Should You Hire a Plumber for Toilet Installation or DIY It?

There are many signs that may indicate that it is time to replace your toilet. Is the porcelain cracked or chipped or stained from hard water? Is it an old and awful color? Does it constantly run even after replacing the inward parts of the tank? If it is time to replace your bathroom toilet you may find yourself asking “Do I need a plumber to install a toilet?” Precision Plumbing in Calgary specializes in professional toilet installation, ensuring everything is done correctly and efficiently, but before reaching that conclusion there are a few points you may want to ask yourself: 

Do you have the necessary tools to complete the job? A wrench to tighten the nuts. A hacksaw in case you need to cut off the rusty bolts anchoring your old toilet. A screwdriver. A bucket to drain the water line and collect the excess toilet water before removing. A pair of gloves to scoop out the remaining water and clean away the old wax and debris left around the drain pipe. A tube of caulking and a caulking gun. 

Do you have the right parts in case the old parts are worn or rusted? New toilet bolts with plastic washers, metal washers, and nuts. Bolts to secure the tank to the base. A new wax ring to seal the base to the drain pipe?

Will your new toilet fit in the same footprint as your old toilet? Depending on your flooring you may want it to match up as close as possible to avoid seeing partial flooring that has been covered up over the years and is still darker than the rest of the room. You won’t want to see the outline of your old toilet base.

Do you have basic knowledge of the plumbing system in your home? Can you locate the main water valve in case you spring a leak? Can you install and replace other parts should they appear to be worn or faulty such as the toilet shut off valve?

Do you have the strength and the energy to carry the old toilet out of the house and possibly up or down stairs?

If you think you are prepared to tackle this job on your own but would like a little lesson first, then I highly recommend watching a video or two online to get a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have asked yourself the questions and you have decided to hire an expert, here are some of the costs to consider. Buying your own toilet or purchasing from your plumber is a matter of expertise and preference and cost. If you purchase your own toilet you may be able to save money by finding a deal. However, if that toilet has faulty parts or breaks down or leaks, you are solely responsible for its warranty and replacement costs and dealing with the store where you purchased it.

There may be more pros than cons to hiring a plumber to replace your toilet. A professional will make sure the toilet is level and doesn’t wobble when you sit on it. They will clean around the drain pipe and the flange and scrape away any leftover wax or sludge from the old fixture. They will remove and if desired dispose of the old toilet and carry in the new toilet. They will have all the appropriate tools and parts on hand. They will check for leaks. They will secure the toilet by tightening the nuts with the perfect amount of strength as they do this regularly so no need to worry about cracked porcelain. They will caulk around the toilet when finished installing. 

If you need toilet installation in Calgary, we are here to help! We are happy to install toilets supplied by our customers, or we can work with you and our suppliers to find the perfect solution for your home. We are just a call away!