Cost to Replace a Toilet: A Practical Guide for Builders, Contractors & Wholesalers

When you work in construction, wholesale supply, or project development, you hear the same question all the time:

“What’s the actual cost to replace a toilet?”

Retailers ask.
Installers ask.
Homeowners ask them.
And then they come back and ask you.

So I wrote this guide to help you give them clear, simple answers.

Because the truth is, the cost to replace a toilet is never just one number.
It depends on the model, the labor, the existing plumbing, and the expectations of the end customer.

And when you’re supplying multiple units for buildings, rental properties, commercial spaces, or housing projects, small cost differences can turn into big budget changes.

This guide explains everything in an honest, down-to-earth way—so your customers can make smarter choices, and you can recommend the right products at the right time.

Let’s jump in.

Why Costs to Replace a Toilet Vary so Much

As an experienced manufacturer, we have worked with many builders and wholesalers abroad, and one thing always stands out:

A “simple toilet replacement” is rarely simple.

Our customers sait that their retail clients imagine it’s like swapping out a chair.
But you and I know it depends on:

• The type of toilet
• The age of the building
• The shape of the plumbing
• Labor availability
• Hidden damage
• Local code requirements

That’s why costs can stretch from $300 to well over $1,000 for a single unit.
Home Depot, for example, lists standard toilets anywhere from under $100 to over $3,000 depending on features.

So when your customers ask, “Why so much?” — this guide helps you answer.

Types of Toilets and What They Really Cost

Most wholesale buyers handle multiple toilet types depending on project requirements.

Here’s a simple breakdown.

1. Two-Piece Toilets

These are the classic models with a separate tank and bowl.

• Cost: $90–$500
• Easiest to install
• Most common in residential replacements

Because they’re simple and affordable, retailers often choose them for budget-friendly home renovations.

2. One-Piece Toilets

These look smoother and are easier to clean.

• Cost: $250–$3,000
• Heavier
• Great for mid- to high-end homes

They’re popular with developers who want a modern finish without moving to smart toilets yet.

3. Wall-Hung Toilets

Stylish, space-saving, but tricky.

• Cost: $500–$2,500+
• Requires wall tank
• Needs skilled installation

Builders choose these for small apartments, hotels, and high-design spaces. Vleeo’s mother company, Cleanman Sanitary Ware, has been in the production of regular toilets since 2002.

4. Smart Toilets

These are where many wholesalers are seeing growth. Vleeo has been cooperating with our clients in America and Asia, with models from entry-level to premium level.

Features can include:

• Heated seat
• Built-in bidet
• Auto flush
• LED night light
• Self-cleaning
• Foot sensors
• Instant heating

Retail Costs vary:

• Mid-range: $500–$1,500
• High-end: $2,000–$5,000

Sites like Block Renovation explain that smart toilets are now one of the top upgrades in modern remodels because they add comfort without major bathroom changes.

These models are ideal for builders working on premium housing, hotels, or smart-home projects.

5. Semi-Smart or No-Electric Bidet Toilets

This includes bidet options that don’t require electricity. Vleeo’s light smart toilet CL-619 is a good choice.

• Cost: $200–$500
• Good for buildings with limited electrical access
• Great for budget-smart upgrades

They’re popular among retailers who want to offer “luxury on a budget.”

Labor Costs Retailers Should Understand

Even when wholesalers supply the toilet, the installation usually happens through the retailer or an independent contractor.

Labor is a big part of the final cost.

Most plumbers charge:

• Basic installation: $100–$400
• Complex installation: $300–$600
• Hourly rate: $75–$200/hr

NerdWallet notes that plumbing complexity is the top reason prices jump higher during installation.

Builders know this too well—every old building hides surprises.

What Makes Labor Costs Go Up?

Here are the big ones:

✔ Old or damaged flooring

If water leaked under the toilet, the subfloor may be soft or rotten.

✔ Outdated plumbing

Old shutoff valves, rusted bolts, or drains that aren’t level.

✔ Switching toilet types

Like changing from floor-mounted to wall-hung.

✔ Smart toilet requirements

Sometimes outlets or new water lines need to be added.

✔ Tight spaces

Older bathrooms often make installation harder.

Any of these factors can double the labor time on a job.

Extra Supplies Retailers and Builders Should Expect

Even if wholesalers provide the toilet, extra parts are almost always needed:

• Wax ring
• Mounting bolts
• New water supply line
• Silicone caulk
• Flange repair kit (if needed)

These usually cost $15–$50, but can be more if repairs are needed.

This is a small cost, but retailers should always tell homeowners so the total price doesn’t surprise them.

