Day after day, flush after flush, countless gallons of water flow through your toilet, eventually deteriorating the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the porcelain bowl. Toilets are usually solid and long-lasting items, so a repair is often enough to get things functioning properly. On the other hand, if your toilet is a few decades old and showing signs of noticeable damage, replacing it with a modern bowl may be the best option. Here are eight signals that you need a new toilet.
Continuous Clogging.
No one likes seeing a backed up or clogged toilet, but this is one of the most common issues a toilet can have. The random clog is to be expected, but if you have an older low-flow toilet, you might have to plunge it every couple of flushes. You may even have to flush multiple times as a clog-prevention technique, resulting in higher water usage bills. Rest assured that modern low-flow toilets rarely suffer from random stoppages. The promise of a quality toilet could convince you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you notice water pooling around the toilet, take action quickly. Neglecting this problem could cause mold growth, water-damaged subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is among the easiest and cheapest to fix. It may involve tightening the tee bolts that fasten the bowl to the floor or replacing the wax ring under the toilet base. However, if the leak is due to a cracked bowl or tank, the only option is to replace the toilet.
High Water Consumption
Low-flow toilets have been utilized in new home construction or as a replacement product since the early 90s, but your old toilet could easily predate the Energy Policy Act of 1992. This is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) limit for residential toilets was decreased to 1.6 gpf. If so, you could significantly lower your water bills by replacing 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 get rid of liquid waste.
Wobbly Base
Even if your toilet is not very old, a wobbly base is problematic. If the issue 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 affected and shifting beneath the toilet’s weight, this needs professional attention. After repairing the structural issues, it might be necessary to replace the toilet to stop a recurrence.
Abnormal 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 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 buildup gets bad enough, your toilet may no longer flush effectively, making it more susceptible 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 quick and affordable. But if the leak constantly returns, there might be a more serious underlying problem. This may be the logical time to replace your old, outdated toilet.
Poor Aesthetics
Among the top reasons people replace their toilets is that the bowl no longer looks nice; it may have scratches or the color is outdated. Unpleasant aesthetics combined with leaks, frequent clogs or other problems certainly merit replacing your toilet.
Multiple Repairs
Toilets are straightforward mechanisms that should operate smoothly without worry. If you're having to call the plumber regularly to deal with 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 several years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It never hurts to try a toilet repair before investing in a whole-new toilet. Our professionally trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will examine your bathroom fixture thoroughly and propose the most cost-effective option. Remember, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps lower 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 arrange a visit from a qualified plumber, please contact a Service Experts office near you.