Day after day, flush after flush, endless gallons of water flow through your toilet, gradually eroding the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the porcelain bowl. Toilets have a long life span, so a repair is often enough to get things back up and running. On the other hand, if your toilet is a few decades old and showing signs of significant damage, a replacement may be best. Here are eight signals that you need a new toilet.
Persist Clogging.
No one likes dealing with a plumbing clog, but this is one of the most frequent predicaments a toilet can have. The occasional clog is to be expected, but if you have an older low-flow toilet, you might have to plunge it more than once a week. You may even have to flush multiple times as a clog-prevention method, resulting in higher water usage bills. Feel comfortable that new low-flow toilets rarely suffer from random stoppages. The assurance of a dependable toilet could convince you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you notice water pooling around the toilet, take action quickly. Failing to promptly address this issue could lead to mold growth, water-damaged subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is among the easiest and cheapest to fix. It may be as simple as tightening the tee bolts that attach the product to the floor or replacing the wax ring beneath the toilet base. On the other hand, if the leak is because of a cracked bowl or tank, the entire toilet will need to be replaced.
High Water Use
Low-flow toilets have been a mainstay 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 lowered to 1.6 gpf. If so, you could significantly lower your water bills by replacing 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 problematic. If the concern stems from loose tee bolts or a compromised wax ring, you may be able to remedy the problem without replacing the toilet. Although, if the subfloor is impacted and moving beneath the toilet’s weight, this needs professional attention. After repairing the structural problems, it might be necessary to replace the toilet to stop a recurrence.
Abnormal 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 can likely keep mineral buildup under control. It’s also possible to clear some existing deposits by carefully chipping away at them. But if the buildup gets bad enough, your toilet may fail to flush effectively, making it more prone to clogs. When this happens, treat it as a sign to replace your toilet.
Leaky Tank
Minor leaks are not uncommon with any toilet and can be addressed easily with a repair. Obviously, adjusting a stuck float or exchanging a worn-out flapper valve is easy and low-cost. But if the leak continuously comes back, there might be a bigger 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 justify replacing your toilet.
Multiple Repairs
Toilets are simple mechanisms that should function smoothly without much attention. If you end up calling the plumber regularly to fix clogs, leaks and broken tank parts, it's time to make a switch. Put your dollars toward a new, reliable toilet, and you won’t have to stress about repairs for several years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It doesn't hurt 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 option. Don't forget, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps reduce your water bills for plenty of years to come. If you opt for a replacement, our team can help you decide on and install your new toilet for optimal performance going forward. For more information or to schedule a visit from a qualified plumber, please connect with a Service Experts office near you.