Wondering about when to replace your toilet?
Has your toilet has been giving you a lot of grief lately? Perhaps you feel this is merely a phase, and things will eventually unclog with time. Or maybe your toilet is past its prime, and the flush just ain’t what it used to be.
Whatever the case may be, you’ve been on the fence about buying a new toilet for some time now. But when exactly is it the right time to do so?
Here are a few signs it might be time for a new toilet:
Cracks
Constantly finding some new drip on your floor? No, I’m not talking about those newly released Nikes! Pools of water forming around the base of your toilet are good hints of a leak. However, the cause may be due to cracks in your toilet’s tank or bowl.
Even if there aren’t any visible leaks, small cracks can become larger issues in the future.
Small cracks can accumulate dirt and mold, making a total cleaning of your toilet impossible. You also risk constant flooding, which has the potential to damage flooring, landing you both a hefty repair and higher than average water bill.
If you do notice any pooling, despite all things working properly, inspect your toilet. Search both the tank and bowl. If you find any cracks or if you hear a constant running sound from your toilet, replace it ASAP before it gets worse.
Cracks hard to find? No worries. Try putting dye in the water of the toilet tank or bowl, and observe if any of the dye leaks out onto the floor.
Neverending Repairs
Is your toilet starting to resemble Frankenstein? Always running to the hardware store, having to buy another new toilet bit. Or perhaps, you’ve got your plumber on speed dial, just incase you experience yet again that seemingly inevitable toilet break. Constant, never ending repairs can take its toll on both your sanity and wallet.
While some of these repairs are simple to perform, it is at the expense of your time and money. This can all add up in the long run. Save yourself the time and your wallet by investing in a new toilet.
In another scenario, a major toilet issue may need many repairs done all at the same time to resolve. This could be very costly. In this case, it may very well be cheaper to replace your toilet outright all-together.
Consult with a professional plumber to determine the best course of action for your situation. They can help weigh the pros and the cons and come up with the best solution.
No Flush, Low Flush
Unless your toilet happens to be an outhouse, then your toilet losing it’s flush game is definitely a cause for concern.
A weak flush or no flush are indicators for several possible issues. Low water levels due to clogged pipes within the toilet bowl/sewage line or dated parts are common culprits.
Having a plumber inspect your toilet can help determine the exact cause for this issue. However, entertain the possibility of replacing your old toilet to ensure proper working function, as you can resolve most issues with regards to poor flushing this way.
Frequent Clogs
Experiencing a clog every once in a while is normal. Just bust out your trusty accordion plunger and call it a day. However, regular occurrences are signs of a much larger issue.
If you have an older toilet, note that they are much more susceptible to clogs and often need multiple flushes. Low-flush toilets come to mind, as frequent clogs become much more common as they age.
Replacing your low-flush toilet with a modern, more water-efficient model would be ideal. Doing so will net you the water-saving benefits of a low-flush toilet, less the headache.
Before replacing your toilet, it’s best to have a plumber come in and determine whether the cause of the blockage is occurring further down the drain pipe.
Older Model Toilet
While having an older, perfectly functioning toilet may appear fine and all, keeping one might actually cost you more in the long term.
Older model toilets are water inefficient and consume far more water per flush when compared to modern toilets.
If you have an older model toilet, consider purchasing a WaterSense labeled fixture.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies all WaterSense labeled toilets meet the performance standard criteria of 1.28 gallons or less of water used per flush. This is 20% less than the standard maximum of 1.6 gallons[1]https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts.
Toilet Installation And Repair With True Service Plumbing
Decided to replace your toilet? Contact True Service Plumbing — We’ve got your back with our toilet replacement and installation service.
Feel your toilet has got a bit of life left? No problem! We can handle toilet repairs for a variety of models and types, from dual-flush to low-flow, True Service Plumbing will get it done.
Reach out to us now for a hassle-free toilet installation or fix.
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