Best Toilet Repair & Replacement Contractors in Alaska Ranked

A functioning toilet is essential for any Alaskan home, but issues like constant running, leaks, or clogs can disrupt daily life and lead to water waste or property damage. Toilet repair and replacement services address these common problems, from simple internal part swaps to full fixture installations. This guide helps you understand typical toilet issues, when to tackle them yourself, and when to call a professional, providing the knowledge to find the right local service for your needs.

Drain Masters

2340 Azurite Ct Suite A, Anchorage, AK 99507

Drain Masters is a family-owned plumbing company serving Anchorage, AK, with over 20 years of experience. They provide a wide range of residential plumbing services including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, leak detection, and repiping. Their licensed technicians use advanced tools such as video camera inspections and trenchless sewer repair methods to diagnose and fix plumbing issues efficiently while minimizing property disruption. Drain Masters completes around 4,000 jobs annually and focuses on delivering professional service with a personal touch.

4.9

1.4k Reviews

Extreme Heating and Air

16805 Farm Ave, Eagle River, AK 99577

Extreme Heating and Air provides plumbing and HVAC services in Anchorage, AK, and surrounding areas including Eagle River, Big Lake, Girdwood, Palmer, and Wasilla. Their services cover water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, sump pump repair, gas line installation, and toilet repair. The company is known for its certified technicians who stay updated with the latest industry advancements. They demonstrated strong community commitment during the 2018 Anchorage earthquake by working extended shifts to restore heat and hot water. Extreme Heating and Air also offers 24-hour emergency service for urgent needs.

4.9

1.0k Reviews

Alaska Sewer and Drain

anchorage

Alaska Sewer and Drain is a locally owned plumbing company serving Anchorage, AK, and surrounding communities. With over 30 years of experience, they provide drain cleaning, sewer line repair, and toilet repair services for both residential and commercial customers. Their licensed team handles everything from routine maintenance to emergency sewer line replacements using advanced equipment. The company offers 24/7 availability to respond quickly to urgent plumbing issues, especially important given Alaska's challenging weather conditions.

4.9

429 Reviews

One Stop Services

2849 Porcupine Dr, Anchorage, AK 99501

One Stop Services is a plumbing company based in Anchorage, AK, serving both residential and commercial clients. They specialize in sewer and drain cleaning, repair, and inspections, including hydro-jetting and in-line camera inspections with fiber optics. With over 10 years of experience, they provide services such as rooter service, steam thawing, faucet and toilet repair, and pipe repair both above and below ground.

4.9

69 Reviews

LARRY MURRAYS DRAIN CLEANING

anchorage

LARRY MURRAYS DRAIN CLEANING is a plumbing service provider based in Anchorage, AK, serving the Mat-Su community for over 30 years. They offer a range of services including drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, hydro jetting, toilet repairs, and heat trace installation to prevent frozen pipes. The company uses modern tools and technology to address issues such as clogs, frozen lines, and plumbing troubleshooting. They provide 24/7 availability to handle emergencies and routine plumbing needs.

4.8

145 Reviews

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Common Toilet Problems in Alaskan Homes

Toilets are sturdy fixtures, but several common malfunctions can occur. Understanding the symptoms helps diagnose the issue.

• Running Toilet/Constant Water Flow: This is often the most noticeable problem, characterized by a hissing sound or water continuously running into the bowl after a flush. The usual culprits are a worn-out flapper that doesn't seal properly or a faulty fill valve that doesn't shut off ^{1 2}. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water, increasing utility bills.
• Leaks at the Base: Water pooling around the toilet's base signals a broken seal. The wax ring that creates a watertight connection between the toilet and the drain pipe (flange) in the floor can dry out, crack, or fail ^{1 3}. This leak can damage subfloors and require immediate attention.
• Weak Flush or Frequent Clogs: A toilet that doesn't clear the bowl effectively or clogs often may have a partial blockage in the trap or drain line. Sometimes, the issue is a malfunctioning flush valve or insufficient water in the tank ^{2 4}. Persistent weak flushes are not just an inconvenience; they can indicate deeper drainage problems.
• Loose or Wobbly Toilet: If the toilet rocks when you sit on it, the bolts securing it to the floor may be loose. More seriously, the flange itself-the piece that connects the toilet to the drain pipe-could be cracked or broken ^{3 4}. A wobbly toilet can compromise the wax ring seal and lead to leaks.
• Broken Handle or Seat: These are generally simple, non-urgent repairs. The handle mechanism inside the tank can break, or the seat can become cracked or loose. While easy to fix, finding exact replacement parts for older or unique toilet models can sometimes be a challenge ^{5 6}.

Step-by-Step Guide to Basic Repairs

Some toilet repairs are within a confident homeowner's skill set. Always start by turning off the water supply valve located on the wall or floor behind the toilet. Flush once to drain most water from the tank.

