Washington, MO, Toilet Repair & Replacement. Toilet repairs and toilet replacements each have their pros and cons. You have to take finances into account, figure out if your current toilet can keep functioning, and perform inspections for other possible issues in your pipes.

Drain Cleaning STL can help you evaluate your options. In this article, you can read about the reasons you might decide to replace versus repair, what should influence your decision, and frequent toilet difficulties and their causes.

Continue reading for more information, but if you're experiencing a plumbing emergency, don't hesitate: Call our team now and we'll be out fast to get things under control. You can reach us at 314-972-2233 or schedule service online. Your home deserves top quality service, and that's what we deliver.

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When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet

If you don't regularly perform bathroom and toilet repairs, it can be unclear whether you should repair versus replace. Before you make your decision, be sure to consider the following:

Toilet Repair Benefits in Washington, MO

  • Shorter Process: When you decide on a repair in place of a complete toilet replacement, your Washington plumbing contractor will often be able to perform the service more quickly.
  • Smaller Project: Repairs don't require as much planning as 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.
  • Lower Up-Front Cost: Getting a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and deciding to repair will often save you some money in the immediate term.

Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Washington, MO

  • Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: We'll discuss replacement benefits next, but when you opt for a toilet repair over a replacement, you won't get increased efficiency, an updated warranty, and more.
  • Not Always An Option: In some cases, a toilet repair isn't always going to be practical. For extreme damage like a crack in the water tank, replacement is likely your only practical 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 not practical to pay or find the time for a replacement, go with a toilet repair.

Toilet Replacement Benefits in Washington, MO

  • Better Efficiency: Today's toilets don't require as much water to flush as older toilets. This saves you on utilities without compromising flush quality.
  • Modern Design: A toilet replacement is an opportunity for something more comfortable. 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 is an opportunity for an updated warranty.
  • Defeat Major Problems: Like it or not, sometimes a toilet replacement is outright necessary when repairs aren't enough to get the job done.

Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Washington, 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's not an easy task. Be prepared for a longer project and all that entails.

To summarize, a toilet replacement is best when is older and/or too broken to repair realistically. 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. If you need a toilet replacement, toilet repair, or something else entirely, we will be by your side and help you find the right answer for your home.


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

5 Common Toilet Problems in Washington, 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 begins with identifying what's going on and creating a plan to address the root cause. Here are some common toilet issues 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. 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 valve behind 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 they don't work, there could be an obstruction or leak somewhere farther up your pipes.

Problem 2: Constant Running Water

Solution: Constantly running toilets are the flip side of slow-filling toilets, but they can have similar causes. 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 this doesn't fix it, the toilet tank components could be worn out and due for replacement.

Problem 3: Toilet Drain Frequently Clogs

Solution: When your toilet clog is an isolated incident, 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 root cause might be somewhere deeper, in your sewer line. If this is the case, a drain camera inspection might be necessary to locate the root cause of the problem and figure out a way to fix it.

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 deeper in your home's sewer line. Similar to frequent clogs, conducting an inspection is probably necessary to find the actual issue. In extreme cases, you might want to look at getting your sewer line cleaned for 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. If you're lucky, the leak will just be a sign of 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 leaks coming from cracks (anywhere) are unfortunately a sign that your toilet needs to be replaced.


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

Washington Toilet Repair/Replacement Common Questions

Below, we've listed out answers to some of the regular questions we hear regarding toilet replacement and repairs in Washington, MO:

What is the average lifespan of a toilet?

Your typical toilet will be good for about 20-25 years, but many people opt for an earlier toilet replacement. This is usually motivated by technological advancements that improve efficiency in modern units.

How can I tell if I need to replace my toilet?

The main things to watch out for are cracks, persistent clogs, and rising water bills. Other issues can usually be taken care of by repairs.

Where are the most common places that toilets leak?

Toilets commonly leak at the base, the water supply line, and from the 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. 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?

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. 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 at the same time. While each bathroom's needs are unique, a total remodel is sometimes easier to do all at once.


If you have other questions 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 Washington, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.

Drain Cleaning STL has been offering toilet repair and replacement services to the Washington, MO, area since 2011. We specialize in plumbing emergencies will be there to help as soon as we can.

If your house needs a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or any other plumbing help, we are ready to provide top-notch, quality service throughout the Washington region. Get ahold of us at 314-972-2233 or tell us about your issue online to schedule service.

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