Is It Time to Replace Your Toilet?
Toilets are one of the most vital appliances in a home. They are essential for proper bathroom hygiene and convenience, but they don’t last forever. It’s important to know when it is time to replace your toilet. This will save you money in the long run and ensure that your toilet is always working at its best.
1. Old
Toilets make your bathroom run smoothly and ensure that your guests are comfortable when they visit. However, toilets don’t last forever and may need to be replaced sooner than you think. The lifespan of a toilet depends on how often you use it and the way it’s maintained. Some components in a toilet are designed to last longer than others, so it’s a good idea to check them regularly. This includes an O-ring seal that connects the bowl to the tank, a wax seal and floor flange.
2. Clogged
While only toilet paper and human waste are supposed to be flushed down the toilet, other items can get caught up in the drain and clog it. These can range from napkins to menstrual pads and hair to disposable cloths, and can lead to serious clogs in the toilet or plumbing lines. Most clogs can be cleared by simply plunging the toilet. But if the problem persists, you may need to use chemicals or call a plumber for help.
3. Cracked
A toilet can develop cracks over time due to age and natural wear and tear. Some of these cracks are small enough that they can be repaired with a porcelain epoxy. Others can become more significant over time and require replacement. Hairline cracks on the outside of a tank or bowl are usually cosmetic and not a problem, but larger cracks inside the tank and bowl generally signal that the toilet should be replaced. Inspect your toilet for cracks regularly. This will help you detect a crack before it gets worse and leaks into your home.
4. Too Much Water
If you have an older toilet, it may be using too much water per flush. This can waste a lot of water over time, so it’s important to know how to fix this problem before it gets worse. To start with, you should check the fill valve in your toilet tank. If it’s not lined up properly, you can replace the valve with a new one. You should also look at the flapper in the tank. If it’s loose or broken, it can cause leaking between flushes. You can also install a toilet water diverter, which is designed to save a half-gallon of water per flush. This can really make a difference in your monthly water bill.
5. Unsteady
If your toilet is wobbling and moving around a bit, it’s time to give the pros a call. A professional can help you determine whether it’s just loose bolts, or if the floor underneath is rotting from the ground up. The best way to tell if this is the case is to take a close look at the base of your toilet and see what you
can see. It’s also worth checking for hairline cracks or any other signs of wear and tear. In short, if your toilet is shaking up your life and yo
ur sanity, it’s probably time to replace it. Don’t hesitate to give the experts at Alvarado Pumping Septic Service a call to get it fixed up!