For Internal Parts (Fill Valve, Flapper, Handle):

1. Remove the tank lid and set it aside safely.
2. For a flapper: Unhook the chain from the flush lever and lift the old flapper off its ears on the overflow tube. Press the new one into place and reattach the chain with minimal slack.
3. For a fill valve: Disconnect the water supply line and the refill tube. Unscrew the locknut underneath the tank. Lift out the old valve. Insert the new valve, secure the locknut, and reconnect the supply line and refill tube ^{7 8}.
4. Turn the water back on and let the tank fill. Check for leaks and adjust the water level as needed.

For Replacing the Wax Ring (Addressing a Base Leak):

1. Turn off water and disconnect the supply line. Flush and sponge out remaining water from the tank and bowl.
2. Remove the plastic caps covering the bolts at the base and unscrew the nuts.
3. Carefully rock the toilet to break the seal and lift it straight up. Place it on old towels or a drop cloth.
4. Scrape away the old wax ring from the flange and the bottom of the toilet completely.
5. Inspect the flange for cracks. If it's damaged, it will need replacement-a more advanced repair.
6. Place a new wax ring on the flange (or on the toilet horn, depending on the type).
7. Carefully lower the toilet straight down over the bolts, applying even pressure to compress the wax ring.
8. Secure with washers and nuts, alternating tightening to avoid cracking the porcelain. Do not overtighten.
9. Reconnect the water supply, turn it on, and check for leaks at the base and supply connection ^{9 10}.

For Clogs: Start with a flange-style plunger, creating a tight seal in the bowl opening. Use forceful, consistent pushes and pulls. If the plunger fails, a closet auger (a specialized snake for toilets) is the next tool. Feed the cable gently into the bowl until you feel resistance, then crank the handle to break up or retrieve the clog ^{6 8}.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While DIY can save money, some situations require a professional's expertise, especially in Alaska where unique challenges like frozen pipes or remote home locations can complicate repairs.

• Persistent or Complex Leaks: If a leak at the base returns after a DIY wax ring replacement, the underlying flange may be broken or the floor may be uneven. Professionals have the tools and knowledge to repair or replace a damaged flange, which can involve cutting into the subfloor ^{3 4}.
• Major Clogs Deep in the Drain Line: When a clog is beyond the reach of a plunger or auger, it may be deep in the sewer line. Plumbers have powerful motorized augers and drain cameras to diagnose and clear these blockages safely without damaging pipes ^{2 6}.
• Full Toilet Replacement: Installing a new toilet involves heavy lifting, ensuring a proper seal, and connecting the water supply correctly. A professional installation guarantees it's done right, preventing future leaks and ensuring optimal performance ¹¹.
• Uncertain Diagnosis: If you can't identify the source of a running toilet, weak flush, or leak, a plumber can quickly diagnose the issue. Paying for an hour of diagnostic time can be more cost-effective than purchasing and replacing multiple incorrect parts ¹².
• Winter and Access Challenges: In Alaska, winter repairs can be urgent to prevent freezing. Furthermore, accessing parts or getting a plumber to remote locations adds complexity that professionals are equipped to handle ¹¹.

Finding Parts and Understanding Costs in Alaska

Sourcing Parts: Common repair parts like fill valves, flappers, handles, and seats are widely available at hardware stores throughout Alaska, such as Fred Meyer, Lowe's, or Ace Hardware ^{1 13}. For specialty parts, like specific flanges or components for older or discontinued toilet models, you may need to visit a dedicated plumbing supply house or order online. Local professional plumbers have direct access to these suppliers and can often source parts more quickly.

Cost Breakdown: Costs vary based on the repair complexity, the price of parts, and local labor rates.

• DIY Parts Only: A replacement flapper or handle can cost $20, while a complete fill valve kit may be $30-$50 ^{1 5}.
• Professional Labor Rates: In Alaska, average hourly rates for plumbers range from approximately $97 to over $125 per hour, plus the cost of parts ^{11 13}.
• Simple Professional Repair: Fixing a running toilet by replacing the fill valve or flapper typically costs between $100 and $200 total, including parts and labor ^{1 12}.
• Wax Ring/Flange Repair: Due to the labor involved in removing and resetting the toilet, this repair usually falls in the $150 to $300 range ^{3 4}.
• Major Clog Clearing: For severe blockages requiring advanced equipment, expect costs from $150 to $400 or more^{2 6}.
• Full Toilet Replacement: Labor for installing a new toilet averages around $190, not including the price of the new toilet unit itself, which can range from $100 to over $400 ^{4 11}.

Maintaining Your Toilet

Preventative maintenance can extend the life of your toilet and avoid emergencies.

• Avoid Flushing Non-Flushables: Never flush wipes (even "flushable" ones), feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or excessive toilet paper.
• Clean Gently: Use mild cleaners. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemical drain cleaners that can damage porcelain and internal components.
• Check for Internal Leaks: Periodically add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing after 15-20 minutes, you have a leaky flapper.
• Inspect the Base: Occasionally check for moisture or softness in the flooring around the toilet to catch wax ring leaks early.
• Tighten Loose Handles: A wobbly handle can be tightened by adjusting the nut inside the tank.

Frequently asked questions

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