How much does a toilet cost to buy and install

The bathroom is one space that sees a lot of activity, and over time, wear and tear can occur. Installing a new toilet is one of the most popular home improvement tasks and can bring additional comfort to you and your household.

While this is a more affordable appliance to buy, it's helpful to weigh up the costs of purchasing a new toilet. It's not just the toilet itself but the cost of installation and any extra costs you might encounter as a result of delays or unexpected issues.

In this guide, you'll get all the knowledge required to pick the right toilet and why it's important to be prepared when fitting a new toilet. So, how much does toilet installation cost? Let's find out!

Costs associated with getting a new toilet

How much does it cost to install a toilet in the UK? The costs involved when getting a new toilet will depend on the type of toilet you want and the labour costs required. Some extras may be required for the installation, so this would be an estimate.

The toilet

How much does a good toilet cost?

The Types of toilets can vary in cost from £125 up to £2,500 for hands-free options.

With many advancements in engineering and technology, a wider variety of toilets are available when compared to two or three decades ago.

The toilet you choose will depend on what you're looking for in style, functions, and features, as well as affordability.

Labour costs

Labour costs can involve anything from removing your existing toilet to doing additional plumbing work required prior to the new toilet installation.

Again, the labour costs can vary greatly depending on what's available locally and the type of toilet you're installing. For bigger projects, you'll expect it to cost you more as many plumbers will charge by the hour.

As a ball-park figure, you can expect to pay anywhere between £100 to £400 for the cost of labour. This may increase if the installation is more complex.

Factors affecting the cost of a new toilet

Various factors can affect the cost of buying a new toilet. There might be restrictions on space or the existing plumbing in place. For some new toilet projects, a change of location might be required. These are all things that can add to the overall toilet installation costs.

Room dimensions

Working in smaller rooms can be difficult, and it may restrict the type of toilet you end up purchasing.

Type of toilet

Some toilets are only a couple of hundred pounds to purchase, but there are plenty of more expensive options out there. You can find everything from touch-free toilets to smart toilets that go beyond the traditional vessels many of us are used to.

Existing plumbing

Depending on your property and the state of your plumbing, you may or may not need some additional work done. These additional costs can soon add up, especially with outdated plumbing systems in older properties.

For your toilet installation, be sure to think about what assistance you may require to correct your existing plumbing situation.

Location

The location of the toilet might involve different labour costs. This may be because the existing plumbing needs to change or other cosmetic work needs to be done in both areas - where the toilet used to be and where it's going.

Removal of old toilet

Some customers may end up removing the toilet themselves if they're feeling like doing a spot of DIY. However, to prevent any potentially disastrous issues, it's worth having your labourers do the work for you.

When removing the old toilet, you may end up saving yourself around £50-£100 , so it's worth considering if you're proficient enough.

Accessibility concerns

Handrails or additional support may be required for some individuals, increasing the project's cost further.

Your budget

What type of budget do you have? Some homeowners may not want to spend a fortune on a new toilet, whilst others don't mind splurging out. It's really up to you!

Types of toilets

When it comes to toilet installation costs, the type of toilet can play heavily on the overall cost. So which type is right for you? Most toilets will do the job, but some may be preferred due to their design, affordability, and functionality in the space.

Close-coupled

Perhaps the most popular toilet choice, the close-coupled toilet, is where the cistern is attached directly to the pan itself. It's reliable and often comes in a mix of traditional and modern finishes.

It would suit most bathrooms and doesn't require any additional external or hidden plumbing that usually costs extra.

Estimated cost: Around £100-£200, depending on style.

Wall hung

One of the best for style and aesthetics, wall hung toilet installations have become increasingly popular over the years. They're great for tight spaces and have an effortless finish. Many modern homes have started to adopt this style of toilet.

While they are great for space, they are somewhat more challenging to install and cost more, too.

Estimated cost: Around £250 -£400.

Low-level cistern

A low-level cistern is fitted at a lower level on the wall. This is then connected to the toilet pan with a chrome flush pipe. It's great for those looking for a traditional finish but requires a solid wall to fit correctly.

