Toilet Repair & Installation Services in Chicagoland, IL

A functioning toilet is essential to the comfort, hygiene, and daily routine of your home. When it malfunctions—whether it’s a constant run, a frightening clog, or a leak pooling at the base—it disrupts your entire household. At Precision Today Plumbing, Drains Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we understand that toilet issues range from minor annoyances to urgent plumbing emergencies. Serving Chicagoland and the greater Chicago area, our team of licensed technicians provide comprehensive toilet repair and installation services designed to restore your bathroom’s functionality quickly and correctly.

We approach every service call with a commitment to precision and reliability. Unlike general handymen, our plumbers are specialists who understand the intricate mechanics of modern and vintage fixtures alike. From diagnosing the root cause of a weak flush to performing a flawless installation of a high-efficiency model, we ensure that your plumbing system operates at peak performance. We know that plumbing problems rarely happen at convenient times, which is why we offer responsive service to address your needs before they escalate into costly water damage or sanitation hazards.

This guide details our approach to toilet repair, the common issues homeowners face, and how we help you decide between repair and replacement. Whether you’re dealing with a running toilet that’s inflating your water bill or planning a bathroom upgrade with a new installation, Precision Today has the expertise to get the job done right.

Schedule plumbing maintenance in Chicago by calling our team at (630) 425-8995 today. 

Comprehensive Toilet Repair Services

When a toilet breaks, the symptoms are often obvious, but the underlying causes can be complex. A toilet is a deceptively simple machine that relies on a precise balance of water pressure, gravity, and mechanical valves. When one component fails, it can trigger a chain reaction of issues. At Precision Today, we don’t just apply band-aid fixes; we perform thorough diagnostics to ensure the repair lasts.

Our repair services cover every component of your fixture. We handle internal tank rebuilds, seal replacements, flange repairs, and complex clog removals. We carry a wide inventory of high-quality parts in our service vehicles, allowing us to complete most repairs in a single visit. Our goal is to minimize downtime and ensure that when we leave, your toilet flushes powerfully, refills quietly, and sits securely on the floor.

Addressing a Running Toilet

One of the most common complaints we receive is a toilet that won’t stop running. While it may seem like a minor nuisance, a running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day, leading to a significant spike in your monthly utility bills. This issue is typically caused by internal component failure within the tank.

The most frequent culprit is a deteriorated flapper. This rubber seal sits at the bottom of the tank and lifts to release water into the bowl when you flush. Over time, chemicals in the water, such as chlorine or cleaning tablets, can warp or erode the rubber, preventing a watertight seal. This allows water to continuously trickle into the bowl, forcing the fill valve to run perpetually to keep the tank full.

Another common cause is a faulty fill valve. If the float mechanism is set too high or the valve itself is calcified, water will rise above the overflow tube and drain continuously. Our technicians inspect the entire flush assembly. We check the condition of the flush valve seat, the chain length, the float adjustment, and the fill valve integrity. By replacing these internal components with durable, high-performance parts, we silence the noise and stop the waste immediately.

Fixing Leaks at the Base

A leak at the base of the toilet is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention. Unlike a tank leak which might just drip clean water, water seeping out from under the toilet bowl is often contaminated. Furthermore, this water can seep into the subfloor, causing wood rot, mold growth, and structural damage to your bathroom floor.

In many cases, this leak indicates that the wax ring—the seal sandwiched between the toilet horn and the floor flange—has failed. Wax rings can degrade over time, or they can break if the toilet is not securely bolted down and rocks back and forth during use.

When you call Precision Today for a base leak, we don’t just caulk around the edge. Caulking without fixing the seal merely traps the water underneath the toilet, accelerating rot. We remove the toilet entirely to inspect the flange and subfloor. If the flange is broken or corroded, we repair or replace it to ensure a solid anchor. We then install a new, high-quality wax ring (or a synthetic alternative for heated floors) and reseat the toilet, ensuring it is level and bolted tight before applying a cosmetic sanitary seal.

Correcting Weak or Partial Flushes

A toilet that requires two or three flushes to clear the bowl is frustrating and wasteful. Weak flushing power is often caused by issues that are invisible to the naked eye. Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate in the rim jets—the small holes under the rim of the bowl where water enters. When these jets become clogged with calcium and lime, the water cannot enter the bowl with enough force to initiate a strong siphon.

We also examine the flush valve size and the water level in the tank. If the water level is set too low, there is insufficient volume to push waste through the trapway. In older low-flow toilets, the design itself may be inefficient. Our technicians have the tools to clear mineral buildup from rim jets and siphon jets, restoring the original flushing power. If the toilet’s design is obsolete and inherently poor, we provide honest recommendations for modern replacements that offer superior performance with less water usage.

