Cost to Replace a Toilet
Last updated 22nd May, 2025
Do you want to know the cost of replacing a toilet?
This article discusses all you need to know about toilet installation. We cover toilet prices, supply costs, labour fees, timeframes and much more! On average you can expect to pay around £500.
Keep reading for more information!
Table of Contents
How Much to Install a Toilet?
Noisy and leaking plumbing is not something anyone should have to live with. Whether you're dealing with a broken toilet that needs replacing or you simply would like to have a modern toilet that is technically and visually up to date, like most DIY projects, the cost of replacing a toilet depends on various factors.
This includes the materials or products required, the cost of labour and the type of toilet you would like to install.
Toilet Prices
The average price you should pay for a plumber to fit a toilet is in the range of £180-£700 depending upon your preferred toilet choice and whether any pipework is needed.
Most plumbers usually charge around £100-£300 per job depending on the pipework needed. To reduce costs, you can also opt to dispose of your old toilet yourself as disposal prices have increased.
The main variation in price is going to be the quality of the toilet that you choose to have fitted. To lower your overall costs you can explore budget toilet options. You may be able to get a better price through a tradesman as they will have access to trade discounts from suppliers.
Below we have estimated the costs of hiring a plumber to replace your toilet:
| Description | Avg. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Installing a toilet with no pipework needed. | £180-£550 | 2-4 hours |
| Installing a toilet with additional pipework and repacement valves. | £270-£750 | 3-6 hours |
Cost Breakdown Calculator For Replacing a Toilet and Additional Pipework
Individual costs of replacing the average toilet and additional pipework required - Total Cost: £500
Materials
£250
Tradesmen
£200
Waste Removal
£50
How Much Is a New Toilet?
The cost of a new toilet, not including hiring a plumber to fit it, depends on the style you wish to purchase.
While the most popular option is a standard, fully functioning floor-standing toilet, you may wish to install one with a specialised cistern mechanism or a more modern wall-mounted toilet in which the cistern is concealed altogether.
Below are the average costs of a new toilet (without labour costs):
| Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Floor-standing toilet | £30-£100 |
| Cistern toilet | £100-£300 |
| Wall-mounted toilet | £250-£500 |
What Does Replacing Your Toilet Entail?
If you are planning to have your old or defective toilet replaced, it isn't just about choosing from a selection of models available, but also about installing the new toilet professionally. Wall thickness, mounting height and the correct connections of the inlet and outlet pipes play a decisive role.
Although the replacement of a toilet is quite possible to accomplish alone, as soon as structural changes are necessary (such as moving the drain or reinforcing a brick wall for subsequent wall mounting) it is advisable to contact a professional for installation.
While getting your toilet fitted, you may find that you need to employ additional tradesmen to decorate, retile or re-grout your current tiles in the bathroom.
If you have opted to replace a toilet yourself and you are dealing with a broken toilet, good preparation is more than half the battle for a DIY job.
You will have to prepare the required material and tools in advance so you can get started right away, otherwise it could take a lifetime to finish, especially if the correct skills are not in place.
It's also important to note you might require a plumber, as toilet replacement jobs often run the risk of low water pressure, constant water running in the toilet and blockages.
Pipework is also an issue as some toilet pipes also connect with the sink pipes which can lead to slow-drainage problems. In such cases, a plumber who specialises in bathrooms and drainage will be able to help.
DIY Toilet Installation vs Professional Installation
There are several factors to consider when replacing a toilet by yourself, especially if you're looking to update the entire bathroom suite or thinking of installing a new downstairs toilet.
However, be aware that regardless of your preferred toilet model, the existing connection also plays a role in your choice. Therefore, you should be well advised so that you can understand the costs and can estimate which variant makes more sense to you.
