Sunset Hills, 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 possible problems in your home's plumbing.
Drain Cleaning STL is ready to assist you. On this page, we go over the reasons you might decide to replace versus repair, factors to consider when deciding between the two, and frequent toilet difficulties and how to address them.
Keep reading to learn more, but if you think you're in a plumbing emergency, don't hesitate: Call us and we'll send someone out right away to find a solution. You can reach us at 314-972-2233 or send us a note online. Your home deserves top quality service, and that's what we deliver.
You can jump ahead to a specific section of the page here:
- Deciding Between Toilet Repairs and Replacements
- 5 Frequent Toilet Issues and Solutions
- Sunset Hills Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
- Start Planning Your Toilet Repair or Replacement
When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
If you're not well versed in bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be unclear whether you should repair or replace. Here are some criteria you can use when making the decision:
Toilet Repair Benefits in Sunset Hills, MO
- Shorter Process: When you decide to go with a repair in place of a total toilet replacement, your Sunset Hills plumbing technician will often be able to complete the job faster.
- Smoother Process: Repairs are normally easier to perform than replacements – rather than hauling a whole new unit into your home and arranging your schedule around it, a plumber can usually handle things just in your bathroom.
- Smaller Up-Front Cost: Buying a toilet replacement can be expensive, and deciding to repair will often save you some money in the near term.
Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Sunset Hills, MO
- Miss Out On Replacement Benefits: You can read about replacement benefits below, but when you decide to go with a toilet repair in place of a replacement, you won't have increased efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
- Might Be Impractical: depending on what's wrong, a toilet repair isn't always practical. For drastic damage like a crack in the water tank, replacement is typically your only real choice.
Generally, repairs are good choices for smaller issues, and when you're fine with passing on the benefits of a brand new toilet. When it's impractical for you to handle a replacement, ask about a toilet repair.
Toilet Replacement Benefits in Sunset Hills, MO
- Modern Efficiency: Modern toilets are more water-efficient than those of the past. Upgrading can lower your utilities while keeping a powerful, effective flush.
- New Design: A toilet replacement is an opportunity for something more comfortable. You can also take the opportunity to go with a new style that matches your decor.
- Updated Warranty: Toilets generally come with a warranty, though some warranties only last for a set number of years. A new toilet gives you a chance for an updated warranty.
- Do Away With Major Problems: Sometimes, a toilet replacement is the only choice when problems are too much for repairs to handle.
Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Sunset Hills, 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 will require some coordination. Be ready for a more expansive project for which you'll need to make accommodations.
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 are looking to upgrade to a more modern toilet and are comfortable with the extra cost.
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 something else entirely, we will make sure you have what you need to make an informed choice on how to move forward.
5 Common Toilet Problems in Sunset Hills, 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 creating a plan to fix the root cause. Below, we've listed some common 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, you can find the problem somewhere in the water supply or the water tank. The key things to check are:
- That the water supply line to the toilet is completely open, and
- 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 the issue remains after checking both of those, you might have a plumbing issue somewhere else in your home's water supply.
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 by removing it, everything can return to normal. If that doesn't work, 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 typically get away with using a plunger and possibly cleaning the toilet's drain. If clogs are a regular thing with your toilet, though, 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 water is coming up the drain of your toilet even though it's not clogged, you're probably seeing the results of another clogged drain further down your home's pipes. Similar to frequent clogs, conducting an inspection is probably necessary to find the actual issue. If it's serious, you might want to consider 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 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 sign that a replacement is needed.
Sunset Hills Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we've answered some of the most frequent questions we hear regarding toilet replacement and repairs in Sunset Hills, MO:
What is the average lifespan of a toilet?
Generally, toilets 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 problems can normally 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. 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. 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. Repairs are best for newer toilets with fewer, more isolated problems. 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 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 total 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 Sunset Hills, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.
Drain Cleaning STL is prepared for your toilet replacement or repair in Sunset Hills, MO. We are ready for plumbing emergencies, and will get out to your house as soon as we can.
Whether you need a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or any other plumbing help, with Drain Cleaning STL you'll get first-class, friendly service throughout the Sunset Hills region. Talk to one of our team members at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your issue online to set up service.
We also offer these services in Sunset Hills, MO:
- Drain Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
- Clogged Drain
- Drain Cleaning Contractors
- Unclog Drain
- Drain Cleaning Services
- Drain Cleaning