How Much Does It Cost To Install A Toilet?

Toilet installation cost

Several factors will affect the cost of a new toilet. Brand, style, finish, extra features, installation, and any new plumbing needs are all things to consider as you’re budgeting.

Labor and other extra costs

Plumbers generally charge $65/hour, and a simple toilet installation doesn’t usually take more than a couple of hours, but that can change if your plumber runs into other issues. Unexpected leaks, a cracked flange, an improperly installed wax ring, or poorly done caulking are all valid things that might need fixing to ensure you have a fully functional and leak-free toilet. In addition, your plumber may charge you anywhere from $50 to $200 to dispose of your old toilet — this cost accounts for their time, transportation, and a landfill fee.

Toilet location

The simplest and most inexpensive place to install a toilet is in the main floor bathroom with existing plumbing. You can plan on additional costs for installation on a second floor or above since it takes extra time to get materials up and down the stairs. If you’re putting a bathroom in your basement with no existing plumbing, the cost will be higher to lay plumbing into your foundation.

The average cost to replace a toilet

Overall, the average cost to replace a toilet is approximately $375. This cost should include draining the old toilet and removal and disposal. On the low end, you can expect to pay around $275 and around $480 on the high end. Always make sure you get at least three estimates before you decide who will replace your toilet. Make sure the contractor is an experienced plumber, particularly if you need to have new pipes or other plumbing installed in addition to your toilet.

Types of toilets

When shopping around for a new toilet, you might be surprised by how much prices vary by brand. Much of this comes down to the name brand, not the toilet's functionality. Brands like Kholer have models that are up to $8000, whereas mid-range brands like American Standard and Delta offer toilets between $121 to $700.

One-piece vs. two-piece toilets

When choosing your new toilet, you'll find there are one- and two-piece models. The primary differences between them are how they look and the price. With some research and comparison shopping, you’ll be able to find something that compliments your design while staying within your budget.

One-piece toilets feature newer technology and have a streamlined outer look, hiding the classic bumps and outlines of a traditional toilet beneath a sleek exterior. Due to this smoother design, they’re easier to clean, but they’ll make a bigger dent in your bank account, averaging from $190 to $1000.

On the other hand, the classic two-piece toilet design is still more commonly found in households today. They require a bit more time to clean but are still a great choice. Prices range from $230 to over $1000 for higher-end models or upgraded finishes.

Types of toilet flush systems

You might not have guessed that there are four different ways modern toilets can flush! We’ll go through the list from the lowest to the highest cost and give you an overview of what you can expect from each.

• Gravity-fed – A gravity-fed toilet was the only option in recent years. This type is likely the one you’re most familiar with in homes, with gravity doing all the work to move water and waste through the system — they’re a simple and effective model. Gravity-fed toilets run between $100 and $600, typically.
• Pressure-assisted – As their name suggests, pressure-assisted toilets use pressurized air to force water into the toilet bowl. They dispose of contents much faster and cost you between $340 and $650.
• Dual-flush – If you’ve used a toilet with a half-flush and full-flush option, you’re already familiar with a dual-flush system. Using both gravity and pressurized air to move contents, they’re a great way to save water, costing between $100 and $580 and up.
• Double-cyclone – The newcomer to the scene, double-cyclone toilets use gravity and centrifugal force to direct water through two nozzles into the toilet bowl. Pricing reflects the newer technology, with double-cyclone models starting at $480 and going past $560, depending on the brand name and style.

Water-saving toilets

The best thing about new toilets, aside from the updated design, is that they are significantly more water efficient than their predecessors, which saves you money and helps the environment. The EPA has a Water Sense label that certifies the efficiency of certain models, so keep an eye out for that when choosing your new toilet.

