What Does Toilet Installation Cost?

The cost to install a toilet typically ranges from about $300 to $800, which includes the cost of the toilet and professional labor for installation. Several factors can influence your total cost, including the type of toilet you choose, local labor rates and whether any plumbing upgrades are needed.

A toilet installation can be more or less than the normal range — from as low as $200 for a budget-friendly unit with a fast install to $5,000 or more for a high-end smart toilet. Here we break down the cost factors to consider when buying and installing a toilet.

Toilets come in a variety of styles, with a range of features that affect the price you will pay.

In addition to choosing a type of toilet, you will need to decide on certain features and characteristics that can affect price.

• Dual-flush vs. single-flush. Dual-flush toilets use two buttons for either a full or half flush, which reduces water use. In comparison, single-flush toilets have one lever or button and use the same amount of water with each flush.

• Flushing technology. The most common and least expensive is gravity flush, which uses the weight of the tank’s water to move waste. The other type is pressure-assisted, which uses pressurized air for more flushing power. The pressure-assisted option is more expensive and can require costly maintenance.

• Bowl shape and height. The most common shapes are elongated, round and square. Height measured from floor to top of seat is most commonly under 17 inches for standard toilets and 17 inches or more for chair-height toilets. Toilets that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should be between 17 and 19 inches from the floor^[0].

• Special design elements. For example, you might need a corner tank toilet that’s shaped to sit in a corner if you have a very small bathroom.

• Toilet seat. Not all toilets come with a seat. If you have to buy one separately, the typical price is $42, but it can range from $9 to $450.

Another factor to consider is brand. Some brands, such as Kohler and Toto, have a strong reputation for quality and durability — sometimes resulting in significantly higher-priced toilets than similar models sold by other manufacturers.

The labor cost to have a toilet professionally installed ranges from about $150 to $400 or more, on top of the cost of the toilet. Most standard toilet replacements take about one to three hours, if no unforeseen problems arise. Here are some factors that can add to labor costs.

• Adjusting plumbing or wiring. If you’re making changes — a different type of toilet or new location, for example — the additional labor could push costs higher. This is especially true if you’re installing a new smart toilet with features that require electrical access.

• Fixing damage. If plumbing issues or water damage are uncovered during installation, costs can rise quickly.

• Removing the old toilet. Some installers will haul away the old toilet at no cost, while others charge an additional fee ranging from $25 to several hundred dollars. Local regulations regarding disposal can affect this cost.

• Needing replacement supplies. For example, if your toilet installation requires a new flange, wax ring or water supply line, you will pay extra for these parts. Expect about $100 or less. 

• Get multiple quotes. Prices can vary significantly by service provider. Requesting at least two or three estimates from local plumbers or tradespeople can help you find the best value.

• Buy the toilet yourself. You may save money by purchasing the toilet directly from a home improvement retailer rather than through a plumber. Retailers do run specials on toilets. Just be sure to check with your installer to ensure compatibility.

• Choose a similar model. Replacing your existing toilet with a same-size and same-style model can lower installation costs. For example, if your old toilet was a two-piece floor-mounted unit, don’t switch to a wall-mounted model if you want to avoid paying for extra plumbing and structural work.

• Bundle home improvements. If you’re planning other plumbing projects—such as installing a garbage disposal or replacing a faucet—you might save on labor by scheduling them together. Some plumbers offer package deals for multi-fixture upgrades.

Replacing a toilet isn’t the most glamorous home improvement, so it may fall low on the list of home improvements. If it isn’t done specifically for a bathroom remodel, toilet replacement often occurs due to problems such as these.

• Frequent clogs or flushing issues.

• Cracks in the tank or bowl.

• Constant running or water leaks.

• Wobbling or instability at the base.

• A sudden spike in your water bill.

• Outdated design or poor water efficiency.

Even if your toilet still works, older models use significantly more water per flush — up to six gallons compared to today’s federal standard of 1.6 gallons — so upgrading could reduce your water usage and utility bills. Some modern models use 1.28 gallons per flush or less.

Toilets that are certified to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards receive a WaterSense label. The EPA says replacing old toilets with WaterSense models could save the average family about $170 a year in water costs, or $3,400 over the lifetime of the toilets^[0].

If you don’t have cash on hand for a toilet replacement, you have a few options:

A credit card can be an easy way to pay for lower-cost projects that you intend to pay off quickly, but be aware that credit cards tend to have higher interest rates than other financing options. When used responsibly though, credit cards can come with great benefits, such as 0% introductory APR periods that allow you to avoid interest for a set number of months or rewards so you earn cash back, travel or points. If you buy your toilet from a home improvement store, you will probably be offered a store credit card (if you don’t already have one). Before you accept that offer, compare to make sure you choose one of the best credit cards for home improvements.

Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer personal loans, with amounts usually from $1,000 to $50,000, although you can find lenders who will go as low as $250. You receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years. APRs are fixed and can range from 6% to 36%, with the lower rates typically going to borrowers with better credit.

A home equity loan or HELOC doesn’t make sense for just a toilet replacement, but may be ideal if you’re combining multiple upgrades, such as replacing a water heater or installing new bathroom fixtures.

Home equity loans and HELOCs tend to have lower interest rates than other types of financing, and possible tax benefits. Both options use your home as collateral.

• Home equity loan. This may be a good option if you won’t need ongoing access to money for additional home improvements. With a home equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically five to 30 years.

• Home equity line of credit. HELOCs work more like a credit card, so you have ongoing access to money as you need it. You usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit and pay interest only on the HELOC amount you use. Most lenders have an option for interest-only payments during that time, after which you’re required to pay both the principal and interest. HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time.