10 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Toilet

One of your home’s most important elements is the plumbing system. While it’s easy to forget it, you need to create a maintenance schedule to ensure that it keeps operating efficiently. When things break down in your pipes, it can lead to big headaches and sometimes a big mess. It’s also very costly. Staying on top of problems means understanding your plumbing system and knowing when to call a plumber for toilet repair. Here are some of the signs you need to watch for that indicate it’s time to replace your toilet.

1. Cracks in the tank

Puddles around your toilet indicate there are some cracks in the tank. These cracks can be hard to spot, especially if they are hairline cracks. However, they do create a problem. Toilets that are still working well and can flush and don’t constantly get clogged may only require repair. However, sometimes cracks indicate the toilet may need to be replaced. You will need to ask your plumber if it can be repaired or recommend a new one.

2. Age of the toilet

All parts of your plumbing system can become worn with time, including your toilet. They are not meant to last a lifetime. If you have an older toilet, it may be time to replace it.

Even if your toilet is working properly, older toilets are not as efficient as newer ones. Standards change over time, and government regulations may mean that your toilet doesn’t measure up. It also means you could save money on your water bill by installing a newer one.

Technological advances have meant better plumbing systems and toilets. For example, dual flush toilets allow you to reduce the amount of water the system uses to wash away waste. You can choose a partial flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste.

3. Wobbly toilet

If your toilet wobbles or moves when you sit down, it could be time for a replacement. Not only is it not comfortable, but it signals that the toilet is not stable. A plumber can assess whether you only need to tighten a few bolts or if the problem is bigger. For example, a rotting floor underneath the toilet can cause it to wobble. If this happens in your bathroom, you’ll need to replace or repair the floor.

4. Ongoing repair problems

When you find yourself calling your plumber regularly for ongoing repair problems, it could be a sign that you should get a new toilet. Consider the amount of money you spend on repair bills and compare it to the cost of getting a new toilet. You may find that it saves you money over the long run.

5. Leaky toilet

Unfortunately, toilet leaks are not always easy to spot. They can sometimes go on for many weeks or months before recognizing a problem. These are silent leaks.

Uncovering a silent leak means watching your water bill. If you notice it goes up without your water usage increasing, it is a good indication of a water leak somewhere in your plumbing.

You can also keep your eye out for water damage. For example, if the toilet on your top floor is leaking, you’ll notice water damage on the ceiling of the room below. Water damage can lead to mould, which is a health hazard to you and your loved ones. It’s important to contact a plumber if you suspect a leak. They can come and have a look and fix the problem.

6. Bowl size

Toilets with rounded bowl sizes are less comfortable than those with elongated shapes. If there is enough space in your bathroom, you may want to upgrade your round model to an elongated one. According to Consumer Reports, some models also come with special coatings that keep them cleaner and reduce odour.

7. Constantly running toilet

When you flush, and your toilet keeps running and running and running, it can be more than an annoying nuisance; it could be time for a replacement. A constantly running toilet uses up a lot of water, which you’ll notice on your next bill. Most often, the problem is that the flapper valve is not sealing. While you could wiggle it back into place, it’s not a long-term solution.

Although a broken flapper valve is not enough of a reason to discard your toilet, it’s important to determine the underlying cause of the constant running. A professional plumber can usually tell within a few minutes where the problem lies. If it’s not a flapper valve, you may want to compare the costs of the repairs with the price of a new toilet.

8. Frequent clogs

When you find yourself dealing with a clogged toilet frequently, you could benefit from getting a new toilet. Sometimes older toilets need more than one flush to wash away waste. It’s just something that comes with age. They are also more inclined to clog easier. But before you decide to replace it, find out if the problem isn’t caused by something else in your pipes. An inspection by your plumber should help you determine this.

9. Fails to flush

Sometimes your toilet just breaks down. You’ll recognize this condition by its failure to flush. This condition continues whether you jiggle the handle or get out the plunger. When nothing you’ve tried gets your toilet to flush, you should contact your plumber.

10. Too many scratches

Toilets that have been around a while will start to get scratched up, and some have stains that you cannot remove. If you’re just tired of how your toilet looks, there is no reason you can’t simply pull it out and install one for cosmetic reasons.

For more information about when to replace your toilet and other professional plumbing services in North York, call Brothers Plumbing at 1-800-742-8471 or contact us here.