St. Ann, 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 take into account other potential spots that need repairs in your plumbing.

Drain Cleaning STL can help you evaluate your options. Below, we go over the reasons you might decide to replace versus repair, what should influence your decision, and routine toilet problems and their solutions.

Keep going to learn more, but if you think you're in a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call our team now and we'll send a plumber out as soon as possible to help you out. You can speak with us at 314-972-2233 or send us a note online. We look forward to serving you.

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When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet

If you don't have much experience with bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be unclear if the right choice is to repair versus replace. When deciding between the two, keep the following things in mind:

Toilet Repair Benefits in St. Ann, MO

  • Shorter Project: When you decide to go with a repair instead of a complete toilet replacement, your St. Ann plumbing contractor will generally be able to perform the service faster.
  • Less Intrusive: Repairs don't require as much planning as replacements – instead of ordering, loading, transporting, and installing the new toilet and taking a whole day to get it done, a plumber can usually handle things just in your bathroom.
  • Lower Up-Front Cost: Purchasing a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and opting for a repair can normally save you some money in the immediate term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in St. Ann, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: We'll discuss replacement benefits next, but if you opt for a toilet repair instead of a replacement, you won't get modern efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
  • Might Be Impractical: Depending on the damage, a toilet repair may not be practical. If there is serious damage such as a cracked bowl, replacement is often 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 it's not practical to pay or find the time for a replacement, ask about a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in St. Ann, MO

  • Increased Efficiency: Today's toilets are more water-efficient than those of the past. This saves you on water bills without compromising on effectiveness.
  • New Design: A toilet replacement gives you a chance for something more comfortable. If you want to change the look, you can also look for a new style with an updated aesthetic.
  • Updated Warranty: Toilets typically come with a warranty, though some warranties only last for a set number of years. A new toilet is an opportunity for a new warranty.
  • Resolve Major Problems: In some cases, a toilet replacement is your only option when the damage is too deep for effective repairs.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in St. Ann, 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 can take more work to get there. Be prepared for a larger-scale project and all that entails.

In short, a toilet replacement is best when is older and/or too broken to repair realistically. 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, we'll bring an expert eye to your current toilet when we make recommendations. Whether you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or another plumbing service, we will enable you to make that decision and guide you through it.


Toilet Replacement and Repair in St. Ann | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

5 Common Toilet Problems in St. Ann, 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 diagnosing the problem and coming up with a plan to fix the underlying issue. In this section, you can read about some frequent toilet problems and what reasons might be behind them:

Problem 1: Slow-Filling Toilet Bowl

Solution: In most cases, a slow-filling toilet bowl is an easy fix. Most of the time, 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.

These are normally quick to fix, but if they don't work, you might have a plumbing issue somewhere else in your home's water supply.

Problem 2: Constant Running Water

Solution: Constantly running toilets are the flip side of slow-filling toilets, but 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 by removing it, everything can return to normal. If this doesn't fix it, the toilet tank components could be damaged in some way and need repairs.

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 when the clogs are frequent, the real issue might be in your sewer. If you're up against this, a drain camera inspection could 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, you're probably seeing the results of another clogged drain elsewhere in your home's pipes. Just like with frequent clogs, an inspection can help identify the actual problem. 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. In some cases, it just means that something wasn't screwed into place properly, and you can tighten the valve or fitting to stop it. Leaks around the base can often be solved with new sealant, but leaks coming from cracks (anywhere) are unfortunately a sign that a replacement is needed.


Toilet Replacement and Repair in St. Ann | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

St. Ann Toilet Repair/Replacement Common Questions

Below, we've answered some of the most common questions we hear related to toilet replacement and repairs in St. Ann, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Generally, toilets will be good for about 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?

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. Isolated problems can typically 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. You can fix most base leaks by applying new sealant. Water supply line leaks are usually caused by loose valves. And water tank leaks can either come from malfunctioning internals or cracks in the wall.

Are toilet repairs better than toilet replacements?

Whether a repair or replacement is best depends on the situation. 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 full bathroom remodel, and getting a new bathtub and sink at the same time. While each scenario is unique, a full remodel is sometimes easier to do all at once.


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 St. Ann, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL are experts in St. Ann, MO toilet repairs and replacements. We specialize in plumbing emergencies will get out to your house as soon as we can.

If your home needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or you're not sure and are just looking for guidance, we take pride in providing top-notch, friendly service throughout the St. Ann region. Talk to one of our team members at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your issue online to set up service.

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