Installing a new toilet is a crucial home improvement project, whether you're upgrading an outdated unit or replacing a broken one.
Costs can vary widely based on the types of toilet being installed and the complexity of installation.
From basic models to high-tech designs, understanding the price range and factors involved can help you plan your budget effectively.
What determines the cost of a new toilet?
The cost of a new toilet depends on both the unit itself and the complexity of installation.
Jonjo Bryant, a trusted Checkatrade tradesperson and from Bryant Building Services, explains: “Toilets can be purchased from around £60, but installation costs can vary. For a straight swap with existing plumbing, you can expect to pay £80 or more. If new plumbing is required, the cost will depend on the location of the nearest cold water feed and the proximity to the property’s soil vent pipe.”
Steve Jenkins, a DIY expert at Homebuilding & Renovating, added: “The price of a toilet unit can vary greatly depending on what type of toilet you choose and the quality.
"Prices start at around £100 for a basic everyday toilet, but can easily increase to £500+. Installation can often cost more than the toilet itself, especially if additional plumbing is needed. As a general guideline, expect to pay a minimum of £200.”
Jonjo Bryant
Jonjo Bryant manages Bryant Building Services, a company specialising in various aspects of the building industry, but with a particular focus on plumbing. He leads a team of experienced tradespeople.
Steve Jenkins
Steve is Homebuilding & Renovating's DIY content editor and has been a writer and editor for two decades. He is an avid DIYer with over 20 years of experience in transforming and renovating homes. He specialises in painting and decorating, but has strong all-round building skills, having previously worked in the industry for 10 years.
Cost breakdown by toilet type
High-level and wall-hung toilet cisterns will come at higher costs to simpler close-couple toilets(Image credit: Better Bathrooms)
The type of toilet you a looking to fit has a significant impact on the overall cost. Jonjo Bryant provides a cost breakdown on each type of toilet:
Close-coupled toilet cost: Supply only from £50 to £170, installation from £150. Close-coupled toilets are straightforward in design, with the cistern and bowl connected. Their simplicity makes them affordable to manufacture and easy to install. They are a common choice for standard bathrooms, keeping costs lower for both the unit and labour.
Hidden or wall-hung toilets: Supply only from £250, installation from £300. Hidden or wall-hung toilets offer a sleek, minimalist appearance as the cistern is concealed within a wall or cabinet. This design requires additional structural work, like creating a false wall or mounting a support frame, which adds to both material and labour costs.
Low-level cisterns: Supply only from £200, installation from £200. These toilets feature a cistern mounted lower on the wall, connected to the bowl with an exposed pipe. While simpler to install than high-level cisterns, the aesthetic and vintage appeal often drive up the price compared to close-coupled options.
High-level cisterns: Supply only from £300, installation from £200. With a cistern mounted high on the wall and a pull-chain mechanism, these toilets evoke a traditional or retro aesthetic. The additional materials and craftsmanship required for their distinctive design can make them more expensive.
Specialist hands-free toilets: Supply only from £500, installation from £400. These innovative models, often featuring smart technology, are at the higher end of the price spectrum as they offer hands-free operation or smart features such as automated flushing, heated seats, and bidet functions that come with advanced engineering. Their installation often requires electrical work, adding to the labour costs.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Supply only
Installation
Close-coupled toilet cost
from £50 to £170
from £150
Hidden or wall-hung toilets
from £250
from £300
Low-level cisterns
from £200
from £200
High-level cisterns
from £300
from £200
Specialist hands-free toilets
from £500
from £400
Installation costs and key considerations
Toilet installation costs can vary depending on the scope of work and the condition of existing plumbing. Here are some key considerations Jonjo Bryant laid out:
Straight replacements: Bryant advises: "Installing a like-for-like replacement can cost between £150 and £300, depending on the hourly rate of your plumber, which averages £40–£60 per hour."
Plumbing modifications: Additional plumbing or repositioning can significantly increase costs, often exceeding £500 for complex jobs.
Bathroom access and size: Small or tight spaces, like cloakrooms or loft conversions, may require more labour and time, raising installation costs.
Disposal of old toilets: Removing and disposing of an old toilet typically costs an additional £75 or more.
Shop toilets for your new bathroom
Affine close coupled space saving toilet
This white gloss closed coupled toilet is designed with space saving in mind with its 38W x 78H dimensions.
MYB white ceramic square close coupled toilet
Square close coupled with soft close lid a press flush button function.
Dirty pro tools rimless close coupled toilet
A rimless toilet with eco flush function, soft close lid and toilet seat hinges.
Tips for choosing the right toilet
When selecting a toilet, it's important to consider a number of factors to avoid common bathroom design mistakes others face.
For smaller bathrooms or cloakrooms, compact or space-saving toilet models are often the best choice, ensuring that the toilet fits comfortably without overcrowding the space.
Another key consideration is water efficiency. Opting for toilets with a dual-flush system or water-saving features can help reduce water bills over time. These eco-friendly options allow you to conserve water without sacrificing performance.
Style is another significant factor when choosing a toilet. Depending on your bathroom's decor, you may prefer a traditional or modern design. Wall-hung toilets offer a sleek, minimalist look that works well in contemporary bathrooms, while high-level cisterns can add a nostalgic or retro touch to more classic interiors.
Lastly, balance your budget with the features you desire. While budget-friendly options are available, you may want to consider toilets with additional features, such as smart technology or advanced flushing systems.
When planning for a new toilet, it’s essential to factor in both the unit’s price and the installation costs.
From basic models to high-end designs, toilets cater to a wide range of budgets and styles. By consulting with a professional plumber and comparing quotes, you can find the perfect balance between cost and functionality for your home.
Whether you're looking to replace a faulty fixture or upgrading to a sleek modern design, investing in a new toilet is an opportunity to enhance both comfort and value in your bathroom.
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News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
