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There’s a big difference between simply replacing an old toilet and completely changing the layout of a bathroom.

Sometimes you’re swapping a tired toilet for a new one in the exact same position. Other times, you’re fitting a wall-hung toilet, changing the cistern style, moving pipework, or updating the whole look of the room.

This guide explains what you can realistically expect to pay for toilet installation in the UK, from straightforward toilet replacements through to wall-hung toilets, concealed cisterns and more complex plumbing work.

How much does toilet installation cost?

As a rough guide, replacing a toilet like-for-like usually costs from around £150 for labour, while more complex toilet installations can cost significantly more depending on the type of toilet and any plumbing alterations needed.

For most people, the final price comes down to two things:

1. How straightforward the installation is

2. Whether the existing plumbing can stay where it is

Get quotes for toilet installation near you

Whether you’re replacing a broken toilet, modernising a bathroom, or upgrading to a different style of toilet, it’s worth getting a few quotes before work starts.

A good plumber should explain exactly what’s included, so you can see where the costs are coming from.

For example, outlining labour costs, any plumbing alterations needed, additional pipework; and flooring, tiling, or boxing-in. You'll also want to check whether your plumber has included the cost of disposing of your old toilet.

Find checked plumbers working in your area and compare toilet installation quotes before you hire.

Toilet installation costs at a glance

• Like-for-like toilet replacement: From around £150+ labour

• Wall-hung toilet installation: Around £300+ labour

• Removing and disposing of an old toilet: Around £75+

• Adjusting water waste pipework: Around £150+

• Building and tiling a hidden cistern frame: Around £350+

• Plumber hourly rate: Around £40–£60

• Plumber day rate: Around £320–£480

Common toilet installation jobs and costs

Not every toilet installation is the same. A downstairs cloakroom replacement is very different from fitting a concealed cistern system or upgrading an ensuite.

Below are some of the most common toilet installation jobs UK homeowners hire a plumber for.

Close coupled toilet installation cost

A close coupled toilet is the most common toilet type in UK homes.

The cistern sits directly behind the toilet pan, making installation fairly straightforward in most bathrooms.

Typical costs:

• Supply only: Around £120+

• Installation: Around £150+

If you’re replacing an existing close coupled toilet with a similar model in the same position, labour costs are usually lower because the existing plumbing can often stay in place.

Wall-hung toilet installation cost

Wall-hung toilets create a more modern, minimalist look, but they’re usually more expensive to install.

Unless you're replacing a toilet with an identical replacement, you may need to secure new fixings to the wall and adapt the current soil pipe and water supply. This usually makes the installation more involved and labour-intensive.

Average costs:

• Supply only: Around £250+

• Installation: Around £300+

• Building and tiling the frame: Around £350+

This type of installation often involves:

• Concealed pipework

• Boxing-in

• Wall framing

• Access panels

• Additional tiling work and making good

Wall-hung toilets can look fantastic when finished, but the cleaner, minimalist look usually comes with higher installation costs.

Toilet replacement cost

Replacing a toilet like-for-like is usually one of the simpler plumbing jobs.

A straightforward toilet replacement can often be completed in around 2–4 hours, with labour costs starting from around £150.

However, be aware that costs can rise if:

• Pipework needs altering

• The old toilet is difficult to remove

• Flooring or tiles are damaged underneath

• The waste pipe needs repositioning

• Access is awkward

Specialist or hands-free toilet installation

Hands-free or specialist toilets are more expensive because they often involve:

• Electrical connections

• Specialist fittings

• More complex installation requirements

Typical costs you can expect:

• Supply only: Around £500+

• Installation: Around £400+

These types of toilets are often installed in accessible bathrooms, luxury bathrooms, or smart home renovations.

What affects toilet installation costs?

Toilet installation costs can vary quite a bit depending on your property and the type of installation.

The biggest factors that can affect the price include:

• Type of toilet and cistern: Wall-hung toilets and concealed cistern systems are more labour-intensive than standard floor-standing toilets

• Existing plumbing: If the toilet is staying in the same position, installation is usually quicker and cheaper. Moving waste pipes or water supplies adds labour time and materials

• Bathroom access: Tight spaces, such as loft conversions, ensuites, or understairs cloakrooms, can increase labour time

• Age and condition of the plumbing: Older homes sometimes have outdated or leaking pipework that needs repairing before the new toilet can be fitted properly

• Flooring and tiling: Changing the toilet footprint can reveal unfinished flooring or old fixing holes that need making good afterwards

• Waste pipe access: If waste pipes are boxed in or hidden behind tiling, accessing them can add time and cost

Additional toilet installation costs to budget for

The toilet itself may only be part of the overall project cost.

