Best Toilet Repair & Replacement Contractors in Washington Ranked

A functioning toilet is essential for any Washington home, but issues from a simple running toilet to a major leak can disrupt your day and lead to costly water waste. Professional toilet repair and replacement services address these common problems, ensuring your bathroom operates efficiently and hygienically. This guide helps you understand typical toilet issues, when to tackle them yourself, and when to call a professional, providing clear information to connect with reliable local experts for your project.

South West Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Electric

825 S Stacy St, Seattle, WA 98134

South West Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Electric provides a range of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services in Seattle, WA. With over 40 years of experience, they offer plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs including hydro jetting and video camera inspections, as well as heating and air conditioning services. Their certified technicians handle everything from clogged drains and sewer issues to furnace repairs and electrical panel upgrades, serving the Seattle community with skilled and comprehensive solutions.

5.0

859 Reviews

Pioneer Plumbing CDA

spokane

Pioneer Plumbing CDA is a locally run plumbing service operating in Spokane, WA, and the surrounding Coeur d'Alene area. They offer a range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company emphasizes expert diagnostics and solutions aimed at protecting home plumbing systems, with capabilities such as whole home plumbing inspections to identify issues early and improve water quality. Pioneer Plumbing CDA provides transparent pricing and flexible financing options to support customers in managing essential plumbing repairs.

5.0

208 Reviews

Rooter-Pal Plumbing, LLC

11851 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034

Rooter-Pal Plumbing, LLC is a licensed plumbing company serving Seattle, WA, and nearby Eastside communities including Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, and Bothell. They provide a wide range of plumbing services such as water heater installation and repair, leak detection, drain cleaning with hydro jetting, sewer line repair including trenchless options, and foundation waterproofing. The company has over 10 years of experience serving residential and commercial properties in the area. Rooter-Pal Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency leak detection and plumbing services to address urgent needs at any time.

5.0

145 Reviews

Empire Drain Co

seattle

Empire Drain Co is a plumbing company based in Kirkland, WA, serving Seattle and the surrounding King County area. Since 2014, they have offered a range of plumbing services including drain cleaning, leak detection, and toilet repair for both residential and commercial clients. The company is equipped to handle emergency plumbing needs with 24/7 availability and employs licensed and insured plumbers. With over 10 years of experience, Empire Drain Co focuses on quality installations and reliable repairs.

5.0

132 Reviews

Ready Rooter

13222 SE 30th St Suite A-1, Bellevue, WA 98005

Ready Rooter is a plumbing and drain specialist serving Seattle, WA, and nearby areas. They offer a wide range of services including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, sump pump repair, tankless water heater installation, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. Their trenchless sewer line repair minimizes disruption while addressing sewer issues. The company is supported by experienced owners and technicians with many years in the industry. Ready Rooter provides 24/7 emergency services to assist customers whenever needed.

4.9

1.6k Reviews

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Common Toilet Problems in Washington Homes

Washington residents encounter a predictable set of toilet troubles. Understanding the symptoms can help you diagnose the issue and communicate effectively with a service provider.

• Running Toilet: This is often the most frequent complaint, characterized by a constant trickle of water into the bowl or the sound of the tank refilling intermittently. It's typically caused by a worn flapper that no longer seals properly or a faulty fill valve (also called a ballcock or float assembly) ^{1 2}. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per month, significantly impacting your utility bill.
• Clogged Toilet: A clog that a plunger can't resolve may require more advanced tools. Stubborn clogs can be caused by non-flushable items, excessive toilet paper, or mineral buildup in the pipes, common in areas with hard water ^{3 1}.
• Leaking at the Base: Water pooling around the toilet's base signals a broken seal. This is usually due to a deteriorated wax ring that seals the toilet to the drain flange on the floor. If ignored, it can damage your subfloor and bathroom flooring ^{2 4}.
• Weak or Incomplete Flush: A toilet that doesn't flush with enough force may have a low water level in the tank, clogged rim jets (the small holes under the bowl's rim), or an improperly adjusted lift chain ¹.
• Loose or Wobbly Toilet: This often accompanies a leaking wax ring and indicates a problem with the toilet's connection to the floor flange, which may be cracked or broken.

DIY Toilet Repairs: What You Can Safely Handle

For handy homeowners, some minor toilet fixes are straightforward and can save on a service call. Always turn off the water supply valve located on the wall behind the toilet before beginning any repair.

