How much does it cost to install a toilet?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

If you have a functional bathroom in your home, then you also have at least one toilet in the house. Toilets are an integral part of most bathrooms in the U.S. and serve to remove bodily waste products through a sewer or septic tank system. Toilets come in many different styles and sizes, with a wide range of features. They can match any bathroom or home style, and many today can also enhance your lifestyle with water-saving and smart features available, leading to a wide range of costs.

The national average cost range to install a new toilet is $400 to $800, with most homeowners spending $615 for an installed low-consumption American Standard one-piece toilet. This project’s low cost is $234 for an uninstalled 1.6-gallon one-piece toilet. The high cost is $1,538 for an installed silent-flush Kohler one-piece toilet.

Toilet Prices

Toilet Costs by Type

The toilet type you purchase can vary depending on many different factors. While most toilets appear to operate the same from the outside, they can work very differently. Each of these different toilet types has its own costs, with most coming in several styles and colors with different features. Below are the average costs for the different toilet types available.

Gravity-Fed Toilet

Gravity-fed toilet costs average $100 to $700. A gravity-fed toilet uses gravity to pull waste down. In older homes, the toilets also used roughly 3 to 6 gallons of water to assist in this process. Today, most toilets use 1.6 gallons of water or less, so gravity-fed toilets are not as effective. To be more effective, they often have larger trapways that are fully glazed to help assist the waste removal. These toilets must be installed above grade to be effective.

Vented Toilet

The average cost of a vented, or siphon jet, toilet is $100 to $1,000. Siphon jet toilets are most commonly installed in newer homes. They use a stack line that runs to roughly 2’ above your roofline. When you flush, the toilet vents air into the stack line, creating a vacuum and pulling the waste out of the toilet. They work very well with low water consumption, so you use 1.28 gallons of water or less per flush. This toilet requires a stack line to operate, which may not be present in older homes.

Pressure-Assisted Toilet

Pressure-assisted toilets range from $400 to $1,200. Pressure-assisted toilets use street-pressured water to push your waste through the pipes. When installing a toilet in a basement or other area below grade, the waste may not be able to make it up to the sewer or septic system, even with a siphon jet. In this case, a pressure-assisted toilet can push the waste to where it needs to go. They are noisy, with a sound often described as a plane taking off when flushed.

Macerating Toilet

Macerating toilets average $800 to $1,500. Macerating toilets are great for slab installations or areas where you do not have a traditional waste pipe and do not want to cut into your slab to install one. They cut up the waste into small particles before pushing them through. Macerating toilets can be installed anywhere and use tubes and pipes in the walls instead of a standard waste pipe. This means they can be much less costly for a new toilet installation. This is particularly true if you cannot easily install a waste pipe beneath a slab or other hard-to-reach area.

Waterless Toilet

Waterless composting toilets cost $900 to $2,000. Waterless or composting toilets are a way to install a toilet where you do not have any plumbing. Instead of using water, you use organic compounds to compost the waste, which can be used to fertilize non-edible plants. They are frequently installed in RVs and outdoor areas but are becoming an increasingly popular option for some interior bathrooms for homeowners who want a greener option. Those looking to go off-grid often use composting toilets to reduce the size of needed septic tanks.

Toilet Prices by Style

Toilets come in several styles that can help fit them into many different home and bathroom styles. This includes wall-hung toilets with a hidden tank for contemporary homes and toilets that fit into corners to make more space in smaller bathrooms. There is also a wide range of traditional styles, with many having matching sinks available. Generally, the more decorative a toilet and the more stylish its features, the higher the cost. Below are the most common toilet styles available and their costs.

Two-Piece Toilet

Two-piece toilets cost between $100 and $1,000. Two-piece toilets consist of two separate pieces - the bowl and the tank. When installing, your plumber will need to connect the two pieces. Two-piece toilets come in a very wide range of styles. They can be traditional and decorative with designer details or sleek, plain, and contemporary in style. They tend to be taller at the tank than one-piece toilets, and they usually cost less than the same toilet style in a one-piece.

