How Much Labor Cost to Install a Toilet
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In this guide
Toilet Calculator
Toilet Costs by Type
Toilet Prices by Style
Toilet Bowl Price
Toilet Prices by Brand
Labor Costs to Install a Toilet
Toilet Height
Toilet Flushing
Toilet Trapway
Toilet Rough-in Dimensions
Waste Pipe Installation
Water-saving Toilets
Smart Toilet Cost
Toilet Removal Cost
Cost to Install a Toilet in Basement
Cost to Move a Toilet
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Additional Considerations
FAQs
Toilet Calculator
The cost to install a toilet will vary depending on where you live, as well as what style you are installing. The standard two-piece toilet tends to cost less, while less conventional and more contemporary styles more. You can also expect to pay a premium for any color other than white. Toilets are simple to install, so labor will be a relatively small amount of the total toilet installation cost. Older units may have supply lines or valves that cannot be reused in an installation, which results in a slightly greater cost to replace a toilet. This toilet calculator will provide you with installation and material costs based on your location and requirements.
Toilet Calculator
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See Toilet Calculator Breakdown
Cost
Material
1.6-gallon one-piece toilet, including a seat
$234
Material
Low-consumption American Standard one-piece toilet, vitreous china, including a seat with a 2-bolt cap
$546
Labor
Installing a one-piece toilet
$69
Material
Silent-flush Kohler one-piece toilet, 2" fully glazed trapway, polished chrome trip lever, including a seat
$1,469
Labor
Installing a one-piece toilet
$69
Total
$234
$615
$1,538
Toilet Costs by Type
While a toilet may seem pretty straightforward, there are various types to choose from, and the type you select has a big impact on the final cost of your installation. Basic toilets can be purchased for just $100 - $300, but pressure-assisted toilets can cost much more, and eco-friendly waterless toilets are the most expensive of all. Different models have different pros and cons:
| Toilet | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Gravity-fed ($100) | Inexpensive Does not require stack line Effective on upper floors | Needs lots of water to be effective Not as eco-friendly Cannot be used on ground floors or basements |
| Vented ($100) | Inexpensive Uses less water Very efficient | Requires a stack line Not as effective in basements |
| Dual-flush ($180) | Eco-friendly Provides options | Fewer styles to choose from |
| Pressure-assisted ($250) | Very effective Can be installed in basements | Very loud Uses a wider tank Not eco-friendly |
| Double-cyclone ($500) | Keeps the bowl cleaner Very effective flushing action | Expensive Fewer styles to choose from |
| Macerating ($600) | Can be installed anywhere Does not need a waste pipe | Few styles to choose from Expensive Requires room in walls |
| Waterless ($900) | Eco-friendly Can be installed anywhere | Expensive High-maintenance |
Gravity-fed Toilet
Gravity-fed toilets are one of the most common types of toilet. They literally use gravity to pull the waste through the pipes along with large amounts of water. As water amounts per flush have dropped from 6 gallons to just around 1 gallon, however, they are often no longer effective. A gravity-fed toilet costs $100 on average.
Vented Toilet
Vented or vacuum-assisted toilets push a gust of air through your vent pipe prior to opening for the waste. This gush of air creates a vacuum that pulls the waste through. This is a good solution for toilets on the first floor of a structure. They require a stack line, which must exceed the height of the roof by two feet in order to be effective. The average cost of a vented toilet is about $100.
Dual-flush Toilet
Dual-flush toilets are ideal for people who want to save water. They use a water-saving flush for liquids only and a standard flush for solid waste. They usually have two buttons in place of a lever, which is located on top of the tank to allow you to choose which flush you want. A dual-flush toilet costs about $180.
Pressure-assisted Toilet
Pressure-assisted toilets utilize street-pressured water to push your waste through the pipes. Use them in basements or other areas where the waste must travel up. They are noisy with a sound often described as a plane taking off when flushed. Expect to pay around $250 for a pressure-assisted toilet.
Double-cyclone Toilet
Otherwise known as the "self-cleaning toilet," this toilet uses jets to circulate the water through the bowl in a cyclone motion, cleaning it and pushing everything to the exit. These toilets are not as readily available and not made by every manufacturer. Homeowners typically pay about $500 for a double-cyclone toilet.
Macerating Toilet
Macerating toilets are a great idea for slab installations or areas where you do not have a traditional waste pipe. They cut up the waste into small particles before pushing them through. Macerating toilets can be installed literally anywhere and use tubes and pipes in the walls instead of a standard waste pipe. A macerating toilet costs around $600 on average.
Waterless Toilet
Waterless or composting 1 toilets are a way to install a toilet where you do not have any plumbing. Instead of using water, you use organic compounds to compost 1 the waste, which can be used to fertilize non-edible plants. They are frequently installed in RVs and outdoor areas but are becoming an increasingly popular option for some interior bathrooms as well for homeowners who want a greener option. A waterless toilet is the most expensive kind, with many models retailing for around $900.
