You hear that sound again. That constant trickling. Or maybe you’ve noticed water pooling around the base of your toilet. Again.
Here’s the thing: toilet problems never happen at a convenient time. They start small—a wobble here, a slow flush there—then suddenly you’re ankle-deep in water on a Sunday morning with guests arriving in two hours.
Sound familiar?
Roger J. Schwab Plumbing has seen it all in our 20+ years serving Lake County families. We’ve fixed thousands of toilets, replaced even more, and helped homeowners make smart decisions about when to repair and when to start fresh.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about toilet repair and replacement. You’ll learn the warning signs, understand your options, and figure out when to call for professional help. No confusing jargon. Just straight answers from neighbors who’ve been doing their job for two decades.
The Real Cost of Ignoring Toilet Problems
Let’s talk money for a second.
That small leak you’re ignoring? It’s costing you. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. Do the math on your Lake County water bill. Now multiply that by months of procrastination.
But water bills are just the beginning. Leaks damage subfloors. They create mold. They rot out the framing under your bathroom. What starts as a 150 repair becomes a 3,000 bathroom renovation.
Look, nobody wants to deal with toilet problems. But the homeowners who call us early always spend less than the ones who wait until there’s visible damage.
The exception is when your toilet is simply old. If you’ve got a 1980s model that’s worked fine for decades, upgrading to a modern efficient toilet might save you money in the long run through lower water bills.
How to Know If Your Toilet Needs Professional Attention
Your toilet tells you when something’s wrong. You just need to listen.
Watch for these warning signs. There should be a persistent running sound between flushes. Water pooling around the base. Weak flushes that require two or three tries. Cracks in the porcelain bowl or tank. Wobbling when you sit down.
Here’s what matters: these problems rarely fix themselves. That wobble means your toilet flange might be broken. That pool of water suggests a failed wax ring or seal. These aren’t DIY weekend projects for most homeowners.
Roger J. Schwab Plumbing handles toilet replacement and repair throughout Lake County. We’ve worked in homes from Beach Park to Libertyville, and we know the common issues in older Lake County properties.
Older homes especially need attention. Many were built with different plumbing standards. The toilet flanges deteriorate. The water supply lines corrode. What worked perfectly for 30 years can suddenly fail.
Want to know the secret? Regular inspections catch problems early. We recommend checking your toilet’s connections twice a year. Look for moisture. Test for wobbling. Listen for unusual sounds. Fifteen minutes of attention prevents expensive emergencies.
Common Toilet Repairs vs Complete Replacement
Not every toilet problem requires replacement. But some do.
Simple repairs handle most issues. Flapper valves wear out and cause running water. Fill valves stick and create constant refilling. Wax rings compress and allow leaks. These repairs typically cost less than replacing the entire unit.
Complete replacement makes sense in specific situations. When your toilet has cracks in the porcelain. When you’re remodeling and want updated fixtures. When you’re dealing with multiple recurring problems. When your water bill shows you’re wasting thousands of gallons monthly.
| Repair Option | Typical Cost Range | When It Makes Sense | Expected Lifespan |
| Flapper Replacement | 75−150 | Running toilet, water waste | 3-5 years |
| Fill Valve Repair | 100−200 | Constant refilling, phantom flushing | 5-7 years |
| Wax Ring Replacement | 150−300 | Leaking base, odors | 10-20 years |
| Flange Repair | 200−450 | Wobbling, won’t seal properly | 15-20 years |
| Complete Replacement | 350−800 | Multiple issues, cracks, upgrading | 15-25 years |
The homeowners who get the best value ask this question: “What’s the total cost of keeping my current toilet running for the next five years versus replacing it now?”
Sometimes repair makes perfect sense. Other times, replacement is the smarter investment. Our plumbing service team helps Lake County families make that call based on their specific situation.
Understanding Your Toilet Replacement Options
Modern toilets aren’t like the models from 20 years ago. Technology has changed. Efficiency has improved. Your choices have expanded.
Standard-height toilets work fine for most families. But comfort height models have gained popularity for good reason. They’re easier on knees and backs. They’re better for taller people and seniors. They meet ADA accessibility standards.
Two-piece toilets remain the most common and affordable option. The tank and bowl come separately. They’re easier to move upstairs. Replacement parts are widely available. One-piece models offer sleeker styling and easier cleaning but cost more upfront.
