FairangePlumbing · SOC 47-2152
Toilet Repair (Fill Valve and Flapper) cost
A toilet that keeps running often needs a new fill valve and flapper. The parts are cheap, so most of what you pay for is the visit: about $118 nationally, and $47 to $287 overall.
Fill valve and flapper kits on the Home Depot shelf cost $15 to $26. A cracked tank or a whole new toilet has its own guide. If the flapper is the problem, the food-coloring test in our plumbing fixes page shows it in minutes.
Last updated from data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · PPI construction materials 2026-09 · retail shelf prices checked Nov 4, 2026
replace the fill valve and flapper (or a complete tank kit) in one toilet; a cracked tank, wax ring or new toilet is a different job. National OEWS mean wage used on this page: $34.70/hr (SOC 47-2152).
How the national mid is built
Before you enter a ZIP we use the U.S. OEWS mean wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152): $34.70/hr (BLS OEWS May 2025). Mid estimate ≈ 1.25 hours × $34.70 × 2.25× markup + materials mid $20 (with a small regional materials factor). Low uses p10 wages × 2.0×; high uses p90 × 2.5×. National planning band: $47 – $118 – $287.
Full algebra: methodology. Markup schedule is Fairange’s published assumption, not a BLS figure.
Materials band (recorded store prices)
Published materials low / mid / high: $15 / $20 / $26 (replace the fill valve and flapper (or a complete tank kit) in one toilet; a cracked tank, wax ring or new toilet is a different job).
This band is based on store shelf prices we recorded (see DATA_SOURCES for dates):
Everbilt fill valve + 2 in. flapper ~$14.98 · Fluidmaster PerforMAX fill valve + 3 in. flapper ~$19.98 · Korky QuietFill Platinum kit ~$19.98 · Fluidmaster PerforMAX complete kit ~$24.98 · PerforMAX "everything" kit with tools ~$26.37 (search).
Before you call about a running toilet
- Try the dye test. EPA WaterSense suggests a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If color shows up in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking.
- Know your flush valve size. Most toilets use a 2 in. or 3 in. flapper. Kits are sold by size, so check before you buy or tell the plumber.
- Parts are cheap; the visit isn't. A fill valve and flapper kit is usually under $30. If you're paying for a trip anyway, ask them to check the supply line and shutoff too.
- Know when to stop repairing. A cracked tank or bowl, or a toilet that needs a new kit every year, is usually a replacement, not a repair.
Sources: EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak Week; Home Depot shelf checks listed on our data sources page. Fairange does not book contractors or sell parts.
What usually moves the number
- Fill valve and flapper only vs. a complete flush valve kit
- 2 in. vs. 3 in. flush valve
- Corroded tank bolts or supply line
- Minimum trip charges
- Whether it's cheaper to replace the toilet
What’s in the planning band
Labor for a standard residential swap or service, supply/drain reconnect in place, and the fixture/parts band above.
Could you fix it yourself? See small plumbing fixes for what to try first and when to call someone.
Run this job on your ZIP Plumbing trade hub
Related jobs: Toilet Installation · Drain Cleaning · Bathroom Faucet Replacement.
Also: calculator · methodology · city guides · all job guides · DATA_SOURCES.
Toilet Repair (Fill Valve and Flapper) FAQ
How much does toilet repair (fill valve and flapper) cost?
About $118 at the US midpoint, with our range running $47 to $287. Enter your ZIP and the calculator swaps in local wages for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (BLS OEWS May 2025, SOC 47-2152). The national average wage we start from is $34.70 an hour.
Where do the hours and parts prices come from?
The hours (0.75 / 1.25 / 2.0) are our own estimates for the scope described on this page. Parts and materials ($15 / $20 / $26) are based on store shelf prices we recorded; the listings and dates are on our data sources page. We multiply labor by 2.0, 2.25 or 2.5 to cover a contractor's overhead and profit; the methodology page explains why.
Is this a quote?
No. It's a planning range so you know roughly what to expect. When you're ready to hire, get written estimates from licensed pros. The FTC's home repair tip sheet says to get three, and to ask why they differ. Check what each one leaves out, like permits, haul-away and patching.
Any rebates or tax credits?
Fairange does not track rebates for toilet repairs.
Want actual bids?
Leave a few details if you’d like local pros to follow up. We’ll only share what you submit after you check the box below.