Why does my toilet keep running?

Almost always it's a worn flapper that no longer seals, or a fill valve that isn't shutting off. Both are inexpensive parts, and swapping them is usually a quick visit.

Is a leak around the base of the toilet serious?

It can be. A slow leak from a failed wax ring or loose base can soak the subfloor over time. If the floor feels soft or the flooring is lifting, tell me when you call so I can check it before resetting the toilet.

Should I repair or replace an old toilet?

If the parts inside the tank are worn, repair is almost always cheaper. If the bowl or tank is cracked, or the toilet clogs constantly even after repairs, replacement makes more sense.

Do you install new toilets?

I can reset a toilet using a new wax ring and swap a toilet for a similar one at existing plumbing connections. Moving a toilet or changing the drain is plumber work.

Handyman service · Martinez, CA

Toilet Repair in Martinez & Contra Costa County

A toilet that runs, leaks at the base, or won't flush properly is one of the most common repairs I get, and most of them are small, fixture-level jobs. I replace the worn parts inside the tank, swap leaking supply lines and shut-off valves at the toilet, and fix loose or rocking bases so water stays where it belongs. I'll tell you straight away if the problem is bigger than a toilet repair.

Get a Quote Call 925-257-2685

Insured local handymanOne person, one phone number

Based in MartinezServing about 35 miles around

Quoted before I startSend photos for a quote

What's Included

Running toilet repair (flapper, fill valve, flush valve)
Weak or incomplete flush (chain, flapper and water-level adjustments)
Leaking supply line and shut-off valve replacement at the toilet
Tank-to-bowl bolt and gasket leaks
Loose or rocking toilet: tighten, shim and re-caulk
Toilet removal and reset with a new wax ring when the base leaks
Seat, handle and lid replacement
Basic clogs with a plunger or closet auger

Common toilet problems and what causes them

Constant running or phantom refills usually point to the flapper or fill valve. A weak flush often means the water level is low or the flapper chain is too long. Water on the floor can come from the supply line, the tank bolts, or the base seal. Finding which one before replacing parts saves money.

Older Contra Costa homes

Many homes here have decades-old shut-off valves under the toilet that stick or weep when turned. I'll tell you if a valve looks too corroded to touch safely, because a valve that fails when moved is a plumber's job.

Pricing

I price each job by the size of the work, access, and materials, and I quote before I start. Single-visit jobs like this stay well under California's $1,000 limit for unlicensed handyman work. Send a few photos and a short description for a quote.

When I'll Refer You to a Licensed Pro

Sewage backups, multiple drains clogging at once, leaks coming through a ceiling or wall, and corroded supply or drain piping that has to be replaced inside the wall all need a licensed plumber. A cracked toilet bowl is a replacement, not a repair. I work at the fixture only, and I'll tell you before I start if the problem is further down the line.

Bay Bilt is not a licensed contractor. Work is limited to jobs under $1,000 (labor and materials). Insured.

Related Repair Guides

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Frequently Asked Questions

: Almost always it's a worn flapper that no longer seals, or a fill valve that isn't shutting off. Both are inexpensive parts, and swapping them is usually a quick visit.
: It can be. A slow leak from a failed wax ring or loose base can soak the subfloor over time. If the floor feels soft or the flooring is lifting, tell me when you call so I can check it before resetting the toilet.
: If the parts inside the tank are worn, repair is almost always cheaper. If the bowl or tank is cracked, or the toilet clogs constantly even after repairs, replacement makes more sense.
: I can reset a toilet using a new wax ring and swap a toilet for a similar one at existing plumbing connections. Moving a toilet or changing the drain is plumber work.

Get on the schedule

Need Toilet Repair in Martinez or nearby?

Send a few photos and what you need done. I'll quote the job before I start.

Get a quote Call 925-257-2685