The average cost of professional toilet flange repair ranges between $145 and $165. If your toilet wobbles but the bolts seem tight, you may have an issue with the toilet flange. This crucial component connects your toilet bowl to the pipes that carry wastewater away from your home.
A broken toilet flange can cause your toilet to wobble and create leaks, leading to expensive water damage. Fortunately, replacing a toilet flange is a relatively simple and inexpensive project. The biggest cost factor is whether you hire a professional contractor for your toilet repair job or if you do it yourself.
Note: The cost data used in this article was sourced from Angi and Fixr unless otherwise stated.
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Toilet Flange Replacement Cost Factors
The two biggest factors that contribute to the cost of a toilet flange repair or replacement are the cost of labor and the cost of the materials needed. Toilet flange replacement typically costs less than $200. However, as with any plumbing repair job, labor and material costs vary depending on the extent of the damage and the scope of the repair.
- Labor: The labor cost is how much the plumber charges to remove the old components and install a new toilet flange.
- Materials: The material cost includes the replacement flange and any required tools.
Labor
Labor costs cover old flange removal, new flange installation, and sealing to prevent leaks. Labor makes up most of the repair cost, and some plumbers may charge a flat fee for simple toilet flange replacement rather than billing an hourly rate. You can expect to pay around $45–$150 in labor out of an estimated total project cost of $60–$200. The cost may increase if the plumber finds a broken drain pipe or extensive water damage.
Materials
The two main material costs include the new toilet flange—also known as a closet flange—and the wax seal. You can get both parts for $7–$20 if you choose a stainless steel or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flange. Plumbers that charge a flat fee will generally include materials in the rate. However, the cost varies depending on the type of toilet flange.
If your project calls for a brass, copper, or cast iron toilet flange, you can expect to pay double or triple what you would for stainless steel or PVC. The cost slightly increases if you need an offset or 45-degree flange.
Cost by Flange Type
| Flange Material | Cost Range | Features |
|---|---|---|
|
PVC |
$5–$20 |
Most popular style that’s affordable, durable, and fully rust-proof |
|
Stainless steel |
$5–$30 |
Better sealing and durability than PVC with a slightly higher price |
|
Copper |
Up to $35 |
Durable, rust-resistant, and naturally anti-bacterial |
|
Cast iron |
$25–$40 |
Only used with cast-iron pipes, typically found in homes built before 1980 |
|
Brass |
Up to $75 |
Malleable but extremely durable but more expensive than other types |
Additional Toilet Flange Replacement Cost Factors
The complexity of your repair and extent of any damage can drive up the cost of toilet flange replacement.
Complexity
A plumbing system’s age, accessibility issues, and unforeseen complications can make it more difficult and costly to replace a toilet flange. For instance, the flange may be too damaged to easily remove, requiring the plumber to cut it out or access it from below.
Other Repairs
If your toilet was leaking due to a faulty flange, the surrounding flooring, subfloor, and drywall may have suffered water damage. Clean-up could increase the repair cost by several hundred dollars.
How Can You Save on Toilet Flange Replacement?
If you are working with a tight budget, here are a few ways to save money on a toilet flange replacement:
- Do it yourself (DIY) repair: If you are comfortable with basic plumbing tasks and have the necessary tools, you can buy the parts and learn how to fix a leaky toilet yourself.
- Shop around: Request quotes from multiple plumbers to compare rates. If you go the DIY route, shop for parts online to find the best deals.
- Bundle repairs: Consider bundling your toilet flange replacement with other plumbing or toilet repair projects. Having multiple repairs done at once may cost less than spreading them out.
DIY vs. Professional Toilet Flange Replacement
Here’s how to decide between tackling toilet flange replacement yourself or calling a professional plumber.
DIY Replacement
Replacing a toilet flange is a fairly simple DIY project. The biggest challenge is the toilet’s heft, which can weigh up to 120 pounds. To reach the toilet flange, you will need to move the entire toilet and set it on its side. If you cannot safely lift the toilet alone, have someone ready to help.
If you are confident in your ability to install a new toilet, you can likely replace a toilet flange with no problem. Many repair steps are the same. You will have to shut off and disconnect the water supply line, empty the bowl and toilet tank, remove the bolts that secure the base of the toilet to the floor, and gently break the seal.
Once you have set aside the existing toilet, replacing the toilet flange is usually an easy task. Materials for this project are generally inexpensive, and you can save money on labor costs with a DIY repair. However, replacing the toilet flange could take several hours, and you may remove your old toilet to discover that the problem is more complex than anticipated. In fact, you might decide that a complete toilet replacement is in order.
Professional Replacement
Some homeowners may find calling a local plumber or handyman worth the extra $150 you might save by handling this home improvement project yourself. Professional plumbers have the tools and expertise to accurately diagnose your toilet’s problem and fix it efficiently. Plumbers will know whether your job requires a permit and may offer a warranty on their work. If the problem ends up being larger than a leaky flange, you can benefit from having hired a professional.
The only disadvantages to hiring a plumber are the higher cost and the lack of control. If you call a plumber during a busy season, you may need to wait a few days or pay extra for service.
How To Hire a Professional Plumber
Hiring a plumber can vary depending on the resources available to you. If you have a home warranty, find out what your plan covers and how to file a claim. Home warranties often cover many plumbing issues, and filing a claim will save you the hassle of finding a plumber.
Ask friends and family for recommendations if you don’t have a home warranty. Browse online reviews and request quotes from a few reputable plumbers. Ask each plumber about availability and whether they offer warranties or guarantees. The choice of who to hire often comes down to availability and pricing.
Ensure that any plumber you hire is properly licensed and insured in your state.
Our Conclusion
Many homeowners can handle replacing a toilet flange on their own for $20 or less. Before going that route, consider your budget, DIY skills, and schedule. You may find the convenience of hiring a professional worth paying the extra $45–$150 in labor costs.
FAQs About Replacing a Toilet Flange
What causes a toilet flange to leak?
A broken, crooked, or faulty toilet flange or wax ring can cause a toilet flange to leak.
How do you know if your toilet flange is bad?
Here are a few clues that your toilet flange is bad:
- Wobbly toilet base
- Soggy flooring or subflooring
- Puddles around the toilet
- Water spots on the ceiling below
How often do you need to replace a toilet flange?
You should replace a toilet flange when it shows signs of wear or damage. Longevity depends on the flange type and how well it’s installed. You will likely need a new wax ring before a new flange.
What is the difference between a toilet flange and a toilet wax ring?
The toilet flange, made of metal or PVC, connects the toilet bowl to the sewer or waste pipe. The wax ring sits on the flange’s top, ensuring a watertight seal.
What is the purpose of a toilet flange?
The purpose of the toilet flange is to anchor the toilet’s base to the floor and connect the bowl to your home’s drainage system.