Should I Repair Or Replace My Toilet?
You use your toilet every day, but while the bathroom is undoubtedly designed to last through years of use, non-stop, it will eventually start to show signs of its age. Then, you will be left with the question of whether to fix it or replace the whole thing.
In some cases, a good repair can prevent the need to replace your toilet, but there comes a time when your toilet is no longer usable, and you’ll have to dispose of the entire toilet tank and bowl.
We assist you as you sift through the numerous signs to determine when it’s the right time to replace or repair your toilet.
How do you know your toilet needs to be repaired?
You know what a standard, functioning toilet should look and sound like in action, so use your best judgment and spend some time evaluating your toilet as soon as you notice any issues. It could very well be an easy fix to repair, and it won’t even require you to purchase a few toilet repair parts, which can be found at your neighborhood hardware store.
If the issue is as little as a broken toilet chain, you may even be able to address the problem yourself.
If the issue is one that you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing yourself – e.g., a toilet flange repair – schedule a plumber to take care of it for you. They will have all the necessary equipment and be highly skilled in their work.
You might believe that it’s possible to replace your toilet altogether, but there are some signs that a repair is the better option.
If your toilet is running continuously, you can identify the cause in several ways. Pressure on the flapper until the water stops running, for instance. If so, it means your flapper isn’t sealing properly and you need to replace it.
Another common problem has an easy solution if your toilet will not flush. It can be clogged, a broken chain, not enough water in the bowl, or it’s time to replace the flapper.
When to replace a toilet
If the repairs must be made consistently and it becomes too expensive, you will have to replace your old toilet. Other things to be mindful of are cracks in your tank. This can become quite a headache and may cause leaks, with the worst-case scenario being mold development if left unattended for an extended period.
Those cracks, however, are not always visible to the naked eye, Atlas said — some are as thin as a hair. You’d be best advised to hire a plumber to inspect and assess the issue.
Another problem that may lead you to consider replacing your toilet is if your current toilet won’t flush often or consistently causes issues with flushing. Lastly, the old toilet should also be switched for a new low-flow toilet to save on your next water bill.
The right way to look after your toilet
If you’ve just bought and installed a spanking new porcelain throne, we encourage you to take care of it so it can last as long as possible. You’d like to think toilets last more than 20 years.
Know what you are flushing down your toilet. Do not clog it with food, baby wipes, or any other items that are not intended to go down a toilet. Please keep it clean with regular rinses of the bowl (inside and out).