Flushing technology matters more than most people realize. Gravity-fed systems are reliable and quiet. Pressure-assisted toilets provide powerful flushing but make more noise. Dual-flush models let you choose water volume based on what you’re flushing.
Water efficiency directly impacts your Lake County utility bills. Older toilets use 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush. Modern EPA WaterSense certified models use just 1.28 gallons while flushing better than old water-wasters.
Brand selection creates confusion for many homeowners. Quality manufacturers like Kohler, American Standard, and TOTO offer reliable products with good warranty coverage. The key is matching the toilet to your specific needs and plumbing configuration.
But here’s what really matters: proper installation. The fanciest toilet in the showroom won’t work right if it’s installed incorrectly. Our faucets, fixtures, and sinks expertise extends to all bathroom fixtures, ensuring everything works together perfectly.
The Professional Installation Advantage
You might feel tempted to install a toilet yourself. YouTube makes it look easy. The big box stores sell toilets as DIY-friendly projects.
Here’s the reality: toilet installation involves critical details that determine whether your new fixture lasts 2 years or 20 years. The flange must be level and properly secured. The wax ring needs perfect compression. The water supply line requires proper connection. The bowl must be completely level.
Miss any of these details? You’re looking at leaks, wobbling, poor flushing, or premature failure.
Professional installation includes inspection of your existing plumbing. We check the flange condition before setting the new toilet. We verify your water supply line can handle the new fixture. We test for leaks under pressure. We ensure proper sealing and stability.
The homeowners who try DIY installation often call us afterward anyway. They’ve discovered their flange was broken. They couldn’t get the toilet to stop wobbling. They created leaks they didn’t notice until water damaged the ceiling below.
Our service includes cleanup and proper disposal of your old toilet. We haul away the old fixture. We clean up completely. We test everything before we leave. You get peace of mind knowing it’s done right.
Emergency situations demand immediate professional response. Water pooling around your toilet isn’t something you want to tackle yourself at midnight. Our emergency plumbing services handle urgent toilet problems throughout Lake County, often on the same day.
Why Lake County Trusts Us With Their Toilet Problems
Roger J. Schwab Plumbing has earned our reputation through consistent, honest service. We don’t upsell unnecessary replacements. We don’t hide costs in fine print. We don’t rush through jobs to maximize daily service calls.
We’re your neighbors. We live in Lake County too. Our kids go to local schools. We shop at your grocery stores. We understand the water quality issues common in our area. We know which toilet models work best with Lake County’s water characteristics.
Our family-owned business model means something important: when you call, you’re talking to people who care about their local reputation. We can’t hide behind a corporate headquarters in another state. Our success depends entirely on satisfied Lake County customers recommending us to their neighbors.
The quality plumbing service you demand at the prices you deserve isn’t just our tagline. It’s how we’ve operated for over 20 years. We give you options with honest pricing. We explain what you need versus what would be nice to have. We respect your budget while never compromising on quality workmanship.
Want proof? Check our reviews from real Lake County homeowners. Look at our longevity in this community. Ask your neighbors who they call when they need a plumber they can trust.
Our comprehensive plumbing repairs extend beyond just toilets. We handle everything from sump pumps to water heaters, gas line services to backflow prevention. When you need showers and tubs installed or ejector pump services, we’re the team Lake County calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
1- What should I expect from a commercial toilet replacement service?
Commercial toilet replacement differs significantly from residential work. Commercial facilities need durable fixtures that handle heavy daily use. The installation must meet ADA requirements and local commercial building codes. Downtime must be minimized to avoid disrupting business operations.
We coordinate commercial installations during off-hours when possible. We bring multiple technicians for faster completion. We stock commercial-grade parts for immediate repairs. Our commercial clients include property management companies, restaurants, and office buildings throughout Lake County that need reliable service without business interruption.
2- How does comfort height toilet installation differ from standard models?
Comfort height toilet installation requires the same basic process as standard height models, but the elevated bowl height (typically 17-19 inches versus 15 inches) provides significant benefits. These ADA-compliant toilets reduce strain on knees and backs when sitting and standing.
The installation process checks the same critical points: flange condition, wax ring seal, water supply connection, and proper leveling. The main difference is ensuring adequate clearance in your bathroom space, as comfort height models may require slight adjustments to accessories like toilet paper holders.
Many Lake County homeowners upgrade to comfort height during bathroom remodels or when age-related mobility becomes a consideration. The investment in comfort pays dividends daily for families with seniors, tall individuals, or anyone with joint problems.
