Can A Handyman Repair A Toilet?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,


A handyman can install a toilet, assuming the rules and regulations surrounding the building code where you live allows someone other than a plumber to perform this task

. In general, a handyman should be more than qualified to change a toilet provided he/she has had some training and have performed the job in the past.

What is the difference between handyman and plumber?

Obviously there are several differences between a plumber and handyman.

A handyman's services are appropriate for general maintenance of a home or building and a plumber deals with “the inner workings” of a home or business based on specific codes and safety regulations

.

Can a toilet be repaired?

Fixing a Running Toilet

With either problem,

the repairs are very easy to make

. All refill valves have methods for adjusting the water level, and flapper valves are easy to adjust or replace.

How long does it take for a plumber to fix a toilet?

Replacing a toilet is a simple and straightforward job, so you should be able to remove the old toilet and install the new one in about

two to three hours

. However, if you don't have a lot of DIY experience, you might want to add an hour or two to that timeframe.

How much does it cost to remove an old toilet and install a new one?

A plumber charges around $375 to replace a toilet. Most charge

between $275 and $480

. This typically includes the cost of removing and disposing of your old toilet. Note that the actual cost to replace a toilet depends on your location, the type of toilet, and the difficulty of the installation.

How long do toilets usually last?

can last for

up to 50 years

under average conditions. However, this doesn't mean that you won't need to spend money maintaining it throughout its useful life. Furthermore, there are many factors that could cause your toilet to fail in less than 50 years.

How do you fix common toilet problems?

  1. Make sure there's not too much slack in the lift chain. Adjust as needed.
  2. Check for a proper water level in the tank. …
  3. Make sure the flapper is installed properly and is the correct size and type for your toilet. …
  4. Get more information and tips with our video Fix a Weak-Flushing Toilet.

How do you fix a toilet problem?


Flush the toilet and look for a fill valve leak

. Lift up on the toilet float arm when the tank is filling to see if the water stops. Bend or adjust the toilet float arm so the tank stops filling when the water level is 1/2- to 1-in. below the top of the overflow pipe.

How do I fix a broken toilet?

How much does it cost to repair a toilet?

On average, it will cost from $45 to $197 to fix a toilet yourself or

between $130 and $310 to have professional repairs done by a plumber

. The average charge for a plumbing contractor is $72 to $82 per hour, which does not include parts or materials.

Who do you call for toilet issues?

The best rule of thumb to fix a broken toilet is to call

a plumber

. They can either come and fix the problem or walk you through the process to fix your toilet. In the end, getting professional guidance will save you from wasting your time and resources.

Do you need a plumber to fix a running toilet?

If you've fiddled around with the inside of your toilet and can't get it to work,

you should promptly call an expert Roto-Rooter plumber to have a look at it

. Every second you leave a toilet running, your water bill is adding up.

Is installing a new toilet hard?

Replacing and installing a new toilet

isn't as hard as it sounds

. All you need are a few hours, a helper and the right tools and toilet parts for the job.

How do you know if a toilet is bad?

  1. Constant Clogging. Nobody likes to deal with a clogged toilet. …
  2. Cracks. When you notice puddles of water around your toilet, you may want to check for cracks in the porcelain. …
  3. Plentiful Repairs. …
  4. Excessive Age. …
  5. Wobbling. …
  6. Inefficient Flushing. …
  7. Surface Damages. …
  8. Built-Up Mineral Deposits.

Can a toilet be defective?

Constantly running –

If your toilet is constantly filling with water or if it needs to fill with water even though you haven't flushed it, you likely have a problem

. This usually is the result of a defective flapper (yes, that's the actual name of it).

Can a toilet break?


A toilet's bowl and tank can crack easily from hard blows

, among other actions. Few home repair issues seem more urgent than a broken toilet. Knowing what causes a toilet to break may help you keep yours intact. Porcelain toilets can crack or break easily if you do not treat them with care.

How do you fix a toilet that won't flush without water in tank?

  1. Remove the toilet tank lid.
  2. Give the float arm a slight bend upwards.
  3. The float ball will move up and allow enough water into the tank. Keep an eye out for the ball remaining low after this; if it remains low, then the ball may need replacing.

What causes a slow leak in a toilet?

A toilet that cuts on and off by itself, or runs intermittently, has a problem that plumbers call a “phantom flush.” The cause is a very slow leak from the tank into the bowl. This problem is almost certainly caused by a

bad flapper or flapper seat

.

What causes phantom flushing in a toilet?

A phantom flush is a fancy phrase for a leaking toilet tank. It occurs when

water leaks out of the tank of your toilet (the back part), causing it to automatically refill with water

.

Where to poop if your toilet is broken?

If one of the three preferred options above isn't a possibility, and you don't have access to a toilet for a day or two, a “

cat hole

” can be an option. Cat holes, or personal use holes, are holes you dig in the ground and squat over.

Why does my toilet randomly run for a few seconds?

If your toilet randomly runs off and on for a few seconds, it is

likely due to a broken flapper

. While the flapper is supposed to drop down and re-seal the tank when enough water has gone through, a cracked or decaying flapper will allow water to keep flowing through and run periodically.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.