Smart toilets

Not to be outdone on the technology front, manufacturers have recently developed smart toilets with several options and price ranges. Here’s an overview of some of the newest features:

• Hands-free flushing – Say goodbye to touching germy toilet handles at home; automatically-flushing toilets are no longer just for airports and restaurants. These models have a wide price range, starting at $299 and going past $4000.
• Self-cleaning – With UV light to sanitize and a mechanism to swirl a cleaning solution into your toilet bowl, you can check the chore of scrubbing your toilet off your to-do list for good. These models retail for $350 to $3300.
• Heated toilet seats – Who wouldn’t want to avoid that cold shock on a winter night? Heated toilet seats can be programmed to warm the seat at certain times and even change the position of the seat.
• Extra high seat – For those with disabilities or who find it difficult to sit lower down as they age, there are toilets that have an extra two inches in height. This extra height won’t cost you extra, though — they start at just $150.

Wall-hung toilets

Wall-hung toilets are a relatively new innovation, giving your bathroom a sleek and modern look. These models hide the water tank and mechanisms behind a frame or in the wall, taking the bulky look of a traditional toilet and making it much more minimalist. Make sure you’re working with a plumber who has installed this type of toilet before, as there are some additional steps to the process

Repair vs replace a toilet

While overall, it’s easier on the environment and your bank account to repair rather than replace things in your home, when it comes to toilets, there are a few good reasons why replacing them makes sense.

If the repair needed is small, like the lever valve, you may want to have a plumber come in and replace it quickly. However, they will charge you at least an hour, which is $65 on average, plus the materials. 

Especially if your broken toilet is an older, less efficient model, there are potentially significant cost savings if you upgrade to a more water-efficient model. Some local and state governments even offer tax incentives or rebates to upgrade to Water Smart toilets. Not to mention that your home will be more sustainable overall.

Toilet replacement

The average cost to replace a toilet, including draining and disposal of the old one, is about $375. Plumbers will differ in their estimates, so ensure you get at least three quotes from qualified and experienced professionals. If you’re just having a new toilet installed and don’t need an old one drained and taken away, the cost for the installation will be less.

How to install a toilet

Installing a new toilet can be a great DIY project that you can tackle with a few basic tools and a good online tutorial. As long as there are no issues like cracked pipes or leaks, installing a toilet is a straightforward project you can easily take on over a weekend. Just follow these simple steps below.

• Turn off the water main at the wall, so no water goes to the toilet
• Drain your toilet completely 
• Disconnect all plumbing connected to the toilet
• Gently move the toilet back and forth until it loosens from the wax seal, then carefully lift it off the floor with a second person to help
• Replace the old wax seal or flange with a new one 
• Place the new toilet securely on the wax ring
• Connect the plumbing and bolt it to the floor
• Turn the water back on and let the tank fill
• Do a test flush to ensure your new toilet is working correctly.

DIY vs hire a pro

If you’re not confident in your plumbing skills, you might want to save yourself the anxiety of having a half-installed toilet and go with a professional right from the start. Installing a new toilet can be straightforward, but it is a labor-intensive process, and if you run into any issues along the way, you’ll need to bring a plumber in to troubleshoot. Since last-minute and emergency calls are more expensive, it might be best to have a plumber tackle the installation for you.

Toilet problems

If you’re wondering whether or not you need to replace your toilet, here are a few common issues and suggestions on how you can fix them. 

• Cracked porcelain – Cracked porcelain usually means it’s time for a new toilet. While the crack may be superficial at first, it’s a sign that the structure of your toilet is compromised and can eventually cause leaks.
• Wobbly toilet – Check and ensure it’s not your toilet seat, rather than the whole toilet that’s wobbly. Toilet seats can crack or come loose over time and feel off-balance. If it’s for sure your toilet, it’s likely to be the flange or wax seal that’s loose, not anything wrong with your toilet itself. 
• Constant clogging – Clogs are most often related to your plumbing, not your toilet. Old plumbing can begin to clog more frequently, but you might also notice this in a newer home if your plumbing wasn’t installed correctly.