On this website, we often recommend installing a toilet yourself. Videos such as the one at the end of this article will give you a good guide on how easy it is to replace a toilet. However, if you would prefer to be more hands off with your toilet installation, then read on to find out the cost of replacing a toilet.
Generally, the overall cost of replacing a toilet will range anywhere from $300 to $800. This amount will cover all costs involved, and will be on the higher side if you have a preference for a top toilet brand and model. Let’s have a look at the costs broken down.
What is the Average Cost of Replacing a Toilet?
Labor
Labor is definitely not cheap. Having a professional do the job will use up a sizable chunk of your budget. An average plumber will cost around $65 per hour. The job may take 2 to 4 hours to remove the old toilet and replace with the new one. This should total between $130 and $260. The plumber may also charge upwards of $50 to dispose of the old toilet.
Therefore, the total cost of labor could be anywhere from $180 up to $310.
Of course, if you are hiring a plumber, make sure you hire a licensed plumber. This new toilet will be getting a lot of use and will hopefully work well for many years to come. So if you are going to hire a professional, make sure you hire a good one.
The only time I would definitely recommend a professional to install your new toilet is if you are installing a smart toilet. Many of these smart technology toilets require a professional to install them. If a licensed professional does not install the toilet, then you may not be covered by the warranty.
However, if you are buying a regular toilet, and you are good with your hands, then you might be able to save on plumber fees by installing the toilet yourself.
If you decide to install the toilet yourself, it is worth noting the work involved. You will need to cut off the water supply to the toilet, remove the water inside it, remove the whole toilet and install the brand new one. Other activities like carrying the toilet upstairs to the bathroom and disposing of the old one will also have to be factored in.
The Cost of Purchasing the Toilet
Replacing your toilet will mean that all the components that make up the toilet will have to be replaced. The price will mostly depend on the brand, model and type of toilet that you choose. If you want a fancy toilet that are found in luxurious hotels that spray jets of water and air after you are done with your business, then be prepared to spend that little bit more. A modern smart toilet can set you back several hundred dollars.
The toilet you chose will mostly be determined by your budget and how far you will be willing to go. The cost of purchasing a new toilet set will probably be in the range from $100 to $500. This price will be even higher for luxury toilets.
It is also the best option to go for a quality well designed toilet seat. If you have spent good money on a nice new toilet, then an old toilet seat or a cheap plastic toilet seat just won’t do. On average a good quality toilet seat will cost $50, where as a specialty toilet seat, like a seashell seat may reach $100.
Total Cost of Replacing a Toilet
So, adding labor (a two hour installation job) and a cheap toilet, will cost you as little as $250. Where as, a plumber that takes his time installing a more expensive toilet, could set you back upwards of $800. This could be even more expensive if you want to install a smart toilet.
Of course, labor costs can be saved by installing the toilet yourself. If you trust your workmanship, then give it a go, as it will reduce the cost significantly.
Here is an example of a toilet installation:
Summary
So you can see, replacing a toilet can be an expensive task. Depending on the brand and type of toilet you choose, a toilet can cost from $100 up to $1000. Adding plumber fees will increase the costs. Luckily enough, we don’t have to replace a toilet too often. They are durable fixtures that will last for many years to come. Make sure to look after your toilet to get the best value out of this important household feature.