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Toilet Prices by Style
Toilets come in a wide range of styles and colors that you can use to complete your bathroom design. Many fixture manufacturers make bathroom "suites" where the detailing of the toilet matches that of the sink, tub, and even faucets. This can be used to quickly create a cohesive bathroom design, although you pay a premium for these designer fixtures.
You also pay a premium for any color other than white. Most manufacturers have their own white, with some toilet manufacturers making two or three whites to coordinate with the sinks or tubs of other brands. Biscuit, almond, cream, or other shades cost more.
Beyond the way that a toilet looks, its style can also impact other things such as how it feels, how easy it is to clean, and how it fits into a room. That is where different toilet "styles" can change.
There are a few different toilet styles that you may want to consider. The first is a two-piece toilet. This is a standard toilet where the bowl and tank are two separate pieces bolted together. It is less expensive but usually taller and more traditional looking.
A one-piece toilet is a single molded piece where the tank and bowl are already connected. It has a shorter back and more contemporary look. The choice between a two-piece and one-piece toilet usually comes down to looks and cost, but one-piece toilets are also easier to install and clean.
Wall-hung toilets are another contemporary design. They have a carrier installed inside the wall that they hang from, so the tank is usually concealed. They can work well in contemporary spaces, as well as small bathrooms where seeing the floor beneath the bowl makes the room appear larger.
A less common style that can also be helpful to some is the corner toilet. This toilet has a normal bowl but a tank that extends to a corner in the back, allowing it to be installed in corners to save space.
Another less common style of toilet is the stainless steel toilet. This toilet - and in some cases toilet/sink combo - is made entirely out of stainless steel, which can give your bathroom a very modern look. These are also easy to keep clean and will not chip or develop faults in the finish like a china toilet will.
In some extremely high-end homes, you may also find toilets that have been plated in gold or another precious metal. While expensive, they provide a very interesting appearance in the room.
| Toliet style | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Two-Piece | $250-$750 |
| One-Piece | $500-$1,300 |
| Corner | $500-$1,500 |
| Wall-Hung | $800-$2,500 |
| Stainless Steel | $800-$3,000 |
Two Piece Toilet
A two-piece toilet is the simplest and most affordable style of toilet you can find. This toilet features two separate pieces: the bowl and the tank. It is classic and traditional and costs between $250 and $750.
One Piece Toilet
A one-piece toilet is the next step up in terms of appearance and design from a two-piece toilet. With this toilet, the bowl and tank are connected to form one single, seamless piece. Many people appreciate the more modern and stylish aesthetics of a one-piece toilet over the more traditional two-piece model. One-piece toilets are also easier to clean and cost between $500 and $1,300 on average.
Corner Toilet
Corner toilets are not too common but can be useful in smaller bathrooms and certain settings. A corner toilet is designed to fit in the corner of the room. They have a regular-shaped bowl, but the tank extends around at an angle at the back, allowing the toilet to be installed snugly in the corner, saving space. These toilets cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500.
Wall Hung Toilet
A wall-hung toilet is one that is built into the wall. To install them, part of the wall is removed, and the tank is fitted inside. The wall is then replaced to hide the tank, and the bowl is hung on the outside of the wall. These toilets are great for space-saving, taking up less room since the tank is hidden away. They are popular due to their modern designs and cost between $800 and $2,500.
Stainless Steel
Instead of classic ceramic toilets, some people like the idea of metal-plated toilets. You can find some models that have been plated with stainless steel for an industrial or high-end look. They are very modern and easy to clean. Plus, the steel is strong and durable, so it will not develop stains, chips, or breakages in the same way ceramic or china would. These toilets range from $800 to $3,000.
Toilet Bowl Price
Most toilets come with a selection of bowl shapes as well. The shape of the bowl can influence both the comfort to the user and how well the toilet fits into a space. Toilet bowls come in three shapes:
Elongated Bowls
Elongated bowls have an oval-shaped bowl that extends farther. They are more comfortable to sit on, but they take up more room. So in small bathrooms, they may not pass code or may appear to be too large.Elongated bowls are slightly more expensive than other bowl types, so expect to pay between $150 and $400 for a toilet with a standard elongated bowl.
Round Bowls
Round bowls have a perfectly round front that is shorter and does not extend as far. It is less comfortable to use but fits better in small bathrooms. A basic toilet with a round bowl usually costs around $100 to $300.
Compact Elongated Bowls
Compact elongated bowls are a compromise between the above two styles. They are less common and more difficult to find, but they have a smaller profile than elongated bowls while fitting better into small spaces. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $400 for a standard toilet with a compact elongated bowl.
