There is no better way to guarantee your house guests will not return than by having a toilet that doesn’t work properly. If the phrases “Just wiggle the handle” or “Hold down the handle until it starts flushing” become part of your daily vocabulary, it might be time to get a new toilet.
Sometimes it's difficult to know whether you just need a repair or a total replacement. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of signs that may indicate it’s time to get a new toilet.
1.) The Dreaded Clog
If your plunger is being used just as much as the toilet, it may be time to consider a replacement. First, make sure that the clog isn’t resulting from human error. Nothing besides toilet paper should ever be flushed! If clogging is frequent, it may be due to dated hardware in the toilet. Consider having the toilet and lines inspected and cleaned by a plumber to determine the root cause, but the best answer may be to replace the toilet.
2.) The Even More Dreaded No-Flush
Uh oh! This could be happening from any number of problems inside the toilet. The water level is too low, flapper problems, clogged flange or drain, blocked inlet holes, poor drainpipe design, and more could cause a non-flushing toilet. Avoid trying to fix the problem on your own, as it could further aggravate the situation.
3.) Constant Running
No one wants to be woken up in the middle of the night - especially not by their toilet running. The constant running can be caused by a flapper valve that doesn’t seal or a broken fill valve. A good wiggle of the valve may temporarily solve the problem, but no one wants to do that after every flush.
4.) Cracks & Scratches
Toilets will eventually begin to show signs of aging with cracks and scratches. Scratches can occur from routine cleaning and though unsightly, are not cause for emergency. Cracks, on the other hand, should be cause for concern. Cracks can cause water to leak out and cause major damage to your flooring. It’s best to get a replacement toilet before the cracks get out of hand.
Why You Should Replace Rather Than Repair
Save Money on Frequent Repairs
If your plumber is on speed dial and you find yourself dumping money into your toilet - please get a new toilet. Stop draining your bank account to make your toilet drain. Not only will a new toilet save you money, but having newer appliances can boost your property value, overall comfort, and energy efficiency. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Rochester can help install that new toilet, too. Contact us to schedule an installation!
The Government Thinks Your Toilet is Too Old
Hate to break it to the pre-90s toilet owners, but the federal government is actually regulating those toilets. Those older model toilets have a GPF (gallons per flush) of 3.5 to 5 gallons. The EPA’s Energy Policy Act of 1992 states that toilets installed after 1994 must have a flush volume of 1.6 GPF.
Save on Water Utilities
The price of utilities is only going to get higher. Installing a newer and more efficient toilet is a great way to save money. There are all sorts of modern-style of toilets that are far more energy efficient. Investing in low-flow toilets like Gravity-Assist, Dual-Flush, and Pressure-Assisted toilets can be a lifesaver in the long run for your wallet.
Now You Know When It’s Time to Replace
The choice is yours on whether you keep that old toilet kicking or trade it in for a shiny new one. A plumber can fix clogs, cracks, and leaks and, with a thorough inspection, can give you solid advice on whether you need a new toilet or not.
Still not sure whether you need a toilet repair or replacement? Reach out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Rochester for expert plumbing advice or to schedule a repair or new toilet installation.
