# How Much It Costs to Fix a Toilet in the UK
The cost to repair a toilet depends heavily on what’s wrong [phone] how accessible it is, what parts are needed, whether it’s an emergency, and where in the UK you are. Below are typical cost ranges, example jobs, and factors that influence pricing.
## Typical Price Ranges & Example Jobs
Type of Problem / Job Labour + Parts Typical Cost*
Minor issues (running toilet, faulty flush mechanism, replacing handle/button) £45 £80
Simple leaks (tank leak, seal or washer replacement) £50 £100
Blocked toilet (standard blockage) £60 £100
More complex issues (flush valve, syphon, or parts that are harder to access) £90 £200+
Replacing a toilet (full installation, basic toilet) £180 £550 depending on model & whether pipework needs adjusting
High end or complex installs (wall hung, concealed cisterns) £600 £800+ based on complexity
Emergency / urgent call outs Often involves extra “call out” charge + premium labour rates; expect £100+ for just the call out, then higher hourly or job rate.
Prices include parts and labour in many cases, but always check. Materials, VAT, travel, waste disposal etc. may add extra.
### What Adds to the Cost
Several factors might make a repair more expensive:
• Access & location: Wall hung or hidden cisterns are harder to reach, take more time. If the toilet base or plumbing is under floorboards, behind tiles etc., that's more work.
• Type & quality of parts: Standard plastic parts will cost less; ceramic or branded/long life parts cost more. If parts are rare or special, they may need ordering, which adds lead time and cost.
• Severity & hidden damage: Sometimes what's visible is only part of the problem. E.g. a leak might have damaged flooring, sub floor, or surrounding plumbing.
• Emergency / unsociable hours: Nights, weekends, immediate repairs — expect premium rates.
• Geographic area / local labour costs: London and Southeast tend to be more expensive. More rural / lower cost regions may be cheaper.
• Disposal or removal costs: Removing the old toilet, cistern, or disposing of large parts can incur charges.
### What a Typical Repair Includes
What you pay for generally covers:
• The plumber’s labour time (diagnosis + fixing)
• Replacement parts (valves, flush mechanism, seals, handles etc.)
• Travel / call out fee
• Disposal of old parts / waste
• Sometimes VAT (20%) unless plumber is not registered or quoting excluding VAT (you should check)
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
**1. What’s the cheapest toilet repair?**
Replacing a float valve, handle/button or flapper is usually among the cheapest — around £45 £80 including labour & parts.
**2. How much to fix a running toilet?**
Usually £45 £80 for the fix (parts + labour). Might be more if multiple components are failing.
**3. What about a blocked toilet?**
Standard blockage clearance: ~£60 £100. Severe blockages or those involving external drains may go higher.
**4. If the tank is leaking, how much?**
A small leak might be sealed with new washers or seals (cost around £50 £100). If the tank itself needs replacement, more like £150 £250 or more.
**5. How much to replace a toilet (whole unit)?**
Basic replacement: £180 £550 (labour + basic unit) if pipework is simple. Premium or complex setup (concealed, wall hung) can cost £600 £800+.
**6. Is labour or parts more of the cost?**
It depends. For minor fixes, labour often dominates. For replacements or premium parts, parts can take a large share. Expect both to matter.
**7. Can parts be very expensive?**
Yes. For example, concealed cistern parts, branded suites, or matching older toilet models can cost more or be hard to source. Simple parts like seals or handles are cheaper.
**8. How long does a repair take?**
Minor fixes = under 1 hour. Replacements = 2 4 hours or more. Complex installations or difficult access can take longer.
**9. Do I pay more in London / Southeast?**
Generally yes — labour and overheads are higher.
**10. What if I wait — will damage get worse?**
Yes. Leaks can damage flooring, subfloor, ceilings below etc. Blockages can back up and cause overflow. Fixing early is usually cheaper overall.
**11. Are emergency call out fees much higher?**
Yes. Expect premium charges for same day or out of hours service. Call out alone can be £100+ before the repair work.
**12. Do plumbers give itemised quotes?**
Good ones should — showing labour, parts, call out/travel, VAT etc. Always ask.
**13. What warranties or guarantees are typical?**
Often parts have manufacturer warranty (months to years). Labour may be guaranteed for certain period (e.g. 30 days, 90 days, or more) depending on plumber.
**14. Can I DIY some fixes?**
Yes — simple fixes like replacing flapper, flush handle, washers, minor resealing are relatively DIY friendly. But anything involving plumbing modifications, concealed parts, or risk of water damage is better done by a professional.
**15. How much notice should I give / schedule non emergency work?**
Not urgent: try to get quotes in advance, schedule during weekdays. You may save over weekend or emergency rates.
**16. Are there fixed price repair services?**
Some plumbers offer fixed prices for certain standard jobs (e.g. “replace flush valve” etc.). Others work by hourly rate + parts. Always clarify.
**17. What’s included in “labour” charges?**
Travelling time, call out, the actual working time (diagnosis + repair), possibly dismantling/reassembling, testing etc.
**18. Will VAT be added?**
Usually yes (20%) if plumber is VAT registered. Always ask whether quote includes VAT.
**19. Should I replace the whole toilet or just parts?**
If the suite is old, inefficient, damaged, or the parts are hard to find, replacement may be better in the longer term. But for many issues just replacing failing parts is sufficient and far cheaper.
**20. How to ensure a fair price?**
o Get 2 3 quotes
o Ask for breakdown (labour, parts, call out)
o Check reviews / past jobs
o Ask whether the plumber is qualified / insured
o Ask if quotes include VAT and disposal of old parts
If you tell me your postcode (or London / region) and what specifically is wrong with the toilet (leak, not flushing, moving handle, etc.), I can give you a more precise estimate for your case.