With the prices that plumbers charge these days, it’s no wonder someone would be looking for an alternative way to install a toilet. But who do you get to do such a task? If nobody you know can do it for you, then what are some other options? Well, you could hire a handyman to do the job but is that okay? Whether it’s a coding requirement or just the ability to do so, you should check into this.
A handyman can install a toilet, assuming the rules and regulations surrounding the building code where you live allows someone other than a plumber to perform this task. In general, a handyman should be more than qualified to change a toilet provided he/she has had some training and have performed the job in the past.
I understand it can be somewhat stressful if you need to hire someone to install a toilet and you’re not sure who to call. Plumbers are very expensive nowadays, which is why most people either opt to do the job themselves or hire a handyman to do it for cheaper.
Handymen sometimes get a ‘bum rap’ because handymen are often lumped into the same category – as either good or bad. The problem with this is that not all handymen are created equal, meaning their skill levels vary. I can say this as I was both a plumber and a handyman at different points in my life.
What to Know About a Handyman Installing a Toilet?
I have never heard that a handyman shouldn’t install a new toilet. However, a handyman should have some plumbing experience before attempting such a job. This includes even something as simple as changing the flange, which is the black ABS thing screwed to your floor for the toilet to be attached too.
A handyman should not be changing any water supply lines to the toilet. What they can change is the water supply hose that spans from the shut off valve which connects to the water line coming out of your wall to the toilet tank.
In other words, a handyman should not be touching the drainage pipes or tampering with the water supply. Anything other than that is fine.
That’s not to say that a handyman isn’t capable of doing those things. Most likely they are, however, it’s not worth the risk.
The problem with allowing a handyman to move drainage pipes or water lines is that insurance probably wouldn’t cover it if you run into any issues. If you want to take the chance, that’s fine. Probably more people than not allow a non plumber to do plumbing in their homes simply to save money.
It’s up to you, however, to make that decision. If it’s just installing a new toilet, you’re not going to have any issues. Unless, of course, you hire a ‘hack’ who doesn’t know how to install one properly.
What to Look Out for When Hiring a Handyman to Install a Toilet
This section is assuming you have a toilet flange in place and ready for a toilet to be attached to it. It also takes into account that the water supply has a shut off valve installed and is waiting for a water supply line to be attached.
Installing a toilet is a very simple task. A toilet itself has minimal parts inside and minimal parts connecting to it.
Aside from the toilet itself, here are the parts you will need to install a toilet.
A wax ring is required. Wax rings are placed on the black toilet flange and act as a seal (after being tightened down) when the toilet is placed on it.
As mentioned above, a water supply line is required to get the water from the pipe sticking out of your wall to the toilet itself. These can be purchased in different lengths and are made out of different materials. The most common are flexible metal (usually chrome covered), flexible plastic (this is the cheapest option), flexible braided supply lines (these are the nicest to look at).
Some toilets do not come with a toilet seat so make sure you check to see if your new toilet has one with it.
If you want to silicone around the base of the toilet bowl, you will need a tube of kitchen and bathroom silicone. I wouldn’t recommend doing this as it usually takes longer to find out you have a water leak when the water can’t run out onto the floor.
Instead, it ends up eating away at your subfloor directly under your toilet. Once you discover you have a ton of damage and work ahead of you, it’s too late! However, it’s still your call to make.
When hiring someone to install your toilet make sure to consider these things, I have pointed out for you.
How Much Does a Handyman Charge to Install a Toilet?
Now that you have a good grasp on what is needed to install the toilet, having an idea of what it will cost you will also help you make your choice on which handyman to select.
Cheaper isn’t always the best route. Nor is selecting someone charging the most because you think they must know what they are doing, right?
With the information I have provided on what is needed for installing a toilet, you have some powerful knowledge that will help you weed-out the under qualified handymen.
As far as what they should charge. A toilet installation should not take more than an hour, unless there are other issues the installer runs into.
There might be extra parts as pointed out above. A wax ring, water supply line, maybe a toilet seat. Everything else should have come with your toilet.
So, that adds up to an hour of time and some parts.
A handyman shouldn’t be charging you more than $150 to install a toilet. I would like to see that price $100. If you find someone who talks to you about the information I have provided here and is charging around $100, then hire them on the spot!
How Much Does a Plumber Charge to Replace a Toilet?
I won’t spend much time here. Plumbers are expensive. Yes, they are the experts, so they charge accordingly. I just don’t think paying $200 to $300 to have a toilet installed is okay, however.
Can I Install a Toilet Myself?
Yes, you can install the toilet yourself, if you don’t want to hire a handyman. You will need a crescent wrench and maybe a pair of pliers and that’s pretty much it!
Conclusion
To sum things up, I have often considered starting a side business just installing that toilets. Honestly!
Toilets are easy to install once you know how. The only issue you might run into is the weight of the toilet. Hiring a handyman is a good option instead of hiring a plumbing company or doing it yourself, if you are not a handy kind of person.
Just remember, the tips I have given you here regarding the materials required and the possible fee are based on my own personal experience.
Hopefully, this article has been of help to you. Thanks for reading and good luck with your installation.
Related Posts
Is Being a Handyman a Good Job?
Does Flooring Go Under the Toilet Flange?
