On Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:10:38 -0400, Pat in Atlanta wrote:

A plumber quoted me a price of $550 for a new toilet to be installed.
Does this sound reasonable?
Thank you.

I think it's obscene!

Walk into Home Depot and price a wax ring mounting kit. Measure the supply
line that comes to the bottom of your toilet so you know what length line
to get. Price a new gate valve to shut off the water supply to the toilet
in case you need to replace the flush mechanism in the future. Then price
the tank and bowl in the back of the store. It comes with new flush valve
and parts to put the tank on the bowl. Store employee will help you find
all these items and load them on a cart for you. Help you put it in the
trunk of your car if need be.

Locate the water shutoff for the whole house so you can point it out when
required.

Then look in the local newspaper for insured handyman service. Pick up the
phone and get some prices to remove and install toilet. Accept no hourly
rates, flat rate only. Let them know what you have for parts that you have
purchased. Pick up some good rubber gloves and make that part of the
offering but don't expect a discount because of the offer for this job.

I always make sure we have plenty of popsicles in the plastic tubes from
dollar store that you freeze and sodas on hand in warm weather for
handymen services that I've hired to trim trees or help around the house
and am generous with keeping cold refreshments available at all times.

You may have to break up the old porcelain parts and bury them in the back
yard if handyman has no way of disposal. He may help here also, so ask
about disposal at time of quote.

I had two toilets replaced and recommend getting as high a seat position
as you can, so you don't feel as if you are getting up from the floor as
you grow older if you don't have toddlers around. I got prices at Home
Depot and Lowe's because they were across the street from each other.
Home Depot was more reasonable at the time, but times change. YMMV.