Common Toilet Installation Costs Factors in 2024

Looking to update your bathroom and replace your old toilet? Here is what you can expect to pay for the removal and installation of a new toilet based on these factors:

1) Toilet Types

When it comes to toilets, quite a few options are available for better flushing power to water efficiency. Here are the most common types on the market:

One-piece

A one-piece toilet comprises a single unit with a tank and a bowl. Since they are one singular piece, they are easier to install but are generally heavier as the components are not separate. However, since a one-piece toilet has fewer attachments and openings, it makes it more hygienic and easier to clean. They come in various styles and shapes with a price averaging between $250-3,000.

Two-piece

A two-piece toilet consists of a separate tank and bowl. This toilet style is incredibly common, meaning parts and available styles and designs are plentiful. A plumber will connect the two pieces before hooking it up to the plumbing. However, because the toilet consists of two separate pieces, some multiple gaps, and entryways can make cleaning difficult. Depending on material and features, a two-piece toilet can cost anywhere from $100-1,000.

High Tank or Wall-Mount

High tank or wall-mount toilets are mounted on the wall and use gravity to assist with the flushing. Their position is usually higher up on the wall to achieve this effect, resulting in higher installation costs. They will also save floor space and are ideal if you can’t accommodate a waste pipe through the floor. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500-2,500 for a high-tank toilet.  $1,000-3,000, avg: 1,000

Corner Toilet

Corner toilets are two-piece toilet that has a triangular tank that allows them to fit in the corner of a bathroom. Since their design is more specialized, fewer design options and features are available. Their unique setup also means they cost more than a standard toilet at around $400-1,000. 

Pressure-Assisted

Pressure-assisted toilets utilize a sealed pressure tank that traps air and uses the water supply line to compress the air to flush your toilet. These toilets are ideal if you are installing your toilet in an area below ground and you need to flush waste up into your sewer system. This system also greatly reduces the volume of your waste, but they are quite loud. A pressure-assisted system will run between $400-1200.

Smart Toilet

Smart toilets are computers attached to your toilet. They come with remote and phone controls, self-cleaning, lighting, heating and touchless or sensor flushing controls. They are designed to be connected to other smart systems in your home and can be activated through a wide range of devices. They are quite expensive, however, ranging from $700-2500+ depending on the type and features.

Waterless Composting

For those that don’t have access to a water supply line, you can install a “dry” toilet that composts waste instead of flushing. The toilet bowl sits above the tank which utilizes bacteria with ventilation to break down the waste below. A “dry” toilet can cost anywhere between $900-2,000 with money saved on water utilities. It is key that you install scents to overpower the smell.

Dual Flush

A dual flush system helps to conserve water by using a standard flush for solid waste and a low-flow flush for liquid waste. This can result in hundreds of dollars saved per month in addition to water conservation. However, dual flush toilets are prone to breaking down and will require more maintenance than typical toilets. Dual flush systems range anywhere from $300-1,500.

Low-Flow

A low-flow toilet uses less water per flush than a standard toilet, averaging around half the water used than a traditional toilet. A low-flow toilet uses anywhere from 1.3-1.6 gallons of water per flush, whereas a standard toilet uses around 3.2 gallons per flush. These toilets cost anywhere from $200-1,500 but can save you significantly more in utility bills in the long run. If you are looking for a low-flow toilet, look for the EPA Watersense label to find toilets that meet high-efficiency standards. 

Double Cyclone

A double cyclone toilet uses high-speed water streams to ensure more efficient flushing, although it is quite expensive. You can find a double cyclone toilet for around $700-1,200, which is more expensive to maintain and repair. 

2) Labor Costs

Labor costs depend on the toilet’s complexity and it’s difficulty. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 for a one-piece toilet install or $900-1,000 for a wall-mounted toilet. The more complex the job is, the more expensive it will be, and any additional work will run you between $70-200 per hour, so be prepared for a hefty bill if you want to install a complex toilet system. 

3) Brand

A hidden factor to consider is the brand of your toilet. Although it isn’t pleasant, you can expect to spend an extra $100-3,000 based solely on the brand of toilet you buy. For example, you can expect to pay an extra $210-800 for an American Standard toilet, which can balloon between $250-8,000 with Kohler. Similar brands such as Glacier Bay charge an extra $100-1,600, and you can expect other brand names such as Swiss Madison, Toto, and Delta to all charge an extra premium for their products. While this extra cost is meant to provide additional features, often you are simply paying for a brand name, so you should be careful about which brands you buy into.

4) Toilet Removal

Toilet removal is a necessary step of the installation process. It is quite common for a plumber to charge anywhere from $100-1,000 for toilet removal based on the job’s complexity. If the work appears difficult, you can expect to pay more. Extra work can add up to $75-100 per hour, and complex toilet removals may result in even more costs, but the plumber will usually dispose of the toilet for you, saving you a trip to the dump.

5) Flooring Replacement

When removing and installing your toilet, flooring must be moved or replaced alongside other elements in your bathroom, such as drywall. This will accrue additional costs ranging from $8-24 per square foot to replace. Drywall will cost anywhere from $50-100 per square foot to replace, depending on the material and the extent of the installation effort. However, there is a silver lining as replacing your floor can be a good time to spot any potential water damage or structural instabilities in your floor. 

6) Plumbing

Installing a new toilet will expose your existing pipework, and if you spot any leaks or corrosion, you may need those fixed before you can install your toilet. A plumber will charge anywhere between $75-150 an hour for these repairs, but it’s crucial you handle this as soon as possible before any water damage can potentially damage your home.

7) Location

The location of your toilet will impact your cost depending on whether it’s difficult to move or maneuver. If you live on the second floor or 12th floor of a building, you can expect a heavy labor cost compared to a building with no stairs. The more accessible a location is, the cheaper it will be. 

8) Size of toilet

Similar to location, the overall size of your toilet will impact your final cost depending on the size and weight of your toilet. The more difficult it is to move and install, the more expensive your labor costs will be. 

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you reduce costs:

Install Multiple Toilets at Once

Consider installing multiple toilets at once to save money on labor costs. Since your floor and walls are removed anyway, it is more efficient to install multiple toilets when compared to installing the same toilets at different times. Since it will be accomplished in a shorter time span, this will save you money. 

Contact Multiple Professionals and Get Additional Quotes

When shopping for a contractor, take quotes from as many sources as possible. Compare and contrast the services provided with the price you are paying. Healthy competition is also good, so negotiate a price point and mention their competitors to see if you can get a better deal. This can save you a great deal of money by shopping around first.

Professional vs DIY

The age-old question in home improvement, professional or DIY? In short, professional help produces the best results. It’s quick, hassle-free, and has a set time window without any dangers. However, calling a professional to handle all your projects is very expensive. So it’s best to mix in some DIY elements and balance the two. You don’t want to risk injury to yourself, but if certain things, such as repainting or fixture removal, can be done without a professional, do so. 

Tips for Buying a New Toilet

When looking at a new toilet, ensure these five elements before purchasing: 

• Ensure it has a quality flushing system
• Low noise when flushed
• Look for water-saving features
• Ensure durability
• Look for a comfortable bowl design 

At the End, is Replacing Your Toilet Worth it?

In general, yes, it is always worth it to replace your toilet. With newer models being introduced, water efficiency usage will provide a good return on your investment, and toilets are not that expensive. Newer models are also quieter when in use and are generally more durable than older ones. Replacing your toilet also helps you watch your home to see if there are any leaks or potential water damage. 

Many elements affect the final cost of your toilet, so don’t be fooled by the low initial cost. Plan accordingly to avoid paying too much for your toilet.