Day after day, flush after flush, countless gallons of water flow through your toilet, slowly wearing out the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the actual bowl itself. Toilets are usually solid and long-lasting items, so a repair is normally enough to get things fixed and working properly again. On the other hand, if your toilet is a few decades old and exhibiting signs of serious damage, replacing it with a modern bowl may be the best option. Here are eight signs that you need a new toilet.
Persist Clogging.
No one likes having to plunge a dirty toilet, but this is one of the most frequent problems a toilet can have. The occasional clog is to be expected, but if you have an older low-flow toilet, you might have to plunge it more than once a week. You may even have learned to flush twice as a clog-prevention technique, resulting in higher water usage bills. Be assured knowing that contemporary low-flow toilets rarely suffer from random stoppages. The promise of a reliable toilet could motivate you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
When you see water pooling around the toilet, take action quickly. Neglecting this situation could lead to mold growth, water-damaged subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is often relatively easy to fix. It may involve tightening the tee bolts that fasten the fixture to the floor or replacing the wax ring beneath the toilet base. On the other hand, if the leak is caused by a cracked bowl or tank, the entire toilet will need to be replaced.
High Water Use
Low-flow toilets have been commonly used in homes since the early 90s, but your dated toilet could easily predate the Energy Policy Act of 1992. That policy is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) limit for residential toilets was reduced to 1.6 gpf. Doing so could notably lower your water consumption inside your home by exchanging 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 wash away 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 replacing the toilet. However, if the subfloor is rotten and moving beneath the toilet’s weight, this requires professional attention. After repairing the structural problems, it may be necessary to replace the toilet to prevent a recurrence.
Increased 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 stay current 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 accumulation gets bad enough, your toilet may no longer flush effectively, making it more vulnerable to clogs. When this happens, treat it as a sign to replace your toilet.
Leaky Tank
Minor leaks are not uncommon with any toilet and can be addressed easily with a repair. In the end, adjusting a stuck float or swapping out a worn-out flapper valve is quick and inexpensive. But if the leak constantly returns, there might be a more serious underlying problem. This is just the excuse you need 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 justify replacing your toilet.
Many Repairs
Toilets are straightforward mechanisms that should run smoothly without worry. If you're having to call the plumber repeatedly to take care of clogs, leaks and damaged tank parts, it might be time to stop throwing away good money. Put your hard-earned cash toward a new, reliable toilet, and you shouldn't have to worry 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. Our well- trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will look over your bathroom fixture thoroughly and recommend the most cost-effective option. Keep in mind, 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 arrange a visit from a qualified plumber, please connect with a Service Experts office near you.