How much does it cost to repair a leaky toilet

Answers to questions I was asked by a reporter:


On average (as I realize each situation is unique) how much might it cost to have a leaky toilet repaired? Let’s say there’s a crack in the tank or the plumbing is dripping somehow and although it’s not a major leak at this stage, still should be repaired.

To repair a toilet (ceramic tank and bowl) may not be a good idea.  In my opinion, it would be better to replace.  Depending on where you live in the country and type of bowl and tank you purchase from the hardware/appliance store, the cost of the toilet could be as low as $99.00 and up from there.  Installation may cost about $150.00 +, often larger stores may offer a discounted installation cost as well.  If it is my house, a crack in the tank would mean replace the tank (if possible), otherwise the whole unit.  Some toilets and tanks are 1 piece.  I try not to do these type of repairs myself, I hire a plumber for such repairs.  (I consider myself quite handy, however some things I prefer to have a pro do.)

More often than not, I have observed that the “supply line” to the water tank develops a hole.  If it is a slow leak, I would get that replaced or replace it myself.  These are easy to do and readily available.  I would replace with a metal braided supply line.  They tend to hold up better in the long run.

How much might it cost to do a major toilet repair? The tank cracks, the plumbing that was leaking just a little is not a faucet, etc.?

Cost of toilet as little as $99, cost of install depends on the market, here upwards of $150.00.

   

How much might it cost to replace a blown (and spewing water) washing machine hose?

To replace the hot or cold water supply line to the washing machine is cheap.  The hose will cost as little as $7 at a hardware store.  I would not recommend them to anyone.  I would encourage the use of the metal braided ones.  Now there are metal braided with auto pressure shut off in case of a  rupture.  I have these at my home, each cost about $20.00 each.  If a person can install a garden hose, they can install these.  Only difference is they need to use plumbers tape. (Readily available at the hardware store for about a $1.00) Just wrap a few times (2 to 3) over the threads where the hose connects on each end, and you are good to go. 

Now let’s talk about the damage the ruptured hose may cost. (which is what we often assist clients with)

Scenario 1.: House built on a slab foundation (with no basement).  Depending on where the laundry room is located and what kind of drains are in the room.  If there is a floor drain, the room may get a little wet.  Some drywall may get wet and will need to be dried out.  This may cost about a thousand or so or less, depending on the situation for water damage restoration.

Scenario 2a.: House has a basement and the washer unit sits in the basement in a well drained utility room.  Similar to above, because the water would drain out fairly easily. Cost could vary.

Scenario 2b.: House has a basement and the washer unit sits in the basement in a not so well drained area.  This could propose quite a problem, since the carpet in the basement would be wet and water would wick up the drywall.  Drywall would need to be dried out, base trim and all materials would need to dried to prevent fungal growth.  Depending on the severity, cost could range upwards of $1,000.00 to dry out + cost to rebuild if necessary.

Scenario 2c.: House has a basement and the washer unit sits on the main floor with a finished basement.  When a flood happens in this situation, generally this is quite extensive and expensive.  Cost could easily go upwards of $2500 depending on what is damaged + rebuild costs if necessary.

Scenario 3.: House has a finished basement, main level and floor above the main level and the washer unit sits on the top floor.  These turn out to be quite expensive since the water will run down through the floors and the walls causing extensive damage to walls, flooring such as carpet etc.  Cost could easily be about $2500+ per floor to dry out and then the cost to replace and repair damaged structure and the contents.

Similar costs structure if it were a toilet and its location.

How much might it cost to replace rubber washing machine hoses with steel braided ones?

Note the beginning of the point above. If you do it yourself, $20.00 + for the cost of the hose; if you hire a plumber, I assume they would charge a minimum rate of about $150.00 and that is dependent on what area of the country.

How much might it cost to install an auto shut off calve with an audible alarm on a washing machine or dishwasher hose line?

I really have no idea.  However pressure sensitive auto shutoff metal braided supply lines cost about $20 a piece and higher, dependant on the length etc.

If a hot water heater starts leaking, is it (in general) able to be repaired or is a new one usually the only option?

These are not generally repairable, it is time to get a new one and replace the old, especially if it is leaking on the hot water side with hot water/steam.  This is potentially a dangerous situation because hot water evaporates quite rapidly and can cause fungal growth quite rapidly.  We are currently remediating an unfinished basement that had the hot water heater rupture when the tenant was out of town.  2 days later he returns to a incredibly contaminated basement.  The basement looked like a Petri dish full of fungal growth.  It will be restored, but will cost the client in the vicinity of $10,000.  If my hot water heater leaked, I would replace without a question.

On average, how long do hot water heaters last?

Hot water heaters come with various “warranties”.  I am not an expert on their life, but I do know that the better the warranty, the better the product.  Warranties generally are 6-10 yrs. A hot water heater’s life can be elongated by a handful of things.  If you live in a hard-water area, install a water softer or related appliance.  This reduces buildup of sediment in hot water heater and pipe oxidation/buildup.  The second thing one can do is to drain the hot-water heater periodically based on manufacturer directions to drain it of the buildup in the bottom of the hot-water heater.  This reduces corroded buildup on the bottom of the hot water heater.  Doing this procedure will also improve the amount of hot water you get from your tank and its efficiency.

A few other thoughts that may be helpful:

Slow leaks and the damage they cause are generally not covered.  Slow leaks are often the cause of fungal/mold growth around the leak causing wood rot etc.  Better to take care of it when it is a small problem, rather than wait for a burst pipe causing far greater damage.

If possible as in some of the new homes and newer plumbing systems, the pressure can be regulated and or reduced by simply slowing down from the breakaways from the main line, especially where water pressure is not critical.  I have done this and advise other of it as a simple precautionary thing to do.