When Is It Time to Repair or Replace the Toilets in My Home?

Gauging whether your toilets need repairs or a total replacement can be difficult. On the one hand, it would be preferable if you only had to repair it, as that would seemingly cost a lot less. But on the other hand, if your toilet needs to be replaced, having it repaired may only delay the inevitable while racking up unnecessary expenses from frequent repairs or water damage. With accurate information and investigation, you can determine for yourself whether you need to repair or replace your toilet.

​​Signs You Need to Repair Your Toilet

For minor issues such as a running toilet or a small leak, repair is often the best course of action. Addressing these problems quickly and thoroughly can prevent further damage and delay a full replacement, saving you time and money.

Constantly Running Water

If your toilet continues to run even after flushing, the most common cause is a faulty flapper valve or a worn-out fill valve. The flapper valve controls the water flow from the tank to the bowl. When it malfunctions, the toilet won’t stop running. A malfunctioning fill valve can cause the toilet to continuously refill, leading to higher water bills. Replacing these parts will restore your toilet and help you avoid preemptively replacing your toilet.

Weak or Incomplete Flushing

If your toilet is struggling to flush waste effectively or requires multiple flushes to clear the bowl, there may be a problem with the flushing mechanism, such as a clogged rim jet or a worn-out flapper. The rim water jets help to keep your toilet clean; if they’re unable to function due to dirt buildup, it will interfere with the flow of water and expose your home to a host of harmful bacteria colonies. Having a professional fix rim jet problems or replace the flapper will help your toilet flush properly again.

Leaking Toilet

If you notice water pooling around the base of your toilet, you could have a leak. This could be due to a faulty wax ring or a loose connection between the tank and bowl. The wax ring seals the pipe connecting your toilet to the sewer system. If the ring deteriorates or dries out, your toilet could feel wobbly and an odorous stench could be seeping out from the exposed pipe. Promptly repairing the leak is crucial in preventing water damage and mold growth. If it’s an older toilet, it might have more leaks in the future, meaning that replacing it now might be more cost-effective.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Toilet

Not all issues can be solved with repairs. It might be time to consider toilet replacement if you’re experiencing more substantial problems, including:

Frequent Clogs and Repairs

If you find yourself repeatedly fixing various toilet issues, including recurrent clogs that happen multiple times a week, it may be a sign that your toilet has reached the end of its lifespan. Constant repairs can become costly – investing in a new toilet could help provide a more long-term and reliable solution, saving you more in the long run.

Cracks or Damage

Cracks in the porcelain bowl or tank are another indication that a replacement is necessary. These cracks can lead to irreversible leaks, resulting in water damage to your floors and walls. If the crack is below the water line, it means the toilet’s tank needs to be replaced. At that point, replacing the whole toilet might be the less expensive long-term solution.

Outdated Design and Inefficiency

Although toilets can last for 50 years, there are other factors at play that might make it better to replace them before the end of their usable life. For instance, older toilets waste more water per flush compared to newer, water-efficient models – a stark difference of 3.5 to five-gallon per flush volume to today’s mere two gallons. By replacing your outdated toilet with a modern low-flow or dual-flush toilet, you can save water and reduce your utility bills.

Mineral Deposits

As the sixth hardest-water state in the U.S., Texas water is notoriously hard on plumbing fixtures. Hard water is full of minerals that can build up and cause issues in your toilet, impeding the water flow and hindering its efficiency. While you can occasionally clean the build-up yourself, if it has persisted and accumulated over decades, it may be near impossible to clear, meaning it might be time to replace your toilet.

Arlington, TX Homeowners Can Relax with Hassle-Free Toilet Repair and Installation from Tom’s Mechanical, Inc.

The experienced plumbers at Tom’s Mechanical, Inc. are always ready to help with 24/7 emergency repair services. For over 60 years, we’ve been providing top-quality service to the community, providing superior repair, replacement and installation services to return your bathroom to normal as soon as possible. Call (817) 277-4493 or visit our website to schedule an appointment today.