One-Piece Toilet

The cost of a one-piece toilet ranges from $250 to $1,300. One-piece toilets are molded together to make the tank and bowl one solid piece. This makes them heavier and more expensive to ship and transport than a two-piece toilet. However, they are usually a little easier to install and may have lower installation costs. These toilets come in both traditional and contemporary styles. If they belong to the same line as a two-piece toilet in terms of style or design, they are usually more expensive. They are also usually slightly shorter at the tank than a two-piece toilet.

Corner Toilet

Corner toilet costs average $400 to $1,000. Most corner toilets are two-piece designs. They use a standard toilet bowl, but the tank is shaped like a triangle so that it can fit into the corner without a gap. Sometimes, purchasing the tank and bowl separately can keep costs down. Corner toilets are less common than other types, and you will be more limited in style, brand, and color. However, they can be a good choice for small bathrooms if you are trying to open up the space.

Wall-Hung Toilet

The cost of a wall-hung toilet is between $500 to $2,500. Wall-hung toilets are installed on a carrier that sits inside the wall. They make good choices for small bathrooms because the visible floor beneath the toilet makes the room look bigger. They can also be good for spaces where the waste pipe cannot go straight through the floor. With a wall-hung toilet, the waste pipe is inside the wall. Traditional wall-hung toilets have a tank on the outside of the wall with the bowl. Contemporary wall-hung toilets usually have a concealed tank, which is inside the wall so that only the bowl is seen. Wall-hung toilets have much higher installation costs than other toilets.

Toilet Bowl Price by Shape

Regardless of the toilet type or style, you will likely have a choice for the bowl shape. Toilet bowls come in three different shapes - elongated, round, and compact-elongated. Each one has different standard dimensions that may make one a better fit in your bathroom than another. Each type can have a range of costs, depending on the toilet type and style. Below are the average toilet costs with the different bowl shapes.

Round Toilet Bowl

The cost of a toilet with a round bowl ranges from $100 to $900. A toilet with a round bowl has a shorter front that is more rounded than other types. From front to back, this toilet seat only extends about 16”. Depending on the tank size, this toilet can be very compact from the wall to the edge of the seat. For a small bathroom where every inch counts, this can help the toilet pass building codes that require a certain distance between the front of the toilet and the wall or another fixture in front of it. However, many people find this toilet-less comfortable, so it is often not available in as many options as elongated bowls.

Elongated Toilet Bowl

Elongated toilets cost between $100 and $1,500, depending on the style and type. Elongated bowls have an oval-shaped bowl that extends farther than round bowls. They are more comfortable to sit on, but they take up more room. The seat itself typically measures 18” to 19” in length, so depending on the tank width, this can make the toilet too large for some spaces. However, in most full-sized bathrooms, this toilet can fit comfortably. It is the most common type and comes in the most options for style and configuration.

Compact-Elongated Toilet Seat

Compact-elongated toilets range from $300 to $2,000, depending on the style and type. Compact-elongated bowls are a compromise between the above two styles. They are less common and more difficult to find, but they have a smaller profile than elongated bowls while fitting better into small spaces. The front extends into an oval, like the elongated bowls, but it only extends about 17” to 17¾”, so it takes up less space than a true elongated bowl. If you do not have room for an elongated toilet, this toilet might fit in the space better. Keep in mind that the tank size and overall style impact the total length of the toilet, so these styles may not always be a good fit for very small spaces.

Toilet Prices by Brand

There are many reputable brands for toilets today. Delta is the least expensive option on the market. They have very few choices available because they produce more faucets than fixtures, but they make a good budget choice for toilets without a lot of features. If your plumber chooses your toilet for you, they may provide an Eljer, a preferred brand with plumbers. Another fairly affordable choice is Swiss Madison. They have the most one-piece and contemporary toilets available.

American Standard and Kohler are good choices if you want something stylish and will match your other bathroom fixtures. They both have a wide range of toilet styles and types to choose from. Toto specializes in toilets, and their toilet technology is cutting edge. They have the most options for water-saving, self-cleaning toilet bowls, and concealed trapways that can fit onto any toilet rough.

When looking for a masticating toilet, look at Saniflo. They make the most options for eco-friendly and masticating toilets on the market. This includes full systems that let you install a toilet in an area of the home that does not currently have plumbing. Below are the average unit costs to purchase a toilet from each brand.

