Day after day, flush after flush, countless gallons of water flow through your toilet, eventually eroding the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the toilet bowl itself. Toilets are usually solid and long-lasting items, so a repair is often enough to get things back up and running. Nevertheless, if your toilet is several decades old and showing signs of noticeable damage, it might be best to just replace it with a new one. Here are eight indicators that you need a new toilet.
Persist Clogging.
No one likes having to plunge a dirty toilet, but this is one of the most prevalent predicaments a toilet can have. The periodic 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 routine, resulting in higher water usage bills. Feel comfortable that modern low-flow toilets rarely suffer from random stoppages. The promise of a reliable toilet could motivate you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you observe any water pooling around the toilet, take action quickly. Failing to promptly address this issue could result in mold growth, decayed 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 connect the product to the floor or swapping out the wax ring beneath the toilet base. However, if the leak is due to a cracked bowl or tank, you’ll need to replace the entire toilet.
High Water Usage
Low-flow toilets have been commonly used in homes 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. Doing so could substantially lower your water consumption inside your home by switching 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 get rid of liquid waste.
Wobbly Base
Even if your toilet is not very old, a wobbly base is problematic. If the condition stems from loose tee bolts or a defective wax ring, you may be able to cure the problem without switching 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 perhaps be necessary to replace the toilet to avoid a recurrence.
Excessive Mineral Buildup
Hard water is tough on a toilet because it contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes over the years. If you keep up with preventive maintenance, you may be able to keep mineral buildup under control. It’s also possible to clear some existing deposits by carefully chipping away at them. But if the accumulation gets bad enough, your toilet may not flush effectively, making it more susceptible to clogs. When this happens, consider it a sign to replace your toilet.
Leaky Tank
Minor leaks are not uncommon with any toilet and can be addressed easily with a repair. 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 more serious underlying problem. This is just the excuse you need 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.
Many Repairs
Toilets are simple mechanisms that should run smoothly without much attention. If you find yourself calling the plumber routinely to fix clogs, leaks and worn 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 stress 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. The professionally trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will inspect your bathroom fixture thoroughly and recommend the most cost-effective option. Remember, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps reduce your water bills for plenty of years to come. If you opt for a replacement, 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 connect with a Service Experts office near you.