Toilet Repair Cost
How much does it cost to repair a toilet?
In most cases, a basic toilet repair in the UK will cost between £45 and £80, including parts and labour. More complex problems like blockages, leaks, or hidden cistern issues can push the total cost to £100 to £250+.
A faulty toilet is more than just an inconvenience; it can disrupt your daily routine and lead to costly damage if ignored for too long. Whether your toilet won’t flush, is constantly running, or has started leaking, it’s important to understand what the issue might be and how much it could cost to fix.
All prices have been submitted by visitors to this website and include both materials and labour, so you can get a realistic idea of the total repair cost.
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User submitted prices
| Job type | Description | Price | Units | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Toilet repair | tighten a loose toilet handle | £192 | Total price | South East |
Toilet repair | Toilet not flushing, siphon plastics disintegrated , replaced with new center piece from old toilet, total 25 mins labour no parts cost, across the road from my home, so they had a bargain | £37 | Total price | Cymru Wales |
Toilet repair | Supply and fit torbeck valve to toilet cistern as old one was damaged.Quick and prompt tidy service. | £74 | Total price | North East |
Toilet repair | Toilet was blocked. All he did was plunger the toilet then pour water down, took less than 5 mins. | £55 | Total price | Scotland |
Toilet repair | Toilet wasn’t flushing properly. Toilet needed a new siphon. Plumber arrived one hour after I called and took one hour to do the job so I guess I paid a premium for a fast service. Feel like I was slightly overcharged though! | £154 | Total price | North East |
Toilet repair | Blocked toilet/drain: plumber called to locate source of blockage, and remedy. Total time on premises: approx. 1 hour. | £122 | Total price | East of England |
Toilet repair | Two of the toilets in the property were not shutting off after flushing and overfilling! Had to replace diaphragms and the arms attached to the float valve. Total cost inc labour and parts approx 1hr work due to location | £60 | Total price | South East |
Toilet repair | Replace siphon inside cistern as toilet would not flush. | £140 | Total price | West Midlands |
Toilet repair | I thought the internal unit in the toilet cistern was broken as I couldn’t reach the plunger bit to repair the wire from the handle, called plumber, it wasn’t broken. He replaced the broken wire. | £107 | Total price | South West |
Common toilet repairs and their costs
Toilets may look sturdy on the outside, but the internal components (especially the ones inside the cistern) are often made of plastic or rubber, which wear out over time. Here’s a look at the most common issues and how much it costs to repair them.
Replacing a float valve or ballcock
The float valve (also called a ballcock in older toilets) is responsible for regulating how much water enters the tank after you flush.
- Part cost (DIY): £5 to £22
- Labour (plumber): £40 to £60
- Total cost: £45 to £80
This is one of the most frequent toilet issues and typically takes less than 30 minutes to fix.
Fixing a constantly running toilet
If your toilet is constantly filling or making a dripping noise, the issue could be a faulty flapper or fill valve.
- Parts: £5 to £20
- Labour: £40 to £60
- Total repair cost: £45 to £80
A running toilet wastes water and increases your utility bill, so it’s worth fixing quickly.
Replacing the flush handle or button
A broken flush handle or push-button is usually an easy fix.
- Parts: £5 to £10
- Labour: £40 to £60
- Total cost: £45 to £70
If your toilet isn’t flushing properly but the internals seem fine, the handle might be to blame.
Unblocking a toilet
Blocked toilets are unfortunately common and the cost depends on how bad the blockage is.
- Minor blockage (DIY chemicals or plunger): £5 to £10
- Professional unblocking (standard): £60 to £100
- Severe blockage or external drain issue: £100 to £250+
Professional plumbers have access to high-pressure jetting equipment and inspection tools, which may be necessary for more serious problems.
Fixing a leaky toilet
Leaks from the base or the tank could be caused by worn seals or washers.
- Washer/seal parts: £2 to £10
- Labour: £50 to £90
- Total cost: £52 –to£100
A leak can lead to water damage or mould if not addressed, so it’s best not to delay.
What factors affect the cost of toilet repairs?
Several factors can influence the total price of a toilet repair:
- Toilet type: Wall-hung or back-to-wall toilets often require extra labour due to hidden cisterns.
- Location: Labour costs are higher in places like London or the Southeast.
- Emergency callouts: Expect to pay £50 to £100 extra if you need urgent, same-day service.
- Age of the toilet: Older models may need harder-to-source parts or more time to access.
DIY vs hiring a plumber
Many minor toilet repairs can be tackled by confident DIYers. If you’re comfortable isolating the water supply and using a spanner or screwdriver, jobs like replacing a float valve, flapper, or flush handle are achievable and often cost under £20 in total.
That said, for leaks, persistent blockages, or anything involving hidden plumbing, it’s often safer and quicker to hire a qualified plumber.
How to reduce the cost of toilet repairs
- Understand the problem in advance. Look inside the cistern and describe the issue clearly to avoid unnecessary labour charges.
- Get multiple quotes: Compare at least two plumbers for non-urgent work.
- Buy your own parts: If you know what’s needed, sourcing the part yourself could be cheaper than a plumber’s supply markup.
- Consider replacing if repairs add up: If your toilet is older and has frequent issues, a full replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run.
If you suspect that your toilet needs a repair, the key is to act early. A small running toilet or minor leak can be a simple, low-cost fix, but if left unchecked, it can lead to much bigger plumbing bills.
Professional plumbers may charge varying hourly rates depending on their experience, location, and the complexity of the job. To ensure you’re getting a fair deal, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from at least 2 or 3 plumbers before committing to the work.
