Day after day, flush after flush, countless gallons of water flow through your toilet, slowly eroding the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the toilet bowl itself. Toilets are pretty durable products, so a repair is usually enough to get things functioning properly. However, if your toilet is a few decades old and displaying 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.
Continuous Clogging.
No one likes dealing with a plumbing clog, but this is one of the most frequent predicaments a toilet can have. The occasional clog is to be expected, but if you have an older low-flow toilet, you may need to plunge it every couple of flushes. You may even have to flush multiple times as a clog-prevention method, which eliminates any savings you should have realized on your monthly water bill. Rest assured that contemporary low-flow toilets rarely suffer from random stoppages. The peace of mind of a quality toilet could convince 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, decayed subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is among the easiest and cheapest to fix. It may be as simple as tightening the tee bolts that connect the bowl to the floor or replacing the wax ring beneath the toilet base. On the other hand, if the leak is a result of a cracked bowl or tank, the entire toilet will need to be replaced.
High Water Use
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) limit for residential toilets was lowered to 1.6 gpf. Therefore, 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 remove liquid waste.
Wobbly Base
Even if your toilet is not very old, a wobbly base is a scenario that should be addressed quickly. If the condition stems from loose tee bolts or a compromised wax ring, you may be able to take care of the problem without swapping out the toilet. But, if the subfloor is rotten and shifting beneath the toilet’s weight, this needs professional attention. After repairing the structural damage, it may perhaps be necessary to replace the toilet to prevent a recurrence.
Excessive Mineral Buildup
Hard water can create problems for your toilet, because the water contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes as time goes by. If you stick with preventive maintenance, you should 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 buildup gets bad enough, your toilet may no longer flush effectively, making it more vulnerable 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. After all, adjusting a stuck float or exchanging a worn-out flapper valve is quick and affordable. But if the leak always returns, there might be a larger underlying problem. This might be the most sensible 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 merit replacing your toilet.
Numerous Repairs
Toilets are straightforward mechanisms that should function smoothly without much attention. If you find yourself calling the plumber repeatedly to fix clogs, leaks and damaged tank parts, it might be time to stop throwing away good money. Put your hard-earned cash toward a new, reliable toilet, and you shouldn't have to stress about repairs for many years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It never hurts to attempt a toilet repair before spending money on a whole-new toilet. Our professionally trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will examine 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 reduce your water bills for numerous years to come. If you opt for a replacement, our team can help you pick and install your new toilet for excellent performance going forward. For more information or to set up a visit from a qualified plumber, please contact a Service Experts office near you.