Clog Removal and Drain Clearing

While a plunger can handle minor blockages, recurring or stubborn clogs indicate a deeper problem. If your toilet backs up frequently, or if water bubbles up in the shower when you flush, the blockage may be located further down the main sewer line rather than in the toilet trap itself.

Precision Today utilizes advanced drain cleaning technology to address these issues. For local clogs lodged in the toilet’s S-trap (often caused by “flushable” wipes, toys, or hygiene products), we use specialized closet augers designed to navigate the porcelain curves without scratching the finish. For deeper blockages, we may employ video camera inspection to locate the obstruction and use heavy-duty snakes or hydro-jetting to clear the line. We ensure the entire pathway is clear so you don’t face the same problem next week.

Professional Toilet Installation & Replacement

There comes a time when repair is no longer cost-effective or feasible. Whether your current toilet is cracked, permanently stained, or simply outdated, Precision Today offers professional toilet installation services that upgrade the look and functionality of your bathroom. Installing a toilet might look like a simple DIY project on video, but improper installation can lead to long-term leaks, sewer gas odors, and wobbly fixtures.

We help homeowners navigate the vast market of modern fixtures. Today’s toilets are far more advanced than those from even a decade ago. We guide you through options regarding rough-in size, bowl shape, height, and flushing technology to find the perfect fit for your home and family.

Repair vs. Replace: Making the Right Decision

How do you know when it’s time to stop repairing and start replacing? We generally recommend replacement in the following scenarios:

• Cracked Porcelain: Even a hairline crack in the tank or bowl is a ticking time bomb. Porcelain cracks can expand suddenly, causing massive flooding. There is no safe repair for cracked china; replacement is mandatory.
• Frequent Clogging: Older low-flow toilets (specifically those from the mid-1990s) often suffer from poor design. If you’re plunging weekly, a modern toilet with a larger trapway and glazed channel will eliminate the headache.
• Inefficiency: If your toilet was manufactured before 1994, it likely uses 3.5 to 5 gallons per flush (gpf). Replacing it with a current 1.28 gpf model can save a family of four thousands of gallons of water annually.
• Cosmetic Damage: Scratches inside the bowl can harbor bacteria and make cleaning impossible. If your toilet looks permanently dirty despite scrubbing, the glazing has likely worn off.

Choosing the Right Toilet for Your Home

When you choose Precision Today for installation, we ensure you select a unit that meets your specific needs. We consider several factors:

• Bowl Shape: Elongated bowls offer more comfort and support for adults, while round-front bowls are excellent for smaller bathrooms where space is at a premium.
• Height: “Comfort height” or “chair height” toilets sit 17-19 inches off the floor, compared to the standard 15 inches. These are highly recommended for taller individuals, the elderly, or anyone with mobility issues, making sitting and standing easier.
• Flushing Technology: We install gravity-feed, pressure-assisted, and dual-flush models. Dual-flush toilets give you the option to use less water for liquid waste, maximizing conservation.
• One-Piece vs. Two-Piece: One-piece toilets are sleeker and easier to clean because they lack the seam between tank and bowl where dirt and germs often collect. However, two-piece models are typically more affordable and easier to transport.

The Precision Today Installation Process

Our installation process is rigorous and designed to prevent future failure. When we arrive to install your new toilet, we treat your home with respect, using drop cloths and shoe covers to protect your flooring.

Step 1: Removal and Inspection

We shut off the water supply, drain the old unit, and carefully disconnect it. Once the old toilet is removed, we don’t just drop the new one in. We meticulously clean the flange, removing all traces of the old wax ring and putty. This is the most critical step; old wax residue can prevent a perfect seal.

Step 2: Flange Repair

We inspect the closet flange (the pipe fitting in the floor). If it’s cracked, rusted, or sitting below the finished floor level (common after new tile is installed), we install a repair ring or flange extender. A flange that is not at the correct height is the number one cause of base leaks.

Step 3: Sealing and Setting

We apply a high-grade wax ring or a wax-free synthetic seal depending on the specific floor conditions. We then lower the new bowl onto the bolts with precision alignment. We press down evenly to compress the wax, creating a gas-tight and water-tight seal.

Step 4: Leveling and Securing

We tighten the closet bolts gradually, alternating sides to ensure even pressure. Overtightening can crack the porcelain base, so our technicians use a delicate touch. We check the bowl with a level; if the floor is uneven, we use composite shims to stabilize the toilet so it never rocks.

Step 5: Final Connections and Testing

We install the tank (if two-piece), connect the water supply line (often replacing old rigid lines with flexible braided stainless steel for safety), and turn on the water. We conduct multiple flush tests to verify tank level, flush power, and leak integrity. Finally, we caulk the base of the toilet where it meets the floor—a code requirement that prevents urine and water from getting trapped under the bowl.

