Day after day, flush after flush, endless gallons of water run through your toilet, eventually wearing out the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the porcelain bowl. Toilets are usually solid and long-lasting items, so a repair is typically enough to get things functioning properly. On the other hand, if your toilet is a few decades old and exhibiting signs of serious 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 prevalent predicaments a toilet can have. The periodic clog is to be expected, but if you have an older low-flow toilet, you may need to plunge it more than once a week. You may even have to flush more than once as a clog-prevention method, which eliminates any savings you should have realized on your monthly water bill. Rest assured that new low-flow toilets seldom suffer from random stoppages. The peace of mind of a dependable toilet could motivate you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
If you observe any water pooling around the toilet, act fast. Ignoring this issue could result in mold growth, rotten subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is usually a simple DIY repair. It may be as simple as tightening the tee bolts that fasten the product to the floor or changing the wax ring underneath the toilet base. But, if the leak is a result of a cracked bowl or tank, the entire toilet will need to be replaced.
High Water Bills
Low-flow toilets have been utilized in new home construction or as a replacement product 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 lowered to 1.6 gpf. If so, you could significantly lower your water usage (and thus save money each month on your utility bills) by replacing 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 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 compromised wax ring, you may be able to fix the problem without switching the toilet. Although, if the subfloor is rotten and shifting beneath the toilet’s weight, this needs professional attention. After repairing the structural issues, it may be necessary to replace the toilet to stop a recurrence.
Excessive Mineral Buildup
Toilets are at the mercy of hard water, which contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes over time. If you stick 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 accumulation gets bad enough, your toilet may no longer flush effectively, making it more prone to clogs. When this happens, that's 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 exchanging a worn-out flapper valve is quick and affordable. But if the leak constantly comes back, there might be a bigger 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.
Multiple Repairs
Toilets are basic mechanisms that should perform smoothly without much attention. If you find yourself calling 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 money toward a new, reliable toilet, and you won’t have to fret about repairs for many years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It doesn't hurt 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 option. Don't forget, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps slash 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 optimal performance going forward. For more information or to arrange a visit from a qualified plumber, please call a Service Experts office near you.