Toilet installation might be the least exciting home improvement project to tackle, but if you’re remodeling or adding a new bathroom to your home, you’ll need to give it some thought. It might also be something to consider if your existing toilet:
- Wobbles when you sit down
- Clogs often
- Requires frequent repairs
- Runs constantly even after installing a new flush valve seal or flapper
- Leaks or shows cracks in the tank or bowl
- Predates the Energy Policy Act of 1992
How Difficult Is Toilet Installation?
There are all types of Do It Yourself home improvement projects you can take on, but plumbing a toilet may not be one of them. That’s because a lot can go wrong—from corrosion and leaks to severe clogs—resulting in expensive, time-intensive repairs.
Installing a toilet is challenging, but it is possible. Answering the following questions will help you determine whether you’ll need the help of a professional plumber.
- Is your new toilet the same size and type as the old one?
- Will the toilet be installed in the same location as the old one?
- Do you have a basic plumbing knowledge including an understanding of different types of pipes, how to turn off your water, and how to seal and fixture pipes?
- Can you lift heavy loads?
Homeowners who answer “yes” to all these questions, may be able to handle the installation themselves.
If you answer “no” to any of the above, it’s best that you leave this installation to the pros. A licensed plumber will ensure your new toilet is properly hooked up and the plumbing lines are in good shape. A plumber can also perform any major repairs, such as drainpipe replacement. If the floor or wall sustains any damage during the installation, you’ll want to bring in a flooring and drywall contractor.
A Quick DIY Toilet Install How-To
If you’ve got the following tools and about six hours available, you’re ready to begin!
- Adjustable wrench
- Brass Washers
- Closet Bolts
- Electric Drill
- Hacksaw
- Level
- Putty knife
- Plunger
- Plumber’s Tape
- PVC Cement
- PVC Primer
- Screwdriver
- Stainless Steel Screws
- Supply Line
- Tape Measure
- Utility knife
- Wax Ring
10 Steps To Replacing Your Old Toilet
Here are the 10 steps to replacing your old toilet:
- Step 1: Disconnect the water supply
- Step 2: Remove the Tank and bowl
- Step 3: Inspect the subfloor. If you notice any signs of water damage or rot, you’ll need to repair these before continuing.
- Step 4: Install the Closet Flange
- Step 5: Carefully position and secure the toilet bowl to the floor
- Step 6: Install the Wax Ring and secure the toilet bowl
- Step 7: Attach the Toilet Tank and connect it to the bowl
- Step 8: Install the flush mechanism
- Step 9: Connect the water supply
- Step 10: Connect the supply line to the shut-off valve
The Cons of DIY Toilet Installation
While these 10 steps seem straightforward enough, a lot can go wrong, so it’s critical that you understand the nuances of each step to ensure proper fit and installation. A lack of training or knowledge could end up costing you a lot more than you stand to save by handling the installation yourself. These are just a few of the issues that can occur:
Improper Sealing can cause serious water damage to your bathroom floor. You’ll need a high-quality new wax ring to seal the base of the toilet.
Incorrect Leveling can lead to an unstable fixture that’s prone to breaking. It can also cause an imbalanced bowl, leading to spillage and potential water damage.
Water Damage to your floor, subfloor, and even the ceiling below can lead to potential mold problems and structural problems.
Harmful Sewer Gases can leak into your home if the new wax ring seal or the flange is installed incorrectly.
New Toilet Cost Considerations
Cost Consideration 1: Type
Believe it or not, there’s more than one type of toilet, and several features from which you can choose. The most common options are:
Two-piece (bowl and tank) models with gravity-assisted flush systems are the most common. They are available in a variety of styles, designs, and bowl shapes, and run anywhere from as little as $100 all the way up to $1,000.
Low-Flow Toilets use less water per flush than a standard toilet. They use about 1.3 gallons per flush (standard toilets use 1.6 gallons) and can help you save on your monthly water bill. Models meeting the highest efficiency and performance standards will have an EPA WaterSense label and can run you up to $1,500.
