How Do You Know When To Replace Your Toilet?

It’s never a good thing when something in the house isn’t working properly or when it breaks down. One of the worst is when a toilet stops working. Not only can that be massively inconvenient, but it can also be a huge mess, and quite a foul one at that.

Sometimes you don’t see trouble coming, and if you need a repair, Four Seasons has top-notch plumbers for Asheville, NC. However, there often are signs if you know how to read them. And those signs might be telling you that it’s time to replace your toilet before you have a big problem on your hands.

Let’s look at what those signs are.

Age

As we know all too well, things start wearing down with age and they don’t work as well as they used to. A toilet can last 50 years or more, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to run efficiently all that time. If your toilet is old, consider replacing it with a new one that will probably flush better and save water.

Cracks in the Tank

If water is puddling near the base of the toilet, there may be a crack in the tank. Examine both the inside and the outside of the tank closely. When there is a crack below the water level, it might be a good idea to replace the toilet.

Leaking

Sometimes toilets leak without showing cracks. Since the leaking water can drain down into the flooring and subflooring, it can be hard to notice at first, and it can also cause costly damage, especially when an upstairs toilet leaks through the floor and ceiling and into a downstairs room. Because leaks can be hard to detect until there’s damage, check your water bill. Sudden unexplained increases may indicate a leak.

Constant Running or Flushing

After being flushed, a toilet will run briefly as it refills. However, if it is running for abnormally long periods or even never stopping, there is a problem. Sometimes, manually adjusting the flapper valve does the trick. When it doesn’t, there may be a more serious problem requiring a repair or replacement.

Frequent Clogging

Occasional clogs are a part of life when using toilets. Most often, people use too much toilet paper. Other times, someone drops something in that doesn’t belong. Plunging usually takes care of the problem, but if it isn’t or you’re plunging a toilet more than once in a while, call a plumber to see if a deeper cleaning will work or if there’s a bigger problem requiring a new toilet.

Not Flushing

Maybe worst of all is the toilet that won’t flush, period. You’ve plunged and cleared (you think), and you’ve jiggled the handle and checked inside the basin, but it still won’t flush. Unfortunately, this signifies a serious problem that might necessitate a replacement.

Regular Repairs

When you find yourself performing DIY repairs on a toilet at least once a week or calling a plumber to help, it’s probably a good idea to replace the toilet. This will save you time and money, and you’ll also have a newer, more efficient toilet.

Instability

Have you ever sat on a toilet to find that it wobbles? In most cases, tightening the bolts will take care of this. However, a wobbling toilet might also indicate rot or water damage to the floor beneath the toilet. Contact a plumber if a simple tightening of bolts doesn’t provide a long-term fix.

Mineral Deposits

If your area has hard water, there are minerals that can build up and prevent water from flowing effectively. Chipping away at the deposits is sometimes effective, but when it isn’t, it’s probably time for a new toilet.

Scratches on the Porcelain

Over time and many cleanings, the porcelain surface area of a toilet will develop scratches or worn areas. These spots are harder to keep clean, so if you’re cleaning with more effort or regularity (or both), you might consider getting a new toilet to spare yourself all that work and lost time.

Four Seasons Plumbing

For so many reasons, a malfunctioning toilet is one of the last problems anyone wants to deal with. And on the other end, a newer, more efficient toilet saves water, money, messes, and headaches.

At Four Seasons Plumbing, we have experienced technicians who can provide a full range of toilet and other plumbing services, including inspections, maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

And because we realize that problems can arise at the most inconvenient times and require immediate attention, we offer emergency plumbing services for Asheville, NC residents as well.

Need some work done or need an inspection? Schedule with us today!