Best Toilet Repair & Replacement Contractors in Hawaii Ranked

A functioning toilet is essential for any Hawaii home, from a Honolulu high-rise to a quiet retreat on Maui. When issues arise-like a constant running sound, a leak at the base, or a weak flush-it's important to address them quickly to prevent water waste and potential damage. This guide provides clear information on common toilet problems, repair options, and costs specific to the islands, helping you decide between a DIY fix and when to call a professional plumber.

Oahu Jetting and Drains LLC

91-1663 Kaukolu St, Ewa Beach, HI 96706

Oahu Jetting and Drains LLC is a full-service plumbing company based in Honolulu, HI, serving both residential and commercial clients on Oahu. They specialize in drain cleaning and hydro jetting to address various clogging issues. Their services also include toilet repairs, valve replacements, garbage disposal installation and repair, leak detection, and other common plumbing maintenance tasks. The company offers emergency service and focuses on providing effective plumbing solutions to keep systems running smoothly.

5.0

153 Reviews

A-1 Budget Plumbing

honolulu

A-1 Budget Plumbing is a plumbing service provider based in Honolulu, HI, offering leak detection and toilet repair among other plumbing services. The company serves residential customers and provides fast, 24-hour emergency plumbing services. With over 50 years of experience, A-1 Budget Plumbing employs licensed and insured technicians who handle a range of plumbing issues efficiently. They are known for clear communication and reliable scheduling, often notifying customers before arrival to accommodate their schedules.

4.9

2.9k Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

2106 Lauwiliwili St Ste 101j, Kapolei, HI 96707

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup offers comprehensive residential and commercial plumbing services in Honolulu, HI. Their experienced team handles a wide range of plumbing needs, including sewer line inspections and repairs, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, and gas line installation. They specialize in trenchless sewer repair and provide emergency plumbing services available 24/7 throughout the year. With expertise in floodwater cleanup and mold remediation, Roto-Rooter is equipped to manage urgent water damage situations efficiently. Serving Kapolei and surrounding communities, they combine local knowledge with advanced tools like hydro jetting to address plumbing challenges effectively.

4.9

1.5k Reviews

535 Plumbing LLC

1130 N Nimitz Hwy Suite B-180, Honolulu, HI 96817

535 Plumbing LLC is a family-owned plumbing company based in Honolulu, HI, serving residential, commercial, and new construction clients. Founded in 2015 by Shane Mizusawa, the company offers a wide range of services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, and hydro jetting. They use advanced technology such as sewer camera inspections and pipe relining to diagnose and solve plumbing issues efficiently. 535 Plumbing is available every day, including holidays, and accommodates after-hours service requests to meet diverse scheduling needs.

4.9

597 Reviews

P & S Plumbing Honolulu

1714 Homerule St #1, Honolulu, HI 96819

P & S Plumbing Honolulu is a plumbing service provider based in Honolulu, HI, specializing in leak detection and toilet repair. They offer responsive plumbing repairs, including emergency leak detection and resolution, with a focus on thorough inspection and careful handling of homes. The team is known for addressing plumbing issues promptly, including after-hours emergencies, ensuring problems are diagnosed and fixed efficiently. Customers have noted their professionalism and clear communication throughout the repair process.

5.0

100 Reviews

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Common Toilet Problems in Hawaii Homes

Residential toilet issues in Hawaii often fall into a few predictable categories. Understanding the symptoms can help you diagnose the problem before you decide on a solution.

• Running Toilet: This is one of the most frequent complaints and a major source of wasted water. The sound of water continuously running into the bowl or tank usually points to a faulty fill valve or a worn flapper¹. A bad flapper allows water to leak from the tank into the bowl, causing the fill valve to cycle on repeatedly to refill it.
• Leak at the Base: Water pooling around the toilet's base is a clear sign of a broken seal. This is typically caused by a failed wax ring, which seals the connection between the toilet and the sewer flange on the floor^{1 2}. This leak can damage flooring and subflooring if not addressed promptly.
• Weak or Incomplete Flush: If your toilet requires multiple flushes or seems to lack power, the cause could be a partial clog in the trap or drain line, a misadjusted water level in the tank, or a flapper that isn't opening fully^{1 3}.
• Loose Handle or Wobbly Seat: These are generally simpler, mechanical issues. A loose handle often just needs the mounting nut inside the tank tightened, while a wobbly seat usually requires tightening the bolts that secure it to the bowl¹.

DIY Toilet Repairs: What You Can Tackle Yourself

Many common toilet malfunctions are straightforward enough for a confident DIYer to handle, saving on service call fees. Basic repair parts are widely available at hardware stores across the islands.

