decision, be sure to consider the following:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Overland, MO

  • Quicker Project: When you opt for a repair over a total toilet replacement, your Overland plumber will normally be able to take care of it faster.
  • Smoother Process: Repairs are more contained than replacements – instead of ordering, loading, transporting, and installing the new toilet and arranging your schedule around it, it's normal for repairs just to take place in your bathroom.
  • Smaller Up-Front Cost: Buying a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and going with a repair will often save you some money in the short term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Overland, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Benefits: We'll discuss replacement benefits below, but when you go with a toilet repair instead of a replacement, you won't have increased efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
  • Might Be Impractical: In some cases, a toilet repair could be impractical. In cases of dire damage such as cracked porcelain, replacement is probably your only practical choice.

In summary, repairs are good choices for more isolated issues, and when you're fine with passing on the benefits 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 Overland, MO

  • Modern Efficiency: Updated toilets don't require as much water to flush as older toilets. Upgrading can save you on utility bills without compromising on effectiveness.
  • New Design: A toilet replacement is a chance for you for a cozier seat. 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 an updated warranty.
  • Defeat Major Problems: In some cases, a toilet replacement is outright necessary when problems are too much for repairs to handle.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Overland, MO

  • Bigger Immediate Expense: A toilet replacement is an investment. You'll need to be prepared to pay a bill of over a hundred dollars for the full installation.
  • Larger Project: While the end result can be excellent, it will require some coordination. Be ready for a more expansive project and all that entails.

In short, 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, our plumbers will be upfront with you about what we think is the best option for your situation. Whether 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 Overland | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

5 Common Toilet Problems in Overland, 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 usually begins with diagnosing the problem and making a plan to fix the root cause. Below, we've listed some commonplace 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. 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 are not obstructed.

It's typically easy to open a valve or clear an obstruction, but if they don't work, 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 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 could be worn out and due for replacement.

Problem 3: Toilet Drain Frequently Clogs

Solution: For the occasional toilet clog, you can probably take care of it with 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. If you're up against this, a drain camera inspection could be necessary to find 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 you're seeing water backup from your toilet in the absence of a clog, there's a good chance that there's another clogged drain elsewhere in your home's plumbing. Similar to frequent clogs, a drain camera might be needed to find the leak or blockage. If it's serious, you might even need to have your sewer line cleaned as a long-term fix.

Problem 5: Leaks

Solution: Whether you need a toilet repair or a toilet replacement for a leak mostly comes down to its location and size. If you're lucky, it just means that something wasn't screwed into place properly, and you can resolve it just by tightening something down. Leaks around the base can often be solved with new sealant, but leaks coming from cracks (anywhere) are unfortunately a signal that a replacement is needed.


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

Overland Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we've answered some of the regular questions we hear related to toilet replacement and repairs in Overland, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Most toilets will have a lifespan of approximately 20-25 years, but it's common for people to replace it sooner than that. 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. Smaller issues can usually be repaired without the need for a full replacement.

Where are the most common places that toilets leak?

Toilets commonly leak at the base, the water supply line, and from 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. 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. If you have a modern toilet with a small, non-recurring issue, normally a repair is appropriate. 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 scenario is different, a total remodel can provide both aesthetic and functional improvements.


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 Overland, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL has over a decade of experience serving Overland, MO, homes, including performing toilet replacements and repairs. 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 any other plumbing help, we take pride in providing first-class, friendly service throughout the Overland region. Talk to one of our team members at 314-972-2233 or describe your toilet issue online to plan a service visit.

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