Day after day, flush after flush, endless gallons of water flow 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 normally enough to get things functioning properly. On the other hand, if your toilet is a few decades old and exhibiting signs of extensive damage, it might be best to just replace it with a new one. Here are eight signals that you need a new toilet.
Frequent Clogging.
No one likes seeing a backed up or clogged toilet, but this is one of the most common problems 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 solution, negating the water-saving benefits of these early models. Rest assured that contemporary low-flow toilets seldom suffer from random stoppages. The peace of mind of a reliable toilet could be enough to prompt you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you notice water pooling around the toilet, don't wait to act. Failing to promptly address this issue could bring about 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 attach the product to the floor or replacing the wax ring under the toilet base. On the other hand, if the leak is a result of a cracked bowl or tank, you’ll need to replace the entire toilet.
High Water Usage
Low-flow toilets have been a mainstay since the early 90s, but your aging toilet could easily predate the Energy Policy Act of 1992. This is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) limit for residential toilets was lowered 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 wash away 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 defective wax ring, you may be able to remedy the problem without replacing the toilet. Although, if the subfloor is rotten and bending beneath the toilet’s weight, this requires professional attention. After repairing the structural damage, it might be necessary to replace the toilet to avoid a recurrence.
Excessive Mineral Buildup
Hard water is tough on a toilet because it contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes as time goes by. 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 no longer flush effectively, making it more vulnerable to clogs. When this happens, that's a sign to replace your toilet.
Leaky Tank
Simple leaks are usually best addressed with a repair, rather than buying a new toilet. Obviously, adjusting a stuck float or swapping out a worn-out flapper valve is quick and affordable. But if the leak continuously comes back, there might be a more serious underlying problem. This may be the logical time 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 operate smoothly without concern. If you end up calling the plumber routinely to fix clogs, leaks and worn 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 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 inspect your bathroom fixture thoroughly and propose the most cost-effective solution. Don't forget, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps reduce your water bills for numerous years to come. If you decide it's time to replace, our team can help you select and install your new toilet for ideal performance going forward. For more information or to arrange a visit from a qualified plumber, please call a Service Experts office near you.