5 Telltale Signs That You Need a New Toilet




Many things may change in your home over the years, but your toilet will likely remain the same until your children leave for college. Toilets are supposed to last for decades, but that’s not always the case, though.


Several factors, including wear and tear and accidents, can abruptly cut short the life span of your commode. Even if it continues to function, you need to replace your toilet if you notice these tell-tale signs lest it causes more serious (and more expensive) problems.


Cracked Tank


Cracked tanks are the most obvious sign that you need a new toilet. Indicators of a cracked tank are fractures on the surface and puddles of water around the toilet. The tank contains water for flushing the toilet, so it will leak if there is a crack.


You can use seals and wax to block the fracture, but they will only provide a temporary solution. Sooner or later, the crack will grow too big to be sealed. It’s best to replace your toilet before the broken tank causes a flood or leads to an accident.


Wobbly Toilet


A wobbling toilet can be caused by something simple, like some loose bolts, or it can be an indicator of a more severe problem. Your toilet can be unsteady because the floor beneath is rotting away or water damaged. In this case, you need to call a professional to diagnose and solve the real problem.


Age and Inefficiency


Old toilets are not only unsightly, but they’re also terribly inefficient in terms of water usage. If you’re using toilets from 1994 and earlier, they need to be replaced.


The federal government set down a law requiring that household toilets manufactured and sold in the United States should use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. This was made effective on January 1, 1994.


Large households can benefit a lot from new and more efficient toilets, which only use about 1 to 1.3 gallons per flush, saving more water and money on bills.


Breaks on the Surface


Toilets are usually made from porcelain, which is flush-friendly, waterproof, sanitary, and sturdy. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely unbreakable although it will take a lot to break. Toilets may look plain and simple, but there’s a lot of intelligent engineering involved to get them to work that way. The design plays a crucial role in how they function.


Breaks on the porcelain may disrupt the design, interfere with the toilet mechanics, and lead to water leaks. While there are quick fixes to treat the porcelain, the best and permanent solution is to replace the entire toilet.


Needing Constant Repair


If your toilet continually breaks down, clogs, or needs repair, that is one sign that it’s reaching the end of its rope. Despite the intricate engineering that goes into making a toilet, the workings themselves are quite simple and should not need constant fixing. It may be more cost-effective to replace your toilet than to pay for repairs all the time.


Before you get a new toilet, though, you may want to consult a professional plumber first to determine if your toilet is genuinely beyond saving.


The Bottom Line


Toilets are among the sturdiest fixtures in every home, but they can break down before it’s time if you don’t use them properly. The commode is not meant to be a disposal bin, so don’t flush toilet papers, wipes, sanitary pads, and dead goldfish down the drain. It’s also not designed for a platform you can stand on.


Keep your toilet clean, avoid bumping hard objects against the porcelain, and use it as it’s meant to be used, and it will serve you for many, many years.

2 comments

  1. I've taken good care of my two toilets, but they are both 30 years old. I'll be looking into replacing them.

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  2. Thank you for sharing this great information. It will be put to good use

    ReplyDelete