When should I call a tradie instead of DIY?

Call a licensed tradie if the job is outside your skill level, involves regulated work (electrical, gas, plumbing past the tap), or you're unsure about safety.

Plumbing · Plumbing

Stop a Running Toilet

Q: How much does a tradie charge for stop a running toilet?

Estimated tradie cost: $150–$250.

A toilet that runs constantly is wasting water and money. The culprit is usually the flapper valve or fill valve inside the cistern. Both are cheap, drop-in replacements available at any hardware store.

Likely issue

Worn flapper valve or faulty fill valve

DIY difficulty

2/5

Estimated DIY cost

$15–$35

Estimated tradie cost

$150–$250

Tools required

Adjustable spanner
Sponge
Bucket

Materials required

Step-by-step instructions

Lift the cistern lid and watch one flush to identify which valve is failing.
A toilet that runs constantly is wasting water and money. The culprit is usually the flapper valve or fill valve inside the cistern. Both are cheap, drop-in replacements available at any hardware store.

Safety warnings

Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, safety glasses), isolate power or water where relevant, and stop work if anything looks unsafe or unfamiliar.

When to call a tradie

Call a licensed tradie if the work is outside the scope of this guide, involves regulated trades (electrical, gas, structural, waterproofing), or if you discover hidden damage. A professional will typically charge $150–$250.

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