Dual-Flush Toilets conserve water without sacrificing performance. A standard flush removes solid waste and a low-flow flush disposes of liquid waste (around 0.8 gallons). The cost for this type of toilet is about the same as a traditional, two-piece model.
One-Piece Toilets take up a smaller footprint than one-piece models, but because they’re heavier, they’re more expensive to ship. This modern style is easier to install, easier to clean, and costs anywhere from $250 to $3,000.
Corner Toilets are typically made up of two pieces: a standard bowl and a triangular tank that fits snugly into a corner. While they do save floor space, they tend to be more expensive ($400 – $1,000) and offer fewer features and design options than standard toilets.
Wall-Hung Toilets have a visible bowl protruding directly from the wall with empty space underneath. The tank may be mounted on the wall or installed inside it, which means these toilets generally have higher installation costs—along with a unit cost of $500 to $2,500. They’re a good choice for small bathrooms because they save on floor space and can be installed in locations that can’t accommodate a waste pipe through the floor.
Double Cyclone Toilets use high-speed water streams and extra-smooth glazing for more efficient and complete flushes. Toto is a popular manufacturer of these toilets, which start around $600 but can cost $1,200 or more.
Smart Toilets come with an array of features depending on the brand and model. Remote controls, a heated toilet seat, self-cleaning systems, and touchless flushing offer both convenience and comfort. They can also pair with your other smart-home systems and your mobile device. Smart toilets cost anywhere from $600 to $2,000 and may require custom installation.
Cost Consideration 2: Brand
The cost of a new toilet does vary by brand, though most companies offer a variety of models from budget-friendly to high-end. Delta and American Standard tend to be the most affordable toilet brands, while Kohler offers the most expensive model at nearly $8,700. Glacier Bay, Swiss Madison, and Toto have mid-range price points.
Cost Consideration 3: Labor
The cost of labor will depend on the complexity of the installation. A local plumber may charge anywhere from $100 for a simple one-piece toilet to $900 or more for a wall-mounted toilet with a hidden tank. Keep in mind that increased work time equals increased price. Additional plumbing work will cost $75 to $150 per hour.
Additional Cost Considerations
Beyond toilet type, brand, and labor, there are some other factors that may affect the total price of your project.
Add-On Features
High-end toilets may come with features you don’t want to pay for (i.e. lighting, music, and deodorizing systems), but some upgrades such as a heated seat or a bidet can be added to your existing toilet. Installation fees range from $500 to $1,500.
Water Damage or Leaking Pipes
Your plumber will need to address leaky or corroded pipes, a faulty wax ring or broken toilet flange when installing your new toilet. Water damage from previous leaks must also be fixed. You’ll need to budget up to $24 per square foot to replace flooring and up to $100 per square foot to repair drywall. Keep in mind that plumbers typically charge $75 to $150 per hour for their time, as well.
Old Toilet Removal
If you are updating an existing bathroom, you’ll need to pay for removal and disposal of your old toilet (a fee of about $150) before installing the new one.
How to Cut Costs Without Cutting Corners
Even if you hire a professional to install your new toilet, there are a few ways you can save money.
- Remove and dispose of the old toilet yourself.
- Choose a standard model without special features.
- Choose a water-efficient toilet. Low-flow and dual-flush models will decrease your water bill.
- Get estimates from three local plumbers before hiring one.
- Ask your plumber about rebates or discounts.
Our Recommendation
While you may be able to save some money doing the installation yourself, you risk spending quite a bit more than you intended if anything goes wrong. Unless you’re an experienced DIYer or handyman, it’s best to hire a toilet installation professional. Maplewood Plumbing’s licensed plumbers can do the job quickly and correctly.
Leave it to the Pros at Maplewood Plumbing
Don’t let a new toilet installation cause unnecessary stress. At Maplewood Plumbing and Sewer, we are experts in bathroom plumbing, including repairing, replacing and installing new toilets. Our plumbers are licensed and insured and here to help! We also offer a one-year warranty on all parts.
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