Day after day, flush after flush, countless gallons of water flow through your toilet, gradually deteriorating the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the actual bowl itself. Toilets have a long life span, so a repair is often enough to get things functioning properly. However, if your toilet is a couple of decades old and showing signs of noticeable damage, replacing it with a modern bowl may be the best option. 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 common predicaments a toilet can have. The occasional clog is to be expected, but if you have an older low-flow toilet, you might end up having to plunge it multiple times per month. 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. Be assured knowing that modern low-flow toilets hardly ever suffer from random stoppages. The assurance of a dependable toilet could motivate you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you observe any water pooling around the toilet, act fast. Failing to promptly address this situation could result in 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 connect the product to the floor or replacing the wax ring underneath the toilet base. However, if the leak is because of a cracked bowl or tank, you’ll need to replace the entire toilet.
High Water Usage
Low-flow toilets have been utilized in new home construction or as a replacement product 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. Therefore, you could substantially lower your water bills 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 a problem. If the issue stems from loose tee bolts or a compromised wax ring, you may be able to remedy the problem without changing the toilet. Although, if the subfloor is rotten and shifting beneath the toilet’s weight, this requires professional attention. After repairing the structural issues, 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 should be able to keep mineral buildup under control. If you're a DIY kind of person, you can help your toilet clear away some existing deposits by carefully chipping away at them. But if the buildup gets bad enough, your toilet may fail to flush effectively, making it more susceptible to clogs. When this happens, that's 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 exchanging a worn-out flapper valve is easy and low-cost. 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 justify replacing your toilet.
Multiple Repairs
Toilets are straightforward mechanisms that should operate smoothly without concern. If you find yourself calling the plumber repeatedly to deal with clogs, leaks and worn 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 fret about repairs for several years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It doesn't hurt to try a toilet repair before spending money on a whole-new toilet. Our well- trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will look over your bathroom fixture thoroughly and propose the most cost-effective approach. Remember, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps slash your water bills for many years to come. If you choose to replace, our team can help you select and install your new toilet for ideal performance going forward. For more information or to set up a visit from a qualified plumber, please connect with a Service Experts office near you.