Repair vs Replace Cost Analysis
Updated February 20, 2026
A toilet can last 25-50 years, but that doesn't mean yours should. Internal parts wear out every 5-10 years, porcelain can crack or stain beyond cleaning, and older models waste water and money every flush. Sometimes repair is the right call. Sometimes the cost of repairs, water waste, and ongoing maintenance makes replacement the clear winner.
Overview
A toilet can last 25-50 years, but that doesn't mean yours should. Internal parts wear out every 5-10 years, porcelain can crack or stain beyond cleaning, and older models waste water and money every flush. Sometimes repair is the right call. Sometimes the cost of repairs, water waste, and ongoing maintenance makes replacement the clear winner.
Cost Breakdown
Pro Tips
- If you're debating repair vs replace, check the toilet's date code (stamped inside the tank or on the back of the bowl). Toilets made before 1994 are always worth replacing for water savings.
- A cracked toilet is never safe to use. Porcelain under water pressure can fail suddenly and cause a flood.
- When replacing, buy a model with widely available replacement parts. TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard parts are stocked everywhere.
- Consider replacing the toilet during a bathroom remodel -- the labor is already factored in.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Repeatedly repairing a pre-1994 toilet that wastes 15,000+ gallons per year.
- Replacing a perfectly good 5-year-old toilet because of a $10 flapper failure.
- Not factoring water savings into the replacement decision.
- Buying a toilet with proprietary parts that are hard to find and expensive.
When to Call a Pro
If you suspect a crack in the porcelain (water appearing at the base that isn't from a wax ring failure), have a plumber confirm before deciding. Some cracks are visible only from specific angles or under certain conditions.
Bottom Line
Flappers, fill valves, and handles are always worth replacing -- they're cheap consumables. If the porcelain is cracked, the toilet is pre-1994, or you're spending over $100/year on repairs, a new $300-$500 toilet is the better investment.