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Toilet Repair & Installation
Running Toilets, Cracked Bowls & New Installs — Same-Day Service Available

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Home » Toilet Repair & Installation

How It Works

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Call anytime, 24/7. A real person answers and schedules your appointment.

We Diagnose

Our plumber inspects, identifies the problem, and explains what is needed.

Upfront Quote

You get options with prices before any work begins. Your choice.

Expert Repair

Licensed plumber completes the work, cleans up, and walks you through it.

Toilet Installation — Vancouver & Portland

Why Toilet Problems Should Not Be Ignored

A running toilet, a slow leak at the base, or a toilet that rocks on its mount may seem like minor annoyances, but each of these problems carries consequences that escalate with time. A running toilet can waste 200 or more gallons of water per day, adding $50 to $100 per month to your water bill for a problem that costs a fraction of that to repair. A slow leak at the base allows water to seep under the toilet with every flush, softening and rotting the subfloor and floor joists beneath — damage that remains invisible until the floor begins to sag or the toilet shifts noticeably.

Sarkinen Plumbing provides same-day toilet repair and installation throughout the Portland-Vancouver metro. Whether the fix is a simple $50 flapper replacement or a complete toilet replacement with new wax ring, supply line, and closet bolts, our plumbers diagnose the actual problem and present your options clearly. We do not push replacements when a repair will solve the problem, and we do not patch over issues that need a proper fix. Your toilet is back in service the same day you call.

Schedule toilet service
Sarkinen plumber diagnosing a toilet problem during a same-day repair visit

Modern Toilet Installation for Water Savings and Performance

If your home has toilets that were manufactured before 1994, each flush uses 3.5 to 7 gallons of water — compared to 1.28 gallons or less for modern high-efficiency toilets. For a family of four flushing an average of 20 times per day, upgrading from a 3.5-gallon toilet to a 1.28-gallon model saves approximately 16,000 gallons of water per year. That translates to meaningful savings on your water and sewer bill, and it reduces the load on your septic system if you have one.

Modern high-efficiency toilets do not sacrifice flushing performance for water savings. Advanced flushing mechanisms including pressure-assisted, gravity-fed with larger trapways, and dual-flush systems deliver powerful, complete flushes that outperform older water-guzzling models. We install all major brands — Kohler, American Standard, TOTO, Gerber, and Mansfield — in standard, comfort-height, elongated, round-front, and ADA-compliant configurations. Our plumber can recommend the best model for your household’s needs and your bathroom’s dimensions.

Upgrade your toilet
New high-efficiency toilet being installed by a Sarkinen plumber

Complete Toilet Installation — Every Detail Done Right

A toilet installation involves more than simply bolting a new fixture to the floor. The closet flange that anchors the toilet to the drain pipe must be at the correct height, properly secured to the subfloor, and free of cracks or corrosion. The wax ring that creates the watertight seal between the toilet and the flange must be fresh and properly sized. The supply line and shut-off valve must be in good condition. The toilet must be level, stable, and properly caulked at the base to prevent water from getting underneath.

Sarkinen Plumbing addresses every one of these details with every toilet installation. We inspect the flange and repair or replace it if needed. We install a new wax ring, new stainless steel closet bolts, and a new braided stainless steel supply line. We level and stabilize the toilet, test flush it multiple times to verify proper operation, and apply a clean silicone bead around the base. The result is a toilet that flushes properly, does not leak, does not rock, and provides years of trouble-free service.

Professional installation
Complete toilet installation showing flange inspection and wax ring placement

Our Toilet Installation Services

Running Toilet Repair — Stop Wasting Water and Money

A running toilet is the most common toilet problem and one of the biggest water wasters in any home. The cause is almost always one of three internal components: the flapper, the fill valve, or the flush valve. The flapper is a rubber seal that lifts when you flush and drops back down to let the tank refill. Over time, flappers warp, crack, and accumulate mineral deposits that prevent them from sealing completely. Water continuously leaks from the tank into the bowl, and the fill valve cycles repeatedly to maintain the tank level.

The fill valve itself can also malfunction, either running continuously or failing to shut off at the correct water level. In either case, the repair is straightforward and inexpensive. Our plumber identifies the failed component, replaces it with a matching part, and adjusts the fill level and flush mechanism to manufacturer specifications. The entire repair typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and the water savings pay for the repair within the first month. If the toilet is old enough that multiple components have failed, we discuss whether replacement with a new, water-efficient model makes more financial sense.

Fix a running toilet
Internal toilet components being replaced to stop a running toilet

Toilet Leaking at the Base — Wax Ring Replacement

Water appearing around the base of a toilet after flushing is a clear sign that the wax ring seal between the toilet and the drain flange has failed. The wax ring is a soft, pliable seal that creates a watertight and gas-tight connection when the toilet is set in place. If the toilet rocks, shifts, or was improperly installed, the wax ring can lose its seal. Age, heat, and repeated movement can also cause the wax to dry out and crack. Once the seal is broken, flush water and sewer gas escape around the base with every use.

