Day after day, flush after flush, countless gallons of water flow through your toilet, eventually wearing out the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the porcelain bowl. Toilets are usually solid and long-lasting items, so a repair is normally enough to get things back up and running. However, if your toilet is a few decades old and exhibiting signs of serious damage, replacing it with a modern bowl may be the best option. Here are eight signals that you need a new toilet.
Frequent Clogging.
No one likes having to plunge a dirty toilet, but this is one of the most common problems 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 every couple of flushes. You may even have to flush more than once as a clog-prevention routine, resulting in higher water usage bills. Rest assured that contemporary low-flow toilets seldom suffer from random stoppages. The assurance of a reliable toilet could convince you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
When you see water pooling around the toilet, don't wait to act. Failing to promptly address this issue could cause mold growth, water-damaged subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is usually a simple DIY repair. It may be as simple as tightening the tee bolts that attach the bowl to the floor or swapping out the wax ring underneath the toilet base. But, if the leak is because of a cracked bowl or tank, you’ll need to replace the entire toilet.
High Water Bills
Low-flow toilets have been commonly used in homes since the early 90s, but your dated toilet could easily predate the Energy Policy Act of 1992. That policy is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) maximum for residential toilets was lowered to 1.6 gpf. Therefore, you could significantly lower your water usage (and thus save money each month on your utility bills) by exchanging your old 3- to 5-gpf toilet with a modern 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 scenario that should be addressed quickly. If the condition stems from loose tee bolts or a compromised wax ring, you may be able to take care of the problem without switching the toilet. But, if the subfloor is decayed and moving beneath the toilet’s weight, this requires professional attention. After repairing the structural issues, it may perhaps be necessary to replace the toilet to prevent a recurrence.
Excessive Mineral Buildup
Toilets are at the mercy of hard water, which 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 no longer flush effectively, making it more prone to clogs. When this happens, consider it a sign to replace your toilet.
Leaky Tank
Simple leaks are usually best addressed with a repair, rather than buying a new toilet. In the end, adjusting a stuck float or replacing a worn-out flapper valve is easy and affordable. But if the leak always comes back, there might be a more serious underlying problem. This is just the excuse you need to replace your old, outdated toilet.
Poor Aesthetics
Scratches, hairline cracks or simply an outdated color could encourage you to replace your toilet. Unpleasant aesthetics combined with leaks, frequent clogs or other problems certainly merit replacing your toilet.
Multiple Repairs
Toilets are basic mechanisms that should operate smoothly without much attention. If you end up calling the plumber regularly to deal with clogs, leaks and broken tank parts, it might be time to stop throwing away good money. Put your hard-earned cash toward a new, reliable toilet, and you will not have to fret about repairs for several years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It can't hurt to try a toilet repair before spending money on a whole-new toilet. Our well- 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 slash your water bills for numerous years to come. If you decide it's time to replace, our team can help you select and install your new toilet for excellent performance going forward. For more information or to set up a visit from a qualified plumber, please contact a Service Experts office near you.