When Is It Time to Replace the Porcelain Throne?

A troublesome toilet usually requires immediate attention. What may not be clear is if the unit needs repair or should be replaced. Home maintenance decisions often come down to finances, but other factors exist when considering a toilet. The key is understanding when a repair job won't cut it.

Here are the signs that a toilet needs to be replaced.

Age

The average lifespan of a toilet is about 20 to 25 years. A lavatory that's been around for two decades is getting to the point where it needs replacement.

In 1994, the government passed a law stating that newly installed toilets must have a volume of 1.6 gallons per flush. This quantity was lower than that of toilets on the market at the time. Therefore, older lavatories, at least those installed before 1994, are less water-efficient. Replacing an old toilet conserves water and saves money.

Cracked tank

If water is pooling around the toilet, the tank might be cracked and needs inspection for signs of damage. A fissure below the waterline usually indicates that the lavatory needs replacement.

Tank cracks can be hard to spot. If water is leaking from the unit, but it's not clear where it is escaping from, it might be best to call the plumber to take a look.

Leaking toilet

Unlike cracks, water leaks can be tricky to detect as water will not drip onto the floor. A leaking toilet can go undiscovered for months, but eventually, it will cause visible damage. The water from the toilet usually permeates the floor or the ceiling of a downstairs room, creating water stains. Mold or mildew may also grow around this area.

Once signs of a leaking toilet become noticeable, contact a plumber to replace the unit and repair any damage caused by the water.

Continuous flushing

Water flowing through the toilet after flushing is the norm. However, if this water runs continuously long after the lavatory has been flushed, there might be a valve that isn't sealing correctly. Jiggling the lever may temporarily fix the issue, but the only way to know if a simple repair would suffice is to call the plumber.

It is not uncommon for toilets with continuously running water to need replacement due to a problem more significant than a leaky valve.

Constant repairs

Spending numerous weekends repairing the toilet indicates that the unit needs replacement. Lavatories break down every once in a while, but if repairs have to be done every few months, it may be cheaper to buy a new unit.

Talk to an expert

It can be tricky to determine when a toilet needs replacement. A licensed plumber will ascertain if a lavatory is beyond repair and needs replacement.

Solace Plumbing is a licensed commercial and residential plumber with 26 years of experience in Gilbert, Az. We provide the East Valley with a wide range of plumbing services, including 24-hour emergency service. Some of our specialties include plumbing installation and repair, remodeling, natural gas and propane piping, slab leak detection, and full-service repiping. Commercial work includes restaurants, school districts, and tenant improvements. Call Solace Plumbing at 480-262-1011.