Last Updated on August 29, 2022 by acechapman
Toilets are one of the most important parts of our lives. If they’re not working properly, it can cause a lot of frustration. There are a few things you need to be aware of when it is time to replace your toilet or repair it. These signs include the age of your toilet, frequent clogs, and increased calls to the plumber.
What Are The Signs When To Replace A Toilet
Toilet’s Old Age
Toilets are designed to last for many decades but they have a limit. It’s possible that your toilet is already past its expiration date if it has been around for more than 25 years. It is a good rule of thumb to replace your toilet every 25 years. However, you may have different mileage.
If your toilet was installed prior to 1994, you might want to replace it. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 changed the water consumption of toilets to flush with 1.6 gallons of water instead of the 4.25 gallons that were used before. You can theoretically get your money back on a toilet in the next decades.
Constant Clogging
Are you tempted to reach for the plunger every time you go to the bathroom? Another sign to let go of a toilet is constant clogging. Older toilets are less efficient at flushing than newer models, so it’s common to have clogs in your toilet.
You might consider calling a plumber to check if you have any problems with a newer model. If they find anything, or if the warranty is expired on your toilet, they will let you know.
Cracks Can Lead To Leaks
Over time, cracking tends to occur in toilets. Simple cracks around the toilet seat and the top of the tank can be fine. However, cracks in other places could quickly cause flooding in the bathroom. Cracks located near the bottom of the toilet and on the lower parts of the tank need to be repaired immediately.
You can patch up cracks but it is safer to replace the whole system. It’s possible that cracks will start forming again if there are already cracks.
Visible Scratches
Toilets that have visible scratches will be more difficult to clean. If the toilet has been cleaned many times, this is more likely to happen. You might find that you are cleaning the toilet more often than usual.
Wobbling Toilet
It could be as simple as loose screws causing your toilet to wobble. You can tighten the bolts or a plumber to ensure that everything is in the right place. Wobbling could also indicate a larger problem. If you feel wobbling or see water damage, the floor underneath your toilet could be rotting.
Constant Water Running In Your Toilet
If the toilet runs fast and doesn’t stop, it is usually a sign that parts are failing. Fix the problem immediately by replacing these components (e.g. the fill valve or flapper). If they don’t, it’s time to get rid of the toilet.
A constantly running toilet can also lead to a higher water bill as the water never stops. You might notice a sudden increase in your water bill. This could indicate that your water bill may be higher than usual.
Mineral Build-Up
Mineral buildup is when your water has high levels of minerals. This can cause corrosion of pipes in your toilet. This buildup can cause clogs over time and reduce water efficiency. Although a plumber can sometimes clear some buildups, it is often more cost-effective to replace the toilet with a water softener.
Rising Water Levels When Flushing
Are you having stressful moments of watching the water level rise in your toilet bowl before it falls? Your toilet is in dire need of a burial ground. As previously mentioned, the reason for the water level rising in your bowl is the ports becoming blocked. This is crucial to flushing the toilet correctly. If these ports are not open, you will be unable to flush them properly. These conditions mean that you need to replace your toilet immediately. I know this because it is something I would do within 6 months.
Your Toilet No Longer Flushes
This is another indication that your toilet may be having a problem. Be sure to check that the handle is still attaches to the flapper before you throw it away. Once you have confirmation for both, it is time to go to the store and find a new toilet that best suits you.
Frequent Calls To Your Plumber
You may need to know the number of your plumber if you are constantly dealing with toilet repairs. A toilet replacement cost averages around $370. This can result in a significant difference from the $240 average cost to repair a toilet. You’ll be spending a lot more money than you need after just two visits to the plumber.
This doesn’t mean that the last step is to replace the toilet. Sometimes the problem is with the toilet itself. This can cause additional costs. However, a faulty toilet or a toilet that has clear damages can possibly cause many problems.
Wrapping up
To diagnose the problem, you should call a plumber if your toilet is constantly running, clogging, or not flushing. Three times is more likely to be a pattern than a coincidence.
Older toilets, which are often inefficient, will require more effort to do their jobs. This means that they will use more water. Have your toilet checked if you have a high water bill. A new toilet could save you money on your monthly water bill.
Consult a plumber if you see any of these signs. A new toilet can protect your bathroom, save you money and increase its value. Also, a new toilet is easy to install and relatively inexpensive.
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