Your toilet is one of those fixtures that can last 50 years or longer, but of course, you’ll have to replace some parts along the way. It’s also one of those fixtures that don’t need to cost an arm and a leg to replace. The fact is you can purchase a nice new toilet for less than $200, but it can also cost thousands of dollars. However, there are many obvious signs that you need to replace your toilet. To help you determine if it’s time to invest in a new toilet, consider the following common problems that you may encounter.
A Leak Is An Obvious Sign To Replace Your Toilet
There are many ways a toilet can leak; some are obvious leaks while others are slow leaks. Some could damage your flooring, and others will waste your water. For example, an old flapper that leaks could waste 26 gallons of water a day or more, according to Kirkland Washington public works. A flapper costs less than ten dollars, and the homeowner could easily install it.
Other toilet leaks could lead to property damage. When your toilet’s tank or bowl leaks and it goes unnoticed, it could cause significant water damage to your bathroom flooring or subfloor. In some cases, If not addressed promptly, the entire floor may need replacing. For instance, a tank may start to leak and go unnoticed for some time if the gasket connecting the tank to the bowl gets worn. A homeowner may hear the sounds of a running toilet and decide to put it off until tomorrow. All along, it was your tank leaking, not a worn flapper. If you hear your toilet running off and on, promptly check for a tank or bowl leak. If you’re dealing with an older toilet, it is often more cost-effective to install a new toilet rather than to try and repair the leak.
Cracked Bowl or Tank? Replace Your Toilet!
A cracked toilet is another reason to replace your toilet, whether it’s leaking or not. Don’t roll the dice on a cracked toilet; it could start to leak when you least expect it. There are many reasons for a cracked toilet, but the most common reason is something heavy gets dropped on it. While toilets are built to last, they do wear out over many years. Old toilets used a blend of materials, including cement mortar which is known to crack or shrink. Pouring hot water down your toilet is also another reason your porcelain toilet would crack. Lastly, it could be a do-it-yourself project gone wrong. Even over-tightening the bolts on a tank can cause a tank to crack. If your toilet is old and cracked, it’s time to buy a new one.
Water Conservation Is Good For You And The Environment
Toilets are the talk of the town when it comes to conservation, especially here in California. There are absolutely no reasons why homeowners should have 3-5 gallon flush toilets in use. Toilets used between 1980 and 1992 typically used 3.5 gallons per flush. Before 1980 our toilets used 5-7 gallons of water a flush. Federal law mandates that toilets manufactured for sale in the U.S. after 1992 must use 1.6 gallons a flush. WaterSense labeled toilets use 1.28 gallons a flush, and you won’t have to give up flushing strength. As mentioned, a toilet is a minor investment with big returns.
Consistent Clogging or Repairs? It’s Time To Replace Your Toilet
If your toilet has extensive mineral deposits in the tank or bowl, it may be past its prime. Mineral deposits collect and cause blockages which reduce water flow to the tank and result in frequent clogs. In addition to being unsightly in the bowl, minerals that buildup in your tank’s siphon tube can prevent the flapper from sealing, resulting in water leaking from the tank to the bowl. When you see excessive mineral deposits in your tank or bowl, it’s time to replace your toilet.
We Have Solutions For Your Plumbing Issues
Whether you’re replacing your toilet, repairing a leak, or unclogging a drain, our team is ready to solve your plumbing issue in record time. At Big B’s Plumbing, we specialize in resolving complex plumbing problems, and we have a team of emergency plumbing technicians 24/7 ready to serve. It doesn’t stop there; in addition to residential plumbing services, we also have a legendary team of commercial plumbers.
