Union, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repairs and toilet replacements each have their pros and cons. You have to be aware of financial impacts, both in the short-term and long-term, diagnose whatever is going on with your current toilet, and perform inspections for other possible problems in your plumbing.

Drain Cleaning STL is here to help. Below, we go over the reasons you might decide to replace versus repair, factors to consider when deciding between the two, and common toilet problems and their solutions.

Continue reading to learn more, but if you think you're in a plumbing emergency, don't delay: Call us now and we'll send someone out as soon as possible to help you out. You can get in touch with us at 314-972-2233 or tell us what's going on online. We want to give your Union home the care and attention it deserves.

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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 when the right choice is to repair versus replace. To help you make that decision, here are the pros and cons of each:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Union, MO

  • Quicker Project: When you decide to go with a repair over a total toilet replacement, your Union plumber will often be able to complete the job faster.
  • Smoother Process: Repairs don't need as much work on your end 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.
  • Lesser Up-Front Cost: Buying a toilet replacement can be expensive, and going with a repair will often save you some money in the near term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Union, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: You can read about replacement benefits below, but when you decide to go with a toilet repair instead of a replacement, you'll miss out on improved efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
  • Not Always Practical: Depending on the damage, a toilet repair isn't always practical. If there is dire damage such as a crack in the water tank, replacement is likely your only option.

In summary, repairs work well with more isolated problems, and when you're not in need of a brand new toilet. When it's impractical for you to handle a replacement, opt for a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in Union, MO

  • Modern Efficiency: Today's toilets are more water-efficient than those of the past. This saves you on utilities without compromising flush quality.
  • Updated Design: A toilet replacement gives you a chance to get 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 depending on the details, your could be expired by now. A new toilet will likely come with an updated warranty.
  • Defeat Major Problems: In some cases, a toilet replacement is the only choice when the damage is too deep for effective repairs.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Union, MO

  • Bigger Immediate Expense: A toilet replacement is an investment. You'll need to be prepared to pay a bill of over a hundred dollars for the full installation.
  • Larger Project: While you will end up with a nicer, newer toilet, it will require some coordination. Be ready for a more expansive project for which you'll need to make accommodations.

In short, a toilet replacement makes the most sense when you are facing larger plumbing problems with your unit. 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. Whether you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or another plumbing service, we will make sure you have what you need to make an informed choice on how to move forward.


Toilet Replacement and Repair in Union | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

5 Common Toilet Problems in Union, 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 starts with identifying what's going on and creating a plan to address the underlying issue. Here are 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. Often, you can find the problem somewhere 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 are not obstructed.

These are normally quick to fix, but if the bowl is still slow to fill after trying that, 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 they can have similar causes. The main thing you'll want to watch out for is debris keeping a valve in the water tank from shutting, which can be cleaned out to allow it to shut. 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. If clogs are a regular thing with your toilet, though, the root cause might be somewhere deeper, in your sewer line. In this case, a drain camera inspection could be necessary 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, there's probably another clogged drain deeper in your home's pipes. Similar to frequent clogs, conducting an inspection is probably necessary to find the actual issue. 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 won't be anything more than a loose part, and you can resolve it just by tightening something down. Other common leaks include those around the toilet's base, which can be resealed, but if you discover that the leaks are coming from cracks in the toilet's body, that is unfortunately a signal that your toilet needs to be replaced.


Toilet Replacement and Repair in Union | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

Union Toilet Repair/Replacement Common Questions

Below, you can read answers to some of the frequently asked questions we hear regarding toilet replacement and repairs in Union, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Your typical toilet 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. Smaller or isolated 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. 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?

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 replacing your toilet, you might be thinking about a total bathroom remodel, and replacing your bathtub and sink all at once. While each situation 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 Union, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL is prepared for your toilet replacement or repair in Union, MO. We provide emergency plumbing services, and will get out to your house as soon as we can.

Whether you're looking for a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or help making that decision, we are ready to provide high quality, quality service throughout the Union region. Talk to one of our team members at 314-972-2233 or describe your issue online to arrange for service.

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