A broken toilet may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can actually pose a major risk to your household. Without proper plumbing, wastewater can back up and flood your bathroom, leading to damage and the potential spread of bacteria and disease.
In addition, a malfunctioning toilet can increase your water usage, resulting in higher utility bills.
As Dallas’s leading bathroom plumber, we’re here to say that outside of clogs, many toilet issues require a full replacement. Let’s get into some of those now!
How Often Should You Replace Your Toilet?
The average porcelain toilet will last a home between 15 and 30 years. If you make the effort to keep a toilet well-maintained, it can last up to 50 years until trouble starts to develop.
Signs It’s Time for a Toilet Replacement
Whether you have a new or older toilet, any of the following symptoms are good indicators that it may be time to look for a toilet replacement.
Toilet Leaks Are a Red Flag
Toilet leaks are always a plumbing issue you need to take care of as soon as possible. If your toilet has an internal leak, you may not even realize the issue until your water bills are sky-high and a professional plumber has diagnosed the problem.
Most internal leaks stem from faulty fill valves, tank bolts, or spud washers. These types of plumbing problems typically don’t mean you need an instant replacement. However, if you’re noticing water leaking from the base of your toilet onto the floor, this is an indicator of poor plumbing connection and could lead to your need for a new toilet if enough plumbing damage is present.
Jiggling the Handle to Achieve a Flush
When it comes to plumbing issues, a jiggling toilet handle is one of the more frustrating problems to encounter. Not only is it irritating to constantly have to jiggle the handle for the toilet to flush properly, but it can also be a sign of bigger plumbing issues.
When you start noticing that your toilet handle needs extra attention, it may be time to invest in a new toilet. A jiggling handle can indicate that there is a malfunction with the flapper valve in your toilet’s tank, and it is unable to seal effectively. You can pick up a replacement flapper valve for about $10.00 at your local hardware store and install it yourself.
But, trying to fix it may only be a temporary solution. So, if you find the need to jiggle the toilet handle to even get a flush flowing, it’s probably time to invest in a new toilet.
Waste Takes More Than One Flush to Enter Your Plumbing
When you flush your toilet, there should always be enough water in the tank and power behind the flush to get the waste down in one attempt. If you find yourself flushing twice or even three times, this indicates that you have a faulty flapper, low-quality low-flush toilet, or a clog somewhere in your plumbing system.
While a licensed plumber can handle your clogs and flappers, a low-quality or older toilet that’s run out of steam can be an issue that doesn’t go away. Stop wasting water and spreading toxins into your environment with multiple flushes.
If you need to flush more than once, reach out to a plumber and be prepared to start shopping for a new toilet.
Too Many Clogs and Repairs
If you find that the plumber has become a part of the family due to excess clogs and repairs, it’s time to look into a toilet replacement.
Plumbing visits and repairs quickly add up. Saving money by investing in a new toilet may be more beneficial in the long term!
Wobbling Toilets
A wobbling toilet can be a fix as simple as a loose screw or indicate much deeper plumbing problems that require a toilet replacement. If your toilet starts to display a troubling wobble, it’s time to call out a local plumber for a bathroom inspection.
Ready to Replace Your Toilet?
Taking care of plumbing problems quickly is important for protecting both your health and wallet. If you suspect a problem with your toilet, contact a professional plumber as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Avoid DIY fixes that may lead to bigger issues down the road. By staying on top of plumbing maintenance and repairs, you can ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for yourself and your family.
