Day after day, flush after flush, countless gallons of water pass through your toilet, eventually wearing out the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the porcelain bowl. Toilets have a long life span, so a repair is normally enough to get things functioning properly. Nevertheless, if your toilet is a few decades old and displaying signs of serious damage, it might be best to just replace it with a new one. Here are eight signs that you need a new toilet.
Persist Clogging.
No one likes having to plunge a dirty toilet, but this is one of the most common issues a toilet can have. The random clog is to be expected, but if you have an older low-flow toilet, you might end up having to plunge it more than once a week. You may even have to flush more than once as a clog-prevention routine, negating the water-saving benefits of these early models. Feel comfortable that contemporary low-flow toilets rarely suffer from random stoppages. The assurance of a reliable toilet could motivate you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you notice water pooling around the toilet, take action quickly. Ignoring this situation could lead to mold growth, water-damaged subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is usually a simple DIY repair. It may just require tightening the tee bolts that fasten the fixture to the floor or changing the wax ring under the toilet base. But, if the leak is a result of a cracked bowl or tank, the only option is to replace the toilet.
High Water Usage
Low-flow toilets have been utilized in new home construction or as a replacement product since the early 90s, but your old toilet could easily predate the Energy Policy Act of 1992. That policy is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) limit for residential toilets was decreased to 1.6 gpf. Doing so could notably lower your water consumption inside your home by exchanging your old 3- to 5-gpf toilet with updated low-flow model. The best high-efficiency, dual-flush toilets use an average of 1.28 gpf–1.6 gallons for the solid waste button and just 0.8 gallons to wash away liquid waste.
Wobbly Base
Even if your toilet is not very old, a wobbly base is a problem. If the condition stems from loose tee bolts or a defective wax ring, you may be able to fix the problem without replacing the toilet. But, if the subfloor is affected and bending beneath the toilet’s weight, this needs professional attention. After repairing the structural damage, it may perhaps be necessary to replace the toilet to prevent a recurrence.
Increased Mineral Buildup
Hard water is tough on a toilet because it contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes over time. If you keep up with preventive maintenance, you should be able to keep mineral buildup under control. It’s also possible to clear some existing deposits by carefully chipping away at them. But if the accumulation gets bad enough, your toilet may fail to flush effectively, making it more prone to clogs. When this happens, that's a sign to replace your toilet.
Leaky Tank
It’s usually worth repairing (not replacing) your toilet tank the first few times it leaks. After all, adjusting a stuck float or swapping out a worn-out flapper valve is quick and affordable. But if the leak always comes back, there might be a more serious underlying problem. This might be the most sensible time to replace your old, outdated toilet.
Poor Aesthetics
Among the top reasons people replace their toilets is that the bowl no longer looks nice; it may have scratches or the color is outdated. Unpleasant aesthetics combined with leaks, frequent clogs or other problems certainly merit replacing your toilet.
Multiple Repairs
Toilets are straightforward mechanisms that should function smoothly without much attention. If you end up calling the plumber regularly to take care of clogs, leaks and broken tank parts, it will be more cost effective to make a change. Put your dollars toward a new, reliable toilet, and you won’t have to fret about repairs for many years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It never hurts to try a toilet repair before spending money on a whole-new toilet. Our professionally trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will inspect your bathroom fixture thoroughly and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Keep in mind, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps reduce your water bills for many years to come. If you choose to replace, our team can help you select and install your new toilet for excellent performance going forward. For more information or to arrange a visit from a qualified plumber, please connect with a Service Experts office near you.