Toilets are important fixtures in a home, and they’re used often by multiple members in a household. While we would all like it if toilets lasted forever and never needing replacing, that’s just not true. Toilets last an average of 10-15 years, and if you’re experiencing issues with your toilet, that could be sooner. So how do you know when it’s time to replace your toilet? We’ve gathered a list below detailing six important signs that it’s time to change out your old toilet for a new one.
Continual Clogging
Clogs in your toilet can be messy, frustrating and even stressful. While random clogs can happen on occasion, recurring clogs that happen regularly are a sure sign something bigger is going on. It could mean there’s something more than a small toy or too much toilet paper blocking the water, and it’s time to call in a professional.
Also, older low-flush toilets don’t move materials through the pipes easily so frequent stoppages are more common. Mineral deposits could also be building up, which slows water flow and draining. New models of toilets have been created with much better technology and water savings have been highly improved so flushing is more consistent and less troublesome.
No Longer Flushing
If your toilet doesn’t flush like it used to, there are a few things you should check out. First, check the handle to ensure it’s attached to the flapper. As you depress the handle, the chain lifts the flapper and water should rush through the bowl.
Check these items first. If you find that the internal parts are working correctly and your toilet still won’t flush, it could be time to replace your toilet. Remember that toilets aren’t meant to last forever.
Cracks and Leaks
Invisible hairline cracks, bad seals and small leaks in your toilet can often go unnoticed. But once water begins gathering around the base of the toilet, the flooring can soften and floor damage can happen.
Porcelain is a sturdy material, but it can still wear down. If you see even a small amount of water at the base of your toilet, check it out immediately. If the leak becomes constant, a new toilet should be in your future.
Old in Age
In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency passed the Energy Policy Act that requires residential toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons of water for each flush. Today’s low flow toilets use approximately half of that amount.
If you’re environmentally conscious, replace your toilet to save on water usage. There are many homeowners that still have older models in their homes, and it’s wasteful plus costly. A new toilet can save 2 or more gallons per flush than an old one, so schedule to get a replacement soon.
Constant Running
When your toilet constantly runs, the common culprit is an old flapper or the float isn’t set correctly. It could also mean you have a water leak somewhere and the toilet needs to be checked more thoroughly.
When you’ve checked the flapper and float and still experience the running noise day and night, call our experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air as soon as you can. The constant running will be an expensive problem until you replace your toilet.
Wobbling
When a toilet wobbles as you sit on it, there could a few reasons behind the rocking. The first reason could be that the screws at the base of the bowl have become loose. Tightening the screws could fix the issue quickly.
A more serious reason toilets wobble is because of water damage that has occurred in the floor beneath the toilet. This causes screws to not hold the bowl tight to the floor. If you can’t determine the reason behind the wobble, you may need a new toilet.
Each person in a home uses the toilet 6-8 times per day. So you need your toilet to be dependable and working correctly. If your toilet requires a few repairs, that can be normal. But when those repairs occur more frequently, this could be a signal that you should call your local plumber. The expert technicians at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air will come to your home and investigate your toilet troubles.
Call us at (801) 477-5818 and schedule your service today.