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Toilet Prices by Brand
While most bathroom fixture manufacturers make at least one toilet, there are a few manufacturers that most people trust:
| Manufacturer | Attributes | Average costs |
|---|---|---|
| Eljer | Corner toilets available Range of colors available Range of flush technology | $100-$300 |
| American standard | Suites available Range of flush technology Some color choice | $100 -$400 |
| Kohler | Many suites available Designer styles Many colors | $100-$800 |
| Toto | Many designs available Modular roughs available Advanced flush technology Eco-friendly options available | $200-$1,000 |
| Saniflo | Specialist in compact toilets Many designs to choose from Great brand for macerating toilets Eco-friendly models | $300-$1,200 |
Labor Costs to Install a Toilet
Toilets are a very simple thing to install. As long as the waste pipe is in good condition, the installation consists of setting a new wax ring around the pipe, placing the toilet, locking it down, and connecting the supply hoses. This takes 1 to 2 hours on average, at a rate of $45 to $65 an hour. This makes installation costs between $45 and $130, with around $90 to $100 as the average. Keep in mind that these costs do not include the supply lines or valves, and if the older ones cannot be reused, they must be replaced with new models.
If the waste pipe needs to be replaced or there are other issues, then expect a longer installation, which will cost more.
Toilet Height
When discussing the height of a toilet, in most cases, this refers to the height of the seat. The height of the tank or back of the toilet can be a personal taste for style, but it is the seat height that really matters.
Most toilets have a seat height of 15 inches from the floor to the rim, not including the seat. This is known as the "standard height."
This is the most commonly sold toilet height in the US. However, in the last decade, a different height toilet known as the "universal height" or "comfort height" has also become available in most brands and styles.
In a universal height toilet, the rim-to-floor measurement is 17 inches, which is the height of a chair when you include the seat. This means that you do not need to bend your knees as far to sit down, making it more comfortable for most users. Tall users and people with mobility problems benefit the most from this height, but nearly anyone can use it.
A short toilet aimed at children is also available from a few manufacturers. It has a rim-to-floor height of 12 inches, but it is very uncommon because children grow out of it quickly.
Toilet Flushing
Toilets flush in different ways. Most use the flapper system, which operates by pulling a chain to lift the flap and let water into the bowl, which in turn pushes waste out. These standard toilets cost between $100 and $400 on average. Tower systems use an enclosed mechanism, which is more efficient and powerful at flushing. For these toilets, expect to pay between $150 and $600.
In addition, dual-flush systems are available, which change the amount of water used with each flush. Dual-flush toilets cost between $100 and $600 on average. Liquid only uses less water than solid waste. This system usually operates with a pair of buttons that allow you to customize the flush. You will pay between $200 and $600 for these toilets.
Touchless flush systems are available as well, using two methods. In one, a sensor 2 located above the toilet detects movement and activates the flush valve when you stand. In the other method, closing the lid of the toilet seat flushes the toilet for you with no additional valve or lever necessary. Touchless flush toilets tend to be more expensive, costing between $400 and $1,200.
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Toilet Trapway
The trap or trapway is the pipe that the waste travels through to exit the toilet. In a standard toilet design, the trapway is exposed and merely glazed over with the same porcelain finish as the rest of the toilet. This can make the sides of the toilet difficult to clean, as the top of the trapway tends to collect dust.
A skirted toilet smooths out the sides of the trapway for a sleek finish. This makes the toilet easier to keep clean.
A concealed trapway is similar to a skirted trapway but actually hides the trap inside a rounded base with a removable cover you can access. Concealed trapway toilets have moveable sizing inside the concealment, so they fit in multiple spaces.
Toilet Rough-in Dimensions
One of the most important, but often overlooked, measurements of a toilet is the rough or rough-in. This is the measurement of how far the waste pipe in your floor is from the wall. In the past, toilet waste pipes popped up anywhere, and the toilet was modified to fit. Today, they come in three sizes - 10-inch, 12-inch, and 14-inch, with 12-inch being the most common or "standard" size.
To find a toilet's rough-in measurement, measure from the finished wall above the baseboard to the center of the bolt cap on the floor. If it measures 9 to 10 inches, this is a 10-inch rough, 11 to 12-inches indicates a 12-inch rough, and 13 to 14 inches indicates a 14-inch rough.
Concealed trapway toilets fit any of these measurements because the trap can move inside the concealed portion to fit differently sized roughs. Other toilets must be purchased to fit the size of the rough-in measurement to ensure a good fit.
Waste Pipe Installation
Sometimes the waste pipe of an existing toilet has corroded and needs to be replaced. Other times, you may wish to move the waste pipe to a new location in the room. This raises installation costs considerably. Installation will take closer to 6 to 8 hours at $45 to $65 an hour, and the pipe itself costs about $150, for a total of $420 to $670.