Below we take a look at the pros and cons of doing a new toilet installation yourself, vs hiring a professional:
DIY Toilet Installation
Pros
- ✔ Cost-saving - Requires basic tools with no labour costs included
- ✔ Job satisfaction - Ability to carry out home DIY can be rewarding
- ✔ Full control - From scheduling the work to ensuring taking care during the installation
Cons
- ✖ More complex toilets - Wall-mounted or concealed-cistern require additional skills
- ✖ Risk of leaks - Poor connections and sealing can lead to water leaks
- ✖ Potential damage - Not just to the new toilet, but also you bathroom in general
Professional Toilet Installation
Pros
- ✔ Correctly installed - Properly sealed, leak-free and efficient job
- ✔ Warranty - Most work will come under a plumbers guarantee
- ✔ Best for complex toilets - Wall-mounted toilets or if new plumbing is required
Cons
- ✖ Additional cost - Labour fees will increase the overal installation cost
- ✖ Inconvenience - You have to arrange a time with a plumber to visit
- ✖ Extra jobs - You may find additional jobs need doing such as tiling etc
In many new models, the toilet is usually mounted directly on the wall and the cistern stays hidden in the wall. Although you can attach these new models to the majority of walls, it's important to check the wall is strong enough to hold a toilet - this will help prevent damage to the wall, drains and the toilet itself.
If you are not sure how to test your wall, be sure to contact a specialist. They will first ensure that your current home can support this new toilet system.
Tips on Installing a New Toilet
Before you install your new toilet, the old one must first be removed. The following should be actioned when replacing a toilet:
- Turn off the main water tap and drain the cistern of the old toilet.
- Disconnect the water supply to the cistern, unscrew and remove the connecting pipes and cistern.
- Check that the wall is stable enough for the toilet to be connected as any cracks and there's a risk of the toilet bowl tearing out.
- If necessary, reinforce the wall with plasterboard and chipboard.
- Before installing your new toilet, ensure the toilet tubes fit the inlet and outlet connections.
- Check the junctions thoroughly to avoid gaps or potential leaks, reseal if required.
- Note: If you are installing a hanging toilet, the upper edge of the WC bowl should be a fitted at a standard 40cm from floor to rim.
- When connecting a hanging toilet, slide the toilet bowl over the threaded rods and tighten the nuts.
- Ensure not to pull them too tight or the ceramic can crack or jump, damaging the toilet.
- If you're uncertain about completing the job, always call upon a professional plumber.
Additional Costs to Consider When Replacing a Toilet
When budgeting for your new toilet cost, as well as hiring a plumber, you may decide to carry out some other related home improvements at the same time.
Especially while preparing for the fact your toilet installation could cause potential damage to your bathroom floor and walls.
Re-tiling the floor can cost up to £10 per tile, while repainting the bathroom depends on the size of the room (average £250 to £300) and the type or paint or process used.
If you're tight for space, converting your bathroom into a wet room is another option or you may wish to consider.
What Are The Risks When Replacing a Toilet?
Replacing a toilet might seem very easy until something goes wrong or when additional materials are required.
Although many people shy away from hiring an expert due to the costs, a DIY job might cost even more when things fail to go according to plan. No doubt, with any DIY job that involves handling pipes, it's only normal for unexpected costs to occur.
For example, if replaced incorrectly a leakage can occur which can end up being extremely expensive and messy to repair. Even minor damage to pipes, toilet bowl or seals due to incorrect installation or improper handling of the individual parts can lead to serious consequences such as water damage to the wall and masonry.
A toilet replacement job might also run the risk of additional materials being needed for completion. Although a simple toilet varies in price between £30 and £100, for a cistern toilet, you are looking at a cost of between £100 to £300.
And if a new inflow and outflow are necessary, you should expect to pay up to £30 for a quality pipe. Pre-wall mounting models are more expensive and under certain circumstances, additional costs for tiles may be needed.
FAQs
If in doubt, a specialist can advise you on the choice of a suitable toilet and can also install it. However, expect an additional £100-£300 for labour costs.
In addition to a detailed consultation in the choice of your new toilet, the expert can ensure a smooth replacement of the toilet bowl, cistern and pipework. They can also take away your old toilet, so you do not have to worry about disposal. Also, problems like a leaky or clogged toilet can be solved efficiently without the risk of any consequential damage.
If, on the other hand, you decided to convert to a stand-alone toilet, you would have a hard time installing the drainpipe, which is usually routed through the floor. In addition, a wall-mounted toilet is easier to clean, as dirt and dust underneath the toilet bowl can be easily wiped off. The flexible height adjustment during installation also makes the wall-mounted toilet an ideal sanitary device for old and physically impaired people.
