Your home’s toilet is one of the most frequently used fixtures in your home. Fortunately, it can withstand a lot, and a toilet will last on average 10 to 15 years. This means your toilet eventually will need to be replaced, and when that happens, there are typically a few signs you can look out for.
Frequent Clogging
Once in a while, every toilet will clog now and then. How often will depend on the condition of the drain pipes, what is being flushed, and finally, the toilet’s flush strength.
If the toilet is clogging more than once every month, the most common reason is mineral buildup on the drain or in the drainpipes.
Mineral deposits can stick to the sides of pipes, slowly restricting the flow of water and making it easy for waste to become stuck. Mineral buildups grow faster and clogging more frequent with a weaker flush. As a toilet ages, essential parts can weaken and break down, leading to a weaker flush. So, if your toilet is getting older and clogs are becoming a frequent part of life, you may want to consider a replacement.
Toilet Wobbling
If your toilet is wobbling or shifting at all without much effort, this is a serious issue. First of all, ensure it isn’t just loose seat bolts, and then call a plumber. An improperly seated toilet could damage plumbing and the toilet’s seal.
This can cause fluid and gas leaks that can be dangerous to both your health and your home’s structure. Another possibility is that the floor itself could be damaged; however, this is another critical issue that you should become immediately aware of.
Porcelain Cracks
If your toilet has visible cracks in the bowl that aren’t already causing leaks, chances are it will cause them soon. Cracks in the lid are unpleasant but won’t cause any leaks; however, check carefully to ensure there is no damage to the bowl. Porcelain is durable, but with time, cracking will often become an issue.
Water Usage
Some older toilets use a lot of water. This not only increases your water bill but is bad for the environment. A new toilet can save 2 or more gallons per flush over an old one.
Additionally, if your toilet is one of the first generation of low-flush toilets, these were known for frequent clogging, so you may want to replace these as well.
Continual Leaks
If you see your toilet leaking, you’re going to want to fix the problem promptly to avoid water damage as well as for sanitation issues, and this could mean replacing your toilet. The leak could easily be caused by a crack in the toilet, so it’s best to shut the water to the toilet off and call a plumber to check the toilet.
An internal leak is more difficult to detect and is usually detected by the toilet making noise when it’s not in use. To check for this type of leak, put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait for approximately 15 minutes. Then, check the toilet bowl; if the coloring is in the toilet bowl, you have a leak. So, you’ll need to call a plumber to see if your toilet needs repaired or replaced.
Frequent Repairs
It’s not unusual for a toilet to need occasional repairs, and some repairs, such as replacing a fill valve or a flapper, are inexpensive. However, if you are frequently repairing your toilet, aside from the inconvenience, you may have a bigger problem.
If your toilet is getting old, the frequent repairs could mean your toilet is simply wearing out and may break altogether soon. So, consider replacing your toilet with a newer, more dependable model.
Final Thoughts
A toilet is one of the most dependable fixtures in your home, but with time, even it will need to be replaced. So, if your toilet is showing any of these symptoms, it’s best to call a trustworthy plumber and ask if it’s time to say goodbye to your old toilet.
Contact Us
If your toilet is showing signs of aging, call J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. With over 30 years of plumbing experience, we can inspect your toilet for wear and either repair or replace it as necessary. Call us at 781-520-1212 or connect with us on Facebook today.
