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How to Budget for a Gravity Flush Toilet Upgrade

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How to Budget for a Gravity Flush Toilet Upgrade

Swap out your old toilet for a reliable gravity flush model using a smart payment plan that costs just $22.22 a month.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $22.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $400 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A running toilet is a quiet drain on your sanity and your water bill. Upgrading to a modern gravity flush model takes about two hours of plumbing work, but it saves you years of jiggling the handle. Late winter is usually the best time to do this, as plumbing supply stores run clearances to clear out inventory and local plumbers have lighter schedules.

The toilet itself costs about $400. Before you buy, call at least three local plumbers to get installation quotes so you do not get hit with surprise labor fees. We can also time this with a specific credit card to spread the cost out without paying extra.

The catch is that the 0% rate is not a permanent discount. If you still have a balance after the 18 months are up, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left, which makes your cheap upgrade a lot more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Time the clearance sales

    Local plumbing supply warehouses often discount their stock in the late winter months to make room for new models. Keep an eye on local inventory and wait for these markdowns to grab your hardware.

  2. 02

    Use the right card

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you buy the toilet during the sale and pay it off slowly.

  3. 03

    Divide the payments

    If you spend $400 on the toilet and pay $22.22 per month, you will clear the balance exactly inside the 18-month window. Set up autopay so you do not have to think about it.

  4. 04

    Get multiple plumbing quotes

    Do not just hire the first name you see online. Ask at least three local, licensed plumbers for a flat rate to install a homeowner-provided toilet so you know your exact labor costs.

  5. 05

    Prep the space

    Before the plumber arrives, clear out the bathroom, lay down some old towels, and turn off the water valve behind the bowl. This keeps the plumber's billable hours to a minimum.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Can I install the toilet myself to save money?

You can if you are handy, but a bad wax ring seal can leak water into your subfloor. Hiring a pro for a couple of hours prevents a massive repair bill later.

What is a gravity flush toilet?

It is the standard style of toilet that uses the natural force of falling water to clear the bowl. They have fewer moving parts, which means they rarely break down.

Will a new toilet actually lower my water bill?

Yes, older toilets can use up to seven gallons per flush, while modern ones use about 1.28 gallons. You will see the savings on your utility bill immediately.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

You might lose your promotional rate or get hit with a late fee. It is safest to set up automatic payments of at least $22.22 right away.