Day after day, flush after flush, hundreds of gallons of water run through your toilet, gradually 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 fixed and working properly again. Nevertheless, if your toilet is several decades old and showing signs of significant 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 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 multiple times per month. You may even have to flush multiple times as a clog-prevention method, resulting in higher water usage bills. Feel comfortable that modern low-flow toilets hardly ever suffer from random stoppages. The promise of a quality toilet could motivate you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you observe any water pooling around the toilet, take action quickly. Neglecting this situation could cause mold growth, decayed subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is often relatively easy to fix. It may involve tightening the tee bolts that fasten the product to the floor or replacing the wax ring under the toilet base. However, if the leak is caused by a cracked bowl or tank, the only option is to replace the toilet.
High Water Bills
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 legislation is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) limit for residential toilets was reduced to 1.6 gpf. If so, you could substantially lower your water usage (and thus save money each month on your utility 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 a problem. If the concern stems from loose tee bolts or a damaged wax ring, you may be able to take care of the problem without swapping out the toilet. But, if the subfloor is impacted and shifting beneath the toilet’s weight, this should have professional attention. After repairing the structural issues, it may perhaps be necessary to replace the toilet to avoid a recurrence.
Significant Mineral Buildup
Toilets are at the mercy of hard water, which contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes after some time. 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 mineral deposit density 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. After all, adjusting a stuck float or swapping out a worn-out flapper valve is easy and affordable. But if the leak always returns, 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 warrant replacing your toilet.
Many Repairs
Toilets are straightforward mechanisms that should function smoothly without concern. If you find yourself calling the plumber routinely to take care of clogs, leaks and damaged tank parts, it will be more cost effective to make a change. 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 traveling the route of 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 approach. Don't forget, 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 decide on and install your new toilet for ideal performance going forward. For more information or to arrange a visit from a qualified plumber, please contact a Service Experts office near you.