I’m with Charter Oak Plumbing, and I know how confusing toilet issues can be. Maybe your toilet runs all night. Or maybe it leaks at the base. You wonder: repair or replace? In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to watch for, common fixes, when a replacement makes sense, and what professional installation looks like in Connecticut. Whether you own a home, manage rentals, or run a building, I want you to make the best decision.
Sometimes a repair isn’t enough. Here are red flags that tell you a new toilet might be the smarter move:
- Wobbling or Unstable Base: If the toilet rocks when you sit, it could mean a damaged flange or rot under the floor.
- Frequent Clogs: Clogging more than once a week even when flushing only toilet paper? That is a sign your toilet design or flush power is weak.
- Constant Running or High Water Bill: A toilet that never stops using water wastes gallons every day. The U.S. EPA’s “Fix a Leak Week” shows even small leaks add up to thousands of gallons per year. EPA “Fix a Leak Week” teaches that worn flappers or fill valves are often the culprit. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Cracks in Bowl or Tank: Even hairline cracks can worsen and lead to major leaks or damage.
- Aging or Inefficient Fixture: Older toilets use more water. Newer “WaterSense” models use much less — good for your bill and the environment.
Common Toilet Problems & How to Fix Them
Before you replace your toilet, many issues have simpler solutions. These are things I see all the time, and fixes are often affordable.
Running Toilet
The toilet keeps running after flush. Often it is a flapper or fill valve issue. You might swap a part and fix it in under an hour. If it persists, professional help will check if internal sealings are worn or misaligned.
Leak at the Base
If you see water around the toilet base, the wax ring or flange may be failing. Temporary tightening won’t fix a worn flange. A plumber will remove the toilet, replace the wax ring or flange, and reseal properly.
Weak Flush / Partial Flush
If the flush doesn’t clear waste well, it might be mineral buildup in rim jets or low water level in tank. This is something you might try cleaning or adjusting on your own. If the issue remains, a replacement or recalibration of the tank’s parts might help.
Clogs
Disposable wet wipes, too much toilet paper, or shallow trap design can worsen clogging. Using a plunger or auger helps short term. If clogs happen often, you may need a better toilet design or a full install that supports higher flow.
Broken Handle or Chain
This is one of the easiest fixes. The handle or chain may be loose or broken. Swapping out those parts often fixes the issue. If you are not comfortable, we do these small repairs fast.
I believe in honest advice. Sometimes a repair is enough. Other times, a replacement is the better value over time.
- Repair is usually enough if the issue is isolated — like a handle, flapper, fill valve, or occasional clogs.
- Replace when the toilet leaks repeatedly, the porcelain is cracked, or the fixture is old, inefficient, or no longer meets code.
- If you want upgrades — water savings, higher flush power, or newer style — replacement gives you long term benefit.
I like when new models do more with less. Here are benefits modern toilets offer:
- Water savings: WaterSense models use less water per flush and still clean well.
- Better comfort: Taller (comfort-height) seats, soft close lids, dual flush options.
- Cleaner operation: Sealed flushing, easier to clean parts, less buildup.
- Eco and cost benefits: Less water usage means lower bills, and many local utilities in Connecticut offer rebates or incentives for high-efficiency fixtures.
If you call me to install a new toilet, here’s how I work. Knowing this helps you judge quotes and quality.
- Turn off water supply and drain the old toilet.
- Inspect plumbing components — the flange, supply line, waste line, and subfloor. If any part is damaged, I’ll replace it so the new toilet seats securely and won’t leak.
- Install a new seal/wax ring or a rubber seal depending on your situation.
- Set the toilet, bolt it down, connect the water, level everything carefully, and test flush multiple times.
- Clean up, seal around the base appropriately, dispose of old toilet if needed.
Working in Connecticut means following state plumbing and building codes. I make sure every installation is safe, legal, and done to code. Here are a few important rules that apply to toilets:
- Proper spacing: Connecticut follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC). Toilets must be installed with enough space from walls and other fixtures to ensure safety and comfort. Source: ICC Plumbing Code
- Backflow prevention: Drainage and toilet systems must prevent any chance of contaminating drinking water. The plumbing setup has to stop backflow or cross-connections. Source: CT eRegulations
- Water pressure: Toilets need enough pressure to flush effectively. Weak pressure leads to poor performance and frequent clogs. Source: CT eRegulations
Can I install a toilet myself?
Yes, a skilled DIYer can install a toilet with the right tools. You’ll need to shut off the water, remove the old toilet, replace the wax ring, set the new toilet, and secure all bolts evenly. The risk is leaks if the seal is not set right. A professional plumber brings experience to get the seal, leveling, and testing done properly the first time.
How long does a toilet installation take?
Most installations take one to two hours. If the flange or floor needs repair, it may take longer. A plumber checks all connections, tests for leaks, and disposes of the old unit. Homeowners save time and avoid potential water damage by letting a professional handle the work.
What is considered a plumbing emergency?
If water is flooding, sewage is backing up, or your toilet will not shut off, treat it as an emergency. Shut off the water supply immediately and call for help. Other problems, like a slow leak or running toilet, should still be repaired quickly but may not require emergency service.
What does toilet repair usually cost?
Minor repairs like flappers, fill valves, or handles are inexpensive. Larger issues, such as flange replacement or cracked porcelain, cost more due to labor and parts. The best step is to request a written estimate so you know what to expect before work begins.
When should I replace instead of repair?
If your toilet leaks often, has cracks, clogs regularly, or is more than 20 years old, replacement is usually the smarter option. Newer models save water and provide better performance. Repairs make sense only when the fixture is still in good shape and problems are isolated.
Can you fix a damaged toilet flange?
Yes. The flange anchors your toilet to the floor and connects to the drain pipe. If it is cracked or set too low, the seal will fail and cause leaks. We repair or replace flanges using reinforced materials so the base is watertight and secure.
Will a new toilet save money on water bills?
Yes. Modern WaterSense toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, compared to older models that use up to 3.5 gallons. Over a year, this can save thousands of gallons of water and lower your utility bills.
Do I need a permit for a toilet replacement?
In most of Connecticut, replacing a toilet in the same location does not require a permit. If new plumbing lines are added or moved, local codes may require one. A licensed plumber understands when permits apply and ensures work complies with regulations.
I want you to feel confident about your toilet issues. If you’re seeing leaks, hearing running water, or just wanting efficiency and comfort, reach out. At Charter Oak Plumbing, we handle installations, repairs, and full replacements. Call us today, and let’s make your bathroom reliable.