Hidden Costs to Replace a Toilet: The Ones No One Likes to Talk About

When a toilet is pulled up, surprises often show up too.

Here are the most common ones.

1. Floor or Subfloor Repairs

If moisture has been sitting under the toilet for years, wood damage is common.

Fixing this costs $150–$500+, depending on severity.

Not fun, but necessary.

2. Plumbing Modifications

Older homes often need:

• New shutoff valves
• New supply lines
• Drain height adjustments
• Replacement flanges

Retailers should always warn customers about this possibility.

3. Permits

Some cities require small plumbing permits.

Fees: $50–$200
Builder projects usually handle this automatically, but small retailers sometimes forget.

4. Disposal Fees

Removing and dumping the old toilet can cost $50–$200.

Contractors sometimes build this into the price.
Retailers rarely do, so this often becomes a surprise cost.

5. Custom Features

When customers ask for:

• Comfort height
• Heated seats
• Auto flush
• Built-in bidets
• Gentle-close lids

The price naturally goes up.

Retailers need to explain that upgrades affect both labor and parts.

DIY vs. Professional Labor: What Retail Customers Should Understand

Builders and wholesalers know the risks of DIY home plumbing.
Retail customers usually don’t.

Here’s an easy explanation you can share with them.

DIY Pros

• Saves labor cost
• Feels rewarding
• Good for basic swaps

DIY Cons

• Heavy lifting
• Risk of leaks
• No workmanship warranty
• Can damage tile or flooring
• Harder if plumbing is old

A single mistake—like mis-setting the wax ring—can cause slow leaks and floor damage.

So for most homeowners, professional installation is simply safer.

Average Cost Breakdown (Simple Table You Can Share With Retailers)

Large projects, high-end units, or tricky plumbing installations will naturally cost more.

When Replacement Is NOT Needed: Smart Upsell for Retailers

This is where your products fit in naturally.

Many homeowners ask retailers:

“Do I need to replace the whole toilet just to get a bidet or a nicer seat?”

Often, the answer is no.

This is a perfect chance for wholesalers to help retailers offer a seat-only upgrade instead of a full replacement.

If the toilet bowl is still solid, many builders reduce the total replacement cost by offering a smart toilet seat upgrade instead of installing a full toilet. A model like the Vleeo CL-K2 smart bidet seat gives customers modern comfort without touching the plumbing.

This is helpful for:

• Apartments
• Hotels
• Rental units
• Older homes with good bowls
• Retailers with budget-focused customers

It’s a win-win:
Lower install cost for the end customer, and still a profitable option for retailers and suppliers.

When Replacement is the Better Choice

Replacement is recommended when:

• The bowl is cracked
• The toilet rocks due to floor damage
• The flushing system fails repeatedly
• The customer wants a fully integrated smart toilet
• The bathroom is undergoing renovation
• Water usage is too high

In these cases, builders often choose complete units that offer modern functions.

For builders managing upscale units or project developers creating modern bathroom packages, a smart toilet model like the Vleeo CL-616 or CL-711 can provide long-term value without complicated installation needs.

Water-Saving Options Retailers Should Know

A lot of older toilets use 3–7 gallons per flush.

Modern toilets use 1.28 GPF or even less.

This helps retailers explain to homeowners why a new toilet can help them save money each month.

Some cities even offer rebates for WaterSense-certified toilets.

This gives wholesalers a strong talking point for environmentally focused buyers.

How Builders and Wholesalers Can Use This Guide

This guide is designed to help you:

• Explain costs to your retailer customers
• Handle homeowner questions more easily
• Offer smart upgrade alternatives
• Recommend products confidently
• Plan budgets better for multi-unit orders
• Reduce complaints from “surprise” fees

And because you’re dealing with bulk orders, understanding these costs protects your margins.

1. Smart seat alternative

→ Vleeo CL-K2 smart toilet seat
(useful when full replacement isn’t needed)

2. Smart toilet option

→ Vleeo CL-616 or CL-711
(mentioned for project builders wanting integrated features)

3. Semi-smart affordability

→ Vleeo CL-619
(for buildings without electrical access)

No hard selling.
No hype.
Just helpful tools for your customers to serve their customers.

Final Thoughts

The cost to replace a toilet depends on many moving pieces—labor, materials, hidden damage, plumbing age, and the type of toilet chosen.

Builders, wholesalers, and project developers benefit from understanding these details so they can guide retailers confidently and help homeowners make better choices.

And sometimes, replacement isn’t even necessary.
A simple upgrade—like switching to a smart toilet seat—can give retailers a profitable add-on and help customers save money.

Knowledge helps everyone in the supply chain win.