How old are the toilets in your home? Something that is frequently overlooked when it comes to DIY and home renovation projects is the toilet. This is because it is easy to lose track of regular home maintenance when it involves something which is so frequently overlooked.
However, there are many signs that your toilet could need replacing which are worth being aware of. These include toilet tank not filling and more. Here are five signs that you could need to replace your toilet, or update the inner workings.
Cracked Tank
Firstly, a toilet that is not working properly could have a cracked tank. This can limit how well your toilet performs, and end up using more water than it needs to. Puddles on the floor surrounding the base of your toilet can be a sign of a cracked tank that is leaking, and it is important to fix this or replace the toilet.
Remember that you will need to thoroughly inspect the inside and outside of the tank when you are checking for this. They are not always visible immediately, so it is worth taking a closer look where possible. If you find a crack below the water line in your toilet, then it is worth replacing rather than attempting to fix.
Leaking
Another way that your toilet can be losing water and increasing your monthly utility bill is if it is leaking. This can be a sign that the fittings are worn out, or that the toilet is no longer working correctly. It is important to get this fixed or replace your toilet as soon as possible when you notice any leaking so that you can prevent any substantial money lost on your water bill.
Not only can a leaking toilet become pricey when it comes to your water bill, but it can go months unnoticed. This is especially true if the leak is small and generally difficult to notice. If a leaking toilet is not repaired fairly quickly, then it can damage the flooring in your bathroom. This can cost a lot of money to replace, especially if significant damage has been caused.
If you have just noticed a leaking toilet, and you want to assess the damage, it could be worth speaking to a local contractor or plumber who can determine the extent of the damage. They can also provide you with suggestions on the structural changes and price of repair if necessary.
Flush Doesn’t Stop
It is perfectly normal for toilets to keep running for a little while after flushing. However, it should be a sign that you need to replace the toilet if you can still hear water running several minutes after flushing. This usually happens when the valve isn’t sealing properly, which can be caused by damage that is made over time.
Similar to a leaking toilet, a toilet that is constantly trying to refill itself after flushing can waste a lot of water. Even if you are not ready to replace the entire toilet, it is worth contacting a plumber or replacing the flapper valve.
Regular Clogging
If you find yourself using the plunger on your toilet more frequently during a regular week, then it is probably time to replace your toilet. Unless you have children who like to flush their toys down the toilet, then a regularly clogging toilet is a toilet that is not working efficiently anymore.
While some of these issues can be caused by a blockage further down in the pipes, it is important to replace the toilet if it is unable to do its job.
A Wobbly Toilet
When the toilet seat begins to wobble, it could need to have the screw tightened on the frame. However, a wobbly toilet can be a sign of significant water damage. In some cases, the floor has become severely damaged by a water leak, which has caused the screws holding the toilet in place to become loose.
If you have a wobbly toilet, or you are concerned about the frame becoming loose, then it is worth contacting a plumber or someone who has more experience dealing with complex issues such as these.
Summary
Toilets are commonly overlooked in many households, but it is worth replacing them when they begin to show signs of damage or deterioration. In many cases, there is no harm in contacting a plumber for advice or to get their professional opinion. Make sure you contact help when your toilet has two or more of the signs above.
