If you’re planning to give your bathroom a spa-level makeover into the room of your dreams, don’t overlook your toilet. The bathroom can be transformed to match your preferred style by replacing the toilet.
Costs for installing a toilet can range from $120 to $820.
The national average price for installing a toilet is $372, according to HomeAdvisor and Angi, with expenses ranging from $224 to $532. The toilet type and brand, where it will be installed, and whether you’ll need any extra features also affect the price. It takes 2-4 hours to install a toilet.
The type of toilet and the degree of difficulty of the work determine the overall cost. A plumber can install a toilet between two and four hours at a standard rate of $65 per hour.
After the installation starts, if the plumber encounters any unforeseen problems, labor prices could increase by as much as $800.
Some examples of these problems are a fractured flange that causes a shaky toilet, a leaky flush valve, or a wax ring seal that was improperly placed.
Costs may also increase if you need to build a toilet in a basement without existing plumbing or if you want a toilet on the second floor.
Factors determining toilet installation cost
The expense of installing a toilet varies according to your location and the type of toilet. For example, the standard two-piece toilet often costs less, whereas more modern and unconventional designs do. Additionally, any color other than white will cost more.
Because toilets are straightforward to install, labor makes up a modest portion of the overall cost of installing a toilet. However, older units might not have replaceable supply lines or valves, raising the price of replacing the toilet.
1. Removal and disposal of the old toilet
The final installation cost often includes removing and disposing of the old toilet. Always ask your plumber if this is included in the price to install the new toilet. Some plumbers can charge an additional $100 to $200 for the removal and disposal.
2. Type and brand of the toilet
Depending on the kind and brand of toilet, a new toilet might cost anywhere between $90 to $1,500 or even more. From inexpensive, two-piece toilets to upscale models with lights, music, and bidets, homeowners have various options.
For example, low-flow toilets cost an average of $510, up-flush toilets cost $950, wall-mounted toilets cost $675, and dual flush toilets cost $350. These are some popular toilet alternatives.
Whether you install a Kohler, American Standard, TOTO, or Saniflo toilet, the brand will impact the overall cost.
3. Installation and labor
Labor expenses may change depending on how long it takes to install the new toilet and how advanced its features are. Plumbers often bill between $65 and $125 per hour on the low end.
However, some plumbers charge up to $350 per hour for urgent visits. In addition, once the old toilet is removed during toilet installation, there is a chance that the plumber will find plumbing issues.
To comply with building requirements, pipes may need to be replaced. Additionally, there can be leaks in the walls or floors, or the wax ring seal holding the toilet to the floor might be damaged. These problems will raise the project’s labor and installation expenses.
4. Where you will install the toilet
A basement toilet installation typically costs $1,695. The extra expenses result from new plumbing installed in a previously nonexistent space. The cost will be closer to $372 if you replace a toilet in a basement bathroom with existing plumbing.
It can cost between $2,500 and $3,500 to completely rebuild a bathroom and relocate the toilet, with the average homeowner spending $3,000. Moving the drain, vent lines, and water pipes all contribute to toilet relocation. If a plumber needs to install a toilet on a higher floor, they might charge more.
5. The complexity of the job
If the task is complicated, requires more time than usual, or needs repairs, toilet installation will cost more. These elements might have been accounted for in the initial quote.
In addition to that, there might have been installation-related concerns that needed to be resolved, both of which would have increased the final cost.
For complicated jobs, be sure to request an itemized bill so you can verify that the price is reasonable.
6. Clogs and leaks
A typical toilet repair will run you between $100 and $250. Leaks and clogs can cost a lot more to fix. You can have water damage to the floors or walls if the toilet is dripping.
Sometimes, tearing out the walls or floor and disassembling the toilet are the only options for fixing a leak. Homeowners should budget several hundred dollars for repairs if there is a significant blockage or clog in the plumbing system. Occasionally, a plumber must install a new flange, replace the wax ring seal, or rebuild the drain pipe. This will increase the expense of repairs because the toilet will need to be removed, reseated, and resealed.
7. Plumber’s expertise and rates
More skilled plumbers could bill for their time at a higher rate than less experienced ones. Some plumbers may focus on a particular area of plumbing, and you may have to pay more for their expertise and level of service.
Some plumbers charge an hourly rate, while others could have a set rate. Always ask your plumber how much their time and expertise are worth before hiring them.
8. Additional fees
Knowing additional price aspects and considerations that could raise the installation process cost is essential. Especially when creating a budget for toilet installation prices.
The cost of hiring a plumber can vary depending on their rates and experience level.
Fees may also go up if leaks or clogs need to be fixed, if new flooring is required, if more plumbing and labor are needed, or if the installation is an emergency.
Types of toilets and their installation costs
Because of the style of the toilet, the brand, and additional features, toilet installation costs might vary significantly. Toilets come in four varieties: one-piece, two-piece, wall-hung, and smart toilets. These types will impact the installation price and the project’s completion time.
1. One-piece toilet
The standard price range for one-piece toilets is $150 to $1,500. One-piece toilets are simple to install and maintain and feature a sleek, contemporary style. Since these toilets are often smaller, they are perfect for confined settings.
