5 Signs You Need a New Toilet

Most people rely on their plumbing systems to a degree that almost seems like dependency. Without the proper piping in place, you can find yourself dealing with a number of gross and unappealing problems.

Of course, the centrepiece of this modern reliance is the toilet, which disposes of all manner of unsavoury objects and without which many of us would struggle to maintain a quality standard of living.

However, like any other, this equipment can become dated over time, creating a new array of problems. So, how exactly do you know when you need a new toilet? That’s what this article seeks to answer.

1. Constant Clogging

The most obvious sign that you need a new toilet is if it’s just not working correctly. Nothing’s worse than a clogged toilet, and while it’s not uncommon to run into this issue every once in a while, you know it’s serious if it becomes more frequent.

Recurrent or random clogs can be a sign of needing a new toilet. If you have an old low-flush toilet you may find yourself experiencing stoppages far too often. If clogs are happening more than once a week, or the clogs don’t seem to be caused by anything, you probably need to replace your toilet.

Of course, if you still want to save water with this new toilet, consider replacing it with a new unit that’s efficient in utility usage. Most modern toilets in the low-flush category are much better than they once were and you’ll like the upgrade.

If you don’t catch this issue early you may have to deal with overflowing water which is a calamity you do not want to face.

2. Running Constantly

Another, less gross, issue is if there’s constant running of the toilet or if it spontaneously refills without any prompting. This is usually a sign of a warm or damaged flapper or an improperly adjusted float.

This is a relatively inexpensive fix, as flappers themselves are cheap and easy to replace for an expert. The best way to diagnose this issue is to put dye in the water and see if it leaks from the flapper. If it doesn’t, you may want to check that the water level is not too high and inadvertently running into the overflow pipe, but likely this is something you want an expert to examine in closer detail.

Other reasons for this problem that require professional maintenance include cracks or leaks in old floats.

This is another issue you want to tackle early as otherwise, you may find yourself staring down the barrel of an incredibly expensive utility and hydro bill at the end of the month.

3. Cracks and Damage

While this can seem like a more superficial cosmetic issue, in reality, it’s anything but.

Considering that most toilets are made out of porcelain it makes sense that you might run into issues with the cracking of the bowl. Even fractures of the lid are quite common but these are usually cheaper to replace.

Regardless, if you notice any sort of cracks in the toilet you should stop using it immediately. This is because of the potential for leakage. Feel the floor around the toilet for evidence of water damage, as cracks can lead to these leaks or even cause sewage water to escape back into your house which is a nightmare scenario.

To fix this, get a new toilet installed and consult an expert about dealing with any surrounding water damage. Another way to test for cracks is to use dye in the water to see if any of it leaks out.

4. Constant Repairs

Another more obvious sign that something is wrong is if you find yourself having to repair the toilet way too often. Toilets shouldn’t need to be constantly repaired, so if you find yourself regularly calling a plumber to fix the toilet and its issues, it may be time to replace it.

While maintenance visits are cheaper in the long run, their frequency can stack up to be significantly more expensive than just a full replacement. Similarly, if your toilet needs multiple repairs at once, a full replacement might be worthwhile.

Discuss it with your plumber and figure out which option best suits your needs.

5. Hissing or Trickling Sounds

This is yet another sign that your toilet is facing serious issues. If the tank is emitting hissing or trickling sounds, it may be because the internal tank components, like the fill valve and float, either need adjustment or are just worn out.

If your water trickles down into the tank from a supply line, the fix may simply be a stuck float in need of adjustment or a refill tube inserted too far in. If the plumber’s adjustments here don’t solve the issues you may have to ask them to go the extra mile and replace the entire fill valve/ball cock assembly.

Again, this might be a situation where it makes more sense to invest in a new toilet.

Closing Thoughts

So there are quite a few signs that tell you it’s time to get a new toilet. Thankfully, the vast majority of these indicators are easy to notice, allowing you to call in expert help early.

Now that you know all the signs that you need a new toilet, you may find that you are in need of some top-notch toilet maintenance. After all, the toilet is an integral part of your home and if it’s not performing well you may find yourself running into a variety of issues.

To learn more about why you might need a new toilet, call Drain King Plumbers at 833-983-5663 or contact us here.