How Much Does Toilet Repair Cost in 2024?

Toilet Repair Cost Factors

Labor costs, permits, and additional repair considerations all contribute to your total cost for a toilet repair or replacement.

Labor

Most homeowners spend $150 to $450 in labor to replace a toilet. More complicated toilets, like high-efficiency toilets, may cost up to $800 to $1,500 in labor installation costs.

Some plumbers also charge a diagnostic fee to come to your home and assess your toilet issue. This fee can range from $50 to $200, depending on your location and the urgency of the problem. In most cases, this fee is deducted from your total cost if you choose to hire the plumber to conduct the repair.

In general, the cost to hire a plumber ranges from $45 to $150 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the job. Labor costs may vary depending on your region. For example, cities with a high cost of living–such as New York—likely have higher labor costs for plumbing and toilet repair.

Permits

In general, permits aren’t required for toilet repairs. However, if you make a major change, like moving your toilet to a new part of your bathroom, you may need a permit to modify the plumbing.

Additional Factors

Most plumbers charge by the hour, so anything that adds time to the job drives up your labor costs. One key factor in some homes is accessibility—toilets in tight, hard-to-reach areas may take longer to repair.

Emergency calls also increase your repair costs. If you call on a weekend or holiday and need an immediate repair, your plumber will likely charge a premium for this service.

Toilet Repair Costs by Problem Type

Toilet repair costs vary depending on the type of problem that needs to be addressed. Some of the most common issues include clogs, leaks, and tank component replacements.

Clogged Toilet

The most common problem is a toilet clog, which usually costs $100 to $275 to repair, depending on the type of toilet and the location of the clog. If you have a major clog deep in your plumbing, you may need to consider cleaning the sewer line. Sewer line cleaning costs between $200 and $550.

Leaky Toilet

Another common issue is leaks, which can cost from $50 to $300 to repair, depending on the source of the leak. Most leaks occur from the wax seal or the toilet tank, both of which require removing and reseating the toilet.

Continuously Running Toilet

If your toilet won’t stop running, it can drive up your utility bills, create a constant sound, and run the risk of leaking. In some cases, a quick flange adjustment can solve the problem, but if the constant running is caused by a broken component, the repair cost may increase. The cost to fix a running toilet is anywhere from $50 to $400, depending on the source of the issue.

Loose Toilet

A loose toilet can be uncomfortable to use and may disrupt the plumbing and cause a leak. It’s usually caused by worn-down or loose mounting bolts. A pro can quickly adjust the bolts back to the correct position. This costs around $50 to $150, but it’s usually a good idea to bring in a professional. An incorrectly adjusted bolt can impact other parts of your toilet and plumbing.

Slow-Filling Toilet

A slow-filling toilet can impact your flush system, which is especially inconvenient in a multi-person home. In some cases, a slow-filling toilet may also make a whistling or gurgling noise, indicating a faulty filler valve. Fixing this issue usually costs $60 to $200 for parts and repair.

Tank Components and Other Repairs

On average, expect to pay around $110 to replace the tank float ball and float rod. Installing a new flapper and chain, including adjusting and checking the linkages, averages $130. Other common issues include broken toilet components that need to be replaced. This type of repair typically has a higher cost because you need to budget for the new part as well as labor costs.

Toilet Repair Cost by Part

Explore some of the most common toilet components that need to be repaired, including the total repair costs for materials and installation.

Tank 

The toilet tank contains the flush water and important valves for the flush process. Occasionally, the tank may become damaged or leaky. You can replace the tank without needing to replace the entire toilet. A simple tank replacement costs about $100 to $250.

Bowl

The bowl is an essential component of your toilet, and replacements tend to involve a lot of labor. Your plumber must remove the toilet and bowl, replace the wax ring, and reseat and seal the toilet, which can cost $150 to $400. If you have a standard toilet and the bowl needs replacing, many homeowners choose to replace the entire toilet.

Pipe

While not a component of the toilet itself, pipes are essential to a properly functioning toilet. Plumbers charge anywhere from $80 to $450 per hour for pipe replacements, depending on the location of the pipe and the extent of the problem.

Seat

Replacing a toilet seat is one of the quickest and easiest repairs. Some homeowners choose to DIY a seat replacement, but if you’re having trouble finding the proper parts or would like some help to ensure it’s done right, a professional usually charges $50 to $75 to replace a toilet seat.

Flange

A toilet flange connects your toilet to the floor and the drain pipe to prevent leaks and keep your plumbing flowing properly. Depending on the type of toilet, replacing a flange costs around $75 to $200.

Wax Ring

If the wax ring around the base of your toilet is damaged, discolored, or leaking, you may want to consider a replacement. Your plumber will remove your toilet and replace the ring, then reseat the toilet and reseal it. This typically costs $50 to $250.

Valves

To replace a toilet valve, your plumber must fill, shut off, and flush the system. Replacing toilet valves typically costs $75 to $200 for the complete process, including the replacement valve parts. If you need to fully rebuild the entire tank system, including the flush valve and handle, flapper, ballcock, and tank bolts, the cost may go as high as $300.

Toilet Repair vs. Replacement

Whether it’s best to repair or replace your toilet depends on the type of damage, its age, and your plans for your home. In most cases, a toilet repair is the more budget-friendly option. Many repairs start at $50 for simple problems, while a full toilet replacement costs $250 to $600 on average. Repairs can also be a great way to prolong the life of your fixtures and help the environment by keeping materials out of the landfill. 

However, if you’ve had your toilet for a long time and it’s showing multiple signs of wear, it might be time to consider a replacement. Toilet prices range from $75 to $8,000, depending on the type of toilet, while toilet installation costs about $400 on average. This can be the best option in the long run if you expect more repairs in the future.

Replacement may also be a good option if you want to change the type of toilet in your home. Many homeowners choose to install low-flow, dual-flush, or other water-friendly options. While these fixtures may have a slightly higher upfront cost, they’re an eco-friendly choice that saves water and saves money on your utility bills for years to come.

Budgeting for Toilet Repairs

Most toilet repairs require the tools and expertise of a professional plumber, but there’s still plenty you can do to keep the project budget-friendly:

• If possible, plan ahead and book your repair: Emergency and weekend repairs are usually the most costly, so try to schedule your repair ahead of time for minor concerns like small leaks or a slow tank. If you have a second toilet in your home, avoid using the problem toilet so the issue doesn’t worsen.

• Clear the workspace ahead of time: Move furniture and personal items away from the toilet so your plumber can access all the plumbing. 

• Consider water-conscious options: If you need to make a major repair or replacement, look for toilets with water-saving features. This can save you a significant amount on utility bills in the long run.

• Contact multiple pros: Talk to several toilet repair professionals in your area to compare quotes and get the best price.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.