Slow leaks, spontaneous refills, incomplete flush cycles… time to take action!
Every component of our house, sooner or later, will require maintenance, and toilets are not the exception. Whether it is a very slow leak inside the toilet tank, or to the water bowl, or worse, to the bathroom floor toilets will at some point need an overhaul.
Commode – Toilet repair
Overhaul
After years of service toilets will require maintenance and repairs. In earlier years it is possible that some minor components may fail individually, those include flapper valves, filler tube assemblies, and levers. They can certainly be replaced by themselves. Over time though, all these components deteriorate evenly, and the moment that one fails becomes a sign for the entire set to be replaced. This is what we call a toilet overhaul, replacement of all the key toilet parts.
How much does it cost to do a toilet overhaul?
The cost depends on model and style of the toilet, but in general a total toilet overhaul ranges between $300 and $400. This range includes labor and typically the following materials: toilet tank gasket, filler valve assembly, valve assembly, and depending on the model/type it may include the lever. Toilet overhaul excludes the replacement of the wax ring.
How much does it cost to replace a toilet flapper valve?
Price again depends on several factors such as toilet brand, style, and technology. In manually operated toilets you can expect this service cost to range from $175 to $225
How much does it cost to replace a toilet filler tube assembly?
Again it depends on several factors but typically a filler tub assembly replacement can cost between $200 to $270.
How much does it cost to replace a toilet lever?
Standard levers are usually inexpensive items depending on the model; a generic lever may cost between $175 to $200 to replace, with the vast majority of this cost being the labor to replace it.
Commode – Toilet replacement and upgrades
In certain situations it will be best to replace the entire toilet, examples include when the bowl, the tank, or a large portion of it is cracked. At times, due to the needs of the home owner or a family member a taller toilet may be desired. In either of these situations we can help. If you purchase the toilet of your preference we can provide the labor to replace it.
How much does it cost to replace a toilet?
Price -again- varies, but in general the labor cost to replace a toilet ranges between $275 to $375 and up. Price is impacted by the type of toilet, location (i.e. ease of access to the toilet location), complexities removing the toilet bowl, and others.
Why is my commode – toilet leaking?
Toilets can leak for many different reasons, some have to do with the toilet itself, others have to do with separate components. Below you will find some of the key reasons why a toilet leaks.
Wax ring failure.
The wax ring is a seal that sits between your toilet bowl and your floor. When this seal fails water starts to leak to your floor and sub-floor. Why do wax rings fail? A wax ring can fail due to age (wax ring dries out); a loose toilet that shifts/rocks with use; an excessive gap between the floor flange and the toilet; or an improper installation.
When your toilet’s wax ring fails the solution is to remove the toilet and replace the wax ring, making sure that the dimensions are appropriate and the toilet is properly resent and affixed to the floor.
Clogged drain pipe.
Another reason for a leak under your toilet is a clogged drain pipe. When your drain pipe is clogged you will notice that your toilet bowl water level remains high for a few seconds, sometimes minutes. When this happens water accumulates in the line and eventually leaks through any portion of the drain system including the wax ring, PVC pipe, or flange. Replacing the wax ring or any other part in these situations will not fix the problem, which will require a plumber and professional unclogging equipment.
Cracked toilet body/cracked toilet seat.
Another reason for a leak at the floor level is a cracked toilet seat, sometimes invisible to the naked eye. Water then leaks through the toilet body to the floor. In this situation the solution is to replace the entire toilet.
Toilet tank gasket failure.
There is a flexible gasket located between the toilet seat group and the toilet tank. While uncommon this gasket can fail, leading to a small leak that appears to occur in the toilet floor, but in reality is a tiny stream of water coming from the gasket area to the floor by gravity. In these situations you must remove the toilet tank to replace the gasket. We do recommend that if you are addressing a toilet tank gasket failure that you take the opportunity to replace all the toilet components too.
Leak through the supply hose assembly.
Damage to the hose supplying water to your toilet, the connection between the hose and the toilet tank, or the connection at the tank itself can lead to a tiny leak sometimes difficult to track. When you discover this as the source of the leak the solution is to replace the damaged component as applicable (hose/tank filler valve assembly) or at times, it may just need tightening of the hose connections.
Leak through the toilet shut-off valve at the wall. Over time shut-off valves do fail, leading either to imperfect seal when attempting to close the valve, or drips to the floor. In these cases you must replace the valve. Depending on the style some of these valves can be replaced by the homeowner, but in some cases a professional may need to assist (soldered valves, shark-bite valves, among others).
What to do if there is a leak in my toilet?
If you discover a leak in your toilet try to identify its source by drying the toilet floor and the toilet body, and placing dry paper or paper towels around the toilet. The paper/paper towels will help identify the source of the water, from there you can trace back the source.
For difficult leaks you can use dye in the toilet’s tank, and if needed, a different dye in the toilet’s bowl and use them to track the origin of the leak. The list above can also help identify common sources of leaks. For more information contact us with questions, we will be happy to assist.
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We deliver Professional Handyman and Remodeling services in Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, Trophy Club, Westlake, Eastlake, Roanoke, Watauga, Saginaw, Coppell, Bedford, Euless, Hurst, Haltom City, Lewisville, North Richland Hills, Grapevine, Fort Worth, Haslet, Denton, Dallas, Carrollton, Arlington, Plano, Garland, Mansfield, Frisco, among other cities. If your city is not listed please contact us and we will discuss alternatives with you.
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