While your toilet can last for years, you’ll need to replace it at some point. Older toilets can experience frequent problems that make it more cost-effective to replace than repair. Damage and inefficiency can also mean it’s time to replace rather than repair.
If you’re wondering whether you should have a new toilet installed or continue repairing your existing fixture, here are eight signs it might be time to replace your toilet from the punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Niceville, Florida.
1. Toilet Cracks
You might think that hairline cracks in your toilet aren’t a big deal. However, tiny cracks can grow and cause leaks that can result in floods and damage. If you’ve noticed water puddling around your toilet’s base, you should inspect your toilet for cracks on both the tank’s inside and outside.
A crack below the tank’s water line might mean you need a new toilet tank. In most cases, homeowners choose to replace the whole toilet instead of just the tank. If you can’t find a crack but notice frequent puddles, our punctual plumbers can thoroughly inspect your toilet and determine what’s wrong.
2. Aged Toilet
While toilets can last for decades, you will need to replace your toilet at some point. Well-maintained toilets can last up to 50 years, but most plumbers recommend replacements every 25 years because of routine wear and tear and damage.
New toilets are more water-efficient and lower your utility bills. You might also benefit from the modern flushing abilities offered by pressure-assisted or gravity-assisted toilets. Pressure-assisted toilets use compressed air combined with less water to flush and force water to refill the bowl. Gravity-assisted toilets are more common and rely on gravity to fill the bowl from the tank.
3. Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks aren’t always easy to see because they might not cause water puddles on your floor. A sign that you might have a leaking toilet are sudden, unexplained water bill increases. Leaking toilets waste a lot of water and cause utility bill spikes.
If you have a leaking toilet, it can cause damage to your bathroom’s floor and subfloor without prompt attention. An upstairs toilet that leaks can also cause damage to the rooms below. Replacing an old, leaky toilet is more cost-effective than repairing it.
4. Multiple Necessary Repairs
When your toilet has multiple problems that require repairs, the repair costs can quickly add up.
Toilet repairs might include the following:
- Handle replacement
- Flapper replacement
- Fill valve replacement
- Tank cracks
- Toilet seal replacement
- Worn tank to bowl gasket
- Other issues
If your toilet needs numerous repairs to work properly, it might make more financial sense to discard it and call our punctual plumbers to install a new one.
5. Chronic Clogs
Toilet clogs are common problems and don’t necessarily mean you need to replace your toilet. Kids sometimes flush small objects down toilets or use too much toilet paper, leading to clogs that can be addressed with a plunger or snake. However, if you experience frequent or unexplained clogs, it could be time to choose a new toilet.
Older low-flush toilets are known to experience frequent clogs. Today’s low-flush models have improved technology and fewer problems. If you want to conserve water while also not dealing with frequent clogs, our punctual plumbers can help you choose a new toilet and replace your existing one.
6. Inefficient Toilet
Toilets that are inefficient with how they flush can drive up your water bills. Older toilets from before 1994 use from between three and five gallons of water with each flush.
By contrast, the current federal standard is 1.6 gallons per flush, and some newer models use even less than the federal standard. If your toilet is older and uses too much water per flush, replacing it with a modern, water-efficient model can help you reduce your water bills.
7. Non-Flushing Toilet
When your toilet breaks, it might stop flushing completely. A non-flushing toilet won’t flush with plunging. If your toilet won’t flush, you should call our punctual plumbers to investigate the problem and diagnose the issue. Unless you have a different problem in your plumbing line that’s causing the issue, replacing your toilet might be the best option.
8. Bathroom Renovations
Even if your older toilet still works just fine, you might want to replace it with a newer model when you renovate your bathroom. Your existing toilet might not fit with your decor scheme and other fixtures, making it stand out like a sore thumb. In this case, your punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can help you choose a new toilet that fits your design scheme and install it as a part of your bathroom renovation project.
Call the Punctual Plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Niceville, FL
If you’re having persistent toilet problems or have noticed signs that it’s time to consider a replacement, trust the punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our plumbers have years of experience and can help you determine whether it makes more sense to repair or replace your toilet.
If it makes more sense to install a new one, we’ll complete the job quickly, remove your old toilet, and leave no trace that we were there. Call us today to schedule your appointment at (833) 234-1577.
Final Thoughts
While your toilet is a durable fixture, it won’t last forever. Replacing your aged or damaged toilet might be less costly than completing extensive repairs while also lowering your water bills. A new toilet might also be a good choice to match your design scheme when you’re renovating your bathroom.
If you notice the warning signs that it’s time to replace your old toilet, you shouldn’t hesitate to call the punctual plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Niceville to ensure the work is completed the right way.