Hot take: Is it better to fix a leaking toilet yourself or just call a plumber?

I just read a post on a landlord forum where a guy said he spent $15 on a wax ring and fixed his own toilet in 20 minutes. Another guy said his $150 plumber bill was worth it because one mistake could mean a $500 water damage claim. I've got a 1920s house in Austin with a toilet that's been wobbling for three years. What do you do when the risk of water damage outweighs the savings?

2 comments

2 Comments

julia_patel27d ago

Have you tried tightening the bolts on that wobbling toilet first?

cameron53827d ago

Oh man, I've been there with the old house wobble. I'd say try tightening those bolts first, but with a 1920s house in Austin you gotta be careful not to crack the porcelain if the bolts are rusted. If you can get a wrench on them and they're not seized up, tighten them just a snug quarter turn and see if it stops the wobble. Idk, maybe it's just me, but I've fixed a few leaky toilets in my time and the wax ring is pretty forgiving if you're gentle. A $15 gamble is worth it over calling a plumber who might be in your area for a $100 minimum charge just to look at it.