Similar to other household items that are used on a regular basis, toilets must eventually be replaced in order to avoid major problems in your bathrooms. Fortunately, there are some obvious signs that indicate it is time to call one of our plumbers in Mission Viejo and embark upon this project. Below are six signs that your toilet should be replaced:
- Leaks
Leaks are always unpleasant; however, a leaking toilet can be potentially disastrous if it is ignored. Thankfully, whether leaks are internal or external, they usually give you enough warning so that you can contact a professional before a catastrophe occurs. For example, internal leaks often make a hissing or dripping sound that is not particularly loud, but is something you know you should not be hearing. External leaks are even easier to diagnose, as the water can be seen around the base of the commode or another area that should normally be dry.
- Wobbling or Shaking
If your toilet wobbles or shakes whenever someone takes their seat, it may simply be due to some loose screws on the base of the bowl. Obviously, this is an easy problem to remedy by simply tightening the offending screws. Unfortunately, a toilet may also wobble if the floor underneath has sustained water damage. If this is the case, the toilet should be removed and the underlying area examined by a plumber in Mission Viejo to determine the exact type of repair that is needed.
- Continuous Clogs
If your toilet is constantly getting clogged and you find yourself reaching for the plunger on a regular basis, it is probably time for a new toilet. One or two random clogs are common and are usually not cause for alarm. However, if they happen frequently, it is typically a sign of a larger problem and should never be ignored.
- Cracks
Most toilets are made from porcelain, which is a durable substance. Nevertheless, like everything else, this material wears down over time. Cracks–even small ones–in the toilet’s porcelain base can lead to leaks and small puddles around the bottom of the commode. This constant water flow can result in damaged floors and higher water bills as time goes on, making timely repairs the more cost-effective option.
- Continuous Running
A very common sign that a toilet may need to be replaced is if it keeps running regardless of how hard you jiggle the handle or implement other techniques to settle it down. You will be pleased to discover that sometimes there are simple reasons for this constant running. For instance, it may be nothing more than a worn-out rubber flapper. Other times, it may be a sign of a broken fill valve in the tank or something else that indicates the need for a new unit.
- Age Related Wear
Sometimes, a toilet has simply reached the end of its lifespan. You can usually tell when this is the case if multiple parts of the toilet have ceased to function properly or there are several different problems that occur on a regular basis. Efficiency is also an important factor to consider. If you want to decrease your long-term water bill or if you are simply environmentally conscious, consider changing to a low-flow toilet.
Regardless of what problem you may be having, if you think one or more of the toilets in your home need replacement, contact one of our professional plumbers in Mission Viejo for an expert analysis.