Like most parts of your plumbing system, you probably employ an “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” approach when it comes to your toilet.
For the most part, that’s the best approach to take. After all, your toilet will tell you when something is wrong. But it’s good to know when it’s time to replace your toilet, so you don’t put more time and money into a plumbing fixture that’s beyond repair.
So, how do you know when you need to replace your toilet? And how often should a toilet be replaced, according to professional plumbers? We’ll discuss that and more below.
Your Toilet is Celebrating Its 25th Birthday
You might have heard that toilets can last upwards of 100 years and, in most cases, that’s true.
Porcelain is a sturdy and durable material that does not damage easily. Although the same can’t be said for your toilet’s inner workings, smaller parts are often replaced on an “as-needed” basis. So then, how do you know when you need to replace your toilet?
Most plumbers agree that every 25 years is how often a toilet should be replaced, provided they are well-maintained and cared for during that time. Although older toilets seem to get the job done just fine, they don’t offer the same water efficiency as newer models. Investing in a dual-flush toilet, for example, can help you save tons on water bills. When upgrading, look for toilets with a WaterSense label—this is a guarantee that your investment meets certain criteria for efficiency and performance.
Your Toilet Clogs Constantly
There’s nothing worse than the fear of knowing you might clog your toilet with every flush. And while everyone has to play plumber once in a while (especially if you have young children who flush things accidentally—or on purpose), busting out the plunger regularly indicates a bigger issue on hand.
At first, you might not know you need to replace your toilet. You might think to call us for a sewer repair service in Phoenix, AZ instead. But, oftentimes, sewer issues give off multiple warnings.
If you have one toilet that clogs frequently or needs to be flushed multiple times while the rest of your drains flow freely, you should start thinking about a replacement.
Your Toilet Bowl is Cracked
Have you noticed puddles of water around the base of your toilet? This is common when you have a crack in the porcelain.
Start by inspecting the toilet tank and bowl for damages. Even something as small as a hairline crack can lead to puddles or worse, water damage. Be aware that hairline cracks can be hard to find without an experienced eye and professional tools. We suggest contacting a plumber if that’s the case—and the sooner, the better. Let’s be honest: the water puddles won’t get easier to clean up, and you’ll lose out on water savings from the constant leaking.
Unfortunately, you know you need to replace your toilet when the porcelain is cracked. Similar to a damaged water heater tank, a new toilet is the only solution. Even if the crack is above the water line, consider replacing the toilet before it spreads.
Your Toilet Requires Frequent Repairs
Do you have a plumber on speed dial because your toilet is always on the fritz? That’s when you know you need to replace your toilet!
Internal working parts, like the flush valve and flapper, are prone to wear and tear with time. However, they shouldn’t need to be replaced frequently and all at once. Even once every few months is too often to be calling a plumber for toilet repairs. At this point, you should weigh the cost of a new toilet against the cost of new parts, regular maintenance and repair bills, etc.
Your Toilet is Out of Style
In this case, how often a toilet should be replaced is up to your taste and preference. Like all aspects of interior decor, new toilet models are designed and manufactured frequently. Today, wall-mounted pressure-assist toilets with elongated bowls are all the rage. Tomorrow, a brand new generation of toilets that conserves water by producing even less than 1.6 gallons per flush might be trending.
Let’s Recap: How Often Should a Toilet Be Replaced?
Now you know that, in general, a toilet should be replaced every 25 years to avoid loss of efficiency and other damages. In the meantime, make sure to show your toilet—and your plumbing system as a whole—some love by scheduling regular maintenance and repair visits.
Bumble Bee Plumbing offers a full range of plumbing services, from leak detection to sewer line repairs, in Phoenix, AZ. We urge you to contact us with any issues! We’re always available and happy to assist.
