Signs you need toilet installation
- A cracked tank or bowl, even a hairline crack
- The toilet rocks and shimming no longer holds it
- Water staining around the base or on the ceiling below
- An older high-volume toilet that you want to replace with a low-flow model
- A renovation that changes the floor height or layout
How we handle the job
Once the old toilet is lifted, the flange tells us most of what we need. We check that it is secured to the floor, sits at the right height relative to finished flooring and is not cracked. A broken or sunken flange gets repaired or replaced instead of hidden under a thicker wax ring. Then we set the fresh toilet on a fresh seal, tighten evenly so the bowl sits level without stress on the porcelain, connect a new supply line and, where needed, a new shut-off valve.
Before leaving we flush repeatedly, inspect the base and tank bolts for dampness, adjust the fill level and confirm the old toilet is removed from your home.
Many homes in Pickering from the 1970s and 1980s still have original toilets that flush far more water than any current model.
Pickering homes and this problem
Many homes in Pickering from the 1970s and 1980s still have original toilets that flush far more water than any current model. Replacing one or two of them can make a real difference to a Durham Region water and sewer bill, since both charges follow metered consumption. In finished basements, toilets sometimes sit on a raised floor over an older concrete slab, which complicates flange height. Seaton and Duffin Heights homes are often upgraded from builder-grade models within the first few years.
What affects the price
- The toilet you choose: supplied by you or sourced by us
- Flange condition and whether repair is needed
- Replacing the shut-off valve
- Rough-in distance if the new model needs a different measurement
- Wall-hung or specialty models, which need more work
What you can do first
Measure the rough-in, meaning the distance from the finished wall surface to the middle of the floor bolts under the toilet. Most homes are 12 inches, but 10 and 14 exist. Bring that measurement when you shop. Check that the shut-off valve turns freely; if it is stuck, mention it when you book.
Choosing a toilet that suits the house
Height matters more than most shoppers expect. Comfort-height bowls sit a couple of inches taller, which many adults prefer, though children and shorter users may not. Elongated bowls need more clearance from the door or vanity. Check the flush rating on the box and look for independent performance testing rather than relying on brand reputation. If the bathroom is getting other work at the same time, our faucet replacement page covers the vanity side of the job.
Questions callers ask
Can I supply my own toilet?
Yes. Check it for cracks before we arrive and confirm the rough-in matches your floor.
Is a dual-flush toilet worth it?
For many households yes. They save water on everyday flushes, which shows up on a metered bill.
Why does my new toilet rock?
Usually an uneven floor or a flange sitting too high or low. Shims and a properly set flange fix it.