Toilet Costs by Flushing Type

Most toilets operate by a flapper system. Whether you push a handle, pull a knob, or push a button, it pulls a chain to lift a flap at the bottom of the tank and lets water into the bowl, which pushes the waste out. Some toilets, most notably those made by Toto, use a different flushing system type, known as a tower. This enclosed mechanism produces more powerful flushing because no air can enter the chamber with the water.

Whether your toilet is dual-flush, touchless, or has a standard flush handle, it operates in roughly the same way. What triggers the flapper or tower to let water into the tank does not change how it happens. Of the two flush systems, there are toilets with a very wide range of costs. Flapper-style flush toilets tend to have lower starting costs, while tower-style systems have higher starting costs, but both can overlap. Below is the average cost for toilets with the different systems.

Labor Cost to Install a Toilet

Toilets are simple to install. One-piece toilets are the easiest because they are just one piece, while two-piece toilets need to be connected at the tank and bowl to be installed. For a standard toilet that sits on the ground, installation takes about 1 to 2 hours. The old toilet is removed if necessary, and a new wax ring is placed on the opening of the waste pipe. The toilet is set down at a slight angle and then twisted firmly into place. It is rocked from side to side and back to front to seal the wax ring and then bolted in place. The water supply is hooked up on the underside of the tank, and the tower or flapper is connected to make sure it is in good condition. This costs roughly $100 to $300 in labor, depending on the toilet type and location, with single-piece toilets typically costing the least and two-piece toilets costing the most.

Wall-hung toilets are more complex to install. For these, the wall must be opened to admit the wall carrier, which is connected to the studs. All the plumbing is done in the wall, and then the wall is replaced with an opening for the toilet. The bowl or tank and bowl, in some cases, is then hung on the carrier to complete the job. This process takes considerably longer, about 4 to 6 hours, and costs more than a standard toilet installation, averaging $400 to $900 in labor alone.

These costs assume an existing waste pipe that it is in good condition. If the waste pipe is corroded, there is no waste pipe, or if you want to move it to a new location, you will have additional costs. Installation of a new waste pipe takes about 6 to 8 hours at $75 to $150 per hour, with the pipe itself costing about $250. This totals $700 to $1,450, plus the cost of the toilet and its installation. Below are the average costs to install different toilet types.

Cost to Install a Toilet in a Basement

Installing a toilet in your basement usually costs much more than installing a toilet in a bathroom on the first floor because new plumbing often needs to be installed. This means you will pay between $1,200 and $5,000 to install a toilet in your basement. Extending the plumbing to the basement bathroom for the water hook-up is relatively easy. However, the waste pipe can be a challenge in many bathrooms. Most toilets vent through the floor, which in a basement means jackhammering up your concrete to install one. Some toilets can vent through the wall. When building a stud wall over the basement concrete wall, you may be able to conceal the waste pipe in this area to avoid having to tear up the concrete. The more labor involved when installing the plumbing, the higher the total project costs. If you already have prepared plumbing in the basement for a toilet, the cost will be much lower, at about $300 to $500 in labor, plus the toilet cost.

Toilet Removal Cost

If you have an old toilet you need removed to make way for a new one, it is best to call a professional. Labor costs vary depending on where you live and the toilet type. If the old toilet is being replaced with a new one, the cost of removing the old toilet is generally included in the cost of the new installation. Removing a toilet is very easy and takes only a few minutes unless the toilet is wall-hung, in which case, this can be a much more time-consuming project. When removing a toilet and closing off the plumbing, the removal cost is usually around $100 to $200 to remove the toilet and cap off the waste pipe.

Toilet Replacement Cost

The cost to replace a toilet ranges from $400 to $800 for the toilet and labor. Most people replace their toilets either when they become old and begin to leak or when they want to reduce their water consumption. Replacing a toilet is a straightforward process. The old toilet is disconnected from the water supply and uncoupled from the floor. The old wax ring is removed, and a new one is placed down. The new toilet is placed on the ring, set in place, and bolted to the floor before connecting to the plumbing.

