Day after day, flush after flush, hundreds of gallons of water run through your toilet, gradually deteriorating the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the toilet bowl itself. Toilets are usually solid and long-lasting items, so a repair is usually enough to get things functioning properly. However, if your toilet is a couple of decades old and exhibiting signs of extensive damage, a replacement may be best. Here are eight signs that you need a new toilet.
Persist Clogging.
No one likes dealing with a plumbing clog, but this is one of the most common issues 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 more than once as a clog-prevention routine, negating the water-saving benefits of these early models. Be assured knowing that new low-flow toilets seldom suffer from random stoppages. The promise of a dependable toilet could convince you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you observe any water pooling around the toilet, don't wait to act. Neglecting this issue could cause mold growth, water-damaged subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is among the easiest and cheapest to fix. It may just require tightening the tee bolts that connect the fixture to the floor or replacing the wax ring under the toilet base. On the other hand, if the leak is due to a cracked bowl or tank, the only option is to replace the toilet.
High Water Use
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 legislation is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) maximum for residential toilets was decreased to 1.6 gpf. Therefore, you could significantly lower your water consumption inside your home by replacing 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 concern 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. However, if the subfloor is affected and bending beneath the toilet’s weight, this should have professional attention. After repairing the structural problems, it may perhaps be necessary to replace the toilet to prevent a recurrence.
Increased Mineral Buildup
Toilets are at the mercy of hard water, which contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes after some time. If you stay current with preventive maintenance, you may be able to 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 accumulation gets bad enough, your toilet may no longer flush effectively, making it more prone to clogs. When this happens, treat it as a sign to replace your toilet.
Leaky Tank
It’s usually worth repairing (not replacing) your toilet tank the first few times it leaks. After all, adjusting a stuck float or swapping out a worn-out flapper valve is simple and low-cost. But if the leak always comes back, there might be a bigger 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 justify replacing your toilet.
Many Repairs
Toilets are straightforward mechanisms that should perform smoothly without concern. If you're having to call the plumber routinely 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 won’t have to be concerned about repairs for several years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It can't hurt to try a toilet repair before traveling the route of a whole-new toilet. Our professionally trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will look over your bathroom fixture thoroughly and recommend the most cost-effective option. Remember, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps slash your water bills for plenty of years to come. If you decide it's time to replace, our team can help you pick and install your new toilet for optimal performance going forward. For more information or to set up a visit from a qualified plumber, please connect with a Service Experts office near you.