Knowing When It’s Time To Replace Your Toilet
- By: Amer ZaghloulehToiletsComment: 0
Despite how durable they appear and how heavy they are, no toilet lasts forever. One of the more common questions we answer at Anytime Plumbing is “when is it time to replace my toilet?” We put a lot of effort and spend a lot of time doing preventative home maintenance. Unfortunately, the toilet is one of those appliances that we tend to neglect or overlook . . . until disaster strikes. And none of us want that, right?
How long is a toilet supposed to last?
Because it endures a tremendous amount of everyday use, you can’t expect your toilet to last forever, regardless of how much it costs or how well it’s made. Most household appliances last anywhere from 5 to 20 years, but toilets are not like most of those other devices. As with other plumbing fixtures, toilets were designed to endure years upon years of constant use (or abuse as the case may be). That longevity is attributed to their remarkably uncomplicated make-up.
According to many plumbers, the average toilet can last from 40 to 50 years. However, that timespan is highly subjective considering there are a number of factors that can impact a toilet’s lifespan and cause it to degrade over time. If you compare a toilet to a motor vehicle, you can understand how the more it’s used, the quicker it will degrade and require more general cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. Additionally, the amount of use is compounded by the weight of the person that uses it.
So, “when is it time to replace my toilet?”
Although toilets are designed to last up to 50 years, the bowl may need to be replaced within 20 to 30 years. Furthermore, Anytime Plumbing has listed several other warning signs below that indicate when it’s time to replace your toilet. In addition to excessive age, the answers to the following questions usually indicate when replacement of your toilet is necessary:
- Are the lid and seat broken or does it fail to sit properly?
- Are there a lot of surface scratches? (these are areas where bacteria and germs can thrive.)
- Does the flush handle stick every time?
- Does the flush pressure appear to be too low?
- Does the toilet need increasingly frequent repairs?
Frequent clogging is another problem to watch out for. Just like any other appliance, a toilet’s components and its plumbing will eventually wear out. If it’s not flushing properly or it struggles when trying to drag water into and through the pipes, it’s time to contact Anytime Plumbing about replacing your toilet.
Have you noticed any cracks in the porcelain? This is a sure indication of damage since your toilet was designed to resist or withstand a tremendous amount of use, a person’s weight, and wear and tear. Thus, when you ask “When is it time to replace my toilet?”, you should replace it immediately if you notice cracks along the edges or sides of it. After all, you wouldn’t want it to break and flood the bathroom while a relative or friend was sitting on it would you?
Last, but certainly not least in importance, if your toilet is no longer energy or water-efficient, you definitely need to think about replacing it soon. This is very common among older toilet models that suck too much water into the bowl and tank. Thus, keep an eye on your monthly water bill and call Anytime Plumbing, if you notice that the amount you’re being charged keeps increasing. We’ll send out our team to evaluate and find out the best ways to conserve the water. If it means replacing the toilet, we’ll help you budget it.
Are there any other warning signs to watch for?
While the information in the previous section should give you an idea as to when you should consider replacing your toilet, there are three other answers to the question “when is it time to replace my toilet?” First, if the area you live in has hard water, you check for an accumulation of mineral deposits in the inlet holes of the toilet and its syphon tube. This can be cleaned frequently to ensure that water flows at a normal pace.
Second, an increasing frequency of plumbing repairs is another indication that replacement may be necessary. Toilets shouldn’t need frequent repairs. When you consider the cost of service calls, replacing that toilet could save you a considerable amount of cash in the long run. Finally, if your toilet is wobbling, it could mean that the flooring beneath it is deteriorating. Maybe it is just loose and might need professional caulking.
If you’re wondering “when is it time to replace my toilet?”, Anytime Plumbing has the answers. Call us today.
