Richmond Heights, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Deciding between a toilet repair and a toilet replacement is not an easy task. You have to take finances into account, make a call on whether your current toilet can even be repaired in the first place, and be aware of other possible issues in your home's plumbing.

Drain Cleaning STL is ready to assist you. Below, we've outlined the reasons you might decide to replace versus repair, factors to consider when deciding between the two, and frequent toilet dilemmas and their solutions.

Continue on to learn more, but if your house has a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call us now and we'll send a technician out ASAP to help you out. You can talk to us at 314-972-2233 or contact us online. Your home deserves top quality service, and that's what we deliver.

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When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet

Unless you are experienced with bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be unclear if the right choice is to repair versus replace. Before you make your decision, be sure to consider the following:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Richmond Heights, MO

  • Shorter Process: When you decide to go with a repair in place of a total toilet replacement, your Richmond Heights plumbing technician will normally be able to get the job done faster.
  • Less Intrusive: 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.
  • Lower Up-Front Cost: Getting a toilet replacement can be expensive, and opting for a repair will often save you some money in the short term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Richmond Heights, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Benefits: We'll go over replacement advantages below, but when you opt for a toilet repair in place of a replacement, you'll miss out on modern efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
  • Not Always An Option: Depending on your situation, a toilet repair can be impractical. For drastic damage like a crack in the water tank, replacement is probably your only real choice.

In summary, repairs are best for smaller issues, and when you're not in need of a brand new toilet. When it's impractical for you to handle a replacement, ask about a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in Richmond Heights, MO

  • Improved Efficiency: Modern toilets use less water per flush than outdated toilets. Upgrading can save you on water bills while keeping a powerful, effective flush.
  • Modern Design: A toilet replacement gives you a chance for a cozier seat. 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 depending on the details, your could be expired by now. A new toilet is an opportunity for an updated warranty.
  • Defeat Major Problems: Sometimes, a toilet replacement is your only option when repairs aren't enough to get the job done.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Richmond Heights, MO

  • Higher Up-Front Cost: A toilet replacement is an investment. The total cost for an installation can be hundreds of dollars, including materials and labor.
  • Larger Project: Even though it's typically worth it in the end, it's not an easy task. Be ready for a more expansive project and all that entails.

In short, a toilet replacement is best when your current toilet has a massive problem that would be impractical to repair. It is also a good choice 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. If you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or another plumbing service, we will be by your side and help you find the right answer for your home.

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

5 Common Toilet Problems in Richmond 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 usually begins with examining the symptoms and making a plan to address the underlying issue. Below, we've listed some frequent 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. 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 valve to 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 they don't work, there could be an obstruction or leak somewhere farther up your pipes.

Problem 2: Constant Running Water

Solution: On the opposite side of a slow-filling toilet is one that runs constantly, but the root problem can actually be closely related. The main thing you'll want to watch out for is debris holding open a valve in the toilet's water tank, 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: When your toilet clog is an isolated incident, 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 this is the case, 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 further down your home's sewer line. 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 for 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. In some cases, it won't be anything more than 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 leaks coming from cracks (anywhere) are unfortunately a sign that you need a toilet replacement.

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

Richmond Heights Toilet Repair/Replacement FAQs

In this section, we've listed out answers to some of the frequently asked questions we hear about toilet replacement and repairs in Richmond Heights, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Generally, toilets can last around 20-25 years, but it's not uncommon to replace the toilet earlier. This is due to 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 problems can usually 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. If you see a leak in the base, check for broken or worn-away 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?

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. 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 total bathroom remodel, and replacing your bathtub and sink all together. While each bathroom's needs are different, a complete remodel can provide both aesthetic and functional improvements.

If you have a toilet question we didn't answer above 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 Richmond Heights, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL has been offering toilet repair and replacement services to the Richmond Heights, MO, area since 2011. Call us ASAP if you're facing a plumbing emergency with your toilet, and we will bet at your door as soon as we can.

If you need a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or any other plumbing help, we take pride in providing top-notch, friendly service throughout the Richmond Heights region. Speak with a plumber at 314-972-2233 or describe your issue online to schedule service.

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