• Fixing a Running Toilet: Start by turning off the water supply valve located near the base of the toilet. The most common fix is replacing the flapper or the entire fill valve assembly. These are universal parts that cost between $10 and $30^{1 4}. Installation usually requires only basic tools like pliers and a sponge.
• Replacing a Wax Ring: If you've confirmed a leak at the base, replacing the wax ring is a manageable project. You'll need to shut off the water, disconnect the supply line, and remove the two bolts holding the toilet to the floor. After lifting the toilet clear, scrape off the old wax ring, set a new one (costing $2-$10) on the flange, and carefully reset the toilet¹.
• Tightening a Handle or Replacing a Seat: These are the simplest repairs. A loose handle is fixed by tightening the nut that secures it from inside the tank. A cracked or worn toilet seat can be replaced by unscrewing the plastic bolts at the rear of the seat; new seats range from $20 to $70^{1 5}.

Important DIY Note: Always ensure you have the correct replacement part by bringing the old one to the store for comparison. If at any point you feel unsure, especially when dealing with water supply lines or lifting the toilet, it's best to stop and call a professional.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While DIY can solve simple issues, some situations require the expertise of a licensed Hawaii plumber to ensure the repair is done correctly and safely.

• Complex Leaks: If the leak persists after replacing the wax ring, the problem may be a cracked toilet bowl or, more seriously, a broken closet flange (the pipe fitting that connects the toilet to the drain). Repairing or replacing a flange is a more complex job^{6 2}.
• Supply Line or Valve Issues: Corroded or leaking shut-off valves or supply lines should be handled by a pro, as they involve working directly with your home's water supply.
• Recurring Clogs or Slow Drains: A toilet that frequently clogs or drains slowly may have a blockage deep in the drain line or a venting issue, which requires specialized equipment like a drain auger or camera inspection to diagnose³.
• Lack of Time or Confidence: There's no shame in hiring a professional for any repair. It guarantees the work is done right and often comes with a warranty.

Plumbers in Hawaii typically charge hourly rates that can range from $45 to over $150, depending on experience, licensing, and the island^{6 7}. The total cost for a professional repair will combine this labor rate with the cost of parts.

Understanding Repair and Replacement Costs in Hawaii

Costs for toilet services can vary based on the complexity of the job, the specific parts needed, and the plumber's rates. Here's a general breakdown of what you might expect:

• Simple Repairs (Flapper, Fill Valve, Handle): These are often the most affordable fixes. A professional will typically charge between $75 and $200 for labor and parts to resolve a running toilet or replace a handle^{1 4 8}.
• Moderate Repairs (Wax Ring Replacement, Securing a Loose Toilet): Replacing a wax ring is more labor-intensive. Professional costs for this service usually fall between $50 and $200^{1 5}.
• Complex Repairs (Flange Repair, Multiple Issues): Addressing a broken flange, fixing internal cracks, or solving several problems at once increases the price. These jobs can range from $200 to $600 or more^{6 5}.
• Full Toilet Replacement: Sometimes, replacing an old, inefficient, or repeatedly failing toilet is more cost-effective than continual repairs. The total cost includes the price of the new toilet and installation labor.
  • Toilet Unit: A standard, efficient two-piece toilet can cost between $150 and $600+^{9 10}.
  • Installation Labor: A plumber typically charges $100 to $300+ to remove the old toilet, prepare the area, and install the new one^{9 10}.
  • Total Replacement Cost: Therefore, a full toilet replacement in Hawaii often totals between $250 and $900+, depending on your choice of fixture and the plumber's rates^{10 11}.

The Toilet Repair vs. Replacement Decision

How do you know when to repair and when to replace? Consider these factors:

• Age of the Toilet: If your toilet is over 10-15 years old, it is likely less water-efficient than modern models. Replacement can lead to significant water savings^{9 2}.
• Frequency of Repairs: If you are calling for repairs multiple times a year, the cumulative cost may soon exceed the price of a new, reliable toilet.
• Cost of Repair vs. Replacement: A common rule of thumb is to consider replacement if the repair estimate is 50% or more of the cost of a new toilet installation².
• High Water Bills: A constantly running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per day. If your bill is inexplicably high, a new, efficient toilet can be a smart investment.
• Cracks or Major Damage: Visible cracks in the porcelain or major internal damage almost always warrant a full replacement.

Modern toilets, especially WaterSense-labeled models, use significantly less water per flush (as little as 1.28 gallons) compared to older models, which can use 3.5 to 7 gallons¹¹. This efficiency is particularly valuable in Hawaii.

Finding the Right Parts and Professional Help

For DIY repairs, common toilet parts like flappers, fill valves, and wax rings are standard inventory items at major hardware stores and local plumbing suppliers throughout Hawaii. For professional services, it's advisable to get quotes from multiple licensed, insured plumbers. Be sure to ask what is included in their estimate (parts, labor, cleanup, warranty) and check for reviews or references from past customers on the island.

Frequently asked questions

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