Day after day, flush after flush, endless gallons of water flow through your toilet, eventually eroding the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the toilet bowl itself. Toilets are usually solid and long-lasting items, so a repair is often enough to get things functioning properly. On the other hand, if your toilet is a couple of decades old and exhibiting signs of noticeable damage, replacing it with a modern bowl may be the best option. Here are eight hints that you need a new toilet.
Persist Clogging.
No one likes seeing a backed up or clogged toilet, but this is one of the most frequent issues a toilet can have. The periodic 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 method, negating the water-saving benefits of these early models. Rest assured that contemporary low-flow toilets hardly ever suffer from random stoppages. The assurance of a reliable toilet could motivate you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
When you see water pooling around the toilet, take action quickly. Ignoring this issue could cause mold growth, decayed subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is among the easiest and cheapest to fix. It may just require tightening the tee bolts that fasten the product to the floor or swapping out the wax ring underneath the toilet base. But, if the leak is caused by a cracked bowl or tank, the only option is to replace the toilet.
High Water Bills
Low-flow toilets have been a mainstay 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) cap for residential toilets was reduced to 1.6 gpf. If so, you could notably lower your water consumption inside your home by exchanging 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 defective wax ring, you may be able to take care of the problem without swapping out the toilet. Although, if the subfloor is decayed and moving beneath the toilet’s weight, this requires professional attention. After repairing the structural problems, it may perhaps be necessary to replace the toilet to prevent a recurrence.
Significant 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 keep up with preventive maintenance, you should be able to keep mineral buildup under control. It’s also possible to clear 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, 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 swapping out a worn-out flapper valve is quick and affordable. But if the leak continuously 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.
Many Repairs
Toilets are simple mechanisms that should perform smoothly without worry. 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 money toward a new, reliable toilet, and you will not have to be concerned about repairs for many years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It can't hurt to attempt a toilet repair before investing in a whole-new toilet. The professionally trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will inspect your bathroom fixture thoroughly and suggest the most cost-effective solution. 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 connect with a Service Experts office near you.