Who Should You Call to Replace a Toilet?

If your toilet is on the fritz or you’re ready for an upgrade, you'll need to know who to call to replace your toilet. Properly licensed plumbers and handymen are your best bet for toilet replacement because they can make sure it’s properly installed and sealed to prevent leaks or other issues later on.

Benefits of Hiring a Plumber to Replace a Toilet

Improper toilet installation can result in a wobbly toilet, leaks, and potential water damage. When a plumber or a local toilet installation professional replaces your toilet, they’ll make sure the water is turned off and back on properly, level the toilet, and seal everything up to prevent leaks. 

Another benefit of hiring a licensed plumber is that it may not cost as much as you’d think, especially for a simple toilet replacement that may only take a couple of hours to complete. Replacing the toilet can cost as little as $90, although it can climb to $1,500 or more depending on the type of toilet you buy. Labor typically costs between $40 and $200 per hour, so you can ask your plumber for an estimate before you begin the project.

Can I DIY Toilet Replacement?

A simple toilet replacement is typically a project that you can do on your own with the right research and tools. You can also call in a friend who has done it before. However, if the toilet replacement will include any work to the actual plumbing—rerouting pipes, for example—then hiring a professional plumber will likely be your best bet.

Can I Hire a Handyman to Replace a Toilet?

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An experienced handyman can likely replace your toilet. The exception would be if there are more plumbing issues that need to be fixed. A handyman may also be a good choice for toilet replacement if they’re the one doing any flooring project or replacing other bathroom fixtures like faucets or lights.

How Do Plumbers Replace a Toilet?

Replacing a toilet is a fairly straightforward job as long as no plumbing complications arise along the way. Plumbers are experts at troubleshooting if they encounter an issue, but the basic steps for how to install a toilet are as follows:

1. Measure and purchase a new toilet. The measurement that plumbers go by is the “rough-in” measurement. To find this, measure from the wall to the center of the bolts on the base of the toilet. This will typically be 12 inches but can vary between 10 and 14 inches depending on the toilet style.

2. Turn off the water with the shut off valve on the toilet’s pipes.

3. Remove the supply line using an adjustable wrench.

4. Remove the toilet seat and lid.

5. If it’s a two-piece toilet, remove the tank by unscrewing the bolts that hold the tank and bowl together.

6. Remove the bolts at the base of the toilet and gently rock the toilet back and forth to break the seal at the base.

7. Inspect the flange—the piece of pipe that connects the toilet to the floor—and the bolts. If they’re in good condition the plumber will reuse them, otherwise they’ll replace these pieces.

8. Install a new wax ring around the flange.

9. Settle the toilet over the bolts and flange, pressing down on it to set the seal on the wax ring.  

10. Secure the toilet by tightening the nuts on both bolts, making sure the toilet is level.

11. Place the tank on the toilet and secure it.

12. Reattach the supply line.

13. Attach the toilet seat and lid.

14. Test for leaks.

15. Caulk the base.