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 toilet bowl itself. 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 several decades old and exhibiting signs of extensive 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 having to plunge a dirty toilet, but this is one of the most frequent problems 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 multiple times as a clog-prevention technique, which eliminates any savings you should have realized on your monthly water bill. Feel comfortable that contemporary low-flow toilets hardly ever 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, act fast. Failing to promptly address this situation could cause mold growth, rotten subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is often relatively easy to fix. It may be as simple as tightening the tee bolts that fasten the fixture to the floor or swapping out the wax ring beneath the toilet base. However, if the leak is because of a cracked bowl or tank, the entire toilet will need to be replaced.
High Water Usage
Low-flow toilets have been utilized in new home construction or as a replacement product 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) limit for residential toilets was decreased to 1.6 gpf. Therefore, you could significantly lower your water bills by switching 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 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 concern stems from loose tee bolts or a damaged wax ring, you may be able to take care of the problem without changing the toilet. However, if the subfloor is affected and moving beneath the toilet’s weight, this needs professional attention. After repairing the structural issues, it might 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 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 mineral deposit density gets bad enough, your toilet may fail to 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. Obviously, adjusting a stuck float or replacing a worn-out flapper valve is easy and affordable. But if the leak continuously comes back, there might be a larger underlying problem. This is just the excuse you need 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 basic mechanisms that should function smoothly without concern. If you're having to call the plumber routinely to deal with clogs, leaks and broken tank parts, it will be more cost effective to make a change. Put your dollars toward a new, reliable toilet, and you won’t have to fret about repairs for many years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It can't hurt to try 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 recommend the most cost-effective option. 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.