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We're looking to replace all our toilets. I know it's an easy job, but I'm willing to pony up the money to avoid playing in 10 years of previous owners' bodily fluids.
Am I better off buying toilets at a big box store and having a plumber install? Or should I just have a plumber supply the toilets as well?
I found an older thread recommending buying and installing toilets with Cary Plumbing. Is this still a recommended route?
Am I better off buying toilets at a big box store and having a plumber install?
I think you should look at the big box stores and their prices to determine what you want. My husband just replaced two of our builder specials.
We bought two Kohler Cavata toilets from Lowes. We wanted an elongated front, comfort height with very smooth lines which are easy to clean. No nooks and crannies to collect grunge. It has a dual flush with an easy-to-use lever, and a great pressure-assisted flush. One was $229, the other $199. They seemed to need two wax rings to fill up the distance.
If you can get Lowes to provide an installer, I think that would be the way to go. I suspect whatever a plumber would provide would be more expensive than what the big box store offers.
I think you should look at the big box stores and their prices to determine what you want. My husband just replaced two of our builder specials.
We bought two Kohler Cavata toilets from Lowes. We wanted an elongated front, comfort height with very smooth lines which are easy to clean. No nooks and crannies to collect grunge. It has a dual flush with an easy-to-use lever, and a great pressure-assisted flush. One was $229, the other $199. They seemed to need two wax rings to fill up the distance.
If you can get Lowes to provide an installer, I think that would be the way to go. I suspect whatever a plumber would provide would be more expensive than what the big box store offers.
We went this route. Bought low flow Kohler from Lowes and had a plumber install them. Yes, needed the wax rings.
Buy them yourself. We replaced our hall toilet upstairs and very happy with it. Plumber recommended a different one for downstairs and we HATE it. It would be perfect for potty training a child. Normal sized humans not so much.
I'm not familiar with Cary Plumbing, but I had extensive plumbing work done last year with my own plumber.
I had the plumber provide the materials {I selected what I wanted}, including the toilets. He claimed the materials through his plumbing supply are a better quality than any box store along with better warranties through him. True? I'm not sure...as I'm not a plumber. I'm sure the professional plumbers on the board can weigh in.
I had 5 estimates for work that required immediate attention {Re-Plumbed house with Pex} so figured since that had to be done, I wanted to change out all the toilets, shower bodies, faucets, etc....ALL the plumbers said the same thing though; plumbing supply vs box store is not the same...selling tactic? No clue...
I went with Kohler toilets.
Last edited by nynraleigh; 07-28-2016 at 10:48 AM..
Reason: spelling
Bought low flow Kohler from Lowes and had a plumber install them. Yes, needed the wax rings.
Lowes will provde an installer. The OP might check whether he needs to move or replace water supply lines if the toilet is a different size or shape from the old one. That would affect the cost of installation. Lowes also provides a discount if you want to replace an additional fixture such as a vanity.
I ordered a Toto toilet from Amazon (free Prime shipping!) and had a handyman install it. Probably the cheapest way to go. Before that I paid Cary Plumbing to replace the other two. Cost more (as you would expect) and the model provided wasn't as good as the one I got from Amazon.
We hired someone to install and it was just their base service price. I want to say it was around $80. We used Rural Plumbing and Heating to do the work.
Toto's from Amazon with the soft close lids. Their flush is great. Comfort height and elongated are recommended. These days the old style toilets look like they're for toddlers.
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