The Hidden Risks of Ignoring Toilet Problems

Many homeowners delay calling a plumber for “minor” toilet issues, assuming they can live with a little jiggle in the handle or a faint trickling sound. However, procrastination in plumbing often leads to exponential costs.

Consider the “wobbly” toilet. If your toilet shifts slightly when you sit on it, the wax seal beneath is being compromised with every movement. Eventually, this seal will break, allowing sewer gas to enter your home and water to leak unnoticed into the subfloor. By the time you see a water stain on the ceiling below, the subfloor may have rotted through, requiring major carpentry repairs in addition to plumbing.

Similarly, a running toilet is not just annoying; it’s a financial drain. A medium-sized leak can waste 200 gallons of water a day. Over a month, that’s 6,000 gallons—enough to fill a small swimming pool. In the Chicago area, where water and sewer rates continue to adjust, this waste appears directly on your utility bill. The cost of a professional repair from Precision Today is often recouped in just a few months of water savings.

DIY Troubleshooting vs. When to Call a Pro

We admire the DIY spirit, and there are certainly minor maintenance tasks that homeowners can handle. However, knowing where to draw the line is crucial for protecting your property.

Safe DIY Tasks:

• Replacing a Toilet Seat: This is usually a straightforward task involving two bolts.
• Adjusting the Chain: If the flapper is closing too soon or not at all, adjusting the length of the chain connecting it to the handle arm can solve the issue.
• Minor Plunging: Most soft clogs can be cleared with a high-quality flange plunger and a bit of elbow grease.

When to Call Precision Today:

• Rocking Toilet: Tightening the bolts yourself is risky. If the flange is broken, tightening won’t help, and if you overtighten, you will crack the bowl.
• Water at the Base: As mentioned, this involves lifting the toilet and resetting the seal. It’s heavy, messy work with a high margin for error regarding the seal integrity.
• Backups in Other Drains: If flushing the toilet causes water to rise in the bathtub, this is a main line blockage. No amount of plunging will fix it; you need professional rodding.
• Tank to Bowl Leaks: Replacing the large “spud” gasket between the tank and bowl involves disassembling the toilet. Rusted bolts often snap during this process, turning a Saturday afternoon project into a nightmare.

Water Conservation and High-Efficiency Upgrades

For environmentally conscious homeowners in Chicagoland, upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet is one of the most impactful changes you can make. Older toilets are the largest consumer of water in the average home, accounting for nearly 30% of indoor water use.

Precision Today specializes in the installation of EPA WaterSense® certified toilets. These models use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, offering a 20% savings over the standard 1.6-gallon models and massive savings over older 3.5-gallon relics. Modern engineering ensures that despite using less water, the flush is more effective due to larger trapways and glazed surfaces that reduce friction.

We also offer dual-flush converters and installations. These systems provide two buttons: a half-flush for liquid waste and a full-flush for solids. This technology puts the control in your hands, further reducing your environmental footprint without sacrificing performance.

Emergency Plumbing Services in Chicago

Toilet emergencies rarely happen during business hours. A single-bathroom home with a broken toilet is uninhabitable. A toilet that is overflowing and won’t stop is a disaster. Precision Today offers emergency plumbing services because we know that some problems cannot wait.

If your toilet is overflowing, your first step should be to turn off the valve on the wall behind the toilet (turn clockwise). If that valve is stuck, find your home’s main water shut-off. Once the water is stopped, call us immediately. Our trucks are stocked and ready to roll to any location in the greater Chicago area to mitigate damage and restore sanitation.

Why Choose Precision Today?

Your home deserves respect, and your plumbing deserves expert attention. Precision Today Plumbing, Drains, Heating, Cooling & Electrical has built a reputation in Chicagoland for excellence, transparency, and technical skill. We are not just fixing toilets; we are ensuring the health and comfort of your family.

Our technicians are background-checked, drug-tested, and highly trained in the latest plumbing standards. We arrive in fully stocked vehicles, wearing clean uniforms and protective shoe covers. We believe in educating our customers, explaining exactly what went wrong and how we are fixing it, so you can feel confident in the value you receive.

We stand behind our work with strong industry warranties. Whether it is a simple repair or a luxury bathroom upgrade, we treat every job with the same level of urgency and detail.

Schedule Your Toilet Service Today

Don’t let a running toilet waste your money or a leak damage your floor. If you are experiencing toilet troubles in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, trust the local experts at Precision Today. We are ready to provide fast, effective solutions that restore your peace of mind.

Contact us today to schedule your service or to request an estimate for a new toilet installation. Let us show you why we are Chicagoland’s trusted choice for reliable plumbing service.

Frequently Asked Questions