In some cases, you may also need to budget for:

• Waste disposal (some plumbers charge separately for removing and disposing of old toilets because waste disposal carries commercial disposal costs)

• Pipework alterations

• Boxing-in

• Tiling repairs

• Flooring repairs

• Decorating

• Additional plumbing work

• New isolation valves

• Access panels

• Building and tiling concealed cistern frames

What should be included in a toilet installation quote?

A clear quote should explain:

• Labour and toilet fitting costs

• Whether the toilet, materials and fittings are supplied

• Waste disposal

• Pipework adjustments

• VAT, if applicable

• What’s excluded

How long does toilet installation take?

A straightforward toilet replacement usually takes around 2–4 hours.

More complex installations (especially wall-hung toilets or installations involving new waste pipework) can take considerably longer.

The timescale will largely depend on:

• The toilet type

• Plumbing alterations

• Access

• Whether flooring or tiling work is needed

• Whether hidden cistern framing needs building

Toilet installation cost calculator

Our toilet installation cost calculator can help provide an idea of what your installation might cost before requesting quotes.

You’ll need to think about the type of toilet and cistern, whether pipework needs to be altered or if new tiling is required, and if any boxing-in is needed.

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This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. For an accurate cost, ask a selection of checked local plumbers to assess the work and provide an itemised quote.

Can you install a toilet yourself?

Some confident DIYers may be comfortable replacing a basic toilet in the same position.

However, toilet installation can become more complicated than it first appears, particularly when waste pipes, concealed cisterns, leaks or flooring adjustments are involved.

Poor installation can risk leaks, water damage, drainage problems, and loose fittings, all of which can cause added cost and disruption further down the line.

For wall-hung toilets, concealed systems, or installations involving plumbing changes, it’s usually worth hiring a qualified plumber.

Toilet installation cost checklist

• Decide whether you’re replacing or relocating the toilet

• Choose the toilet and cistern type

• Ask whether waste disposal is included

• Confirm whether flooring or tiling repairs are needed

• Check whether additional plumbing work may be required

• Compare a few itemised quotes

• Get the full scope of work in writing

When should you speak to a plumber?

It’s worth contacting a plumber early if:

• You’re changing the toilet position

• You want a wall-hung toilet

• You’re converting a cloakroom or ensuite

• Your existing plumbing is old or leaking

• You’re unsure whether the waste pipe location will work

A good plumber can quickly tell you whether your plans are fairly straightforward or whether additional plumbing work is likely to affect your budget.

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Find a plumber for toilet installation near you

Comparing quotes from local plumbers is one of the easiest ways to understand what a reasonable price looks like for toilet installation in your area.

A good installer should explain the work clearly, assess the existing plumbing properly, and provide a written quote before work starts.

FAQs

How much does it cost to install a toilet in the UK?

A straightforward toilet installation usually costs from around £150 for labour, although more complex installations can cost more depending on the toilet type and any plumbing changes required.

How much does a plumber charge to replace a toilet in the UK?

Most plumbers charge around £40–£60 per hour. A like-for-like toilet replacement often takes around 2–4 hours.

How much does toilet replacement cost?

Toilet replacement costs vary depending on the type of toilet and whether any plumbing adjustments are needed. A simple replacement is usually cheaper than relocating the toilet or installing concealed systems.

How much does it cost to fit a new toilet?

Fitting a new toilet can cost anywhere from around £150 labour for a straightforward replacement through to several hundred pounds for wall-hung or concealed cistern systems.

How long does toilet installation take?

Most straightforward toilet replacements take around 2–4 hours. More complex jobs involving pipework, boxing-in or concealed cisterns can take longer.

Are wall-hung toilets more expensive to install?

Yes. Wall-hung toilets are usually more expensive to install because they require concealed pipework, framing, boxing-in and often additional tiling work.

Can you move a toilet to a different position?

Yes, you can move a toilet to a different position, although this usually increases installation costs because the waste pipe and water supply often need altering.

Does toilet installation include removing the old toilet?

Not always. Some plumbers charge separately for removing and disposing of the old toilet, so it’s worth checking what’s included in the quote beforehand.

Do I need a plumber to fit a new toilet?

For a straightforward like-for-like toilet replacement, some confident DIYers may choose to do the work themselves. However, using a plumber helps reduce the risk of leaks, drainage issues and incorrectly fitted pipework, especially if the waste pipe, cistern or water supply needs altering.

Can I fit a new cistern on an old toilet?

In some cases, yes. A plumber may be able to replace just the cistern if it’s compatible with the existing toilet pan and pipework. However, older toilets don’t always match modern cistern fittings, so replacing the full toilet can sometimes be the simpler option.

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