3- When should I choose toilet replacement and removal over repair?
Toilet replacement and removal make the most sense when repair costs approach 50% of replacement cost, when you’re experiencing multiple recurring problems, or when your toilet shows visible cracks in the porcelain. Age factors into this decision too.
Toilets manufactured before 1994 use significantly more water per flush than modern efficient models. If your toilet is 15+ years old and needs major repairs, replacement typically offers better long-term value through water savings alone.
We remove old toilets completely, including proper flange inspection and repair if needed. You’re not just getting a new toilet—you’re getting renewed confidence in your bathroom’s most essential fixture.
4- Why choose Kohler toilet installation service specifically?
Kohler toilet installation service focuses on one of the most trusted names in plumbing fixtures. Kohler manufactures reliable, well-engineered toilets with readily available replacement parts and strong warranty coverage.
Their product line includes options for every budget and preference. From basic two-piece gravity-fed models to sophisticated one-piece comfort-height toilets with powerful flushing systems, Kohler offers proven performance.
We’ve installed hundreds of Kohler toilets throughout Lake County. We know which models work best for older homes versus new construction. We understand their installation requirements. We can source parts quickly if future repairs become necessary.
5- What’s involved in toilet flange replacement and repair?
Toilet flange replacement and repair addresses the critical connection between your toilet and the drainpipein your floor. The flange holds the toilet securely while creating a watertight seal. When flanges crack, corrode, or break, your toilet wobbles and leaks.
Flange repair requires removing the toilet completely, assessing the damage, and either repairing the existing flange or installing a replacement. In older Lake County homes, we sometimes find original cast iron flanges that have corroded beyond repair. Modern PVC or brass flanges provide longer-lasting performance.
This repair demands precision. The new flange must sit at exactly the right height relative to your finished floor. It must be completely level. The mounting bolts must align properly. When done correctly, a new flange supports your toilet securely for decades.
6- How do you handle toilet repair for leaking base issues?
Toilet repair for leaking base problems starts with diagnosis. Is water coming from a failed wax ring seal? From cracks in the porcelain base? From condensation? From a leaking water supply connection?
Each cause requires different solutions. Wax ring failure means removing the toilet, inspecting the flange, installing a new wax ring, and reseating the toilet with proper compression. Cracked porcelain requires complete toilet replacement—you can’t repair cracked porcelain reliably.
The most overlooked cause is toilet movement. If the flange is broken or the mounting bolts have loosened, the toilet rocks slightly with each use. This breaks the wax seal and creates leaks. We address the root cause, not just the symptom.
Ignoring base leaks damages your subfloor and can require expensive repairs beyond just the toilet. The moisture creates perfect conditions for mold growth. In two-story homes, ceiling damage below the bathroom adds significant cost.
7- What makes emergency plumber toilet replacement necessary?
Emergency plumber toilet replacement becomes necessary when your toilet fails catastrophically. Cracked tanks or bowls that leak heavily. Complete flushing system failures during important events. Toilets that have been knocked loose from their mounting.
We stock popular toilet models for emergency replacement. When you can’t wait days for a special order, we install a quality replacement the same day. Our emergency service includes rapid response throughout Lake County, typically arriving within hours of your call.
The difference between emergency service and scheduled replacement is timing and urgency, not quality. You get the same careful installation, the same warranty coverage, and the same attention to detail. We just work faster and outside normal business hours when your situation demands immediate action.
Final Thoughts: Your Toilet Deserves Better
Your toilet is the hardest-working fixture in your home. It gets used multiple times daily by every family member. Yet it’s the last thing most people think about—until something goes wrong.
You’ve learned the warning signs. You understand when repair makes sense versus replacement. You know what to look for in a new toilet. You’ve seen why professional installation matters.
Here’s what to do next: if your toilet is showing any of the problems we discussed, don’t wait for a crisis. Call Roger J. Schwab Plumbing at (847) 263-0396 or visit our homepage to schedule an inspection. We’ll give you an honest assessment and clear options.
We’re not just the plumbing company Lake County has trusted for over 20 years. We’re your neighbors who take pride in solving problems right the first time. Whether you need a simple repair or complete replacement, we’ll treat your home with the same care we’d give our own.
Ready to stop worrying about your toilet? Learn more about us and discover why Lake County families keep our number on their refrigerator. Because when plumbing problems strike, you deserve a plumber who answers the phone, shows up on time, and fixes it right.
Your toilet problems end here.
