Your toilet should be one of the most reliable things in your house. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and if you don’t consider immediate repair or a new installation, the delay could cause extensive damage to your home. But it can be challenging to know which problems you’ll need to call a professional for and which ones you can DIY yourself. Let’s dive into some of these problems and why Mr. Handyman should be your top choice for any plumbing issues. 

Mr. Handyman is your go-to contact for home repair and restoration in the Treasure Valley, and we have a team specializing in toilet repair and installation. Read on to see how our service professionals can help you today!

A white bathroom with a tiled shower. it is brightly lit and features a white sink, white toilet, and a round mirror.

Why Choose Mr. Handyman for Your Toilet Repair Needs

There are various reasons why Mr. Handyman should be your go-to choice for your toilet needs. From our dedicated customer service to our decades of experience, you can trust Mr. Handyman!

Experienced and Knowledgeable Professionals

Mr. Handyman's service professionals have years of training and experience to guide all of our repairs and toilet installations. With it, we can help guide you through any issue so you can rely on us at any step. Whatever the challenge, you can trust Mr. Handyman's professionals to handle it with precision and care.

Quality Results

From the initial assessment to the final inspection, you will find quality results in every step of our process. We carry out our work with precision and attention to detail so you are happy with each and every service. In addition, since our team has multi-faceted expertise, we’re more likely to find the root cause of your issues rather than placing a bandaid on the problem. By utilizing this approach, we guarantee you won’t have any more toilet issues for years to come. 

Exemplary Customer Service

Whether you’re simply calling to ask a question or need help installing a toilet, you’ll find that every Mr. Handyman professional delivers service with your needs at the top of our minds. We believe that we can only provide high-quality results by listening and acting on our promises. If you’re unsure of the service you will receive or have had communication issues with a prior service provider, take it from our satisfied customers.

Common Toilet Problems We Tackle At Mr. Handyman

Any toilet will break down with various issues over time and regular use. However, many issues can happen because of improper maintenance. These can range from minor to significant issues that Mr. Handyman’s team of professionals will quickly diagnose and repair. 

If you’re ever wondering if Mr. Handyman can handle your toilet issue, call us today! In addition, take a look at some of the work we’ve done in the past. 

With that in mind, let’s browse some of the many toilet issues Mr. Handyman service professionals encounter throughout the Treasure Valley.

Clogs

Clogs are some of the most common issues with toilets. They occur when non-flushable items, excessive toilet paper, or calcium and lime scale buildup prevent the natural flow of water when a toilet flushes. If it’s minor enough, you can use a plunger to unclog a toilet. However, left unaddressed, major clogs can cause severe issues in the rest of your plumbing system, potentially leading to a burst pipe, leaks, overflows, and water damage.

Clogs can also occur in your pipes, which may back up into your toilet. No matter the location and extent of the clog, Mr. Handyman professionals will utilize their experience, knowledge, and the proper tools to clear stubborn blockages effectively. 

Slow or Improper Flushing

Many homeowners may shrug off their toilet’s subpar flushing performance, but it could indicate a larger issue, including a blockage in your pipes, low water levels in the tank, or deterioration of different parts in the toilet tank. Mineral deposits accumulated in the jet holes and siphon tubes may also deteriorate the flushing power. No matter the cause, Mr. Handyman's professionals will inspect the toilet's internal components, such as the fill valve, flush valve, and flapper, to ensure they function correctly. 

Worn-out Parts

Over time, your toilet's handle may loosen and become unresponsive, the flapper valve degrades, and various washers and bolts may corrode, causing a leak at the toilet's base or within the tank. All of this is entirely natural, but you must address it immediately as you do not want a dysfunctional toilet that causes more damage to your home. 

At Mr. Handyman, we provide high-quality replacement parts for most toilet models to correct these issues. With these parts, we can extend your toilet's lifespan and prevent further damage to your house. 

Cracked Lids, Bowls, and Tanks

Since most toilets are porcelain, cracks may appear in any part of the toilet — from the lid to the bowl and tank. Cracks in the lid are often cosmetic, and you may only need to replace the lid without any further issues. Cracks in the tank or the bowl can render the entire toilet unusable and may cause the toilet to leak, leading to water damage.

Mr. Handyman professionals will often evaluate the size and extent of the crack. If it’s minor enough, we may use a waterproof sealant to avoid additional repairs and damage. If it’s severe enough, especially in the tank and bowl, we will suggest replacement of the affected part or the entire toilet if necessary. These installations are durable enough to stand the test of time, so you won’t have to worry about replacements for years to come. 

Leaks

As previously mentioned, leaks can be caused by several different issues in your toilet, from worn-out parts to cracked lids. However, leaks in your toilet could also indicate damage to the supply line. If you don’t find the true source, you may also have to deal with water damage and mold, which can endanger your family and pets, as well as lead to further more extensive repairs. 

