As one of the most-used appliances in the home, your toilet eventually wears out and needs a replacement from the local plumbing supply store. Here, review the most common signs indicating it’s time to replace your current toilet. A timely replacement avoids numerous problems, including plumbing backups, water damage, and sewage exposure.

What Are the Warning Signs You Need to Get a New Toilet?

1. Recurring Clogs

While most toilets clog several times throughout their working lives, recurring clogs over a several-week period indicates a problem beyond plunger fixes. Clogs can occur deep within plumbing systems from issues such as poor flushing practices and irregular drain cleaning services, resulting in backups that cause toxic sewage fumes to enter the home. Exposure to sewage can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, such as E.coli and salmonella.

2. Running Problems

A running toilet creates unnecessary noise and wastes water which increases your energy costs. Running toilet issues could be because the adjustable float regulating tank water levels is set too high, causing water to leak into the overflow tube. When this happens, the fill valve stays active and the toilet keeps running. Running problems can also occur when the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper is too short and the flapper remains open, allowing water to continue entering the tank.

If adjusting the float height, lengthening the flapper chain, or replacing the flapper does not solve the running issue, a new toilet from a nearby plumbing supply store provides a lasting solution.

3. Leaks

Toilet leaks from problems such as broken seals, wax rings, and flanges are relatively easy plumber fixes that prevent water damage, rot, structural damage, and mold growth. However, leaks can also occur because the toilet has cracked. And while it is possible to fix minor cracks, replacing the toilet is the best option because even small cracks will eventually widen and cause more leak-related problems, especially if the appliance is older and has experienced other issues recently. 

Shop for a new toilet at Day’s Plumbing Supply, the plumbing center serving Lexington, KY, for 44 years. Specializing in hard-to-find plumbing parts and fixtures, this plumbing supply store stocks shelves with products from leading manufacturers such as Krowne®, Delta®, and Hamilton Bathware®. Call the family-owned store today at (859) 254-6148 with plumbing supply questions or visit the website for product and service information. Like the Facebook page for more plumbing maintenance tips.