Toilets are not the most delightful parts of our homes. We may prefer to avoid thinking about them entirely. But sometimes giving a little attention to whether your toilet needs replacing now can save you from considerable frustration and expense in the future.
Read on to learn what to look for, based on advice from your local experts in plumbing in Catalina, AZ.
Puddles
If your toilet can often be found sitting in a soggy spot, and it’s not from the imprecise efforts of potty-training toddlers, there is definite cause for concern. There may be a crack in the tank or toilet bowl, and even a hard-to-spot hairline crack can cause significant leakage. This is not only unpleasant underfoot, it can soak into your floorboards, causing rot and damage deep into the structure of your house.
Clogs
Of course, clogged toilets are an unfortunate reality of life. But a toilet that works properly won’t be clogging due to normal, unavoidable use on a regular basis. If you find yourself spending a little too much quality time with the plunger, you might consider how much a new toilet would increase your quality of life.
Frequent Repairs
If you are spending too much of your precious free time trying to fix your toilet yourself, or spending too much of your money on frequent professional repairs, having a new toilet installed may be the less-costly, less-risky option.
Wobbling
If a toilet wobbles, it’s not just disconcerting when you sit on it. It may be a sign of a serious concern. Perhaps you just need a quick visit from a plumber to align everything properly and be sure the bolts are securely tightened. But a wobble can also indicate a problem with the floor beneath the toilet—and if that floor has suffered water damage, the toilet itself is to blame.
Inefficient Water Use
Does your toilet take a long time to refill the tank? Does it go through a great deal of water each time you flush? This is particularly likely to be the case with an older toilet, which typically uses three to five gallons of water per flush. Modern, efficient toilets only use one to two gallons, saving you time on the tank refill and money on the water bill.
Mineral Deposit Build-Up
The gradual deposits of minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium from hard water are unsightly and hard to remove. But the problem goes beyond that. The buildup can slowly narrow your pipes over the years, leaving less space for water to flow through. This can contribute to some of the other problems on this list, like inefficiency and frequent clogs.
Damage to the Ceramic Surface
When there are scratches or surface damage, a new toilet will be more aesthetically pleasing. There is a more important reason to consider replacing a scratched toilet, though. A surface that is not smooth will be difficult to clean. That means that bacteria might remain even after you clean your toilet.
Contact Picture Rocks Cooling Heating & Plumbing today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We’re available to get you a quality plumber.