Last Updated on September 9, 2022 by acechapman
You may need a flange replacement if your toilet is wobbling or creaking and will cost you around $145 to $165, assuming there are no complications. A simple job that can be done by a plumber is to replace the toilet flange. If the toilet flange breaks or there is excessive water damage, however, you could end up paying thousands or hundreds of dollars.
How much will it cost to replace a toilet flange?
If you have the right tools and the muscle to lift the toilet out of the way, it will cost you $7-20 to replace the toilet flange. It is a significant saving compared to professional replacement costs of $145 to $165. But there are some things to be aware of before you get started.
First, you must have the right tools. This could include a saw or chisel to remove a broken toilet flange. A toilet that weighs up to 120 pounds can be difficult to move.
You might find it difficult to remove your toilet. The drain pipe or flange could need to be removed. It is possible that you cannot reach the drain pipe through the crawlspace or basement. If this is not possible, then you might need to remove flooring or concrete.
You may be facing more problems depending on the extent of your toilet’s leakage. Water damage can lead to tile replacement or walls and ceiling repair.
It is important to remember that replacing a toilet’s flapper may not be as simple as replacing the flapper.
Hidden problems can quickly become overwhelming and you have to accept that you are not qualified to complete the job. You can save yourself the trouble and have a professional handle the job. It’s relatively inexpensive and the expert will be able to handle any problem that may arise.
Price Breakdown for Toilet Flange Replacement Cost
You’ll be able to see how much it costs for a professional to fix your toilet’s flapper.
Materials
It is easy to replace a toilet flange with the right materials. These parts usually only include the flange and the wax seal. You’ll typically pay $7 to $20 depending on which flange material is chosen. Because they are so inexpensive, professionals include these materials in their labor costs.
Labor
The plumbers who repair toilets typically charge between $45 and $150. The cost of your services will vary depending on where you live. Rural areas are usually cheaper than urban areas.
Plumbers are required to pay overhead costs so they charge a fixed fee for the replacement of a toilet flange. This usually equates to approximately two hours at their hourly rates, but it may be higher if you have a more complicated project. Contact a local plumber for a quote.
Types Of Toilet Flanges
The flange is the metal plate that connects your toilet to the drain pipe and floor. You may be able to choose from a variety of materials when replacing yours. This will depend on your budget.
PVC
PVC toilet flanges have become the most popular because they are affordable, durable, and resist rust. If you buy one yourself, they cost between $5 and $20. However, if you hire someone to do the job, the cost of the flanges will most likely be rolled into their labor costs.
Stainless Steel
Another popular choice is stainless steel flanges. They are low-cost, rust-resistant, and long-lasting. These flanges are slightly more expensive than PVC with most pieces costing between $5 and $30.
Brass
Brass is also an option for toilet flanges. This material is a great choice if you want a durable product that will last a long time. They can run up to $75, depending on what style you choose. Your plumber will likely charge for this separately.
Copper
Copper is another option for your toilet flange. Because they are naturally antibacterial, they’re very popular. They are not as expensive as brass but can run up to $35. Plumbers will usually add this line item to your bill.
Cast iron
Cast iron toilet flanges can be used with cast iron pipes. It was extensively used before 1980 so you may need to select this type of flange. Cast iron flanges are usually $25-40.
What factors influence the toilet flange replacement cost?
It is usually easy to replace a toilet’s flange when it comes to toilet repairs. Costs will be determined by the material you choose, the difficulty of removing the existing flange to install the new one, as well as any additional work required to repair damage caused by a leaking toilet.
Type of Flange
Flanges can be made of many materials. The most popular include stainless steel, brass, and copper. The cost of your project will be affected by the type of flange that you choose. The cheapest flange costs around $5, while the most expensive is around $75.
Keep in mind that the material of your toilet flange will depend on the material of your plumbing system. PVC flanges cannot be installed on copper or cast iron pipes, for example.
The complexity of the Project
A plumber should be able to remove the toilet and replace it with a new one in less than an hour. It’s not always that simple.
A broken toilet flange may be too difficult to remove. The plumber might need to reach the toilet flange or drain pipe underneath in this instance. If this is not possible, the plumber may have to begin tearing up your flooring.
As many plumbers charge per hour, the amount of effort and time you put into your project will directly correlate with how much you’ll be charged.
Additional Damage
If you are replacing the toilet flange due to water seepage from underneath, there may be additional repairs that you need. It may be necessary to replace flooring or if water seeped into lower levels of your house, there may be other repairs that can be done.
Some of these repairs may be possible depending on the skills of your plumber. You may have to hire a general contractor or carpenter in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the toilet flange myself?
Even if your skills aren’t the best, you can do a DIY toilet repair. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you should try every repair yourself.
It seems simple to replace a toilet flange. It is not easy. However, it can be difficult to lift and requires critical thinking.
Is the wax seal required to be replaced if the flange has been replaced?
Yes, every time you move your toilet, you will need to replace the wax seal. Because the toilet’s movement will cause the wax seal to crack, the remaining wax will be useless. It is easy to replace a wax seal and it costs between $2-10 at most home improvement shops.
You will need to replace the closet bolts which secure the toilet to its flange when replacing a wax seal. They are typically 2.5″ to 3″ in length and must be removed once the toilet has been secured. They are usually too short to be reused if they have been cut.
What is the cost of a new toilet?
A new toilet can cost between $225 and $530. The price of the toilet, which can vary depending on its features and model, can run from $90 to $1500. Installing a toilet yourself can help you save money. You might hire a professional to help you with this task.
It is best to hire professionals to replace a toilet flange because of the complexity involved. It is not always as easy as “pop off the old one and put on a new one”. The flanges are either soldered (brass/copper), glued (PVC/ABS), or soldered (brass/copper). None of these can be reversed without years and repetition.
Wrapping up
You may need to replace the flange of your toilet because of age. Ask the plumber for discounts if you have all your toilets fixed in one go.
Many plumbers will offer a discount to first-time customers. Do not be afraid to negotiate with them about pricing.
Try to get as many quotes as possible before you commit to any contractor hiring.
You might be able to replace the flange yourself if you have some plumbing experience. The average DIY job for the toilet flange replacement shouldn’t cost more than $40, as we have already stated.
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