Day after day, flush after flush, endless gallons of water run 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 typically enough to get things functioning properly. Nevertheless, if your toilet is a couple of decades old and showing signs of noticeable damage, replacing it with a modern bowl may be the best option. Here are eight indicators that you need a new toilet.
Continuous Clogging.
No one likes seeing a backed up or clogged toilet, but this is one of the most common 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 learned to flush twice as a clog-prevention technique, which eliminates any savings you should have realized on your monthly water bill. Be assured knowing that contemporary low-flow toilets hardly ever suffer from random stoppages. The peace of mind of a quality toilet could motivate you to replace it.
Cracks and Leaks
When you see water pooling around the toilet, don't wait to act. Ignoring this issue could result in mold growth, rotten subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is usually a simple DIY repair. It may involve tightening the tee bolts that connect the bowl to the floor or replacing the wax ring under 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 Consumption
Low-flow toilets have been commonly used in homes 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 reduced to 1.6 gpf. If so, 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 get rid of 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 issue stems from loose tee bolts or a compromised wax ring, you may be able to take care of the problem without switching the toilet. But, if the subfloor is affected and shifting beneath the toilet’s weight, this should have professional attention. After repairing the structural issues, it may be necessary to replace the toilet to prevent a recurrence.
Significant 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 keep up with preventive maintenance, you can likely 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 buildup gets bad enough, your toilet may fail to flush effectively, making it more prone to clogs. When this happens, treat it as a sign to replace your toilet.
Leaky Tank
Minor leaks are not uncommon with any toilet and can be addressed easily with a repair. In the end, adjusting a stuck float or swapping out a worn-out flapper valve is simple and inexpensive. But if the leak always returns, there might be a bigger underlying problem. This may be the logical 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 warrant replacing your toilet.
Multiple Repairs
Toilets are basic mechanisms that should run smoothly without concern. If you find yourself calling the plumber routinely to fix clogs, leaks and broken tank parts, it will be more cost effective to make a change. Put your hard-earned cash toward a new, reliable toilet, and you will not have to be concerned about repairs for several years.
Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement
It can't hurt to attempt a toilet repair before spending money on a whole-new toilet. The well- trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will look over your bathroom fixture thoroughly and suggest 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 plenty of years to come. If you opt for a replacement, our team can help you decide on and install your new toilet for optimal performance going forward. For more information or to arrange a visit from a qualified plumber, please call a Service Experts office near you.