Day after day, flush after flush, endless gallons of water run through your toilet, gradually deteriorating the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the porcelain bowl. Toilets are usually solid and long-lasting items, so a repair is typically enough to get things back up and running. On the other hand, if your toilet is a few decades old and showing signs of significant damage, a replacement may be best. Here are eight signs that you need a new toilet.
Frequent Clogging.
No one likes dealing with a plumbing clog, but this is one of the most prevalent predicaments a toilet can have. The occasional 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 learned to flush twice 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 seldom suffer from random stoppages. The peace of mind of a quality toilet could be enough to prompt you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you notice water pooling around the toilet, act fast. Failing to promptly address this situation could bring about mold growth, decayed 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 fasten the fixture to the floor or replacing 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 Use
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) limit for residential toilets was decreased to 1.6 gpf. Therefore, you could substantially lower your water consumption inside your home by exchanging 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 compromised wax ring, you may be able to cure the problem without switching the toilet. However, if the subfloor is rotten 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 stop a recurrence.
Significant Mineral Buildup
Hard water is tough on a toilet because it contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes as time goes by. If you stay current with preventive maintenance, you should 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 vulnerable to clogs. When this happens, treat it as 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 replacing a worn-out flapper valve is simple and low-cost. But if the leak constantly returns, there might be a bigger underlying problem. This might be the most sensible time 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.
Many Repairs
Toilets are simple mechanisms that should operate smoothly without worry. If you find yourself calling the plumber routinely to deal with clogs, leaks and worn tank parts, it's time to make a switch. Put your dollars toward a new, reliable toilet, and you won’t have to worry about repairs for several years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It never hurts to attempt a toilet repair before spending money on a whole-new toilet. The well- trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will inspect your bathroom fixture thoroughly and propose the most cost-effective solution. Don't forget, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps reduce 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 schedule a visit from a qualified plumber, please contact a Service Experts office near you.