Signs you may need to replace your toilet
When a toilet is giving you trouble, it’s tempting to believe that it has to be replaced. While replacing an old toilet can definitely be the best option for a problematic fixture, it isn’t always the only choice. There’s no need to spend extra money on a new toilet and time installing it if a few repairs will do the trick. The key is determining when to replace a toilet and when to repair it instead of simply replacing everything at once.
Even if you don’t pay attention to the appearance, there are still times when a new toilet is necessary. Take a look at some typical issues that you may run into in order to help you decide whether or not it’s time to replace your toilet.
If any of these sounds like your problem, it’s time for a new toilet:
- The water level is too low and the bowl doesn’t seem to be filling up properly
- The replaceable valve or flapper is not seating properly thus it refills repeatedly
- There’s a lot of noise when the toilet is flushed
- It either flushes slowly or not at all.
- The water is murky or has an unpleasant odor
- The bowl frequently needs to be scrubbed clean
- There are visible cracks in the porcelain. These cracks will eventually lead to leaks
- It wobbles. Either the base or the subflooring underneath is deteriorating
If your toilet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s definitely time for a new one. However, if your toilet is simply old and showing its age, there are still a few repairs you can make before shelling out for a new one.
One common repair that can be done on an old toilet is replacing the flapper. This small part is responsible for sealing the opening at the bottom of the tank, and if it’s not working properly, water will leak out and cause all sorts of problems. Another common repair is to replace the wax seal that creates a watertight seal between the toilet and the floor. If you’re having trouble with your toilet, these are two repairs you can try before replacing the entire fixture.
Sometimes, all it takes is a good cleaning to fix some of the most common problems with a toilet. Use a plunger to clear any blockages in the drainage system, and use vinegar and baking soda mixture to clean off any mineral deposits that have built up over time. If your toilet still isn’t performing as well as you’d like after trying these tips, then it may be time for a new one. Replacing an old toilet with a new, more efficient model can save you a lot of money in the long run on your water bill.
