You should replace your toilet if it has a visible crack in the porcelain, leaks around the base, frequently clogs, or is over 20 years old. While internal parts can be easily swapped, replacing is more cost-effective than constant repairs or dealing with structural damage like subfloor wood rot.
You should replace your toilet if it has a crack in the porcelain, is leaking at the base, or frequently clogs. Otherwise, if it works fine, you can likely just replace worn-out internal parts (like the flapper or fill valve).
When it's time to get a new toilet, you may notice the following clues:
If you include the cost of a mid-range toilet, the total typically lands between $350 and $800. Plumbers usually charge either a flat rate for this common task or an hourly rate, with the job taking about 1 to 3 hours. How long does it take a professional plumber to install a toilet?
A 1.28 GPF (Gallons Per Flush) toilet is generally better for the environment and your water bill, as it saves about 20% more water than a 1.6 GPF model. However, a 1.6 GPF toilet provides superior flushing power and bowl-cleaning, often preventing the need for frustrating double-flushes in heavy-use bathrooms.
Plumbers recommend sticking to three major brands: Toto, Kohler, and American Standard. They value these brands for their durable parts, reliable flushing mechanisms, and the ease of sourcing replacement components years down the line.
For seniors, the best toilet height is 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. This is commonly referred to as "comfort height," "chair height," or ADA-compliant height.
What Does A Plumber Charge To Swap Out A Toilet? Replacing a standard toilet costs between £150 and £400 for labour. The total price, including the new toilet itself, can go up to £800 or more, depending on the model and complexity.
The Home Depot charges an average of $185 to $400 in labor to install a standard toilet. This service covers the removal and haul-away of your old toilet, leveling, setup of the new unit, and connection to existing plumbing.
Replacing a standard toilet usually takes a professional plumber 1 to 2 hours. This timeframe includes shutting off the water, removing the old fixture, installing a new wax ring, and securing the new toilet.
Dish soap has the ability to lubricate and break down the bonds of fats and grease. When poured into the toilet, dish soap helps lubricate the waste causing the clog, while also breaking down its structure, allowing it to easily flow down the drain.
Elongated toilets are generally better for seniors and those with limited mobility. The oval shape provides a larger seating area, offers better leg support, and makes hygiene tasks easier. However, the shape is only one factor—bowl height is just as important.
The most advanced washlets can mix the water jet with soap for an improved cleaning process. The washlet can replace toilet paper completely, but many users opt to use both wash and paper in combination—although use of paper may be omitted for cleaning of the vulva.
Most toilets last 25–50 years, depending on the quality of the model and how well it's been maintained. That said, plumbing fixtures don't age like fine wine. Even if your toilet still flushes, an older one may: Use way more water than modern toilets.
Around 70% of the world doesn't rely on toilet paper in the way we do, turning to water before tissue.
Expensive toilets are generally worth it if you prioritize long-term durability, water efficiency, ease of cleaning, or premium features like heated seats, built-in bidets, and touchless operation. However, for a basic, functional, and reliable bathroom, a budget-friendly model works perfectly fine.
Our toilet installation service includes: Removal of your old toilet and installation of your newly purchased one. Attachment of provided flange bolts, wax ring and supply line. Testing of the new toilet; and debris cleanup.
The Home Depot does not offer a dedicated senior citizen discount. However, you can maximize your savings at the retailer with these alternative approaches:
Type of plumbing
Expect to pay about £40 to £60 per hour to call out a plumber to your home, or between £100 to £120 for an emergency call-out. These costs cover labour only. If your job involves additional parts, you'll need to pay for those separately.
The Most Expensive Part of a Bathroom Renovation: Waterproofing & Plumbing. While it's easy to get caught up in design decisions like tile patterns or faucet styles, the true cost champion in nearly every bathroom remodel is the waterproofing and plumbing system.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover raised toilet seats. Medicare considers them "convenience" or "comfort" items rather than primarily medical devices, which means seniors must pay for them entirely out of pocket.
When you flush an open toilet, a fine spray of aerosolized particles—often called a "toilet plume"—shoots out. These particles travel at speeds of up to 6.6 feet per second, reaching heights up to 5 feet above the bowl in just 8 seconds. Smaller particles can remain suspended in the air for over a minute.
To stop urine from splashing or dripping under the toilet seat, try these targeted, practical solutions: