Time for a new toilet? Get toilet replacement in Rosemead done right.

When a new toilet is the better answer

A toilet usually lasts for decades, so replacing one is not a routine job. It makes sense in a few cases: the porcelain is cracked, the toilet clogs or flushes poorly no matter what you fix, the bowl is stained beyond cleaning, the parts are no longer made, the toilet uses a lot of water and you want to cut your bill, or the fixture is the wrong height or shape for the people using it. A remodel is another common reason.

A new toilet is also a chance to fix things around it: an old shut-off valve, a rusty supply line, a floor flange that is cracked or sits too low, or a subfloor that has been damp for years.

Measure before you buy

Most of the trouble in a toilet swap comes from buying one that does not fit. Check these before you shop.

• The rough-in. Measure from the finished wall behind the toilet to the center of the floor bolts that hold it down. Twelve inches is by far the most common. Ten and fourteen inches also exist. A toilet made for twelve will not fit a ten-inch rough-in.
• The shape. Round bowls are shorter from front to back. Elongated bowls are about two inches longer and many people find them more comfortable. Make sure the space in front of the toilet allows for it.
• The height. Standard seat height is lower than the comfort or right-height models. Taller models are easier for many adults to use.
• The flush system. Gravity-fed toilets are the common type. Pressure-assisted toilets are louder and stronger and are often used where clogs are a problem.
• The water use. Look for the flush volume printed on the tank. Many modern toilets use about one and a quarter to one and six-tenths gallons per flush. Compare it to what your old toilet uses, which is stamped inside the tank or on the bowl.
• The tank shape. One-piece toilets have the tank and bowl together. Two-piece toilets are common and easier to carry. Make sure the tank clears the wall and any window sill or cabinet.
• The floor. Check that the flange is sound and sits at or just above the finished floor.

What a replacement involves

1. The plumber shuts off the water, drains the tank and the bowl and disconnects the supply line.
2. They unbolt the old toilet, lift it and scrape off the old wax ring.
3. They look at the flange and the subfloor. A cracked flange or soft wood is repaired before the new toilet goes in.
4. They set a new wax ring or seal and lower the new toilet onto the flange, checking that it is level.
5. They tighten the bolts evenly, a little at a time, so the porcelain does not crack.
6. They connect a new supply line, open the water, test the flush many times and check for leaks.
7. They caulk the base if you want it, carry away the old toilet, and show you the shut-off valve.

A simple swap often takes one to two hours. Problems with the floor or flange can add to it.

Things that can complicate the job

• A damaged flange. Old cast iron or plastic flanges crack or corrode. Repair rings can fix it.
• Soft or stained subfloor. Years of slow leaks at the base can rot wood. Ask the plumber to show you.
• A stuck shut-off valve. If the valve will not close, the water has to be shut off at the main, and the valve should be replaced.
• Floor tile changes. If a bathroom floor was retiled with the toilet in place, the flange may now sit too low.
• Tight spaces. Narrow rooms and tall tanks can limit what fits.

Ask the plumber to tell you about any of these before the work starts, and to quote them separately.

Buying the toilet yourself or through the plumber

Many providers will install a toilet you bought. Some prefer to supply it so they can warrant the work. Ask beforehand. If you buy it yourself, keep the box and receipt until the toilet is installed and tested, since a cracked bowl is easier to return when it is boxed. Check the parts list for the seat, since many toilets are sold without one.

What changes the price

This website does not set prices. What changes them:

• The toilet itself, which ranges widely.
• Whether you or the plumber supply it.
• The condition of the flange and the floor.
• The condition of the shut-off valve and supply line.
• Hauling away the old toilet.
• Time of day and day of the week.

Ask how the price is figured, what is included, whether there is a visit fee and what warranty applies to the labor.

Choosing a comfortable, quiet, easy-to-clean toilet

If you are not sure what to pick, a few things help. A skirted base, where the sides of the toilet are smooth, is easier to wipe than one with the trapway showing. Elongated bowls and comfort height suit most adults. A slow-close seat cuts noise. A larger flush valve of three inches clears waste better and clogs less. Read independent flush-test results, which measure how well a model clears waste, before you choose, and avoid buying on looks alone.

Ask whether the visit includes hauling away the old toilet and whether any local rules apply to disposal. Porcelain is heavy and awkward to carry, and many providers will take it for a small fee or none.

After the new toilet is in

• Test the flush a few times and watch the base for a day.
• Check that the toilet does not rock.
• Wipe the supply line and valve and look again the next day.
• Keep the receipt and the manual with the warranty.
• Do not use in-tank bleach tablets, which can harden the rubber parts.

Water-saving toilets and rebates

Many water providers offer rebates or credits when you replace an older toilet with a high-efficiency model. Programs change, so check with your water provider before you buy and keep the receipt and the model number. Look for the WaterSense label on the box, which marks toilets that use less water without giving up flush performance. Do not assume a rebate exists, and do not buy a toilet only for it, since the best toilet is the one that fits your bathroom and clears waste well. If you are replacing a toilet that is thirty years old, the water savings alone can be noticeable on the bill.

Replacing toilets in Rosemead homes

Many Rosemead homes are older and have been updated in stages, so measure the rough-in before you shop. Twelve inches is common, but older bathrooms can differ, and small bathrooms may need a compact elongated model. If the floor is being retiled, ask the plumber to check the flange height first.

California favors water-efficient fixtures, so check the flush volume stamped on any model you consider and ask your water provider about rebates, which change from year to year. In a condo or a shared building, check your association's rules for plumbing work and approved vendors.

About this referral service

Rosemead Toilet Help is a referral service and does not do plumbing work. When you call, you are connected to an independent plumber who sets their own prices and carries their own license and insurance. Ask about both.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know what size toilet I need?

Measure the rough-in, the distance from the finished wall to the center of the floor bolts. Twelve inches is most common.

How long does a toilet replacement take?

A simple swap often takes one to two hours. A damaged flange or a soft floor takes longer.

Should I replace an old toilet that works?

If it flushes well and does not leak, there is no need. Replace it if it is cracked, clogs often or wastes a lot of water.

Can I buy the toilet myself?

Many providers will install one you bought, but ask first, since some will not warrant work on a toilet they did not supply.

Do I need a new wax ring?

Yes. Any time a toilet is lifted off the floor it should be reset with a new seal.

Who comes if I call this number?

An independent local plumbing provider. This website only connects the call.

Other pages

• Clogged toilet help in Rosemead, CA
• Emergency toilet overflow in Rosemead, CA
• Running toilet repair in Rosemead, CA
• Toilet repair in Rosemead, CA