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While you probably don’t give your toilet much thought, an old or faulty toilet could lead to expensive repairs or a particularly unpleasant plumbing emergency. Knowing how to spot when your toilet is reaching the end of its lifespan can save you a lot of money and inconvenience.
There are a few telltale signs that it’s time to call a plumber to install a new toilet.
1. Your Toilet Is Old
There’s no consensus on how often you should replace a toilet. While these fixtures are generally pretty durable, they’re not built to last forever. The toilet itself may last as long as 50 years, but you may need to replace the internal plumbing mechanism more often.
Modern toilets are more efficient than older models, and fixtures installed pre-1994 use considerably more water per flush. Even if your ancient toilet seems to be in decent condition, replacing it with an up-to-date model could save you a lot of money on your water bills in the long-run. It’s also far more environmentally-friendly to install a water-efficient toilet.
2. Constant Flushing
It’s normal for water to continue running for a brief period after you flush the toilet. However, if it’s constantly flowing, this is a sign that a new toilet may be in order.
Continuous water flow inside your toilet can be extremely irritating, but it also signals a potential problem with the toilet’s plumbing. Water constantly running from the tank to the toilet bowl is usually down to a faulty flapper valve.
If the flapper valve is the only problem with your toilet, a plumber should be able to fix this for you relatively easily without replacing the entire fixture. However, sometimes a constantly-running toilet has a more complex fault, such as a broken fill valve. If simple fixes don’t solve the problem, it may be time for a new toilet.
3. Frequent Repairs
While toilets are relatively simple fixtures, they contain various working parts that aren’t immediately obvious from simply looking at them. Often, a plumber can fix a malfunctioning toilet by replacing one of the components.
However, if your toilet needs frequent repairs, this could end up costing you more money and effort over time than simply installing a new fixture. A toilet that malfunctions regularly is a sign that you should book a professional to fit a replacement.
4. Cracks and Leaks
Puddles around your toilet base could be a sign that a member of your household hasn’t perfected their aim. However, it could be down to a cracked toilet tank. The only way to know for sure is to take a look.
You may be able to locate the crack yourself by looking at the tank’s interior and exterior. If you can’t see anything concerning, but the water continues to appear, call a plumber in Knoxville, TN, to perform a professional inspection. Cracks above the water line can often be repaired, but it’s time for a new tank if it’s below the water line. In this situation, a professional may recommend replacing the entire toilet.
Leaks are less obvious than cracks because they won’t cause the tell-tale water pooling. However, a leaky toilet can do serious damage to your flooring, so it’s important to know how to spot the problem.
A leaking toilet wastes a lot of water, and you’ll notice a sudden, unexplained increase in your water bill. When you see a sharp hike in your water usage, call in a professional plumber to check your system. It will probably be more efficient to replace an older leaky toilet than trying to repair it.
5. Regular Blockages
Some toilet clogs are down to user error. If you flush items like nappies, wipes, sanitary protection, or other non-flushable objects, a clogged toilet is a reminder to change your ways. However, if your toilet clogs regularly with normal use, it may be time to consider a new one.
A professional can inspect your toilet system to see if your clogged fixture has a straightforward cause like a blocked pipe. If they can’t see an obvious reason for your problems, you may need to replace the toilet.
6. Toilet Won’t Flush
A toilet that won’t flush is a major annoyance, especially if you don’t have a second one in your home. Many make the mistake of inserting items into their toilet in desperation to try and get it working again.
However, this approach can cause more harm than good, leading to further damage to your plumbing system. The only safe course of action with a non-flushing toilet is to call in a plumber to get to the root of the issue.
Occasionally, a toilet that won’t flush indicates a faulty plumbing system. However, it’s usually a sign that there is something seriously wrong with your toilet, and you’ll probably need to replace it.
7. Wobbly Fixture
Feeling unstable when you’re sitting on the porcelain throne can be unnerving, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious problem. If you have a wobbly toilet, ask a plumber to check the screws that bolt it to the floor. Often, a quick tighten is all that’s required to stop that alarming wobble.
However, don’t be tempted to ignore an unstable toilet assuming it’s caused by loose screws. It could also be down to a water-damaged floor, indicating a more serious issue. Always ask a professional to check out a wobbly toilet to check that it doesn’t need replacing.
The Bottom Line
There are several signs that it’s time for a replacement toilet. Whatever the reason you decide to buy a new fixture, you should always call in a reputable plumber to install it correctly. The expert team and My Professional Plumber of Knoxville, TN, can help you get to the route of any toilet issues and replace the fixture efficiently.