Repairing a failed wax ring requires removing the entire toilet, scraping away the old wax, inspecting the closet flange for damage, installing a new wax ring, and resetting the toilet. If the flange is cracked, corroded, or sitting too low relative to the finished floor, we repair or replace it before setting the new seal. This is a job that requires the right tools and technique — a toilet set on a poorly aligned wax ring will leak again within days. We do this work routinely and guarantee a leak-free installation.

Wax ring replacement
Toilet removed for wax ring replacement and closet flange inspection

Chronic Toilet Clogging — Diagnosis and Solutions

A toilet that clogs frequently is telling you something. The occasional clog from excessive toilet paper is normal, but a toilet that requires plunging multiple times per week has an underlying problem. The cause may be a partial obstruction lodged in the toilet’s internal trapway — a small toy, a toothbrush, or a hardened mass of material that narrows the passage. It could be mineral buildup inside the rim feed holes that reduces flush power. Or the toilet design itself may be the problem — older, first-generation low-flow toilets from the 1990s were notorious for weak flushes and chronic clogging.

Our plumber inspects the toilet’s internal components, tests the flush mechanism, and checks for obstructions in the trapway and drain line. If the clog is in the drain line downstream of the toilet, we clear it with a cable machine. If the toilet itself is the problem — an undersized trapway, worn flush mechanism, or an outdated low-flow design — we recommend replacement with a modern toilet that has a larger trapway and more effective flushing action. Modern high-efficiency toilets flush more powerfully than older models while using less water.

End chronic clogging
Drain cleaning machine being used to clear a chronic toilet line clog

Comfort-Height and ADA-Compliant Toilet Installation

Standard toilets sit approximately 15 inches from the floor to the top of the bowl. Comfort-height toilets, also called chair-height or right-height toilets, sit 17 to 19 inches high, making them significantly easier to sit down on and stand up from. This difference matters for taller adults, anyone with knee or hip problems, elderly family members, and individuals with mobility limitations. ADA-compliant toilets meet specific height and clearance requirements for accessible bathrooms.

We install comfort-height and ADA-compliant toilets in residential and commercial settings throughout the Portland-Vancouver metro. For homeowners planning bathroom renovations with aging-in-place considerations, upgrading to comfort-height toilets is one of the most impactful and affordable accessibility improvements. We help you select the right model, verify that the existing plumbing configuration is compatible, and complete the installation with the same attention to detail we bring to every toilet installation.

Accessible toilet options
Comfort-height ADA-compliant toilet being installed for improved accessibility

Bidet and Bidet Seat Installation

Bidet seats have grown enormously in popularity as more homeowners discover the hygiene and comfort benefits of water cleansing. Modern bidet seats (also called washlet seats) attach to your existing toilet and provide adjustable water temperature, pressure, and position, heated seats, warm air drying, and deodorizing functions. They require a water supply connection — typically a T-fitting off the existing toilet supply line — and, for heated models, a nearby electrical outlet.

We install all major brands of bidet seats including TOTO Washlet, Brondell, and Bio Bidet. The installation involves adding the water supply T-fitting, mounting the seat, and connecting the water and electrical supply. If there is no electrical outlet near the toilet, we can install one as part of the project. For homeowners interested in standalone bidet fixtures, we install those as well, including the separate water supply and drain connections they require. Our plumber ensures every connection is secure, leak-free, and properly functioning before leaving.

Bidet installation
Bidet seat installation with water supply connection on a residential toilet

What Our Customers Say About Toilet Installation
Portland & Vancouver’s Best Local Plumber

  • “Owen, Brady, Ciro were all awesome! They are knowledgeable, professional, know their products, and fix the problems. Leak is fixed! I have a great new toilet, a new water-heater and a fixed pipe. I’m super pleased. And all this happened on the day I called.”

    Jean Kempe-Ware reviewJean Kempe-Ware

    “Steve came over and installed two toilets for me this afternoon. He did an excellent and amazing job installing. He is so friendly and efficient. Thank you Steve and Sarkinen Plumbing for your excellent services. Michelle Phuong Le”

    Michelle Le reviewMichelle Le

    “Just had 4 brand new sinks and faucets installed in our 28 year old home! Matt and Burt did a fantastic job and were even able to easily replace a leaking waterline to one of our toilets. Thank you thank you thank you! Plus we also had Sarkinen furnace and AC repair do a full replacement of our original furnace and AC unit last month….our home…”

    Barbara Rowland reviewBarbara Rowland

    “I’ve been using Sarkinen’s services since I moved into my house 10 years ago. They have helped me with small things like toilet overflow to outside faucet replacement and as big as leak detection & pipe repair. I can’t speak to how their prices compare to others’ of like service, but what I can say is that they’re worth every penny in service,…”

    Nichole Rip reviewNichole Rip
  • “Thomas answered my questions and did a great job fixing my clogged toilet. The receptionists were very pleasant and helpful too. Thank you Sarkinen Plumbing!”

