Day after day, flush after flush, hundreds of gallons of water run through your toilet, gradually deteriorating the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the porcelain bowl. Toilets are usually solid and long-lasting items, so a repair is often enough to get things fixed and working properly again. However, if your toilet is several decades old and exhibiting signs of serious 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 dealing with a plumbing clog, but this is one of the most frequent problems 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 learned to flush twice as a clog-prevention solution, which eliminates any savings you should have realized on your monthly water bill. Feel comfortable that new low-flow toilets hardly ever suffer from random stoppages. The promise of a reliable toilet could be enough to prompt you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
When you see water pooling around the toilet, don't wait to act. Neglecting this problem 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 fasten the bowl to the floor or changing the wax ring underneath 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 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) maximum for residential toilets was lowered to 1.6 gpf. Doing so could substantially lower your water bills 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 wash away 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 remedy the problem without swapping out the toilet. Although, if the subfloor is rotten and moving beneath the toilet’s weight, this should have professional attention. After repairing the structural problems, it may perhaps be necessary to replace the toilet to avoid a recurrence.
Increased Mineral Buildup
Hard water can create problems for your toilet, because the water contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes over the years. If you keep up with preventive maintenance, you can likely keep mineral buildup under control. It’s also possible to clear some existing deposits by carefully chipping away at them. But if the buildup gets bad enough, your toilet may fail to 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. After all, adjusting a stuck float or replacing a worn-out flapper valve is quick and inexpensive. 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 justify replacing your toilet.
Multiple Repairs
Toilets are simple mechanisms that should run smoothly without concern. If you're having to call the plumber regularly to fix clogs, leaks and broken tank parts, it might be time to stop throwing away good money. Put your dollars toward a new, reliable toilet, and you will not have to fret about repairs for several 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 professionally trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will inspect your bathroom fixture thoroughly and suggest 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 plenty of years to come. If you decide it's time to replace, our team can help you pick 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.