University City, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Deciding between a toilet repair and a toilet replacement is not an easy task. 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 pipes and drains.

Drain Cleaning STL is here to help. In this article, we go over the advantages of repairing versus those of replacing, signs of which one you should go with, and regular toilet problems and what to do about them.

Continue reading for more information, but if your house has a plumbing emergency, don't wait: Call us now and we'll send a technician out as soon as possible to get things under control. You can get in touch with us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about the issue online. We want to give your University City home the care and attention it deserves.

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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 hard to tell whether you should repair or replace. Before you make your decision, be sure to consider the following:

Toilet Repair Benefits in University City, MO

  • Quicker Process: When you opt for a repair instead of a complete toilet replacement, your University City plumbing contractor will typically be able to complete the job faster.
  • Smaller Project: 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, most of the time, all you have to do for repairs is let the plumber into your bathroom.
  • Smaller Up-Front Cost: Getting a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and going with a repair can normally save you some money in the immediate term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in University City, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: We'll go over replacement benefits next, but when you decide on a toilet repair instead of a replacement, you'll miss out on improved efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
  • Might Be Impractical: Depending on your situation, a toilet repair isn't always practical. For serious damage like cracked porcelain, replacement may be your only practical choice.

Overall, repairs are good choices for smaller problems, and when you're not in need of a brand new toilet. When it's impractical for you to handle a replacement, go with a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in University City, MO

  • Increased Efficiency: Today's toilets are more water-efficient than those of the past. Upgrading can lower your water bills without compromising flush quality.
  • Modern Design: A toilet replacement is an opportunity for a cozier seat. If you want to change the look, you can also look for a new style that matches your decor.
  • Updated Warranty: Most toilets 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: Sometimes, a toilet replacement is your only option when repairs aren't enough to get the job done.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in University City, MO

  • Bigger Immediate Expense: A toilet replacement is an investment. The total cost for an installation can be hundreds of dollars, including materials and labor.
  • Larger Project: Even though it's typically worth it in the end, it's not an easy task. Be ready for a longer project and all that entails.

In short, a toilet replacement is best 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, our plumbers will be upfront with you about what we think is the best option for your situation. Whether you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or any other plumbing assistance, we will enable you to make that decision and guide you through it.

Toilet Replacement and Repair in University City | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

5 Common Toilet Problems in University City, MO, and Their Causes

With the amount of use that toilets get, it's inevitable that some problems will come up on occasion. Toilet repair and replacement usually begins with examining the symptoms and making a plan to address the root cause. 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: 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. You'll want to check:

  1. That the water supply line to 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 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: Even though this might seem like the opposite problem to a slow-filling toilet, 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 might need to be repaired or replaced.

Problem 3: Toilet Drain Frequently Clogs

Solution: For the occasional toilet clog, it can probably be resolved 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 this is the case, a drain camera inspection might be needed to find the root cause of the problem and provide 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 a good chance that there's another clogged drain elsewhere in your home's plumbing. Similar to frequent clogs, an inspection can help identify the actual problem. 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 fixing it is as easy as tightening a screw. Leaks around the base can often be solved with new sealant, but any cracks that are letting water out are unfortunately a sign that your toilet needs to be replaced.

Toilet Replacement and Repair in University City | Drain Cleaning STL Toilet Plumbing

University City Toilet Repair/Replacement Common Questions

In this section, we've listed out answers to some of the most common questions we hear about toilet replacement and repairs in University City, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Generally, toilets can last around 20-25 years, but many people opt for an earlier toilet replacement. 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 usually be handled through toilet 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. If something is wrong with the valve or there's a loose fitting in the water supply line, that will cause a leak. 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. If you have a modern toilet with a small, non-recurring issue, normally a repair is appropriate. 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, switching out your bathtub and sink all at once. While each situation is different, a complete remodel can provide both aesthetic and functional improvements.

If you have something going on with your toilet that we didn't cover here 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 University City, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL has over a decade of experience serving University City, MO, homes, including performing toilet replacements and repairs. We specialize in plumbing emergencies will bet at your door as soon as we can.

Whether your house needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or any other plumbing help, with Drain Cleaning STL you'll get top-notch, friendly service throughout the University City region. Call us at 314-972-2233 or reach out online to get assistance.

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