Day after day, flush after flush, endless gallons of water run through your toilet, gradually wearing out the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the toilet bowl itself. Toilets have a long life span, so a repair is normally enough to get things functioning properly. On the other hand, if your toilet is a few decades old and displaying signs of extensive damage, it might be best to just replace it with a new one. Here are eight indicators that you need a new toilet.
Persist Clogging.
No one likes seeing a backed up or clogged toilet, but this is one of the most common problems a toilet can have. The occasional 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 learned to flush twice as a clog-prevention solution, resulting in higher water usage bills. Be assured knowing that contemporary low-flow toilets seldom suffer from random stoppages. The promise of a reliable toilet could be enough to prompt you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you notice water pooling around the toilet, don't wait to act. Failing to promptly address this situation could bring about mold growth, rotten subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is usually a simple DIY repair. It may just require tightening the tee bolts that connect the product to the floor or replacing the wax ring underneath the toilet base. However, if the leak is because of a cracked bowl or tank, the entire toilet will need to be replaced.
High Water Consumption
Low-flow toilets have been a mainstay since the early 90s, but your aging toilet could easily predate the Energy Policy Act of 1992. That legislation is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) maximum for residential toilets was lowered to 1.6 gpf. If so, you could substantially lower your water usage (and thus save money each month on your utility bills) by switching your old 3- to 5-gpf toilet with a new 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 condition stems from loose tee bolts or a compromised wax ring, you may be able to fix the problem without swapping out the toilet. Although, if the subfloor is decayed 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 stop a recurrence.
Increased Mineral Buildup
Hard water is tough on a toilet because it contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes as time goes by. If you stick 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 accumulation gets bad enough, your toilet may no longer 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. Obviously, adjusting a stuck float or exchanging a worn-out flapper valve is easy and affordable. But if the leak always comes back, there might be a larger 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.
Numerous Repairs
Toilets are straightforward mechanisms that should perform smoothly without much attention. If you find yourself calling the plumber routinely to take care of clogs, leaks and worn 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 attempt 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 approach. Don't forget, 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 pick and install your new toilet for excellent performance going forward. For more information or to schedule a visit from a qualified plumber, please call a Service Experts office near you.