If your toilet wobbles but the bolts are tight, the problem may be the toilet flange. The average cost of professional toilet flange repair ranges between $145 and $165. This crucial component connects your toilet bowl to the pipes that carry wastewater away from your home. A broken toilet flange can cause a leaking toilet, leading to expensive water damage. Fortunately, replacing a toilet flange is a relatively simple and inexpensive project.*

*Article cost data via Angi and Fixr

---

What Are Major Toilet Flange Replacement Cost Factors?

Toilet flange replacement typically costs less than $200. However, labor and material costs vary and impact the final cost.

• Labor: The labor cost is how much the plumber charges to remove the old flange and install a new toilet flange.
• Materials: The material cost includes the replacement flange and any required tools.

Labor

Labor costs cover old flange removal, new flange installation, and sealing to prevent leaks. Labor costs make up most of the repair costs, and some plumbers may charge a flat fee for simple toilet flange replacement rather than billing an hourly rate. You can expect to pay around $45–$150 in labor out of the total $60–$200 project costs. The cost may be higher if the plumber finds a broken drain pipe or extensive water damage.

Materials

The two main material costs are the new toilet flange (also known as a closet flange) and the wax seal. You can get both for $7–$20 if you choose a stainless steel or PVC flange. Plumbers that charge a flat fee will generally include materials in their fee. However, the cost varies depending on the type of toilet flange.

If your project calls for a brass, copper, or cast iron toilet flange, you can expect to pay double or triple what you would for stainless steel or PVC. The cost slightly increases if you need an offset or 45-degree flange.

Cost by Flange Type

---

What Are Additional Toilet Flange Replacement Cost Factors?

The repair’s complexity and the damage’s extent can drive up the cost of toilet flange replacement.

Complexity

The plumbing system’s age, accessibility issues, and unforeseen complications can make it more difficult and costly to replace the toilet flange. For instance, the flange may be too damaged to easily remove, requiring the plumber to cut it out or access it from below.

Other Repairs

If your toilet was leaking due to a faulty flange, the flooring, subfloor, and drywall around your toilet may have suffered water damage. Clean-up could increase the repair cost by several hundred dollars.

---

How Can You Save on Toilet Flange Replacement?

If you are working with a tight budget, here are a few ways to save money on a toilet flange replacement:

• Do it yourself. If you are comfortable with basic plumbing tasks and have the necessary tools, buy the parts and learn how to fix a leaky toilet yourself.
• Shop around. Request quotes from multiple plumbers to compare rates. If you go the DIY route, shop for parts online to find the best deals.
• Bundle repairs. Consider bundling your toilet flange replacement with other plumbing or toilet repair projects. Having multiple repairs done at once may cost less than spreading them out.

---

Should You DIY vs. Professional Toilet Flange Replacement?

Here’s how to decide between tackling toilet flange replacement yourself or calling a professional plumber. 

DIY

Replacing a toilet flange is a fairly simple do-it-yourself project. The biggest challenge is the toilet’s heft, which can weigh up to 120 pounds. To reach the toilet flange, you will need to move the entire toilet and set it on its side. If you cannot safely lift the toilet alone, have someone ready to help.

If you are confident in your ability to install a new toilet, you should be able to replace a toilet flange with no problem. Many repair steps are the same. You will have to shut off and disconnect the water supply line, empty the bowl and toilet tank, remove the bolts that secure the base of the toilet to the floor, and gently break the seal.

Once you have set aside the existing toilet, replacing the toilet flange is usually an easy task. Materials for this project are generally inexpensive, and you will save money on labor costs. However, replacing the toilet flange could take several hours, and you may remove your old toilet to discover that the problem is more complex than anticipated.

Professional

Calling a local plumber or handyman can be worth the extra $150 you might save by handling this home improvement project yourself. Professional plumbers have the tools and expertise to accurately diagnose your toilet’s problem and fix it efficiently. They will know whether your job requires a permit and may offer a warranty on their work. If the problem turns out to be larger than a leaky flange, you will be happy you hired a professional.

The only disadvantages to hiring a plumber are the higher cost and the lack of control. If you call during a busy season, you may need to wait a few days or pay extra for service.

---

How To Hire a Professional Plumber?

If you have a home warranty, find out what it covers and how to file a claim. Home warranties often cover many plumbing issues, and filing a claim will save you the hassle of finding a plumber.

Ask friends and family for recommendations if you don’t have a home warranty. Browse online reviews and request quotes from a few reputable plumbers. Ask each how soon they will be available and whether they offer warranties or guarantees. The choice of who to hire often comes down to availability and pricing.

Ensure that any plumber you hire is properly licensed and insured in your state.

• Read more: Coverage Details of a Home Warranty

---

Our Conclusion

Many homeowners can handle replacing a toilet flange on their own for $20 or less. Before going that route, consider your budget, DIY skills, and schedule. The convenience of hiring a professional may be worth paying the extra $45–$150 in labor costs.

---

FAQ About Replacing a Toilet Flange

What causes a toilet flange to leak?

A broken, crooked, or faulty toilet flange or wax ring can cause a toilet flange to leak.

How do you know if your toilet flange is bad?

Here are a few clues that your toilet flange is bad:

• Wobbly toilet base
• Soggy flooring or subflooring
• Puddles around the toilet
• Water spots on the ceiling below

How often do you need to replace a toilet flange?

You must replace a toilet flange when it shows signs of wear or damage. Longevity depends on the flange type and how well it’s installed. You will likely need a new wax ring before a new flange.

What is the difference between a toilet flange and a toilet wax ring?

The toilet flange, made of metal or PVC, connects the toilet bowl to the sewer or waste pipe. The wax ring sits on the flange’s top, ensuring a watertight seal.

What is the purpose of a toilet flange?

The purpose of the toilet flange is to anchor the toilet’s base to the floor and connect the bowl to your home’s drainage system.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.