Estimated cost: Around £125-£200.

High-level cistern

Very much a traditional style of toilet that dates back to the 1870s, this is still a popular style today. It's where you have a cistern that's fitted up the wall with a pull chain to operate the flush. Great for adding some vintage decor to the space.

Estimated cost: Around £150-£250.

Hands-free toilet

Who doesn't love a hands-free toilet? It's a great one for those looking for a bacteria-friendly option. However, with these hands-free options, you'll find it is more costly to purchase and install.

This is probably the most expensive when it comes to a new toilet cost.

Estimated cost: For the toilet alone, you're looking at £1500-£2000.

The toilet installation process

From a wall-hung toilet to installing a close-coupled toilet, the installation process can be somewhat similar for each new toilet. Whether you're looking to install your own or get the help of a plumber, here's a step-by-step installation process to refer to.

1. Removal & disposal of an old toilet

When it comes to a toilet replacement, you first need to remove the existing toilet. This involves uninstalling the unit and removing it from the site. Making sure to turn off the water when pulling out and replacing your toilet is worth a reminder too!

2. Cleaning of the area

Once the old toilet has been removed, it's a good idea to clean up the area and remove any debris. A simple job like this can help ensure the rest of the process goes smoothly.

3. Adding any new tiling/flooring

Additional costs may be incurred by replacing tiling or flooring for the toilet. For many, a new bathroom will likely involve changing the design, so it's worthwhile to do.

Depending on the type of toilet, whether it's a close couple toilet to a low-level toilet, you may need to work around the style when adding these materials.

4. Installing a new toilet

To get your toilet installed correctly, be sure to measure the area so that the entire toilet fits perfectly. It's then a case of removing the soil cover on the toilet and adding the wax ring.

Once that's done, connect your new toilet to the soil pipe and secure the cistern tank once you've fitted the toilet either to the floor or to the wall.

Connect the water pipe into the cistern and turn it on. If done correctly, water should be flowing without any issues. Make sure to check for leaks!

Can you replace a toilet yourself?

Of course! With the right DIY skills, replacing a toilet isn't particularly challenging. However, if you're looking to face this DIY project with no skills or experience, you may encounter some issues.

Installing a toilet yourself is certainly more affordable. However, be sure that you're aware of what you're doing and that you don't add to the toilet cost by making mistakes.

Building regulations for toilet installations

There are some worthwhile mentions when it comes to building regulations in relation to toilet installation, particularly for a downstairs toilet.

Planning permission often isn't needed for a downstairs toilet installation. Still, it's worth checking the laws when part of an extension.

As with any building work, the relevant regulatory bodies will want to ensure everything is being done by the book. This is to ensure safety, of course. For those that may need to appease building regulations, here are a few tips:

• Speak to a local council's building control department or an experienced builder for guidance.
• Consider accessibility for a downstairs toilet, especially for those in wheelchairs.
• Good drainage and ventilation are required.
• Downstairs toilets will require a sink for handwashing.

Not all scenarios will warrant speaking to building regulation representatives, but it's worthwhile knowing about the restrictions and rules that are in place. You never know; you might need it at some point in the future.

FAQs

How much does a basic toilet cost?

If you're looking for the cheapest, run-of-the-mill toilets, then expect to pay at least £100. However, you may find a lack of quality in some of these cheaper options.

There are a lot of basic models out there that can cost between £125-£400 and others that sit around £400-£800 or more.

Why are some toilets so expensive?

The design of the toilet can often depend on how costly the toilet is. Generally, you'll find that wall-hung toilets are usually more expensive. This is because more of the unit needs to be fitted within the bathroom wall. As a result, it's likely that more work is required, which can cost you.

How much will a labourer charge for toilet installation?

A labourer will charge anywhere between £100 and £400 for toilet installation. This can vary depending on the labourer and the type of toilet and installation required.

Are wall-hung toilets better?

Wall-hung toilets tend to save floor space, which is great for those with limited room. They're also great for adding a modern aesthetic to your home. However, there's not much difference in the function of wall-hung toilets and floor-mounted toilets.