May 31, 2019
Between a constantly running toilet or the dreaded no-flush situation, life can quickly become complicated when you’re living with a broken toilet. But how do you know when your toilet troubles warrant a repair or total replacement? Well, Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is here to tell you about some clear signs you should replace your toilet!
- Constant Clogs and Overflows
It can be a nightmarish scenario – you go to flush your toilet only to be faced with another anxiety-inducing clog! If you find yourself dealing with this harrowing dilemma on a weekly basis, it’s probably time to hang up the plunger and replace your toilet. If you have exhausted your bag of plunging tricks and are certain it’s a stoppage problem, it’s time to call in a professional to see about a replacement. - It’s Cracked
Even the sturdiest of materials can crack after long-term use, including porcelain. If there are cracks in the porcelain base of your toilet, problems, such as frequent puddling and leaking, can quickly arise. Not only can this constant flow of water run up your water bill but it can damage the flooring. Therefore, if you have this type of toilet damage, it’s time for a replacement. - Constant Running
While there are plenty of easy fixes to a running toilet, sometimes the causes for this issue are enough to warrant a replacement. If the rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank is damaged or the fill valve in the tank is broken, you may benefit from replacing your toilet with a newer model. - It’s Outdated/Inefficient
In many cases, your toilet is not necessarily broken beyond repair but is simply inefficient. With the EPA’s 1992 Energy Policy Act, residential toilets must not use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. As a result, there are now countless low-flow options on the market that use half that amount, sometimes even less than half. Therefore, if you are looking to make more environmentally conscious decisions, you may want to upgrade your toilet if it’s outdated. - Frequent Repairs
Although it may seem like an obvious sign that it’s time for an upgrade, it’s worth mentioning that the cost of frequent repairs can be just as much as installing a replacement. Therefore, if you find that you’re constantly calling a plumber to make a new repair to your toilet, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement. - Wobbling
Another sign that you should start looking for a replacement is if your toilet wobbles when you sit on it. While a wobbling toilet can be fixed by simply tightening some loose screws, it can sometimes indicate a more serious problem. In fact, a wobbling toilet can sometimes mean that the floor beneath the toilet could be rotting or damaged by water. Consequently, you should stay on the safe side and call in a professional plumber to diagnose the problem before dismissing it as a few loose bolts. - Surface Damage
While surface damage may be more of a cosmetic reason to replace your toilet, it’s one worth considering if the damage is extensive enough. Aside from being an eyesore, significant surface scratches can make keeping the fixture clean an impossible task. Therefore, if you find yourself cleaning your toilet much more frequently than you should, it may be time to consider an upgrade. - Mineral Deposit Build-Ups
If your home has hard water, the minerals in the water can build up in the siphon tube and inlet holes, keeping water from flowing effectively. While in some cases you can clear some of these deposit build-ups on your own, your toilet can become inefficient if the buildup is significant. In this case, you will likely be looking at a replacement. - Frequent Leaks
While leaks anywhere in your home demand your immediate attention, a toilet leak may mean you have an imminent disaster on your hands. If you, like most, experience an instant spike in blood pressure when the words “disaster” and “toilet” are thrown together in the same sentence, you’ll want to address a leaking toilet asap. If you have an internal toilet leak, your toilet will typically make a hissing noise when you use it. To test for an internal leak, you can squirt some drops of food coloring into the water tank, wait for 10 minutes, and check the bowl. If the color has made its way into the bowl, you have an internal leak that needs to be addressed. For an external leak, a clear indicator is a dripping toilet. If your toilet is dripping, you’ll want to have a professional look at it to see if it’s time to replace it. - Strange Noises
Aside from the troublesome bathroom noises coming from Uncle Jack when he overdoes it on Thanksgiving, there are some strange sounds that may mean it’s time to replace your toilet. If you hear sounds like hissing or trickling water (not to be confused with the sound of a running toilet), it’s probably time to have a professional diagnose the problem. - Recurring Issues with Flushing
Finally, if you experience consistent problems with flushing, it may be time to replace your toilet. While the cause of a toilet that won’t flush can be anything from low water levels and damaged parts to issues with your sewer lines, a replacement may be necessary. If this is an issue you’re facing, have a professional look at it to determine if you’re facing a minor repair or full-on replacement.
Signs You Should Replace Your Toilet Should Not be Ignored…
If you identify with any of these issues, don’t ignore them – face your toilet troubles head-on with a Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing pro! With years of helping homeowners conquer the toughest plumbing problems, the Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing team is dedicated to finding the best solution for your issues. For reliable service from one of our experts, call us today or chat with us on our website!
