Day after day, flush after flush, hundreds of gallons of water flow through your toilet, slowly eroding the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the actual bowl itself. Toilets have a long life span, so a repair is typically enough to get things functioning properly. Nevertheless, if your toilet is several decades old and showing signs of noticeable 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 dealing with a plumbing clog, but this is one of the most frequent issues 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 more than once a week. You may even have to flush multiple times as a clog-prevention solution, which eliminates any savings you should have realized on your monthly water bill. Rest assured that modern low-flow toilets rarely suffer from random stoppages. The peace of mind of a quality toilet could be enough to prompt you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
When you see water pooling around the toilet, act fast. Failing to promptly address this problem could lead to mold growth, water-damaged 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 under the toilet base. But, if the leak is caused by 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. This is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) limit for residential toilets was reduced to 1.6 gpf. Doing so 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 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 get rid of liquid waste.
Wobbly Base
Even if your toilet is not very old, a wobbly base is problematic. If the condition stems from loose tee bolts or a damaged wax ring, you may be able to remedy the problem without changing the toilet. But bear in mind, if the subfloor is impacted and shifting beneath the toilet’s weight, this should have professional attention. After repairing the structural damage, it might be necessary to replace the toilet to prevent a recurrence.
Significant Mineral Buildup
Hard water is tough on a toilet because it contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes over time. 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 not flush effectively, making it more prone to clogs. When this happens, consider it 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 replacing a worn-out flapper valve is simple and affordable. But if the leak constantly 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 simple mechanisms that should perform smoothly without much attention. If you find yourself calling the plumber repeatedly to fix 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 shouldn't have to be concerned 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. Our well- trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will examine your bathroom fixture thoroughly and propose the most cost-effective approach. Keep in mind, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps reduce your water bills for plenty of years to come. If you choose to replace, our team can help you select and install your new toilet for optimal performance going forward. For more information or to set up a visit from a qualified plumber, please call a Service Experts office near you.