Day after day, flush after flush, countless gallons of water pass through your toilet, eventually deteriorating the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the toilet bowl itself. Toilets have a long life span, so a repair is usually enough to get things fixed and working properly again. However, if your toilet is a few decades old and exhibiting signs of noticeable damage, it might be best to just replace it with a new one. Here are eight hints that you need a new toilet.
Frequent Clogging.
No one likes having to plunge a dirty toilet, but this is one of the most prevalent issues a toilet can have. The random clog is to be expected, but if you have an older low-flow toilet, you may need to plunge it multiple times per month. You may even have learned to flush twice as a clog-prevention technique, resulting in higher water usage bills. Feel comfortable that modern low-flow toilets hardly ever suffer from random stoppages. The promise of a quality toilet could convince you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you notice water pooling around the toilet, don't wait to act. Neglecting this situation could result in mold growth, water-damaged subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is usually a simple DIY repair. It may involve tightening the tee bolts that attach the product to the floor or swapping out the wax ring under the toilet base. On the other hand, if the leak is because of a cracked bowl or tank, the only option is to replace the toilet.
High Water Bills
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. That policy is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) cap for residential toilets was decreased to 1.6 gpf. If so, you could notably lower your water consumption inside your home 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 remove 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 damaged wax ring, you may be able to take care of the problem without swapping out the toilet. But bear in mind, if the subfloor is rotten and moving beneath the toilet’s weight, this requires professional attention. After repairing the structural problems, it may be necessary to replace the toilet to prevent a recurrence.
Increased Mineral Buildup
Hard water can create problems for your toilet, because the water contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes over time. If you stick 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 buildup gets bad enough, your toilet may not flush effectively, making it more prone to clogs. When this happens, that's a sign to replace your toilet.
Leaky Tank
Simple leaks are usually best addressed with a repair, rather than buying a new toilet. Obviously, adjusting a stuck float or exchanging a worn-out flapper valve is quick and affordable. But if the leak constantly comes back, there might be a larger underlying problem. This is just the excuse you need 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.
Many Repairs
Toilets are straightforward mechanisms that should run smoothly without worry. If you find yourself calling the plumber routinely to deal with clogs, leaks and broken 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 try a toilet repair before spending money on a whole-new toilet. Our professionally trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will examine 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 lower your water bills for numerous years to come. If you opt for a replacement, our team can help you pick 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.