Buying a house is easy, but keeping it in an excellent working condition is tough. You have to put in a lot of effort and money into maintaining your home. One of the most important parts of your house that you will need to take care of is the toilet.
Usually, toilets are durable fixtures. However, depending on the age of the property (among other factors) it may stop working properly over time. According to Statista, as of March 2020, more than 20 million homes in the US were 51-60 years old. In other words, a significant number of homeowners have to update their toilets.
If you are going to replace your toilet, you will obviously need to call a plumber. That’s why you need to understand how much it will cost you to replace your toilet.
Let’s see why you need to replace the toilet and how much it will cost you.
Why Do You Need to Replace Your Toilet?
As mentioned, although toilets are durable bathroom fixtures, they may start developing problems over time. If your toilet shows any of the following signs, you need to replace it in consultation with a professional Big Bear plumbing company immediately.
1. Age
Age is an important factor here. Although some old toilets may continue to work properly despite their age, they might not be as economical as the new ones.
For example, the modern dual-flush toilets use less water, allowing you to save both water and money. The old toilets, however, usually consume more water (five to six gallons), increasing your water bill.
2. Cracks and Leakages
Visible cracks and puddles of water around your toilet are also a sign that you need to replace it. In some cases, despite the hairline cracks and fractures in the porcelain, your toilet will continue to work. However, you will waste a lot of water.
It is possible to repair a few cracks and leaks without having to replace the toilet completely. But, make sure to ask a professional Big Bear plumbing services provider to have a look at the problem. If the leakage is serious enough, replacement will be the only choice you have.
3. Frequent Clogging
Clogging is perhaps the most common issue of all. All toilets tend to clog at some point. However, if your toilet starts clogging frequently, say more than once or twice a week, it’s a sign to start looking for a replacement.
Clogging is usually caused by the accumulation of mineral deposits in drainage pipes. Over time, the clog will make it difficult to pass the waste and water through the pipes. It can also result in a foul smell.
You need to consult a professional like Big Bear plumbing to clean the drainage pipes. If the problem continues, you may have to replace both the toilet and the drainage pipes.
4. Wobbling
Usually, wobbling can be caused by loose screws, which you can tighten yourself. This is a relatively minor and common issue. However, continuous wobbling indicates a serious issue that can damage your bathroom plumbing and flooring, if ignored. If the problem persists even after tightening the screws, you need professional help.
Toilet Replacement Process
Just like most plumbing issues, if the problem is minor, like tightening the screws or repairing minor cracks in the porcelain, you can repair it yourself.
However, the actual process of replacing a toilet is intricate and demanding. It usually involves the following:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet before starting the work.
- Drain the water from the toilet to make sure the toilet tank is completely empty.
- Use a dry cloth to wipe the toilet tank completely before dismantling it.
- You will need to use an adjustable wrench to remove the nuts and bolts to dismantle each part of the toilet.
- You will need to use a hacksaw to cut off the nuts and bolts that can’t be removed due to the rust.
- Pull the toilet bowl and tank assembly off the floor and wall safely.
- Keep the removed parts on a rug or a piece of cloth as the rusted parts can stain your bathroom flooring.
- The next step is to fit the new toilet. Make sure to fit the nuts and bolts properly and level the toilet.
- Place a new wax ring over the horn.
- Once you have set the new toilet, tighten the screws.
- Connect the water supply and make a test run to check if the new toilet is working properly.
Although it sounds simple on paper, the process is quite demanding, and it may take at least three-four hours to replace the toilet completely. It is, therefore, necessary to get professional help from a trusted Big Bear plumbing company.
Toilet Installation Cost
According to Home Advisor, the average cost of installing a toilet in the US is $371 with a typical range of $219 – $523. Usually, the owner supplies the new toilet, with the cost ranging from $90 to $1,500 or even more.
However, the cost of replacing a toilet in Big Bear will depend on a variety of factors, including your location, the amount of labor required to finish the job, any additional work required (such as flooring or masonry work), and the area where the toilet will be.
Conclusion
As you can see, hiring a plumber is often the safest and quickest way to replace your toilet. However, when hiring a plumber, make sure to contact a certified and experienced professional like Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating.
Schedule an Appointment with Bear Valley Plumbing Team for an Estimate
We are one of the most trusted plumbing solutions providers in the Big Bear area. Call us on (909) 675-0983 to schedule an appointment today! We are at your service 24/7 to help resolve any plumbing issues in the most professional manner.
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Plumbing Replacement
