Wildwood, 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, make a call on whether your current toilet can even be repaired in the first place, and search for other possible spots that need repairs in your pipes.
Drain Cleaning STL is ready to assist you. Below, we go over the advantages of repairing versus those of replacing, factors to consider when deciding between the two, and regular toilet problems and their solutions.
Continue reading to learn more, but if your home is experiencing a plumbing emergency, don't hesitate: Call our team now and we'll send someone out right away to find a solution. You can get in touch with us at 314-972-2233 or send us a note online. We're proud to serve all of Wildwood's plumbing needs.
You can use the links below to navigate this page:
- When To Repair Versus Replace a Toilet
- 5 Frequent Toilet Problems and Possible Fixes
- Wildwood Toilet Repair/Replacement Common 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 when the right choice is to repair or replace. To help you make that decision, here are the pros and cons of each:
Toilet Repair Benefits in Wildwood, MO
- Quicker Process: When you decide on a repair instead of a full toilet replacement, your Wildwood plumber will typically be able to take care of it faster.
- Smaller Project: Repairs don't need as much work on your end as replacements – instead of ordering, loading, transporting, and installing the new toilet and arranging your schedule around it, a plumber can usually handle things just in your bathroom.
- Lesser Up-Front Cost: Buying a toilet replacement isn't cheap, and going with a repair can normally save you some money in the near term.
Toilet Repair Drawbacks in Wildwood, MO
- Miss Out On Replacement Advantages: You can read about replacement benefits in the next section, but should you go with a toilet repair over a replacement, you'll miss out on modern efficiency, a new warranty, and more.
- Might Be Impractical: depending on what's wrong, a toilet repair could be impractical. In cases of extreme damage such as cracked porcelain, replacement is often your only practical choice.
Overall, 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, go with a toilet repair.
Toilet Replacement Benefits in Wildwood, MO
- Improved Efficiency: Updated toilets use less water per flush than outdated toilets. Upgrading can lower your utilities without compromising flush quality.
- New Design: A toilet replacement is a chance for you 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: Toilets typically 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: Like it or not, sometimes a toilet replacement is the only choice when the damage is too deep for effective repairs.
Toilet Replacement Drawbacks in Wildwood, 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.
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 will give you a fair and honest evaluation of your home's toilet. 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.
5 Common Toilet Problems in Wildwood, 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 generally begins with identifying what's going on and coming up with a plan to address the root cause. Here are some frequent toilet problems and what reasons might be behind them:
Problem 1: Slow-Filling Toilet Bowl
Solution: In most cases, a slow-filling toilet bowl is an easy fix. 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 valve coming in from the wall is completely open, and
- That the fill valve and tube in the toilet's water tank aren't being blocked.
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. It's typical for this to be caused by debris keeping a valve in the water tank from shutting, 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, it can probably be resolved using a plunger and possibly cleaning the toilet's drain. But when the clogs are frequent, the real issue might be in your sewer. If you're up against this, a drain camera inspection might be needed to figure out 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 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 plumbing. Just like with frequent clogs, conducting an inspection is probably necessary to find the actual issue. For widespread wastewater backups, you might want to consider 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. In some cases, it won't be anything more than a loose part, and you can tighten the valve or fitting to stop it. 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.
Wildwood Toilet Repair/Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we've answered some of the most common questions we hear regarding toilet replacement and repairs in Wildwood, MO:
What is the average lifespan of a toilet?
Generally, toilets can last around 20-25 years, but it's not uncommon to replace the toilet earlier. This is usually motivated by technological advancements that improve efficiency in modern units.
How can I tell if I need to replace my toilet?
Cracks, repeated clogs, and inefficiency are all signs that it's time for a toilet replacement. Isolated problems can usually be handled through toilet 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. A loose valve or fitting is responsible for most leaks in the water supply line. Water tank leaks are usually the result of either broken internals (normally easy to repair) or a crack in the wall of the tank (a sign that you need a toilet replacement).
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. Newer toilets with smaller issues are normally best off repaired. 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 full bathroom remodel, switching out your bathtub and sink at the same time. While each situation is unique, a full remodel can keep your bathroom looking cohesive.
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 Wildwood, MO? Call Drain Cleaning STL.
Drain Cleaning STL is prepared for your toilet replacement or repair in Wildwood, MO. We're ready if you're facing a plumbing emergency, and will bet at your door as soon as we can.
Whether you need a toilet repair, toilet replacement, or help making that decision, we are ready to provide top-notch, friendly service throughout the Wildwood region. Call us at 314-972-2233 or fill out our form online to schedule service.
We also offer these services in Wildwood, MO:
- Drain Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
- Clogged Drain
- Drain Cleaning Contractors
- Unclog Drain
- Drain Cleaning Services
- Drain Cleaning