Toilet Replacement Cost

Understanding Toilet Replacement Cost

Toilet replacement is one of the most common and affordable bathroom upgrades. Whether your current toilet is cracked, constantly running, or simply outdated, a new toilet improves efficiency, aesthetics, and function. Most homeowners spend $275-$750 total including the toilet and professional installation.

Toilet replacement is also one of the most DIY-friendly plumbing projects—with the right preparation, most homeowners can complete the job in an afternoon.

Types of Toilets and Their Costs

Two-Piece Toilets

Cost: $100-$400 for toilet, $225-$550 installed

Two-piece toilets have a separate tank and bowl that bolt together during installation.

Pros:

• Most affordable option
• Lighter weight for easier handling
• Easy to transport and install
• Individual parts replaceable
• Wide selection of styles

Cons:

• Seam between tank and bowl can harbor bacteria
• More cleaning required
• Less sleek appearance

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, DIY installers, most bathrooms.

One-Piece Toilets

Cost: $250-$800 for toilet, $400-$1,100 installed

One-piece toilets have a seamless tank and bowl molded together.

Pros:

• Easier to clean (no seam)
• Sleek, modern appearance
• Lower profile
• More durable (no tank-bowl connection to fail)

Cons:

• Heavier (80-120 lbs)
• More expensive
• Harder to transport
• Full replacement if either part cracks

Best for: Modern bathrooms, easy-clean priorities, premium installations.

High-Efficiency Toilets (HET)

Cost: $200-$500 for toilet, $325-$775 installed

WaterSense certified toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less (20% less than standard 1.6 GPF).

Features:

• Pressure-assisted or gravity-fed designs
• Larger trapways to prevent clogs
• Powerful flush despite less water

Savings: A family of four saves approximately $100-$150 annually on water bills.

Dual-Flush Toilets

Cost: $250-$500 for toilet, $375-$775 installed

Dual-flush toilets offer two flush options: partial flush (0.8-1.1 GPF) for liquid waste and full flush (1.6 GPF) for solid waste.

Pros:

• Maximum water savings
• Modern, eco-friendly
• Long-term cost savings

Cons:

• More complex mechanism
• Buttons instead of traditional handle
• Higher initial cost

Smart Toilets

Cost: $500-$3,000+ for toilet, $700-$3,500+ installed

Smart toilets include features like heated seats, bidet functions, automatic flushing, and self-cleaning.

Popular features:

• Integrated bidet with adjustable settings
• Heated seat with temperature control
• Automatic lid open/close
• Night light
• Self-cleaning with UV light
• Remote control or app control

Top brands: TOTO, Kohler, American Standard Bidet seats can add similar features to existing toilets for $200-$700.

Toilet Replacement Cost by Type

Installation Complexity Factors

Standard Replacement

Cost: $125-$250 labor

Straightforward replacement of an existing toilet with a similar model on a good floor flange.

Includes:

• Remove and dispose of old toilet
• Install new wax ring
• Set and level new toilet
• Connect water supply
• Test for leaks

Additional Work That Increases Cost

Emergency vs Scheduled Service

For non-emergency situations, scheduling during regular business hours saves $50-$200.

Toilet Replacement Cost by State

Signs You Need Toilet Replacement

Replace Immediately

• Visible cracks in bowl or tank
• Toilet rocks significantly on floor
• Constant leaking at base
• Porcelain damage causing injury risk

Replace Soon

• Frequent clogs despite proper use
• Requires multiple flushes
• Running constantly (internal parts worn)
• Uses more than 3.5 gallons per flush
• Mineral buildup causing poor performance

Repair May Be Sufficient

• Running toilet (often just flapper/fill valve)
• Weak flush (may need adjustment)
• Slow tank fill (fill valve replacement)
• Loose handle (simple tightening or replacement)

Repair cost: Most internal repairs cost $50-$150 with a plumber or $10-$40 DIY.

DIY Toilet Installation Guide

Before You Start

1. Measure rough-in distance: Measure from wall to center of closet bolts. Standard is 12 inches; also available in 10-inch and 14-inch.
2. Turn off water: Locate shut-off valve behind toilet.
3. Gather materials: New toilet, wax ring, supply line, toilet shims, caulk.

Removal Process

1. Flush and empty tank
2. Disconnect supply line
3. Remove tank bolts (if two-piece)
4. Remove closet bolt caps and nuts
5. Rock toilet to break wax seal
6. Lift toilet straight up and set aside
7. Stuff rag in drain to block sewer gas
8. Scrape old wax ring from flange

Installation Process

1. Inspect floor flange (repair if damaged)
2. Install new closet bolts
3. Place wax ring on toilet outlet (or on flange)
4. Remove rag from drain
5. Lower toilet onto bolts, pressing into wax ring
6. Level toilet using shims if needed
7. Tighten closet bolts alternately (don't overtighten)
8. Install tank (if two-piece)
9. Connect supply line
10. Turn on water and test
11. Caulk base (optional, but recommended)

Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid

• Overtightening bolts: Cracks porcelain
• Not checking level: Causes poor flushing
• Forgetting wax ring orientation: Causes leaks
• Reusing old supply line: Prone to failure
• Not testing before caulking: Hides leaks

Toilet Features Worth Considering

Essential Features

• Elongated bowl (+$25-$50): More comfortable than round
• Comfort height (+$25-$75): Easier to sit and stand
• WaterSense certified: Saves water without sacrificing performance

Recommended Features

• Soft-close seat (+$25-$75): Prevents slamming
• Larger trapway (2"+): Reduces clogs
• Quality flush valve: More reliable long-term

Premium Features

• One-piece design (+$150-$400): Easier cleaning
• Dual flush (+$50-$150): Maximum water savings
• Quick-release seat (+$25-$50): Easy cleaning
• Bidet seat compatible: Growing in popularity

Top Toilet Brands

How to Save on Toilet Replacement

1. DIY Installation

Save $125-$350 on labor. Toilet installation is manageable for most homeowners.

2. Buy During Sales

Holiday sales, Black Friday, and bathroom renovation promotions offer 20-40% discounts.

3. Choose Two-Piece Design

Two-piece toilets cost $100-$200 less than one-piece equivalents.

4. Skip Premium Features

A quality mid-range toilet ($200-$350) performs nearly as well as premium models.

5. Dispose of Old Toilet Yourself

Contractors may charge $25-$75 for disposal. Many waste facilities accept toilets for free.

6. Schedule During Normal Hours

Avoid emergency rates—a clogged toilet rarely requires immediate replacement.

Conclusion

Toilet replacement cost ranges from $225 for a basic DIY installation to $1,500+ for a professionally installed smart toilet. Most homeowners spend $275-$750 total for a quality toilet with professional installation.

Toilet replacement is an excellent DIY project for homeowners comfortable with basic tools. The process takes 1.5-3 hours and saves $125-$350 in labor costs. For those preferring professional installation, scheduling during regular business hours and getting multiple quotes ensures the best value.

When choosing a toilet, prioritize WaterSense certification for water savings, comfort height for ease of use, and elongated bowls for comfort. These features add minimal cost but significantly improve daily experience.