When is the Right Time to Replace a Toilet?
If the toilets in your home are working properly, there is no need to replace them. However, they do not last forever, but how do you know when it’s the right time to replace a toilet? Read on for a few things you should consider when deciding if you should purchase and install a new toilet.
How Long Should a Toilet Last?
Professional plumbers say toilets can last up to 50 years but the normal lifespan is normally around 20 years, but there are many reasons you may need to replace a toilet sooner than that. Below are some signs that it might be time for you to have a new toilet installed.
Age of Toilet
First, you should look at the age of your toilet. It can last for decades if it is well maintained and only gently used, but many toilets were installed improperly in the first place or are frequently misused, which causes them to need to be replaced much sooner than expected.
If you do not know when your toilet was installed, you can inspect it carefully to find out the date because, inside the tank, that information should be stamped there. That is actually the date the toilet was manufactured and if you cannot find this date stamp, simply write down the model number and call the manufacturer and ask them.
Too Much Water Usage
Older toilets use quite a bit more water than the newer versions. Toilets that were manufactured before the 1980s use up to seven gallons of water each time you flush them, while newer models use much less. They can even save you 2,700 gallons of water per year, which means cost savings for you on your water bill. It is also healthier for the environment to use less water, so not only will your toilet be more energy-efficient, but your new toilet will also be environmentally friendly.
There is Damage You Can See to the Toilet
If you see visual damage to your toilet, that can be the reason to replace it. Your toilet is made of porcelain and when the surface gets scuffed or scratched, there is no way to easily fix it. At that point, your only option really is to replace the toilet. Not only does it look unsightly, but scratches can make the toilet harder to clean, which means it can harbor odor-causing bacteria and other diseases. Your toilet will also eventually have hard water and other stains that have formed on it even if you clean it often, which can not only make it look nasty but can affect the overall way the toilet operates.
The Toilet Clogs Up Often
If you have to plunge into your toilet pretty often, there is definitely something wrong with your toilet. Many older toilets that have a low flush flow will struggle to move waste products properly down into your sewer pipe, which can lead to slow flushes and backup, causing a clock. You can do other things to try to prevent clogs by not allowing anyone to flush anything down the toilet but waste in toilet paper, but if you are still getting clogs after that, it is time to replace your toilet. You should also replace your toilet when a plumber determines there is something majorly wrong with it because it will probably be cheaper in the long run just to have a new toilet installed rather than repairing it.
Contact Us
When it’s the right time to replace a toilet? To determine if your toilet needs to be replaced, you should have it inspected by a trusted and experienced certified plumber. The plumbing professionals atContact Ace Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning are ready to assist you with all of your plumbing needs. Call for an appointment today!