Few things are worse than a toilet that isn’t working right, but experienced plumbers can often repair your toilet and get it running the way it should. However, as with all home appliances, your toilet will eventually need to be replaced. When it does, the sooner you can act, the better off your bathroom will be.
How can you tell if now is the perfect time to replace your toilet? Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as you might think. Let’s look at how you as a homeowner can tell if the time is right to ditch your old commode and replace your toilet with a new version.
7 Signs Your Toilet Needs to Be Replaced
Though your plumber will be able to assess the condition of your toilet when you’re trying to decide if it’s high time for a total replacement, you still need to know when it’s time to schedule an appointment. Here are a few proven signs that your toilet needs replacing that you can watch for.
1. Toilet’s Age
Toilets are designed to last for decades with minimal maintenance and upkeep. However, they won’t last forever. The older your toilet is, the more likely the components will start breaking down or wearing out. Once this happens, replacing the entire toilet’s almost always best. Doing so may reduce the risk of water damage and leaks in your bathroom.
Though all toilets age differently, it’s a good idea to get yours inspected if it’s more than 25 years old. If your home is older or you’re unsure if the previous owner ever installed new toilets, schedule an inspection with your plumber. Chances are good that your current toilets are old and at risk of developing issues.
Older toilets often require more significant amounts of water to flush the exact same amount of waste away safely. This excess water use can lead to higher-than-necessary water bills. Modern toilets use less water and will help you save money on future repairs and your monthly water bill.
2. Constant Repairs
While it’s helpful to have a plumber you can trust to help you with emergency water leaks and damage, you shouldn’t have to call them out to your home every week or two. If you’re dealing with constant repairs and have to schedule emergency appointments once a month, it’s time to replace your toilet.
Remember, experienced plumbers want to help you keep your home in good condition. But they don’t want you to suffer through frequent repairs month after month. Once you have a new toilet installed, you’ll likely have fewer repairs. The fewer plumbing repairs you have, the more money you’ll save.
3. A Tank with Cracks
Your toilet’s tank holds water 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That water gets used every time you flush and fills the bowl so you can use the toilet again. When the tank is cracked, water can seep through the tank and out to your home. Even small cracks can lead to significant water damage around the base of your toilet. Once this happens, mold and mildew can form around your toilet, and the subflooring can grow soft. Though you can repair these problems, it can be expensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, the leaking water will cause your water bill to go up.
With a new toilet in place, you’ll reduce the risk of water damage around your toilet and may reduce the amount of water you use each month, further saving you money.
4. Flushing More Than Once
When toilets are in good condition, they should be able to flush waste through the sewer line and away from your home with a single flush. However, as toilets get older, they may not generate enough force to push waste down the sewer line in one flush. This isn’t just inconvenient. It’s also a huge waste of water every time you flush.
If you’re flushing more than once to remove a small amount of toilet paper, it’s high time to call your plumber. They’ll be able to inspect your toilet to determine if the flushing problem is due to the hardware or a clog in your pipes. Once properly diagnosed, they’ll be able to make the necessary repairs quickly so you can get back to flushing normally.
5. Leaking Toilet
Even minor toilet leaks can spell serious trouble for your bathroom. As water collects at the base of the toilet, it can soak into the subflooring. Over time, that buildup of moisture will cause the subfloor to soften at best and rot at worst. Check the base of your toilet often. If you notice any water pooling or collecting on the floor, it’s time to call your plumber.
That leak can result from damaged seals, worn-out fixtures, and even cracks in the porcelain at the base of your toilet. Though you may be able to repair those types of damage, the repairs are often temporary, and you’ll end up needing to replace your toilet in the long run. However, by replacing it as soon as you see signs of an active leak, you’ll prevent severe water damage from happening in the first place.
6. High Water Bill
The average American spends about $45.44 on water every month. If your bill keeps going up each month and your water use habits have stayed the same, it’s cause for concern. Any unexplained increase in your home’s water use is likely due to a plumbing issue. And in many cases, your toilet can easily be the culprit. Inspect your toilet closely.
If everything looks and sounds normal and you don’t see water collecting at the base, contact your plumber as soon as possible. They’ll inspect your home’s plumbing to find the cause of the leak. However, if your toilet keeps running, you hear a dripping noise, or are experiencing trouble flushing, it’s time to replace your toilet. If your toilet is the cause of your increased water use, replacing it should help reduce your water bill.
7. Built-Up Mineral Deposits
If your city or town’s municipal water supply has hard water, you’re familiar with the white buildup that collects on glass shower doors and clogs your shower heads over time. That same buildup can impact your toilet as well. Mineral deposits can make the bowl of your toilet look dirty even when you clean it each week. Worse, they can clog the water inlets, making your toilet less efficient.
Unfortunately, repairing mineral deposits doesn’t always work. If your plumber has tried chipping away at the buildup but still can’t restore your toilet to its typical efficiency, it’s time to replace it. Once you have a new toilet installed, it will work the way it’s supposed to. Keep in mind that you’ll want to consider installing a water softener to help prevent future buildup from becoming a problem.
Replace Your Toilet With Professional Plumbers
If you’re worried about the way your toilet is working and its condition or know it’s time to replace a toilet in your home, don’t wait. The sooner you can install a new toilet in your bathroom, the better off your home and water bill will be. Schedule an appointment with our experienced plumbing team, and let us handle the toilet replacement for you.