Are There Any Warning Signs That You May Need a New Toilet?
Although many believe that toilets are a life-long investment and will never need to be replaced, certain circumstances make it clear that you need a new one. Perhaps you have noticed some discoloration on the ceramic, or the flushing system is causing you issues. According to the plumbing pros in Parma Ohio, the average toilet should last over twenty years with proper care.
Either way, sometimes these signals are tricky to understand and can be easily brushed off, but it is crucial to identify them as soon as possible to avoid further complications. This article will teach you the most important warning signs that you need to be aware of before replacing your toilet.
Do Toilets Wear Out?
Yes. In most cases, your toilet will start to wear out after several years of being used, especially its mechanical parts, which may cause it to stop flushing correctly.
Its rubber flappers can dry out and break, which may cause leaks. The water pressure can also cause its metal components to rust and create holes in them, which is why it is crucial to properly maintain your faucets to make them last much longer.
Still, you must watch out for the following signs that indicate you need a new toilet.
Clogs and Overflows
This is one of the most common and annoying problems toilets can cause, and it always ends up in disgusting plunging and mopping to make everything tidy again. Older toilets have outdated flushing technology that can increase the chances of having this problem, but it can happen in all toilets.
If you have to plunge your toilet more than once a week, you should stop trying to make it work, as it is unlikely to get any better. The best option is to replace it altogether.
Constant Running
Another common issue in toilets is constant running, which is a clear indicator of a damaged flapper or float. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the whole toilet needs to be replaced, as flappers are cheap and easy to replace.
Still, it doesn’t hurt to run a simple dye test to check whether the flapper is leaking or the water level is too high. Either way, fix this problem as soon as possible before spending tons of money on your utility bills.
Poor Flush
Poor flush can usually be caused by a clogged siphon jet, low water levels, or damaged mechanical parts. Therefore, you must consider several factors to determine what’s preventing your toilet from flushing properly.
You can look into your tank and check its water levels. If they are wrong, you can adjust your valve with a simple screwdriver. On the other hand, there could be some obstruction at the bottom of the tank, which you must scratch off with care to not damage the bowl.
Bottom Line
These are the most common toilet complications you will encounter but remember that although some of them can be fixed, if your toilet is too compromised, the best thing to do is replace it and avoid uncomfortable situations with your guests.