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We have recently noticed water coming up between linoleum sections in the hall bathroom, and we’re thinking that the pipes under the toilet or under the bathtub are old and leaking. (it’s an older house, built in the 50′s). I have also cleaned a bit of mold from around the baseboard, so I think that the leak may have been present for a while. I’m not really sure how bad it is. The water leak needs to be repaired pretty soon so that we don’t experience more mold growth or other structural damage.
What type of professional should we call – a plumber or a general contractor? We don’t need to re-do the entire bathroom – just repair the water leak. (although it would be nice to replace the floor, too!) This is our first house, and our first maintenance problem that we don’t know how to fix on our own. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

it sounds like your toilet seal is leaking causing the water to come through the tile, you may have more floor damage than you think, you need to hire a licensed and bonded plumbing contractor who specializes in remodeling work. more than likely your floor will have to be removed down to the floor joists and a new floor installed. the toilet flange is probably cracked causing this leak so the contractor will have to remove this and install a new one along with everything else.

Does anyone know of a book or list of fees charge by plumbing contractors? You know, a flat fee to change / replace an old toilet with a new one?

if it is just a toilet replacement look to pay anywhere from $200 – $500 depending on who you call and where you live. A flat rate is a rare occurance, there are to many unknowns when taking a toilet out, the flange may need replacing, something could be cracked.

Professionally speaking if at all possible, change the toilet yourself if you can it’s not really that complicated. At the least buy the toilet yourself and then call and get estimates as to how much it will cost for an installation. Usually you’ll get a better price on a better toilet if you get it yourself. A toilet replacement with no problems shouldn’t take more than 30 – 45 minutes.

If they insist on using their own toilet, call someone else.