The estimated lifespan of a toilet is 50 years. However, many toilets need to be replaced sooner because the parts that make up the toilet fail before the porcelain fixture itself. Many homeowners are unsure when they need to or should replace their toilets. Here are a few signs you may need to replace your toilet.
Your Toilet Has a Crack
If your toilet has a crack in the bowl, it needs to be replaced right away because there is no cost-effective way to repair a cracked toilet. If your toilet has a crack in the bowl, you may notice a puddle of water around the base of the toilet. Cracks are often caused by force, such as something hitting the bowl, or by pouring boiling hot water in the bowl to free a clog. While boiling water can be poured down a sink to free a clog, it should never be poured in a porcelain toilet, as the bowl can crack.
Your Toilet Needs Repair After Repair
Are you finding yourself calling for toilet repairs month after month? As your toilet ages, the parts may begin to wear down, much like a car. While you can keep making repairs in order to keep your toilet functional, at some point, the cost to continuously repair may exceed the cost to replace the toilet. If your toilet needs two or more repairs a year, it may be time to think about replacing the toilet altogether.
Your Toilet Clogs Frequently
Is your toilet clogging frequently? The issue might not be with your home’s water pressure, but instead, with your toilet. If your toilet clogs frequently, or clogs more than once a week, the first thing that should be considered is your sewer line. Plunge your toilet, snake the line, or have professional drain cleaning done. If that does not solve the problem, your toilet may simply be aging and unable to effectively use force to push your waste down into the sewer line, causing frequent clogs.
Replacing a toilet can be a complex process. As such, the average homeowner should hire a professional to install a new toilet for them. If you are looking for a new toilet installation, Steve's Plumbing & Heating can help you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.