Toilet Repair & Installation

What official sources say about toilet repair & installation, and how to reach a local plumber by phone.

ServiceFind is a free referral and information service. ServiceFind does not check or vet providers. Before you hire, check the contractor's license with your state board and get a written estimate. Pricing and agreements are made directly between you and the independent local contractor.

Signs to look for

Older, inefficient toilets that use as much as 6 gallons per flush also happen to be a major source of wasted water in many homes.

Source: US EPA

An old or worn flapper can cause your toilet to flush on its own or silently leak thousands of gallons a year.

Source: US EPA

Why it happens

Kohler's manual says products containing chlorine can seriously damage fittings in the tank and this damage can cause leakage and property damage.

Source: Kohler Co.

Most toilet leaks are due to old or worn-out toilet flappers valve seal.

Source: US EPA

Your options

WaterSense labeled toilets are independently certified to meet EPA criteria for both performance and efficiency.

Source: US EPA

Design improvements have allowed toilets to use 1.28 gallons per flush or less while still providing equal or superior performance and this is 20 percent less water than the current federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush.

Source: US EPA

Safe steps you can take

Because the rubber can wear out, the flapper should be checked periodically and replaced at least every five years to ensure a good seal and avoid leaks.

Source: US EPA

A flapper is an inexpensive part, typically made from rubber, plastic, or silicone, that controls the flow of water to the toilet bowl.

Source: US EPA

Kohler's guide says do not use in-tank cleaners in your toilet.

Source: Kohler Co.

Kohler's guide says if the new toilet is not installed immediately, temporarily place a rag in the closet flange.

Source: Kohler Co.

How to choose a plumber

Advice from consumer protection agencies:

In Illinois, homeowners should request an estimate of the cost of work to be done and compare it to estimates from at least two other contractors.

Source: Illinois Attorney General

In Illinois, homeowners should find out if complaints have been filed against the contractor by contacting the Attorney General's office, Better Business Bureau and local Chamber of Commerce.

Source: Illinois Attorney General

In Texas, even with a reputable business and a sound written contract in place, you should not pay in full until the work is complete and you have inspected it yourself and found it satisfactory.

Source: Texas Attorney General

In Texas, homeowners should make sure everything promised to you is in the written contract.

Source: Texas Attorney General

In Illinois, plumbers are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health and must be licensed by the IDPH to engage in business in Illinois.

Source: Illinois Attorney General

If your state or locality has licensing laws, make sure the contractor's license is current.

Source: Federal Trade Commission

Once you have narrowed your options, get written estimates from several firms.

Source: Federal Trade Commission