The following are key signs that your toilet may need replacement. Feel free to contact us if you think that any of the following may be relevant to you.
The tank is showing cracks
If you frequently see a puddle of water around your toilet, this could be more than a simple leak: You could have cracks in your cistern, and the toilet may need to be replaced. A plumber can help you ascertain if it’s an issue that can be fixed. If the toilet appears to be working properly – flushing well, not blocked and no running water – but there appears to be water around the base of the toilet cistern or pan, that could mean there are cracks in the toilet pan or cistern.
You feel the toilet moving
A toilet that wobbles or rocks is not normal. If your toilet is unsteady, call a plumber right away to evaluate the problem. While it could be a simple matter of tightening some bolts, it could also mean that the floor underneath is damaged or rotting and you’ll need to have it professionally repaired.
You’ve had to fix it regularly
If you’ve had to call a plumber several times in the past few years to have your toilet repaired, it may be time to purchase a new one. It will likely save you money in the long run.
You have a round bowl
While there’s nothing drastically wrong with your round bowl, replacing it with an elongated model is worth considering. These type of bowls tend to be more comfortable than round ones because they allow for more seating room. An elongated bowl also stays cleaner and allows fewer odors to escape, according to Consumer Reports. Round bowls do have a slightly smaller footprint, but if you have room, consider making the switch.
The toilet is very old
Whether your toilet is working properly, if you have had the same one for decades you may want to consider replacing it. Older toilets are likely to be less efficient than newer ones, which means they could be driving up your water bill without you even knowing. Most older style toilets use 9-10 litre of water to flush and most likely have a single flush button unlike the new types that only use 6 litres of water to flush and have a dual flush button. Advancements made in the past few years have resulted in toilets that use significantly less water. If your toilet has not been replaced since the mid 1990s, it may be time for a new one. When shopping for a more efficient model, you may want to consider one that offers dual-flush technology and has a star rating. The dual flush gives you the option of a partial flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste, so you can use less water while still flushing every time.