A running toilet wastes water every hour it runs, a leaking base can quietly rot a floor, and a clog never comes at a good time. We repair toilets and replace them when replacement makes more sense.
Common toilet problems
- Runs constantly or refills on its own: worn flapper, misadjusted or failing fill valve, or a corroded flush valve seat
- Weak or incomplete flush: low water level, partially clogged rim jets (common with hard water), or a partial clog in the trap
- Water on the floor: failed wax ring, cracked tank or bowl, loose tank bolts, or a leaking supply line
- Rocks or moves: loose closet bolts or a damaged flange; left alone this breaks the wax seal
- Repeated clogs: a partial obstruction in the trap, or a drain line issue further down. If other drains also back up, see drain cleaning
Toilet replacement & installation
Replacement makes sense when the porcelain is cracked, the toilet keeps clogging because of its design, parts are no longer available, or you want a lower-water-use model. A proper installation includes checking the flange and subfloor, a new wax ring or seal, new closet bolts, a new supply line and shutoff check, leveling and shimming, and a leak test.
In older homes we also check the flange height relative to the finished floor (tile layered over the original floor can leave a flange too low) and whether the rough-in distance from the wall fits the new toilet.
What affects cost
- Repair part vs. full replacement
- The toilet model, if you’re replacing
- Flange or subfloor repair
- Shutoff valve replacement if the old one won’t close
Local notes
- Permits: Prairie Village doesn’t require a permit for plumbing fixtures going back in the same location; moving a drain location does need one. Source. Fairway treats fixture replacement as repair/maintenance. Source.
- Hard water: WaterOne’s average total hardness of 135 ppm (2026 report) leaves mineral deposits that can clog rim jets and wear fill valves over time. Source.
Toilet Repair & Replacement: common questions
Why does my toilet keep running?
Most often it's a worn flapper letting water leak into the bowl, or a fill valve set too high so water spills into the overflow tube. A running toilet can waste a lot of water, so it's worth fixing promptly.
Water is on the floor around the base. Is that serious?
It can be. Water at the base often means a failed wax ring or a loose or cracked flange, which can rot the subfloor over time. It can also be condensation or a supply-line leak. We'll find out which.
Do I need a permit to replace a toilet?
Generally no, if it goes back in the same location. Prairie Village lists 'plumbing fixtures going back in the same location' as not requiring a permit, and Fairway treats fixture replacement as maintenance. Moving a toilet to a new location involves drain work that does need a permit.
Should I repair or replace an old toilet?
A running or leaking toilet is usually a simple parts repair. Replacement makes sense when the porcelain is cracked, the toilet clogs constantly, or repairs keep coming back.
Related services
Drain Cleaning
Kitchen, bathroom, laundry, floor drains and main sewer lines that are slow or backing up.
Leak Detection & Repair
Hidden leaks behind walls, under floors and in supply lines, found and fixed.
Faucet & Sink Repair and Installation
Dripping, leaking or low-flow faucets fixed; new kitchen and bath faucets and sinks installed.
Shower & Tub Plumbing
Leaking valves, temperature swings, low pressure, drains and new shower valve installs.
Toilet Repair & Replacement near you
We handle toilet repair & replacement in Prairie Village and nearby: Fairway, Leawood, Lenexa, Merriam, Mission, Overland Park, Roeland Park, Shawnee, and Westwood. See all service areas.