In less than two hours, you can tune up your toilet for $45, the cost of replacing fill valves, flappers and tank levers that age and weaken over time. If the tune up doesn't fix a problem, a plumber will charge about $175 for a service call. The manufacturer's website fluidmaster.com shows how to inspect your toilet and determine what's wrong. (Tribune Media Services / November 11, 2011) |
Before you call a plumber to fix an old toilet, try diagnosing the problem. If that doesn't work, call a plumber. To troubleshoot the problem, go to www.fluidmaster.com, a manufacturer's website where you'll learn how to inspect your toilet and determine exactly what's wrong. The problem is usually a broken or failing part that needs to be replaced. The parts of the toilet tank -- fill valves, flappers and tank levers -- age and weaken over time. And with continued use, the gaskets, seals and connectors in the tank can deteriorate.
Even if you're not so handy, you can take a stab at fixing a toilet; if that fails, you can call in a pro as a last resort. Since a toilet is such an important part of every household, knowing how one works and how to keep it working is a life skill everyone can use.
In the plumbing department of hardware stores and home centers, you'll find a wall of toilet replacement parts sold individually or as kits. In less than two hours, you can tune up your toilet for $45, the cost of replacing those components. If the tune up doesn't do the trick, you can call a plumber, who will charge about $175 for a service call.
To find more DIY project costs, and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and www.m.diyornot.com on smartphones.
Pro Cost -- DIY Cost -- Pro time -- DIY Time -- DIY Savings -- Percent Saved
$175 -- $45 -- 1.5 -- 2.3 -- $130 -- 74 Percent
Even if you're not so handy, you can take a stab at fixing a toilet; if that fails, you can call in a pro as a last resort. Since a toilet is such an important part of every household, knowing how one works and how to keep it working is a life skill everyone can use.
In the plumbing department of hardware stores and home centers, you'll find a wall of toilet replacement parts sold individually or as kits. In less than two hours, you can tune up your toilet for $45, the cost of replacing those components. If the tune up doesn't do the trick, you can call a plumber, who will charge about $175 for a service call.
To find more DIY project costs, and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and www.m.diyornot.com on smartphones.
Pro Cost -- DIY Cost -- Pro time -- DIY Time -- DIY Savings -- Percent Saved
$175 -- $45 -- 1.5 -- 2.3 -- $130 -- 74 Percent
