St. John, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repairs and toilet replacements each have their pros and cons. You have to take finances into account, diagnose whatever is going on with your current toilet, and look out for other possible issues in your plumbing.

Drain Cleaning STL is here to help. Below, you can read about the reasons you might decide to replace versus repair, signs of which one you should go with, and typical toilet problems that we've seen in St. John.

Continue reading to learn more, but if you think you're in a plumbing emergency, don't wait: Call us and we'll send someone out as soon as possible to help you out. You can reach us at 314-972-2233 or tell us what's going on online. We look forward to serving you.

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When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet

If you don't frequently have to worry about bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be unclear whether you should repair versus replace. To help you make that decision, here are the pros and cons of each:

Toilet Repair Benefits in St. John, MO

  • Quicker Project: When you decide on a repair over a complete toilet replacement, your St. John plumbing contractor will often be able to take care of it faster.
  • Less Intrusive: Repairs are more contained than replacements – rather than hauling a whole new unit into your home and taking a whole day to get it done, a plumber can usually handle things just in your bathroom.
  • Smaller Up-Front Cost: Purchasing a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and going with a repair will often save you some money in the immediate term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in St. John, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: You can read about replacement advantages below, but when you decide on a toilet repair over a replacement, you won't get increased efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
  • Situationally Not An Option: Depending on your situation, a toilet repair could be impractical. For drastic damage like a cracked bowl, replacement may be your only practical choice.

Overall, repairs are best for smaller 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, opt for a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in St. John, MO

  • Improved Efficiency: Modern toilets use less water per flush than outdated toilets. Upgrading can lower your water bills without compromising flush quality.
  • New Design: A toilet replacement is a chance for you for something more comfortable. You will also have the chance to pick a new style with an updated aesthetic.
  • Updated Warranty: Toilets typically come with a warranty, though these can expire after a certain period of time. A new toilet is an opportunity for a new warranty.
  • Resolve Major Problems: Sometimes, a toilet replacement is your only option when repairs aren't enough to get the job done.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in St. John, 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: Even though it's typically worth it in the end, it can take more work to get there. Be prepared for a longer project and all that entails.

In short, a toilet replacement is best 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 work with Drain Cleaning STL, we'll bring an expert eye to your current toilet when we make recommendations. If you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or something else entirely, we will enable you to make that decision and guide you through it.


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

5 Common Toilet Problems in St. John, 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 coming up with a plan to address the underlying issue. In this section, you can read about some commonplace 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, 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 coming in from the wall 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, 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 they can have similar causes. 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 that doesn't work, the toilet tank components might need to be repaired or replaced.

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 could be necessary to figure out the root cause of the problem and come up with a solution.

Problem 4: Toilet Backs Up Water Without a Clog

Solution: If water is coming up the drain of your toilet even though it's not clogged, there's probably another clogged drain elsewhere in your home's pipes. Just like with frequent clogs, a drain camera might be needed to find the leak or blockage. For widespread wastewater backups, you might want to look at getting your sewer line cleaned as 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 fixing it is as easy as tightening a screw. 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 signal that you need a toilet replacement.


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

St. John Toilet Repair/Replacement Common Questions

Below, you can read answers to some of the regular questions we hear related to toilet replacement and repairs in St. John, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Your typical toilet can last around 20-25 years, but it's common for people to replace it sooner than that. 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. Other issues can typically be handled through toilet repairs.

Where are the most common places that toilets leak?

The major areas you'll want to watch out for toilet leaks are the base, the water supply line, and the water tank. Base leaks are usually caused by broken 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?

Repairs and replacements each have their place. 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 replacing your toilet, you might be thinking about a complete bathroom remodel, and replacing your bathtub and sink all together. While each scenario is different, a full 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 St. John, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL has over a decade of experience serving St. John, 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 home needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or any other plumbing help, we are ready to provide top-notch, quality service throughout the St. John region. Talk to one of our team members at 314-972-2233 or describe your issue online to schedule service.

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