• Fixing a Running Toilet: Replacing a flapper or a fill valve are common DIY projects. After shutting off the water and flushing to empty the tank, these parts can be swapped out with basic tools. Replacement parts are widely available at any hardware store for $10-$30 ^{3 1}.
• Clearing a Simple Clog: A quality plunger is the first line of defense. For a more stubborn clog, a toilet auger (a specialized snake for toilets) can often reach and break up the blockage without damaging the porcelain. These can be rented or purchased ¹.
• Replacing a Toilet Seat or Handle: These are simple upgrades that require only a wrench or screwdriver. New seats range from $20 to $50, while handles are typically under $10 ³.

Important Note: While DIY can be cost-effective for minor issues, incorrect repairs can lead to bigger problems, like water damage from a poorly installed seal. Know your limits.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Certain situations require the expertise, tools, and experience of a licensed plumbing professional in Washington.

• Persistent or Complex Clogs: If a plunger and auger fail, the clog may be deeper in your drain line. Professionals have powerful motorized augers and inspection cameras to locate and clear the obstruction safely ¹.
• Any Leak from the Toilet Base: Repairing or replacing a wax ring involves removing the entire toilet. A professional ensures the new seal is installed correctly, the flange is intact, and the toilet is re-secured to the floor to prevent future leaks and water damage ^{2 4}.
• Cracked Porcelain: Hairline cracks in the tank or bowl can lead to sudden failure and flooding. Replacement is the only safe option.
• Full Toilet Replacement: Installing a new toilet involves removing the old unit, properly preparing the flange and drain, setting the new wax seal, and securely mounting the toilet. Ensuring a leak-free installation and proper waste line connection is a job for a pro.
• Issues with the Floor Flange: If the metal or plastic ring bolted to the floor (the flange) is cracked, corroded, or broken, it requires repair or replacement-a task that often involves working with the drain pipe itself ⁴.

Understanding Costs for Toilet Repair and Replacement in Washington

Costs can vary based on the problem's complexity, the parts required, and the plumber's hourly rate, which typically ranges from $85 to $230 per hour in Washington, with averages around $75-$80 per hour in the Seattle area plus materials ^{5 6}. Here's a general breakdown:

• Professional Toilet Repair: Most repairs fall between $100 and $400+.
  • Fill Valve or Flapper Replacement: $100 - $200 (parts plus labor) ^{3 5}.
  • Clearing a Stubborn Clog: $120 - $275 for professional snaking ^{3 7}.
  • Wax Ring/Flange Repair: $50 - $200, with costs rising if the flange itself needs repair ^{3 5 4}.
• Professional Toilet Installation: This involves both labor and the cost of the new fixture.
  • Labor: Typically $150 - $400+ for standard installation ^{5 8 9}.
  • Toilet Fixture: Prices range from a basic model for $100 to high-efficiency or designer toilets costing $450+ ⁸.
  • Total Project Cost: For a full replacement, homeowners can expect to pay between $400 and $850+ on average, depending on the toilet selected and any unforeseen complications ^{8 9}.

Choosing a New Toilet: Efficiency and Style

If you're replacing your toilet, you have more options than ever. Modern WaterSense-labeled toilets use only 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) or less, compared to older models that use 3.5 to 7 GPF. This can lead to significant water savings on your bill. Consider:

• Elongated vs. Round Bowl: Elongated bowls offer more comfort and are now standard in many homes.
• Height: Comfort-height (or chair-height) toilets are easier to use for most adults and are ADA-compliant.
• One-Piece vs. Two-Piece: One-piece toilets are easier to clean and have a sleek look but are often more expensive.

A professional can help you select the right model for your bathroom layout, water pressure, and personal preferences.

Maintaining Your Toilet to Prevent Problems

Regular maintenance can extend the life of your toilet and prevent common issues.

• Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: These corrosive liquids can damage porcelain and pipes over time. A plunger or auger is a safer first step for clogs.
• Only Flush the 3 P's: Toilet paper, pee, and poop. Even "flushable" wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels should go in the trash.
• Inspect Periodically: Check for subtle leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing after 15-30 minutes, you have a leaky flapper.
• Tighten Loose Bolts: Gently tighten any loose tank or base bolts to prevent rocking, but be careful not to overtighten and crack the porcelain.

Frequently asked questions

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