While clogs are the most common reason for calling a plumber, there are other toilet issues that may require professional attention. These include: Leaks: If you notice water pooling around the base of your toilet or dripping from the tank, there may be a leak that needs to be repaired.
The national average cost to unclog a toilet is $200 to $700, with most people spending about $350 for a plumber to use an electric auger to clear the toilet drain clog and test the system. This project's low cost is $100 for a simple drain snaking or professional chemical treatment by a plumber.
A plumber will have a snake with a lot longer reach and more powerful than anything you'd want to buy for occasional use. You could get a drill-powered one pretty inexpensively and see if you can unclog it. If you can, great, you'll save a fair amount versus hiring a plumber.
Complications: If there are complications like old pipes, leaks, or a non-standard toilet size, a professional might be necessary. If you're confident and have the right tools, you can replace a toilet yourself. If you're uncertain or encounter issues, calling a plumber is a good option.
With average costs for toilet installation ranging from $224 to $533, most people around the country are paying $374 for toilet installation costs.
While clogs are the most common reason for calling a plumber, there are other toilet issues that may require professional attention. These include: Leaks: If you notice water pooling around the base of your toilet or dripping from the tank, there may be a leak that needs to be repaired.
One of the most used fixtures in your home, the toilet, on average has a lifespan of 10-15 years. For being used as often as it is, the toilet can withstand a lot. Unfortunately, there will come a time when you need to replace your toilet.
A toilet installation can take between 1 and 4 hours, although this may vary according to your expertise, experience, and the kind of toilet. We always recommend that you hire a reliable plumber for this kind of project because it is quite complex.
Some problems require expensive, complicated repairs. If you encounter these issues frequently, scheduling a replacement will most likely be the most cost-effective solution, as you can save money.
You'll likely pay between $300 and $450 to unclog your toilet with Roto-Rooter. However, the price could change depending on if the clog has caused a lot of damage, which your plumbing pro will want to inspect during your service appointment. Keep in mind that you won't get a quote from Roto-Rooter over the phone.
Average Flat Rate
Some plumbing jobs are billed at a flat rate. As of 2025, the average plumber rates for larger repairs are typically between $500 to $800, while smaller jobs like repairing toilets, sinks, faucets, or bathtubs typically range from $125 to $350.
Sometimes, using a drain snake can push the clog deeper into the pipe, making the blockage even worse. This often happens if the clog is caused by mineral buildup, like hard water deposits, that can be scraped off and further block the drain.
Blocked toilets and clogged sewer lines are common, and we shouldn't be embarrassed to call a plumber to sort the mess out.
You'll be pleased to know that a standard blockage, caused by flushing inappropriate materials or too much toilet roll, will unblock itself eventually. However, bear in mind that the problem will continue until you've had your drains jetted or rodded to remove any leftover obstructions.
What to do if you can't unblock your toilet? If all else fails, it may be time to call the plumber.
Toilet Replacement Labor
The labor cost for installing a toilet can range from $150 to $450 on average, but it can increase based on the complexity of the job and local labor rates. The basic labor usually includes removing the old toilet, installing the new one, and connecting it to existing water and drain lines.
Reasons to Caulk Around a Toilet
Moisture Prevention: Without caulk around the toilet base, external water can seep under the toilet, leading to floor and subfloor damage over time. This is especially important in bathrooms with wooden floors, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rot and structural issues.
On average, toilets can last up to 50 years if they are properly maintained. But, the rule of thumb is to replace your toilet every 25 years, due to damage and regular wear and tear.
Look for cracks in the bowl or the tank of the toilet. If you notice any, or if you hear constant running from your toilet, replace it right away before the situation gets worse. If you can't tell if there's a crack, put dye in the water of the tank or bowl and see if the dyed water makes it to the floor.
The wax ring is exactly what it sounds like: a ring made of sticky wax that helps form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe. It requires no maintenance and can last 30 or more years, often as long as the toilet itself. But sometimes wax rings can dry out, crumble, and fail prematurely.
The answer is that you can't really clean your toilet too much, but Lysol® recommends you clean your toilet weekly. What to use to clean a toilet? Before you tackle the task, make sure you have everything you need to clean a toilet with: A toilet brush.
A licensed plumber will ensure your new toilet is properly hooked up and the plumbing lines are in good shape. A plumber can also perform any major repairs, such as drainpipe replacement. If the floor or wall sustains any damage during the installation, you'll want to bring in a flooring and drywall contractor.
An obvious time to call a plumber is when you have no water at all. Not only is it an emergency for you personally, but the lack of water can be a sign of frozen pipes (depending on the weather), an undetected leak, or unknown clogs. If you're experiencing this problem, the best move is to call YES! at 844-216-9300.
The cost to call a plumber for a clogged toilet varies but is typically in the range of $100 to $300, depending on factors like the severity of the clog and your location. Additional charges may apply for evening or weekend calls.