The toilet is among the many components of your home that play a crucial role in keeping it clean, comfortable, and hygienic. While this fixture can last as long as 25 years, it has a finite lifespan like any other fixture and can wear away over time, ultimately requiring a replacement.
The key to preserving your comfort is knowing when repairs can suffice and understanding when to replace a toilet. This can help save you from unnecessary headaches, costly maintenance, and even potential water damage.
When is it time to replace a toilet? Here are six telltale signs you’re better off with a modern, efficient, and reliable replacement.
1. It’s Past Its Lifespan
The average lifespan of a toilet can range from 10 to 25 years, depending on the materials, installation process, and your use and maintenance. If your fixture has been around for over two decades, it’s likely near or even past its lifespan.
Around this time, you may notice leaks, cracks, and performance issues more frequently. Rather than spend on repairs or replacements that can only keep your toilet running for a few more months, getting a replacement may be more economical.
2. You’re Calling Your Plumber More Often
When is it time to replace a toilet and ditch the wrench? If you’ve memorized your local plumber’s number after calling them for different issues, it’s probably time to invest in a replacement.
Some problems can be fixed after a single visit, but repairing recurring issues can quickly increase your expenses. As you evaluate your toilet’s condition, it’s essential to assess whether replacing it makes more financial sense than paying for repairs every other weekend.
3. It Needs Too Many Repairs
Keeping your fixture in optimal working condition may involve repairing one of its components, whether the flapper, the fill valve, or something else. For example, some cases of a running toilet can be resolved by replacing the flapper or adjusting the flapper chain.
However, a toilet that requires multiple repairs may be bound for retirement. If you need to resolve several issues to make the fixture work correctly again, consider saving money for repairs to get a replacement instead. A new toilet will be a bigger upfront expense, but it will save you from multiple and even costly repair work down the road.
4. It Clogs Frequently
Occasional clogs are normal. However, if you have to plunge your toilet after every bathroom use, this can indicate a more significant underlying issue. Older toilets with weaker flushing power are more prone to clogging. If a plumber confirms that your fixture’s age causes frequent clogs, consider upgrading to a modern model with better flushing technology.
However, if your problematic unit is relatively new, have it inspected by a professional plumber in Overland Park before anything else. They will be able to help you understand the underlying problem and let you know if it can be covered in the fixture’s warranty.
5. It Never Stops Running
Water flowing briefly after you flush is normal. However, water that persistently runs from your toilet tank is not only an annoying problem but also a waste of water and money.
There are many reasons a toilet won’t stop running, including a defective flapper or a long chain, so getting a new toilet isn’t always the best solution. However, finding replacements for older or faulty components may be difficult. If you have an old unit that never stops running, upgrading to a newer, water-efficient toilet can help you save water and utility costs.
6. There are Cracks on the Surface
Cracks in your toilet bowl or tank are not simply unsightly. They can also lead to leaks, which may cause water damage to your bathroom floor and any structure beneath it.
The location of these cracks can tell you when to replace a toilet or stick to repairs for now. For example, tiny cracks on the upper portion of the tank may be resolved with repairs. However, fractures found near the bottom of the bowl or the lower portions of the tank must be addressed as soon as possible.
Replacing your toilet before the fractures widen and introduce more issues can spare you from the mess and stress of a toilet leak.
The Next Step: What To Know When Replacing a Toilet
Knowing when to say goodbye to your toilet can save you from the inconvenience, expenses, and stress that an unexpected plumbing malfunction can bring. It also helps you save money on repairs and utility bills in the long run and gives you a chance to enhance the functionality and appearance of your bathroom.
Now that you know when to replace a toilet, make sure to find a reputable plumber for the job when the time comes. A plumbing professional will have the expertise and tools to install your fixture correctly and ensure it works well for years.
At bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Overland Park, we’re here to help you find the best solution for your residential toilet issues. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