Fortunately, Mr. Handyman has plenty of experience finding the true source of toilet leaks. They will investigate and identify the cause, replace damaged parts, or tighten loose connections. With meticulous attention to detail, we can prevent this issue from growing any further. 

Poor Insulation 

Toilets that are either defective or too worn will lose their insulation over time, causing condensation to form on the outside of the tank. This occurs when the water inside the tank is much cooler than the warmer, humid air in the bathroom. This issue will worsen as time passes, causing more condensation to form and drop to the floor below. While this may seem minor initially, it's best to act before any of this accumulated water causes water damage to your flooring and other bathroom fixtures. 

There are a few options that can be considered for this concern, however, if the issue is more severe, we may need to replace your toilet with a new model with better insulation. Ultimately, we will tailor our recommendation based on the household's specific needs and the extent of the issue to ensure that you can have a functioning and aesthetically pleasing toilet. 

A white toilet in an all white tiled bathroom.

When to Install a New Toilet

While all of Mr. Handyman's service professionals can remediate many of these issues presented with toilet issues, there are circumstances when replacing the entire toilet may be more feasible. These circumstances include:

  • Persistent issues: If you repeatedly need to repair issues such as clogs or replace worn items, replacing the entire toilet may be more cost-effective so you don’t have to continue repairing it or paying to have it repaired. 
  • Inefficient water use: If your toilet isn’t properly flushing, even after a repair, it may be necessary to replace it so you can have a properly functioning toilet.
  • Sustainability concerns: Many older toilets aren’t environmentally conscious and use more water than flush toilets. You can choose to replace your toilet with a more environmentally friendly model.
  • Design updates: If you’re remodeling your bathroom, a toilet can diminish the aesthetics if you don’t match it with the overall design, requiring a replacement. 
  • Too worn or outdated: Over time, a worn toilet may become less efficient and require consistent replacement of parts. However, if you properly maintain your toilet, it can last up to 50 years. If your toilet is older than that or shows signs of excessive wear, it may be time to replace it.

No matter why you want to replace it, Mr. Handyman can help install your toilet quickly and efficiently. Although you can replace a toilet on your own, it’s common to experience leaks and other issues if you don’t have experience with it. On the other hand, our team has years of experience, so you won’t have to worry about lingering issues and we can have it done in no time at all!l  

Toilet in the midst of flushing.

Call Mr. Handyman Today for All Your Toilet Questions and Needs!

If you live in the Treasure Valley and need help with your toilet, call Mr. Handyman today or fill out our contact form! We will resolve any issue — big or small — in no time so you can have your porcelain throne functioning at its best once again. 

Client Testimonial

“We had 3 toilets needing to be replaced. With no time to do it ourselves and no desire to pay a plumber we called Mr. Handyman of Boise. Everything turned out great and as an added bonus I was pleased with how clean the caulking/finish work looked and that the old toilets were hauled away. 10/10 recommend!” ~ Crystal T., Meridian ID

FAQs About Toilet Repair and Installation

What Are the Common Toilet Issues Mr. Handyman Fixes? 

Mr. Handyman often fixes leaks at the base or in the tank, clogged or slow-flushing toilets, cracked toilets, and worn-out toilet parts. 

How Do I Decide Which Toilet to Install? 

The toilet you want to install depends on your budget, how efficient you want the toilet to be, and the size of the toilet. You should measure the space in your bathroom and read reviews before deciding. A Mr. Handyman professional can also help you decide based on your plumbing system and other requirements. 

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Toilet? 

The cost can vary widely depending on the type of toilet and how complex the installation requires. Basic models start around $100, with high-end models costing $1,000 or more. Installation costs can range greatly based on the need for additional plumbing or water damage repair that the previously damaged toilet may have caused. Contact our office to receive an over the phone estimate today

When Should I Hire a Professional? 

While DIY toilet repairs and installations may save you money in the short term, you may make a mistake that can cause even more significant issues in your plumbing systems and home. Mr. Handyman has service professionals with years of experience and expert knowledge of plumbing systems who know how to avoid these mistakes. Anytime is a great time to hire our professional installers!

How Long Does It Take to Repair or Install a Toilet?

A straightforward replacement will generally take an hour or two. In contrast, depending on the complexity and unforeseen issues, such as old plumbing or accessibility challenges, it may increase the time by an hour or more.

Are There Eco-friendly Toilets?

Yes! Mr. Handyman can install eco-friendly toilets with the EPA’s WaterSense label, which are 20% more water-efficient than standard models without sacrificing performance. These toilets use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush. This is a great option when a new installation is needed.

How Should I Prepare My Home for a Toilet Installation? 

Clear the bathroom area for access, check if shut-off valves are working or if you need to install new ones and clean the floor and mounting area if possible.

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