How much does it cost to install a toilet? [October 2024]

How much does the labour for a toilet installation cost?

The labour for a new toilet installation typically costs between £200 and £500 including VAT. 

Plumbers will usually charge an hourly rate, plus the cost of the new toilet (if you’re not providing this yourself) and materials. 

Installation typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the type of toilet. Hidden cisterns often require significantly more time to install than other styles due to the complexities involved in concealing the plumbing.

Here is what you would expect to pay for labour only when installing a toilet in London and outside of London. 
 

How much does the new toilet cost?

The actual cost of the new toilet can vary depending on the style and type of cistern. Closed-coupled toilets are typically the most budget-friendly, with prices starting as low as £100, whereas top-of-the-range Japanese toilets (AKA smart toilets) can reach prices over £2,000. 

You can either supply the toilet yourself or have your plumber source it locally and add it to your total bill. Keep in mind, though, that a 20-25% markup is typical to cover your plumber’s time spent sourcing the materials. 
 

What’s the difference between each type of toilet?

A wide variety of toilets are available to suit different styles and bathroom sizes.

Closed-coupled toilets are the most popular style in homes across the UK, due to their affordability and straightforward installation.^[1] However, hidden cistern toilets are gaining popularity, with their sleek modern look, as they conceal plumbing behind a wall, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms. However, they tend to be more expensive to buy and costly to install.^[2]

What other factors impact the cost of toilet installation?

Where you live, when you book, who you book with, and your current plumbing are the other main factors affecting the cost of toilet installation.
 

1. Where you book

In London and the southern regions of England, you can expect to pay around 20% more for toilet installation compared to other areas in the UK.
 

2. When you book

You’ll often pay a premium when booking a plumber for unsociable call-out hours, such as evenings, early mornings, weekends, and bank holidays. Most plumbers will also charge more for short notice and same-day bookings. 
 

3. Whether you book an independent plumber or a larger company

Self-employed, independent plumbers will often charge less than well-established firms. Some independent plumbers may even operate below the VAT threshold, which can save you from paying an additional 20% VAT.

However, booking with larger firms certainly has its perks, such as ease of booking, greater flexibility, and availability, as well as access to responsive customer support service if anything goes wrong. 
 

4. Your current plumbing 

If you're installing the same type of toilet in the same position as the previous one, the new toilet can simply be reconnected to the existing soil pipe.

However, installing a different type of toilet (such as a hidden cistern) or repositioning to a different area isn’t as straightforward, as your plumber may need to cut into walls or reroute pipes. You should also factor in the possibility of needing additional cosmetic work done after the installation, such as touch-ups to paint and tiling around the area. Depending on the scope of work, costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds.

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What’s included in a toilet installation? 

The exact tasks involved with installing a toilet vary on the type of toilet. Here’s what is typically included in a toilet installation:

• Removing and disposing of the old toilet (if applicable)
• Preparing the area for installation, such as removing any tiles and flooring
• Measuring up the area 
• Taking off the soil cover of your new toilet and applying the wax ring
• Hooking up your toilet to the soil pipe.
• Attaching the toilet to the floor for a floor-standing unit or to the wall for a wall-hung toilet.
• Setting up the cistern tank and connect the water supply line to it
• Turning on the water 
• Switching the water back on for the rest of the property, if turned off.
• Finishing and tidying up the area
   

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What are the signs you should replace your toilet?

There are often clear signs that your toilet needs replacing. Once you notice these issues, it's best to replace your toilet promptly to avoid more significant problems down the line.
 

1. Frequent clogging

If your toilet is constantly clogging, it may be time to think about replacing it. Older toilets often have inefficient flushing systems, like low-flow designs that are prone to clogs. Additionally, limescale buildup over the years can reduce water flow and weaken the flush, making clogs even more frequent. 
 

2. Cracks

It’s a good idea to replace your toilet at the first sign of cracks. Hairline cracks may seem harmless at first, but over time they can develop into larger cracks which could cause leaks.^[3] 
 

3. Wobbly base

A wobbly base could simply mean a few loose bolts that need tightening. However, it could also be a sign of underlying floor damage caused by a leaking toilet. 

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Can I install a toilet myself?

While attempting a DIY toilet installation may be tempting to save money, it’s often more cost-efficient to let a professional handle it. 

You risk uncovering hidden plumbing issues, such as corroded pipes, which a professional plumber would know how to address straight away. 

One of the most important tasks in installing a toilet is ensuring the rubber seal is correctly aligned and sealed. Not doing this property can be costly - causing leaks and damaging the floor beneath your toilet. 

Plumbers have the expertise and equipment to get the job done properly the first time, giving you peace of mind, and saving you money in the long run. Most plumbers will even guarantee their work for around 72 hours, offering to fix any problems free of charge. 

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How can I find a plumber to install my toilet?

There are many ways to find a tried and trusted plumber. If you know anyone who’s had any work done recently, you could ask them for recommendations. You could also turn to local groups on social media, tradespeople directory sites, or through a specialist tradesperson service like Housekeep.

You can get a quote for toilet installation through the Housekeep website. We’ll match you with an experienced and insured plumber in just a few clicks. Choose a date and time that works for you, and we’ll take care of the rest. 

Need a new toilet or other materials? Your plumber can source them locally and add these to the cost of your bill. Alternatively, you can choose to supply your own materials if you prefer. 
 

Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson

Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.

With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.