Day after day, flush after flush, endless gallons of water pass through your toilet, slowly deteriorating the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the toilet bowl itself. Toilets are usually solid and long-lasting items, so a repair is normally enough to get things back up and running. Nevertheless, if your toilet is a few decades old and showing signs of serious damage, a replacement may be best. Here are eight signs that you need a new toilet.
Frequent Clogging.
No one likes seeing a backed up or clogged toilet, but this is one of the most common predicaments a toilet can have. The random clog is to be expected, but if you have an older low-flow toilet, you might have to plunge it multiple times per month. You may even have to flush more than once as a clog-prevention solution, which eliminates any savings you should have realized on your monthly water bill. Feel comfortable that modern low-flow toilets rarely suffer from random stoppages. The peace of mind of a reliable toilet could convince you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you notice water pooling around the toilet, take action quickly. Neglecting this situation could bring about mold growth, rotten subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is usually a simple DIY repair. It may involve tightening the tee bolts that attach the fixture to the floor or changing the wax ring under the toilet base. But, if the leak is caused by 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 aging toilet could easily predate the Energy Policy Act of 1992. This is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) cap for residential toilets was decreased to 1.6 gpf. Therefore, you could notably lower your water bills 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 get rid of liquid waste.
Wobbly Base
Even if your toilet is not very old, a wobbly base is a problem. If the issue stems from loose tee bolts or a damaged wax ring, you may be able to remedy the problem without switching the toilet. But bear in mind, if the subfloor is impacted and shifting beneath the toilet’s weight, this requires professional attention. After repairing the structural damage, it may perhaps be necessary to replace the toilet to prevent a recurrence.
Abnormal Mineral Buildup
Hard water is tough on a toilet because it contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes after some time. If you stay current with preventive maintenance, you can likely keep mineral buildup under control. If you're a DIY kind of person, you can help your toilet clear away some existing deposits by carefully chipping away at them. But if the mineral deposit density gets bad enough, your toilet may no longer flush effectively, making it more susceptible to clogs. When this happens, consider it a sign to replace your toilet.
Leaky Tank
It’s usually worth repairing (not replacing) your toilet tank the first few times it leaks. In the end, adjusting a stuck float or exchanging a worn-out flapper valve is simple and affordable. But if the leak always returns, there might be a bigger underlying problem. This might be the most sensible time to replace your old, outdated toilet.
Poor Aesthetics
The appearance of your toilet (i.e., an outdated color or shape, or visible scratches) is another reason to consider replacing your toilet. Unpleasant aesthetics combined with leaks, frequent clogs or other problems certainly justify replacing your toilet.
Numerous Repairs
Toilets are basic mechanisms that should operate smoothly without worry. If you're having to call the plumber routinely to fix clogs, leaks and damaged tank parts, it will be more cost effective to make a change. Put your hard-earned cash toward a new, reliable toilet, and you won’t have to worry about repairs for many years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It never hurts to attempt a toilet repair before investing in a whole-new toilet. Our professionally trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will examine your bathroom fixture thoroughly and suggest the most cost-effective option. Remember, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps lower your water bills for plenty of years to come. If you choose to replace, our team can help you select 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.