Although it is something that most people do not want to face, even the highest quality toilet eventually requires replacement. However, unless your toilet literally falls to pieces–which is highly unlikely–it can be challenging to know when the time is right to invest in a new model. Below are five of the most overt signs that you need to call a professional to replace your toilet:
Continuous Clogging
Clogged toilets quickly lead to headaches for most people, and you are probably among the ranks of those who do not have time to constantly plunge your commode. Although you should not be alarmed at a random clog here and there, consistently clogged toilets should be considered a red flag. Older models or low-flush toilets often experience frequent blockages when their interiors become worn due to age or other issues.
Wobbling
There are several reasons a toilet may wobble when you sit down. For example, loose screws at the base may cause this to happen. If this is the case, you can simply tighten them and the problem is solved. Unfortunately, wobbling may be a sign of a more serious situation, such as water damage under the floor preventing the screws from staying tight. This does not automatically mean the unit must be replaced, but it does indicate that a larger problem is underway.
Constant Running
If your toilet runs continuously no matter what you do, it may be a sign that the rubber flapper at the tank’s bottom has become damaged or worn. It may indicate a broken fill valve in the tank as well. Although both situations are sometimes fixable, they can also mean that a new toilet is your only viable remedy.
Cracks in the Porcelain
Toilets are typically built from porcelain because it is a highly durable material. Nevertheless, similar to other substances, porcelain eventually wears out. Cracks in the toilet’s base can result in leaking and frequent puddling, and this constant flow of water needlessly increases your sewer bill. It can also do serious damage to your bathroom floor.
The Benefits of Replacing a Worn Toilet
Replacing a faulty toilet is important, but you may also want to exchange your current model for one that is more efficient. In 1992, The Energy Policy Act was created when the EPA discovered just how much water is wasted by conventional toilets. This Act mandates that residential toilets use a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water for each flush. Today, you have numerous low-flow options that use even less water. Therefore, consider changing to such a model if you want lower water bills or if you are simply an environmentally-conscious homeowner.