Replacing a wall-hung toilet can be a more difficult replacement. Most wall-hung toilets require their own specific carriers. This means the wall needs to be fully opened, the old carrier removed, and the new one installed before the plumbing and tank can be installed and the wall closed. This makes the total cost of replacing a wall-hung toilet between $1,200 and $3,000.

When replacing your toilet because of leaks, it may have damaged the surrounding area. Carefully check the flooring, walls, and ceiling of the room below for signs of water damage. If the leak was severe enough, you might have additional costs for repairing the damaged area or replacing the flooring surrounding the toilet.

Cost to Move a Toilet

Moving a toilet can be a big job because a plumber needs to install a new drain pipe and water lines. This can be a very expensive job, but it may be necessary if you are planning to remodel or change the layout of your bathroom. Moving a toilet costs between $2,000 and $3,500 on average, including labor and all materials, such as the pipes, water supply lines, and new toilet. This includes capping off the old waste line and water lines, running new lines to the new location, cutting the hole for the new waste pipe, and installing the new toilet.

Toilet Height

When discussing the toilet height, this refers to the height of the seat in most cases. The height of the tank or back of the toilet can be a personal style taste, but it is the seat height that really matters. Most toilets have a seat height of 15” from the floor to the rim, not including the seat. This is known as the “standard height.” This is the most commonly sold toilet height in the U.S. However, in the last decade, a different height toilet known as the universal height or comfort height has also become available in most brands and styles.

In a universal height toilet, the rim-to-floor measurement is 17”, which is the height of a chair when you include the seat. This means you do not need to bend your knees as far to sit down, making it more comfortable for most users. Tall users and people with mobility problems benefit the most from this height, but nearly anyone can use it. A short toilet aimed at children is also available from a few manufacturers. It has a rim-to-floor height of 12”, but it is very uncommon because children grow out of it quickly.

Toilet Features

Toilets come with many different features that impact costs. These include things like smart features, concealed trapways, dual-flush systems, touchless toilets, self-cleaning bowls, and water-saving. These are all optional features that can improve the use of the toilet or make it easier for you to clean and care for. Many of these features are widely available and can be found on toilets of several styles, types, and manufacturers. Others are more limited, available only in a few select styles or brands. All have their own associated costs. Below are the most common toilet features available today and the cost of a toilet with that feature.

Dual-Flush Toilet

Dual-flush toilets cost between $100 and $1,000 depending on the type, style, and other features. Dual-flush toilets are ideal for people who want to save water. They use a water-saving flush for liquids only and a standard flush for solid waste. They usually have two buttons in place of a lever, located on top of the tank to allow you to choose which flush you want. This is a sub-type of a water-saving toilet. They come in one or two-piece toilets and can be found in many styles.

Water-Saving Toilets

The cost of a water-saving toilet ranges from $100 to $1,500. Standard toilets today use between 1.28 and 1.6 gallons of water per flush. A water-saving toilet uses between 0.8 and 1 gallon of water per flush. This can save a substantial amount of water over a year. These toilets are usually siphon-jet and have large glazed trapways so that they can use less water. They can be found in all types and styles, and all brands have at least one water-saving option. Look for the WaterSense label.

Toilet Trapway

The cost of a toilet with a concealed trapway is $300 to $1,200. The trap or trapway is where the waste travels to exit the toilet. In a standard toilet design, the trapway is exposed and merely glazed over with the same porcelain finish as the rest of the toilet. This can make the sides of the toilet difficult to clean. A concealed trapway hides the trap inside a larger base with a removable cover you can access. Concealed trapway toilets have moveable sizing inside the concealment, so they fit in multiple spaces and toilet roughs.

Touchless Toilet

The cost of a touchless toilet averages $500 to $1,000. Touchless flush systems typically use two different methods to activate the flush mechanism. In one, a sensor located above the toilet detects movement and activates the flush valve when you stand. In the other method, closing the lid of the toilet seat flushes the toilet for you with no additional valve or lever necessary. This latter method is often preferred by people who like the seat to remain closed when the toilet is not in use because the toilet can only be flushed by lowering the lid into place.

