How do you know when it’s time to replace your toilet? Auger Pros Plumbing has 5 tips that will help give you the heads up if it’s finally time to replace your beloved throne. Replacing your toilet can improve your bathroom’s aesthetic appeal and help both the environment and your wallet by conserving water. Cosmetic issues aside-when problems start to happen with your favorite chair-the key is knowing when to replace a toilet and when to repair it instead. To help you determine when to replace a toilet, take a look at some common problems that you may encounter.
- You have an old toilet– Even if your old toilet is still doing its daily duties, if you have had the same one for decades you should consider replacing it. Older toilets are not as water-efficient as the newer ones, which means they could be driving up your water bill. Toilet makers have made significant improvements to water usage with newer models. Current Federal law requires residential toilets (flush tank type) manufactured and sold in the U.S. after Jan. 1, 1994, to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, and some newer toilets use even less. If your toilet has not been replaced since 1994, it may be time for a new one. If you are in the market to replace your old toilet, you may want to consider one that offers dual-flush technology. This gives you the option of a partial flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste, so you can use less water while still flushing every time.
- Wobbling-If your toilet wobbles, it may simply be loose screws. A plumber can easily tighten the bolts and ensure everything is properly placed. But wobbling can also signify a bigger problem. The floor beneath the toilet may be rotting away or water damaged, so if you notice wobbling, call in a professional for a 2nd opinion.
- Frequent Repairs-Rebuilding a toilet can include quite a few items in the tank, like its handle, the flapper, and the fill valve. Some of these repairs can be easy DIY projects, but it will cost you money and requires time. Normal toilet maintenance means that you will replace these parts every so often but if you seem to be replacing them excessively, save the money on the repair and replace the toilet instead. This will save you money in the long run, even though it will be a bigger expense upfront.
- It Clogs Often-Is your toilet becoming a pain in the arse because it requires plunging more than once a week? Many of the older low-flush toilets require more than one flush most of the time. They are also often plagued with random stoppages. It is not fun to have to plunge every time you go. If this is an aggravation for you, then it’s time to replace your toilet.
- Cracks in The Porcelain- If you spy water around the base of your toilet, this could be more than a simple leak: You could have cracks in your tank, and the toilet may need to be replaced. A plumber can help you determine if it’s an issue that can be repaired. If the toilet appears to be working properly – flushing well, not clogged, not running – but there is water around the bottom of it, that could mean there are cracks in the bowl itself.
Give the Experienced Toilet Plumbers at Auger Pros Plumbing a call if you see any of the warning signs, or if you’re interested in replacing your old toilet with a newer model. We’d be happy to help!