Day after day, flush after flush, hundreds of gallons of water pass through your toilet, slowly wearing out 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 fixed and working properly again. However, if your toilet is a few decades old and exhibiting signs of significant damage, a replacement may be best. Here are eight signals that you need a new toilet.
Persist 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 end up having 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. Rest assured that modern 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, take action quickly. Neglecting this problem could lead to mold growth, rotten 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 bowl to the floor or changing the wax ring underneath the toilet base. On the other hand, if the leak is because of a cracked bowl or tank, you’ll need to replace the entire toilet.
High Water Consumption
Low-flow toilets have been commonly used in homes since the early 90s, but your old toilet could easily predate the Energy Policy Act of 1992. That policy is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) maximum for residential toilets was decreased to 1.6 gpf. If so, you could notably lower your water consumption inside your home by exchanging 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 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 damaged wax ring, you may be able to take care of the problem without switching the toilet. However, if the subfloor is decayed and moving beneath the toilet’s weight, this needs professional attention. After repairing the structural problems, it may perhaps be necessary to replace the toilet to stop a recurrence.
Excessive Mineral Buildup
Hard water can create problems for your toilet, because the water contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes over time. If you stick 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 mineral deposit density gets bad enough, your toilet may fail to flush effectively, making it more susceptible to clogs. When this happens, consider it 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 replacing a worn-out flapper valve is simple and inexpensive. But if the leak always returns, there might be a larger underlying problem. This might be the most sensible 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 merit replacing your toilet.
Multiple Repairs
Toilets are simple mechanisms that should function smoothly without concern. If you're having to call the plumber regularly to fix clogs, leaks and damaged tank parts, it might be time to stop throwing away good money. 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 can't hurt to try a toilet repair before traveling the route of a whole-new toilet. The professionally trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will inspect your bathroom fixture thoroughly and propose the most cost-effective option. Don't forget, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps lower your water bills for many years to come. If you opt for a replacement, our team can help you pick and install your new toilet for ideal performance going forward. For more information or to schedule a visit from a qualified plumber, please call a Service Experts office near you.