One-piece toilets are more expensive overall since they are more expensive to ship because they cannot be divided to save space. They often use more modern technology and high-efficiency toilets (HET).
2. Two-piece toilet
The cost of two-piece toilets ranges from $90 to $875. The most common type of toilet installation is a two-piece toilet. The front and base form one component, followed by the tank, then divided into two parts. The cost to install and maintain these toilets is usually lower.
3. Smart toilet
Smart toilets typically cost $4,000 but can cost as much as $12,000 or even more. They flush without the user needing to touch them and consume less water than standard toilets.
Some smart toilets have self-closing lids and integrated illumination to make them simpler to discover in the dark. Bidets, seat warmers, and self-cleaning capabilities are further possibilities.
4. Wall-hung toilet
Toilets that are wall-hung or mounted have a tank inside and are attached to the wall. The price of a wall-hung toilet can range from $500 to $2,000 or more. This toilet is more challenging to fix because the tank is inside the wall, but it is simpler to clean because it doesn’t touch the ground.
Although wall-hung toilets might be expensive, some homeowners think they’re a decent choice for a bathroom with limited space.
Signs that you need a new toilet
If you see the following signs, consider a new toilet:
1. Old toilet
Your toilet might function quite well while being a bit old. However, replacing your toilet may be a good idea to save money and water, as older toilets are frequently more inefficient than the recent types.
Think of a toilet with two flushing options. You can flush your toilet partially for liquid waste and completely for solid trash. By doing this, you may maximize your utility and water usage cost reductions.
2. Wobbling toilet
A toilet may wobble if the bolts are lose or the wax seal deteriorates. However, wobbling could also signify a leaking toilet where the floor has become saturated or has deteriorated from water damage.
3. Frequent clogs
A frequently clogged toilet may indicate that it’s time for a replacement. Your toilet isn’t flushing correctly, and fiddling with the tank’s components won’t make it better.
4. Frequent repairs
Toilets shouldn’t require ongoing maintenance. Replace the toilet if you often contact a plumber to fix it. Investing in a new toilet will help you save money in the long run because frequent repairs add up.
Or, if your toilet needs a lot of repairs done at once, it can be less expensive to replace the toilet. But, again, your plumber can assist you in weighing the benefits and drawbacks of various options if you talk to them about the problem.
5. Cracks on the toilet and toilet tank
Check the bowl and tank for cracks if you start to see water pools at the base of your toilet. If your toilet has a crack, it may continue to run because it will attempt to fill the tank. In addition, leaks from cracks cause flooring damage.
6. Leaks
A leaky toilet is a typical sign that a toilet needs to be replaced. Before you decide to buy a new toilet, make sure to check the source of the leak. For example, while a leak from the tank indicates the need for a new toilet, a leak near the seal may point to a damaged wax seal.
6. Aesthetics
For aesthetic reasons, you might choose to replace your toilet if it has numerous scratches on the surface. It could be tough to keep the fixture clean if it has a lot of scratches.
Older toilets that have been cleansed repeatedly over the years are more likely to sustain this damage, so if you discover that you’re cleaning your toilet more frequently than is necessary, it might be time for a replacement.
7. Inefficient or poor flushing
Purchasing a new, water-saving toilet can help you reduce your costs if you notice that your water bills are high. A low-flush toilet uses roughly 2 gallons of water for each flush instead of the typical toilet’s three to five gallons. Such a change can reduce your water usage and expense if you have a large family or care about the environment.
Should I install the toilet or hire a professional?
As long as you have all the necessary plumbing skills, physical stamina, and time, installing a toilet may be done independently. However, due to the extensive and complicated plumbing work required, it is advised that you engage a professional if you wish to relocate the toilet or install a new bathroom.
You can also call a professional to come in and make the necessary repairs or replace any parts if you find unanticipated problems. Always budget to pay the cost of a competent and qualified plumber because you never know what you’ll discover once you raise the toilet off the floor.
How do I save money when installing a toilet?
The price of installing a toilet can be expensive, and the project’s additional costs can mount up quickly. Some of the methods you can use to save on costs include the following:
- Installing the least costly toilet is one way to reduce toilet installation expenses, but other approaches don’t sacrifice quality.
- Obtain three quotations minimum. Request estimates from at least three reliable toilet installers in your area after researching local plumbers.
- Hire a specialist. Spending money on a plumber to build a new toilet may seem paradoxical, but when the plumbing installation is done correctly, it can result in future financial savings. On the other hand, the cost of repairs will be higher if the toilet is placed improperly.
- Do everything at once. If your home has multiple bathrooms, you might be able to save money by replacing all the toilets at once rather than spreading out installations over time. In addition, if several toilets are installed at once, many plumbers will charge less per toilet.
- Keep things simple. While the additional features of a smart toilet may be alluring, keeping with a straightforward one- or two-piece toilet will result in significant financial savings.
- Pose inquiries. Never be afraid to question the plumber about how you may reduce the installation cost.
With these tips, installing a toilet correctly will be within your reach with savings on your end coupled with good usage of the toilet.