Day after day, flush after flush, hundreds of gallons of water flow through your toilet, eventually deteriorating the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the actual bowl itself. Toilets have a long life span, so a repair is usually enough to get things back up and running. Nevertheless, if your toilet is a couple of decades old and displaying signs of extensive damage, a replacement may be best. Here are eight indicators 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 issues 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 every couple of flushes. You may even have to flush multiple times as a clog-prevention technique, which eliminates any savings you should have realized on your monthly water bill. Feel comfortable that contemporary low-flow toilets hardly ever suffer from random stoppages. The peace of mind of a dependable toilet could convince you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you observe any water pooling around the toilet, take action quickly. Ignoring this issue could bring about mold growth, rotten subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is often relatively easy to fix. It may be as simple as tightening the tee bolts that fasten the fixture to the floor or replacing the wax ring beneath the toilet base. But, if the leak is caused by a cracked bowl or tank, the entire toilet will need to be replaced.
High Water Bills
Low-flow toilets have been utilized in new home construction or as a replacement product since the early 90s, but your dated toilet could easily predate the Energy Policy Act of 1992. That legislation is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) cap for residential toilets was reduced 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 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 problematic. If the concern stems from loose tee bolts or a defective wax ring, you may be able to fix the problem without switching the toilet. But bear in mind, if the subfloor is rotten and moving beneath the toilet’s weight, this should have professional attention. After repairing the structural damage, it may be necessary to replace the toilet to avoid a recurrence.
Abnormal Mineral Buildup
Hard water is tough on a toilet because it contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes over time. If you keep up with preventive maintenance, you may be able to keep mineral buildup under control. You can also get rid of 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 vulnerable 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 simple and affordable. But if the leak constantly comes back, there might be a more serious underlying problem. This may be the logical 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.
Multiple Repairs
Toilets are simple mechanisms that should perform smoothly without concern. If you're having to call the plumber regularly to fix clogs, leaks and broken tank parts, it's time to make a switch. Put your hard-earned cash toward a new, reliable toilet, and you won’t have to be concerned about repairs for many years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It can't hurt to attempt a toilet repair before traveling the route of a whole-new toilet. The professionally trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will look over your bathroom fixture thoroughly and suggest the most cost-effective solution. Keep in mind, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps slash your water bills for many years to come. If you opt for a replacement, our team can help you decide on and install your new toilet for ideal performance going forward. For more information or to arrange a visit from a qualified plumber, please contact a Service Experts office near you.