How to Tell It's Time to Buy a New Toilet.

Day after day, flush after flush, endless gallons of water flow through your toilet, gradually wearing out the rubber seals, flushing mechanism, and even the porcelain bowl. Toilets have a long life span, so a repair is normally enough to get things functioning properly. However, if your toilet is a few decades old and exhibiting signs of serious damage, it might be best to just replace it with a new one. Here are eight signs that you need a new toilet.

Persist Clogging.

No one likes dealing with a plumbing clog, but this is one of the most common problems a toilet can have. The random clog is to be expected, but if you have an older low-flow toilet, you might end up having to plunge it every couple of flushes. You may even have to flush multiple times as a clog-prevention technique, which eliminates any savings you should have realized on your monthly water bill. Feel comfortable that new low-flow toilets rarely suffer from random stoppages. The peace of mind of a dependable toilet could convince you to replace it.

Cracks and Leaks

When you see water pooling around the toilet, act fast. Neglecting this problem could result in mold growth, rotten subflooring and other structural damage. A leaky toilet is often relatively easy to fix. It may be as simple as tightening the tee bolts that attach the product to the floor or replacing the wax ring under the toilet base. On the other hand, if the leak is a result of a cracked bowl or tank, the entire toilet will need to be replaced.

High Water Consumption

Low-flow toilets have been commonly used in homes since the early 90s, but your dated toilet could easily predate the Energy Policy Act of 1992. That legislation is when the gallon-per-flush (gpf) maximum for residential toilets was decreased to 1.6 gpf. If so, you could notably lower your water usage (and thus save money each month on your utility bills) by switching your old 3- to 5-gpf toilet with a new low-flow model. The best high-efficiency, dual-flush toilets use an average of 1.28 gpf–1.6 gallons for the solid waste button and just 0.8 gallons to wash away liquid waste.

Wobbly Base

Even if your toilet is not very old, a wobbly base is a scenario that should be addressed quickly. If the concern stems from loose tee bolts or a compromised wax ring, you may be able to remedy the problem without changing the toilet. Although, if the subfloor is decayed and moving beneath the toilet’s weight, this needs professional attention. After repairing the structural problems, it may be necessary to replace the toilet to prevent a recurrence.

Abnormal Mineral Buildup

Hard water can create problems for your toilet, because the water contains minerals that clog the inlet holes and siphon tubes as time goes by. If you stick with preventive maintenance, you may be able to keep mineral buildup under control. It’s also possible to clear some existing deposits by carefully chipping away at them. But if the accumulation gets bad enough, your toilet may no longer flush effectively, making it more vulnerable to clogs. When this happens, consider it a sign to replace your toilet.

Leaky Tank

Simple leaks are usually best addressed with a repair, rather than buying a new toilet. After all, adjusting a stuck float or swapping out a worn-out flapper valve is easy and low-cost. But if the leak always comes back, there might be a bigger underlying problem. This may be the logical time to replace your old, outdated toilet.

Poor Aesthetics

Among the top reasons people replace their toilets is that the bowl no longer looks nice; it may have scratches or the color is outdated. Unpleasant aesthetics combined with leaks, frequent clogs or other problems certainly merit replacing your toilet.

Many Repairs

Toilets are simple mechanisms that should function smoothly without concern. If you find yourself calling the plumber routinely to fix clogs, leaks and broken tank parts, it's time to make a switch. Put your money toward a new, reliable toilet, and you will not have to stress about repairs for several years.

Schedule Toilet Repair or Replacement

It doesn't hurt to attempt a toilet repair before spending money on a whole-new toilet. The professionally trained plumbers at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will examine your bathroom fixture thoroughly and propose the most cost-effective solution. Don't forget, replacing your old, worn-out toilet with a high-efficiency model helps slash your water bills for numerous years to come. If you opt for a replacement, our team can help you pick and install your new toilet for optimal performance going forward. For more information or to set up a visit from a qualified plumber, please connect with a Service Experts office near you.