How much does toilet replacement cost?

Having a toilet replaced runs about $200 to $600 including the unit, or $120 to $250 in labor if you supply the toilet. DIY is mostly the cost of the toilet itself, $100 to $500, since the install takes an hour or two with basic tools.

Can I replace a toilet myself?

Yes, replacing a toilet is one of the easiest plumbing jobs. With the water shut off, you unbolt the old one, set a fresh wax ring, and lower the new toilet onto the flange. The keys are a clean seal and snugging the bolts without overtightening.

How do I know if my toilet flange is bad?

Look for a cracked, corroded, or below-floor-level flange, or a toilet that has been rocking or leaking at the base. A damaged flange will not hold the toilet or seal, so it should be repaired or built up with a spacer before setting the new toilet.

Wax ring or wax-free seal?

Traditional wax rings are cheap and reliable but single-use and messy if you set the toilet wrong. Wax-free rubber seals can be repositioned and reused, which is forgiving for DIYers. Both work well; wax-free is easier if you are nervous about getting it right the first time.

Why does my new toilet rock or leak at the base?

Rocking usually means the floor is uneven and the toilet needs shims, and an unshimmed rocking toilet eventually breaks its seal and leaks. Shim it level, then caulk the base. A base leak right after install often means the wax seal was not seated properly.

UPDATED JUNE 2026

Toilet Replacement Cost in Illinois

Locally calibrated hire vs. DIY cost data for toilet replacement projects in Illinois. Cited sources, permit requirements, and a full build guide, free.

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HIRE A PRO

$200–$600

Fully installed, labor + materials

DIY COST

$100–$500

Materials + rentals, your labor free

Easy

Suitable for most DIYers with basic tool experience.

Government Data · Government Data · Submitted Quotes (n=0)

How we got these numbers

National benchmark costs from RSMeans, Angi, Fixr, and HomeGuide are adjusted for Illinois using two federal datasets: the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity (RPP) index and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Illinois's RPP is 1.0 (national baseline = 100) and its BLS labor adjustment factor is 1.04. Higher RPP means goods and services cost more relative to the national average; the BLS factor scales contractor labor rates to local wage levels. We blend these two adjustments, weighted 40% RPP, 60% BLS labor, to produce the ranges shown above.

adjusted_cost = national_benchmark × (0.4 × RPP/100 + 0.6 × bls_labor_adj)

RPP(Illinois) = 1.0 · BLS adj = 1.04

Full methodology →

What's included

Item	Qty	Unit Cost	Subtotal
Toilet	1	$200	$200
Wax ring or wax-free seal	1	$10	$10
Closet bolts and supply line	1 set	$20	$20
Shims and caulk	1 set	$10	$10
Materials Total			$240

Tools you'll need

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TOOLS YOU PROBABLY OWN

Adjustable wrench and pliers
Putty knife and sponge
Level and bucket

TOOLS TO RENT OR BUY

Build sequence

1
Shut off the supply, flush, and sponge out the remaining water.
2
Disconnect the supply, unbolt, and lift the old toilet off the flange.
COMMON MISTAKE
Not emptying the bowl and tank first, which makes a mess.
3
Scrape off the old wax and inspect the flange for damage.
4
Set a new wax ring or seal, lower the toilet straight down, and press to seat it.
COMMON MISTAKE
Rocking the toilet after setting it, which breaks the wax seal.
5
Snug the bolts evenly, reconnect the water, and check for leaks.

Permits and code requirements

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

Permit rules for toilet replacement vary by city and county in Illinois. Most structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work needs a permit and an inspection. Confirm with your local building department, or see the Illinois guide for specifics.

PERMIT THRESHOLD

Varies by municipality

Disclaimer: Always verify permit requirements with your local building department before starting work. Requirements vary by municipality and are updated periodically.

Frequently asked questions

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UPDATED JUNE 2026