Most homeowners think of a new refrigerator, big screen TV, or premium washer when they think of home upgrades. Toilets are rarely at the forefront, and it’s important to recognize when they need to be replaced. They’re one of the most-used fixtures in your home, and making a timely replacement will ensure you don’t suffer the consequences of a faulty plumbing fixture.

When Should You Replace Your Toilet?

1. Cracking

A cracked tank means that water is going to be, or already is, leaking out of the toilet. Even a small trickle can cause serious damage to your flooring, and it’s only going to worsen. Repairing and replacing these tanks isn’t cheap, and the cost often warrants a new purchase.

2. Aging 

While toilets can last up to 50 years, most begin to develop problems around the 25-year mark. These aging fixtures may clog more often, have cosmetic damage, or not use water efficiently. Rather than trying to keep a dated fixture alive, upgrade to a new model. There are high-efficiency toilets available that have low-flow options to conserve water, and you’ll also find they’re less likely to clog.

3. Wobbling

A wobbling toilet could be an easy fix or an indicator of a serious problem that has gone unnoticed for too long. Check the floor bolts on the plumbing fixture first. If they just need to be tightened, the toilet is probably fine. If the fixture is wobbling despite the bolts being tight, it means a leak somewhere has been rotting the flooring beneath. Turn the water off and replace the toilet right away. You’ll probably need to repair the flooring beneath.

4. Repairing 

Toilets that warrant a second or third round of repairs aren’t going to get better. This is a clear sign that the plumbing fixture is on its way out, and the collective cost of repeat repairs will eventually surpass the price of a new toilet.

 

If you need a hand installing plumbing fixtures, contact Big River Plumbing. This contractor provides 24/7 emergency assistance to St. Paul, MN, residents and brings 20 years of experience to every job. They’ll help with water heater maintenance, plumbing repairs, bathroom remodeling, and more. Explore their services on their website and connect on Facebook for more plumbing tips. You can call (612) 286-5662 to schedule an inspection.