Your toilet may seem invincible, but even the highest quality porcelain thrones need to be replaced now and then. Here are five signs to look out for so you know when you need to replace a toilet.
It Constantly Clogs
Toilets clog occasionally, but unclogging every other day? That’s not normal and may indicate you have a toilet problem. Many older low-flow toilets are susceptible to random clogs, but that explanation doesn’t make using a plunger every other day better. If you’re done dealing with constant clogs, it’s time to call in a plumber. They’ll check your pipes to make sure that isn’t the issue, and if it’s your toilet that’s causing the problem, they’ll be able to help you replace it.
There’s a Crack
Have you noticed water puddles near the base of the toilet? If you have, it’s possible your toilet has a crack.
Examine the inside and outside of your toilet for any cracks. Make sure you examine closely, as hairline cracks can be hard to see. But don’t mistake these small cracks for being non-problematic. Small cracks can turn into a flood of water at the worst possible time. They can also waste a lot of water, damage your flooring, and cause mold growth. If you find a crack in your toilet, it needs to be replaced right away before the situation gets worse.
Mineral Build-Up
In Arizona, mineral build-up on fixtures and appliances is a fact of life. We live in an area with hard water. But don’t forget that mineral build-up can also affect your toilet.
Over time, the build-up can collect in pipes and mechanisms in your toilet, leading to clogging and a reduction in water efficiency. A plumber may be able to clear out some of the build-up, but if it’s been left too long, then it’s better to replace a toilet and install a water softener instead.
Old Age
Toilets don’t last forever. So if you’ve had your toilet for quite some time, you might want to consider replacing your toilet with a newer model.
Of course, your older toilet may be working just fine. But replacing a toilet that’s older could save you water and money. Older toilets use 3 to 5 gallons of water with each flush. That’s a lot of water being wasted, especially if you have a large family! A low-flow toilet uses less than 2 gallons per flush, which will end up in significant savings for you. The bottom line – if you know your toilet is at least 20 years old, you should consider replacing it.
You’re Calling a Plumber Often
If you have your plumber on speed dial due to your toilet needing repairs, it’s likely time to say goodbye. Maybe it needed a new wax seal, a better toilet handle, or it needed to be unclogged. If you find yourself spending a lot of money on repairs, it might be more cost-efficient to simply replace your toilet. Then you can avoid repairs and won’t have to worry about your toilet for a while.
Replacing a toilet can also be cost-effective if it needs numerous repairs all at once. It could be cheaper to replace the toilet instead of repairing all of it. Discuss the situation with your plumber and they can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Benefits of Replacing a Toilet
Replacing a toilet comes with quite a few advantages. Here are the benefits you can enjoy when you get a new, efficient fixture:
- A Better Working Toilet – As mentioned above, one of the major benefits of toilet replacement is less water usage on average per day. If your toilet is older, installing a new toilet can reduce your home’s water usage by 23-46%.
- Upgraded Looks – It may be silly to think about how a toilet looks, but replacing it can have a huge effect on the appearance of your whole bathroom. Toilets in avocado green and coral pink were once in vogue, but nowadays they can make your bathroom appear outdated. Upgrading to a modern toilet in a common color can elevate your bathroom’s looks and resemble your sense of style better.
- More Comfortable – Don’t forget about comfort! Replacing your toilet can ensure you feel comfortable while you do your business.
- Increase Resale Value – Replacing a toilet can also help increase the resale value of your home when it’s time to sell. A brand-new toilet fixture will not only look nice but will help homeowners avoid repairs in the near future which is a big plus.
Let City Plumbing Services Replace Your Toilet
Notice any of these signs? Let City Plumbing Services assist you in replacing a toilet. It doesn’t matter what the issue is – we’re here to help you figure out the best solution. We’re located in Cave Creek but are ready to help those in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Surprise, and most of the East Valley of Arizona.