    Laurie Shelton reviewLaurie Shelton

    “I had an issue with my only toilet in the house. Sarkinen was able to come out and deal with it very quickly. Thank you so much!”

    Kelsey Wernsing reviewKelsey Wernsing

    “Once again very pleased with the work I received from Sarkinen.. Matthew Felton was excellent dealing with our Toro toilet issue along with a few other minor issues”

    John Wade reviewJohn Wade

    “It is hard to believe those extremely negative and scathing reviews!!! Dylan came almost immediately to give me a bid. He impressed me with how knowledgeable he was. I appreciated the way he spoke so highly of Sarkinen Plumbing and it’s employees! Two very young men showed up today to replace a 23 year old, leaking hot water heater and to stop…”

    Ema Vangogh reviewEma Vangogh
  • “Plumber’s arrived 2 hours after my call for service. They fixed problems with tub and toilet both men were fast at their work and real nice too talk with. I would recommend Sarkinen Plumbing for plumbing work.”

    Bill Hoffman reviewBill Hoffman

    “These guys are great. Out the same day and fixed three older toilets that are now running like new. Thank you”

    George Laing reviewGeorge Laing

    “My toilet has been out of order from a small bottle that fell in while it was flushing… Kyle did an awesome job… was friendly and timely. Sarkinen home services is my favorite (1 stop shop) for all they do!!! He replaced my toilet that I had already bought em because it was higher and works better for an old gal like me!!!”

    Cindy Cunningham reviewCindy Cunningham

    “Had bad wax seal. Caused basement ceiling failure. Mick and Alex showed up. Replaced my wax ring. But went beyond that. They actually cleaned my my floor underneath, and the toilet itself. They were pleasant the entire time. True pride in their work. Best customer service from this company. They showed their customer service 5 years ago….”

    Viki Taylor reviewViki Taylor

Why Vancouver & Portland Homeowners Choose Sarkinen

Upfront, Fair Pricing

No hidden fees, no overtime charges. You get a clear, written price before any work begins. Same rate day or night.

Licensed in WA & OR

Dual-state licensing (WA #SARKIPI946MF, OR #170052) means we serve the entire Portland-Vancouver metro.

24/7 Emergency Service

We answer the phone day and night. A licensed plumber is dispatched immediately — at your door within 60-90 minutes.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Every repair backed by our workmanship guarantee. Background-checked, drug-tested plumbers who treat your home with care.

Toilet Installation Questions & Answers

Why does my toilet keep running?

A running toilet is almost always caused by a problem with one of three internal components: the flapper valve, the fill valve, or the overflow tube. The flapper is a rubber seal at the bottom of the tank that opens when you flush and closes to allow the tank to refill. If the flapper is warped, cracked, or has mineral buildup, it does not seal properly and water continuously leaks from the tank into the bowl. The fill valve controls the refill cycle and can malfunction, causing continuous running. We replace these components quickly and affordably.

How much water does a running toilet waste?

A running toilet can waste 200 or more gallons of water per day, depending on the severity of the leak. That adds up to over 6,000 gallons per month and will show up as a significant increase on your water bill. Some running toilets waste water so quietly that homeowners do not notice until they see the utility bill. Fixing a running toilet is one of the fastest ways to reduce water waste and lower your bill.

When should I replace my toilet instead of repairing it?

Consider replacement if your toilet requires frequent repairs, has cracks in the porcelain (tank or bowl), wobbles on the floor due to a deteriorated flange, uses more than 1.6 gallons per flush (older models can use 3.5 to 7 gallons), or is more than 25 years old. Newer toilets are significantly more water-efficient and flush more effectively than older models. If the cost of repair approaches the cost of a new toilet installed, replacement is the better investment.

What causes a toilet to leak at the base?

A toilet leaking at the base is typically caused by a failed wax ring seal between the toilet and the drain flange in the floor. The wax ring creates a watertight seal that prevents sewer gas and water from escaping. If the toilet rocks or moves, the seal can break. Leaking at the base can also indicate a cracked toilet base, a deteriorated closet flange, or loose mounting bolts. This should be repaired promptly to prevent subfloor water damage and mold growth.

What is a low-flow toilet and is it worth it?

Low-flow toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, compared to 1.6 gallons for standard toilets and 3.5 to 7 gallons for older models. Modern low-flow and high-efficiency toilets (HET) use engineered flushing mechanisms that provide powerful, complete flushes with less water. The water savings add up significantly over time. If you are replacing a toilet that uses more than 1.6 gallons per flush, upgrading to a low-flow model will reduce your water usage and lower your utility bill.

Can you install a bidet or bidet seat?

Yes. Bidet seats (also called washlet seats) attach to your existing toilet and require a water supply connection and, for heated models, a nearby electrical outlet. We install all major brands of bidet seats and can add the water supply line and electrical outlet if needed. Full standalone bidets require their own water supply and drain connections, which we also install.

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