Water-saving Toilets
Many homeowners consider installing a water-saving toilet to reduce the amount of money they spend on water bills and also to have a more eco-friendly home. A water-saving toilet is designed to use much less water per flush. Non-water-saving toilets use up to 7 gallons per flush, but high-efficiency water-saving toilets use about 1.3-1.6 gallons. Expect to pay between $100 and $600 for this toilet, but you can save a lot of money in the long run due to the lower water bills.
Smart Toilet Cost
Smart toilets are high-tech, modern toilets with a range of extra features and technological advantages when compared to classic toilets of the past. They come with various heights, hidden trapways, hands-free flushing, self-cleaning modes, and even remote controls to adjust the water spray or heat the seat. Smart toilets cost anywhere from $600 to $8,000.
Toilet Removal Cost
If you have an old toilet you need removed to make way for a new one, it is best to call a professional. Labor costs vary depending on where you live and the toilet type, but most plumbers charge an average of $30 to $60 to remove an old toilet. You may need to pay more if extra labor is required. For example, if you have a wall-hung toilet and part of the wall needs removing to get rid of the old tank, the job will be bigger.
Cost to Install a Toilet in Basement
Installing a toilet in your basement usually costs much more than installing a toilet in a bathroom on the first floor because new plumbing often needs to be installed. This means that you must pay between $1,000 and $2,000 to install a toilet in your basement. If you already have plumbing in the basement prepared for a toilet, the cost will be much lower, at about $300 to $500.
Cost to Move a Toilet
Moving a toilet can be quite a big job because a plumber needs to install a new drain pipe and vent lines. This can be a very expensive job, but it may be necessary if you are planning to remodel or change the layout of your bathroom. Moving a toilet costs between $2,000 and $3,500 on average.
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Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Heated Toilet
Heated toilet seats are available to fit any existing toilet. These may also have other features like bidet wash and self-closing lids. These start at $100.
Self-cleaning Toilet
Self-cleaning toilets are available as well. They circulate the water through the bowl to help keep it clean. They start at $500.
Urinal
You may wish to add a urinal to your bathroom in addition to a toilet. Urinal costs start at $200.
Bidet
A bidet is another feature you may wish to consider. Installed alongside a toilet, a bidet helps reduce toilet paper use. Bidet costs start at $1,000 installed.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- If you are interested in an eco-friendly toilet, look for the WaterSense label. These toilets have been tested to meet EPA standards for performance and efficiency.
- Toilet installation costs can vary and may increase if the plumber finds an unexpected leak, cracked flange, improperly sealed wax ring, poor caulking 2 that caused leaks and water damage, or a leaky flush valve that caused damage.
- Most plumbers charge to remove the old toilet. If you take it to a disposal facility yourself, you can save money. Doing this job yourself can cost as little as $5.
- Most plumbers advise that you do not use drop-in toilet bowl cleaners. These may contain bleach, which can eat away at the rubber components in the tank, void your toilet's warranty, and cause leaks.
- Before you purchase a toilet, make sure you measure the dimensions of your bathroom to be sure that it will fit and that you have enough space to walk in front of it comfortably.
- Eco-friendly toilets, which use less water to flush, are available as well. Look for those that use less than 1 gallon of water per flush.
- Air purification systems are available with some smart toilets and toilet seats. They spray a deodorizer into the bowl when you flush.
FAQs
- How much does it cost for a plumber to install a toilet?
It takes a plumber 1 to 2 hours at a rate of $45 to $65 an hour to install a toilet, so between $45 and $130.
- How much does it cost to install a toilet and sink?
It would take a plumber 2 to 4 hours to install a toilet and sink at a rate of $45 to $65 an hour, so between $90 and $260.
- How much does it cost to have a toilet moved?
Having a toilet moved can take up to 8 hours and involves a new waste pipe. This costs around $12,000 in most cases.
- How far can you put a toilet from the stack?
If the toilet needs a stack to vent, then ideally, it should be located in line with the stack or have the bathroom beneath the line.
- Can you reuse a toilet?
If the toilet is in good condition, with no leaks, you can reuse it in a new bathroom.
- How do you temporarily remove a toilet?
To temporarily remove a toilet, loosen the bolts holding it to the flange on either side. Turn off the water supply, and disconnect. Flush the toilet to drain, then uncouple the bolts. Lift the toilet straight up and off the pipe, and stuff a rag into the pipe to keep sewer gasses from entering your bathroom.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.
See full cheat sheet.
1 Compost: A natural substance derived from plant, animal, or mineral matter that is added to soil in order to make it more fertile
2 Caulking: A chemical sealant used to fill in and seal gaps where two materials join, for example, the tub and tile, to create a watertight and airtight seal. The term "caulking" is also used to refer to the process of applying this type of sealant
How Much Labor Cost to Install a Toilet
Source: https://www.fixr.com/costs/toilet-installation