St. Louis, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repair versus toilet replacement is never an easy decision. You have to take finances into account, figure out if your current toilet can keep functioning, and search for other potential issues in your home's plumbing.
Drain Cleaning STL can help you evaluate your options. In this article, you can read about the advantages of repairing versus those of replacing, signs of which one you should go with, and regular toilet problems and their causes.
Continue on to learn more, but if you think you're in a plumbing emergency, don't hesitate: Call us now and we'll send a technician out ASAP to diagnose and fix the problem. You can get in touch with us at 314-972-2233 or send us a note online. When you need plumbing help, call Drain Cleaning STL.
You can use the links below to navigate this page:
- Toilet Repairs Vs. Toilet Replacements
- 5 Common Toilet Issues and Solutions
- St. Louis Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
- Schedule Toilet Repair/Replacement Service
When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
Unless you are experienced with bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be unclear whether you should repair or replace. To help you make that decision, here are the pros and cons of each:
Toilet Repair Benefits in St. Louis, MO
- Faster Process: When you decide on a repair instead of a total toilet replacement, your St. Louis plumbing contractor will generally be able to take care of it faster.
- Smoother Process: 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, most of the time, all you have to do for repairs is let the plumber into your bathroom.
- Smaller Up-Front Cost: Purchasing a toilet replacement can be costly, and deciding to repair will often save you some money in the near term.
Toilet Repair Drawbacks in St. Louis, MO
- Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: You can read about replacement benefits next, but if you decide on a toilet repair over a replacement, you won't get increased efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
- Not Always An Option: In some cases, a toilet repair isn't always going to be practical. In cases of serious damage like cracked porcelain, replacement is likely your only real choice.
Generally, repairs work well with more isolated issues, and when you're comfortable without a brand new toilet. When you don't have the budget or flexibility for a replacement, opt for a toilet repair.
Toilet Replacement Benefits in St. Louis, MO
- Modern Efficiency: Updated toilets are more water-efficient than those of the past. Upgrading can lower your utility bills without compromising flush quality.
- Updated Design: A toilet replacement is a chance for you for something more comfortable. You can also take the opportunity to go with 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 gives you a chance for a new warranty.
- Do Away With Major Problems: Like it or not, sometimes a toilet replacement is outright necessary when the damage is too deep for effective repairs.
Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in St. Louis, MO
- Larger Single Expense: A new toilet is an investment. The total cost for an installation can be hundreds of dollars, including materials and labor.
- Larger Project: While the end result can be excellent, it can take more work to get there. Be ready for a longer project with more life adjustments.
To summarize, a toilet replacement makes the most sense when your current toilet has a massive problem that would be impractical to repair. It can also work when you're prepared to spend on a newer, more efficient, updated toilet.
When you hire 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 any other plumbing assistance, we will make sure you have what you need to make an informed choice on how to move forward.
5 Common Toilet Problems in St. Louis, 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 usually starts with diagnosing the problem and making a plan to address the root cause. In this section, you can read about some commonplace toilet issues and potential causes behind them:
Problem 1: Slow-Filling Toilet Bowl
Solution: The good news is that it's rare for a slow-filling toilet bowl to need extensive repairs or replacement. Most of the time, this is an issue with the water supply or the water tank. The main things to check are:
- That the water supply valve behind the toilet is completely open, and
- That the fill valve and tube in the toilet's water tank aren't being blocked.
These are normally quick to fix, 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: Even though this might seem like the opposite problem to a slow-filling toilet, they can have similar causes. The main thing you'll want to watch out for is debris stopping a valve in the water tank from closing, and clearing it away will restore full functionality. If the problem remains after that, 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 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 might be necessary to figure out 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, there's a good chance that there's another clogged drain further down your home's plumbing. As with frequent clogs, an inspection can help identify the actual problem. In extreme cases, you might want to look at getting 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 any cracks that are letting water out are unfortunately a signal that you need a toilet replacement.
St. Louis Toilet Repair/Replacement Common Questions
In this section, we've answered some of the most frequent questions we hear related to toilet replacement and repairs in St. Louis, MO:
What is the average lifespan of a toilet?
Generally, toilets will be good for about 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. Smaller or isolated issues can usually be taken care of by 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. 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?
Picking between a repair and a replacement depends on both your needs and the condition of the toilet. Repairs are best for newer toilets with fewer, more isolated problems. 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 all together. While each situation is unique, a complete remodel can keep your bathroom looking cohesive.
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. Louis, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.
Drain Cleaning STL has over a decade of experience serving St. Louis, MO, homes, including performing toilet replacements and repairs. For any plumbing emergencies, give use a call and we will get out to your house right away.
If your home needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or help making that decision, we take pride in providing top-notch, friendly service throughout the St. Louis region. Get ahold of us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your toilet issue online to arrange for service.
We also offer these services in St. Louis, MO:
- Drain Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
- Clogged Drain
- Drain Cleaning Contractors
- Unclog Drain
- Drain Cleaning Services
- Drain Cleaning