Toilet Repair & Installation: warning signs to watch for
- A toilet that runs constantly or refills on its own
- Water on the floor around the base
- A toilet that rocks or feels loose
- Weak or incomplete flushes
- A toilet that clogs again and again
- Cracks in the tank or bowl
Why does my toilet keep running?
A running toilet is almost always a worn flapper that no longer seals, a fill valve set too high so water spills into the overflow tube, or a chain that's too short. These are cheap parts, and fixing them can save a surprising amount of water each month.
Toilet leaking at the base
Water around the base usually means the wax ring seal has failed, or the toilet has rocked loose on its flange. Don't ignore it. A slow leak can rot the subfloor and stain the ceiling below. The plumber will pull the toilet, check the flange, fit a new seal and reset it.
Clogged toilet that won't clear
A single clog usually clears with a closet auger. If the toilet keeps clogging, or other drains gurgle or back up when you flush, the problem is likely further down the line, often a partial blockage in the main sewer lateral. See drain cleaning and sewer line repair.
Toilet installation and replacement
Most toilets are made for a standard 12 inch rough in (the distance from the wall to the center of the drain), but older Cincinnati homes sometimes have 10 or 14 inch rough ins, so measure before you buy. Comfort height models are easier on knees and backs, and modern high efficiency toilets flush well while using far less water than older ones. Installation includes a new wax ring, bolts and supply line, and haul away of the old toilet if you ask.
Repair or replace?
Repair it if the porcelain is sound and the problem is a valve, flapper, seal or handle. Replace it if the tank or bowl is cracked, the toilet clogs constantly even after the line is cleared, parts are no longer available, or you want a more water efficient model.
How it works
Call 513-776-8485
It is free to call, and calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tell us what is happening and where you are.
We connect you
We route you to an independent, licensed plumbing contractor who serves your area.
Get a clear quote
The plumber explains the problem and prices the work before it starts.
You decide
You approve the work, and the contractor completes it with any permits your city or county requires.
Plumbers in Cincinnati Today is a referral service and does not perform plumbing work. Before work begins, check your contractor's license: in Ohio through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) and your local jurisdiction, in Kentucky through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, and in Indiana through the Indiana Plumbing Commission.
Toilet Repair across Cincinnati and the Tristate
We connect customers across Cincinnati, from Hyde Park, Oakley, Mt. Lookout, Clifton, Northside, Westwood to Mt. Washington and Pleasant Ridge, throughout Hamilton County, and in nearby cities including:
Related plumbing services
Drain Cleaning & Hydro Jetting
Most single clogged drains in a sink, tub or toilet can be cleared in one visit with a drain snake.
Drain Cleaning in Cincinnati
Garbage Disposal, Faucet & Sink Repair
A jammed garbage disposal can often be freed with the hex key in the bottom of the unit, and a humming disposal that won't spin is usually jammed rather than dead.
Garbage Disposal Repair in Cincinnati
Leak Detection & Water Lines
Professional leak detection finds hidden leaks in walls, floors, slabs and underground water lines without tearing things apart.
Leak Detection in CincinnatiFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install a new toilet?
Labor for a straightforward swap is usually modest, and the toilet itself varies widely in price. Flange repairs or moving the drain add cost. See the cost guide for typical ranges.
How long does toilet installation take?
A like for like replacement typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
Can you install a toilet I bought?
Yes. Most contractors will install a customer supplied toilet. Check the rough in measurement before you buy.
Is a toilet clog an emergency?
Only if it's overflowing and won't stop, or sewage is coming up elsewhere. Shut off the water at the valve behind the toilet and call. See emergency plumbing.
Plumbing problem right now? One call connects you with a licensed local plumber.
Call 513-776-8485