- HEP Plumbing
- Licensed Plumbers

Licensed Plumbers
Licensed Plumbers | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Niota
When your bathroom’s most important fixture starts wasting water, running nonstop, or simply looks tired, HEP’s licensed plumbers are ready to step in. We specialize in toilet upgrades and replacements for homes and businesses across Niota, helping you swap out outdated units for sleek, high-efficiency models that flush stronger, save gallons, and elevate the look of your space. From the moment you call, our friendly team schedules around your day, arrives on time, and protects your floors and fixtures like they were our own.
Whether you need a quick change-out or a full bathroom refresh, we bring the parts, tools, and expertise to finish the job in a single visit whenever possible. Expect honest up-front pricing, clear explanations of every option, and workmanship backed by HEP’s satisfaction guarantee. Join your Niota neighbors who’ve already discovered how effortless a professional upgrade can be—reach out today and enjoy a bathroom that works smarter and looks better tomorrow.
FAQs
When should I consider replacing my toilet instead of repairing it?
If your toilet is more than 15–20 years old, needs frequent plunging, shows hairline cracks in the bowl or tank, wastes water (3.5 gallons per flush or more), or requires parts that are no longer readily available, replacement is typically more cost-effective than another repair. A new model will reduce water bills and eliminate the risk of sudden leaks that can damage floors and sub-flooring common in older Niota homes.
What high-efficiency or comfort-height toilets are available, and which style is best for my home in Niota?
Licensed plumbers can install WaterSense-certified 1.28 gpf gravity-flush toilets, dual-flush models (0.8/1.28 gpf), pressure-assisted units for commercial strength flushing, and comfort-height bowls (17–19 inches seat height) that meet ADA guidelines. The best choice depends on your household’s mobility requirements, sewer or septic capacity, and aesthetic preferences. During a free in-home consultation we measure existing rough-in distances (10", 12", or 14"), discuss elongated vs. round bowls for space savings, and recommend brands that perform well with Niota’s moderate water pressure.
How long does a toilet replacement take, and will my water need to be shut off?
Most standard swaps take 1.5–2 hours. We shut off water only to the fixture via its angle stop, not to the entire house, unless the shut-off valve is corroded and must be changed. The process includes draining, removing, and hauling away the old toilet; inspecting the flange; installing a new wax or rubber seal; setting and leveling the new bowl; connecting the tank; and performing multiple leak tests. Your bathroom is left fully operational the same day.
Do I really need a licensed plumber for a toilet upgrade, and are permits required in Niota or McMinn County?
Tennessee code requires a licensed plumber for any work that alters a plumbing system beyond simple internal repairs. A replacement involves disconnecting the water supply line, evaluating the waste flange, and securing the new fixture—all tasks that fall under regulated plumbing work. No building permit is needed for a like-for-like toilet swap in Niota, but if the job exposes or alters drain lines, we file the plumbing permit with McMinn County’s Building & Codes Department on your behalf and schedule any required inspection.
Can you dispose of my old toilet, and are there recycling programs?
Yes. We remove the old toilet, separate metal hardware, and deliver the porcelain to a regional recycling facility that crushes fixtures for use as road-bed aggregate. This keeps hundreds of pounds of material out of the Niota-Athens landfill. If you wish to keep the fixture for planter or art projects, just let us know before we leave.
What does it cost to replace a toilet, and are there local rebates for water-saving models?
A standard installation starts at $185 labor plus the cost of the toilet. High-efficiency toilets range from $200 to $650 depending on brand, flushing technology, and finish. Add-ons like bidet seats, soft-close lids, or pressure-assist tanks increase price. Niota residents served by Athens Utilities Board (AUB) may qualify for a $50–$75 rebate when installing a WaterSense-labeled model; we supply the paperwork and a copy of your receipt. Over the toilet’s lifespan, most homeowners recoup the upgrade cost through lower water bills.