Double Cyclone Toilet

A Double Cyclone toilet costs $600 to $1,200. Otherwise known as the self-cleaning toilet, this toilet uses jets to circulate the water through the bowl in a cyclone motion, cleaning it and pushing everything to the exit. These toilets are made by Toto, and in addition to the dual jets, they also feature a very smooth glaze. This glaze prevents waste and bacteria from sticking to the toilet bowl. This makes the toilet easier to clean, so the circulating water can help clean the bowl with each flush, making it easier to maintain. These toilets often come with a concealed trapway, making their exterior easier to maintain as well.

Smart Toilet

The cost of a Smart toilet ranges from $600 to $2,000. Smart toilets are high-tech modern toilets with a range of extra features and technological advantages compared to classic toilets of the past. They come with various heights, hidden trapways, hands-free flushing, self-cleaning modes, and even remote controls to adjust the water spray or heat the seat. Some spray the air with an air freshener after use. Others have built-in speakers and can play music. Many connect with your home’s smart speaker or can be operated by an app from your smartphone.

Toilet Rough-In Dimensions

One of the most important but often overlooked measurements of a toilet is the rough or rough-in. This is how far the waste pipe in your floor is from the wall. In the past, toilet waste pipes popped up anywhere, and the toilet was modified to fit. Today, they come in three sizes - 10”, 12”, and 14”, with 12” being the most common or standard size.

To find a toilet’s rough-in measurement, measure from the finished wall above the baseboard to the center of the bolt cap on the floor. If it measures 9” to 10”, this is a 10” rough, 11” to 12” indicates a 12” rough, and 13” to 14” is a 14” rough. Concealed trapway toilets fit any of these measurements because the trap can move inside the concealed portion to fit differently sized roughs. Other toilets must be purchased to fit the size of the rough-in measurement to ensure a good fit.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Heated Toilet

Heated toilet seats are available to fit any existing toilet. These may also have other features like bidet wash and self-closing lids. Heated toilets can be more comfortable, particularly in cold areas, making them an attractive addition to many bathrooms. These start at $100 and can be as expensive as $800.

Urinal Installation

You may want to add a urinal to your bathroom in addition to a toilet. While urinals are not common in residential buildings and homes, you can add one for convenience if you have the space. Urinals are wall-hung and require you to open the wall to add one, which can increase installation and labor costs. Urinal costs start at $200 to $500.

Bidet Installation

A bidet is another feature to consider. Installed alongside a toilet, a bidet helps reduce toilet paper use. Bidets are separate features that clean you after using the toilet. They are plumbed and installed separately. Bidet costs average $500 to $1,500 installed.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Eco-friendly. If you are interested in an eco-friendly toilet, look for the WaterSense label. These toilets have been tested to meet EPA standards for performance and efficiency.
• Unexpected costs. Toilet installation costs can vary and may increase if the plumber finds an unexpected leak, cracked flange, improperly sealed wax ring, poor caulking that caused leaks and water damage, or a leaky flush valve that caused damage.
• Disposal fees. Most plumbers include disposal fees in their cost to replace a toilet. If you choose, you can dispose of the toilet yourself. This is considered construction waste at most transfer stations and can cost $2 to $5 per pound to dispose of.
• Drop-in cleaners. Most plumbers advise that you do not use drop-in toilet bowl cleaners. These may contain bleach, which can eat away at the rubber components in the tank, void your toilet’s warranty, and cause leaks.
• Measurements. Before you purchase a toilet, measure the dimensions of your bathroom to be sure that it will fit and you have enough space to walk in front of it comfortably.
• Deodorizer. Air purification systems are available with some smart toilets and toilet seats. They spray a deodorizer into the bowl when you flush.
• Combine projects. When having more than one toilet or other plumbing fixture installed in your home, your plumber may charge less if you have them done at one time. Separate trips may result in higher charges than if they take care of multiple fixtures at once.
• Emergency installation fees. If your toilet is badly damaged and you need it replaced immediately, you may have an additional charge for the emergency call out. This varies by plumber and may be $75 to $200 in addition to the other costs.
• Material. While most toilets are made of glazed porcelain, you can find stainless steel toilets as well. Some come with a sink attached to the side for small spaces. Costs start at $800 to $1,100 for the material.