Our home is our castle, and for most, it’s a sanctuary. Home is usually a safe place where we can take refuge, but like anything else, it requires maintenance if we want it to last. Most appliances in our home will last 10 to 15 years if we take care of them. For example, our water heater and garbage disposal will both last 10 to 15 years and even longer if maintained properly. Our toilet is a fixture that could last 50 years or longer if we choose not to replace it. Although the parts in the toilet such as the flush handle, fapper, float ball, tip lever, and overflow tube will need replacing, the toilet itself can last for many years.
The Toilet Fixture Itself Can Crack And Leak
Most homes have two or three toilets; one in the master bedroom, the second a shared toilet, and then there’s the guest bathroom. If all our toilets are not working correctly, then our home is out of sync. Let’s look at some of the signs that could go wrong with our toilet. The fixture itself can crack and leak. You’ll first notice puddling on the bathroom floor and while yes, a cracked toilet can be repaired, it is probably best to replace it. At the first sign of puddling on your bathroom floor, thoroughly check your toilet for cracks.
Your Toilet Shouldn’t Be Rocking
The second thing you need to be aware of is movement. If your toilet is rocking, then there are three things to consider.
The nuts holding down the toilet could be loose. Try tightening them down. You may first need to spray them with a lubricant before tightening. Caution, do not tighten too hard, it may crack the toilet.
Your toilet may need a new wax ring which would require removing the toilet to replace it. Click here for instructions.
The worst-case scenario is the subfloor has been exposed to a water leak probably from the leaky toilet. In that case, the soggy subfloor will need replacing before reinstalling the toilet.
1.6 Gallons Per Flush Or Less – It’s The Law
Another consideration is that it may be time to buy a new toilet. Federal law requires that all toilets produced in the United States must use an average of 1.6 gallons per flush or less. In 1992 the law was enacted, and in 1994, it was put into place. It was nationally coordinated to improve water efficiency. With that said, I can assure you that the toilet police are not checking homes to see if they are living up to the new law, but the Environmental Protection Agency is hoping everyone will comply.
