In our last blog, we provided some fairly simple step-by-step instructions for how to replace your toilet flapper. An old and worn out toilet flapper is something that is fairly easy to replace without the help of a professional plumber. Ideally, once you’ve done the whole “out with the old and in with the new” thing, your toilet should no longer leak or present that strange flushing sound without provocation.
But what if the issue isn’t resolved? What if you keep hearing that drip-drip-drip and notice that the toilet seems to want to flush on its own? Unfortunately, you may need to replace the toilet completely.
Here are four signs it’s time to replace your toilet:
1. It frequently clogs.
Last month, we posted a blog that covered what to do in the event of a nasty toilet overflow. Although the “fix up and clean up” process is fairly simple one, it isn’t something you want to be doing on a regular basis. Is your toilet simply not flushing properly? If you have an older toilet, it may have a smaller trapway. This is the S-shaped pipe that carries wastewater from inside the bowl to the plumbing in your floor. The smaller the pipe, the more prone it is to clogs.
It’s important to note that older toilet models do not have the pressure that new toilets have. This pressure is needed to push waste consistently through the drain and trap.
2. It’s constantly running.
Does your toilet regularly sound like it’s filling up? This is both annoying and wasteful. Remember that a constantly running toilet can significantly spike your water bill. As we mentioned, this issue if usually due to a faulty flapper. However, if your flapper replacement hasn’t remedied the problem, you have a bigger concern on your hands. A new toilet will help you use your water more efficiently, saving you money in the long run.
3. It’s cracking up.
This is actually no laughing matter. Do you notice any hairline fractures in your toilet tank or bowl? They may seem insignificant, but they can lead to catastrophe. One of the last things you want to have happen in your bathroom is a flood. Cracks in your toilet can cause leaks that can end up flooding your bathroom. Both damaged flooring and mould development can result from such an occurrence.
Cracks in your toilet are a general result of structural damage that can’t necessarily be repaired. The tiniest of cracks might be reparable with plumber’s epoxy. This is a putty that forms a waterproof seal. However, if the crack in your toilet bowl or tank is more than 1.5 millimetres wide, it’s time for a replacement.
4. It’s wobbly.
Toilets are well known for sitting firmly in place. If you have one that doesn’t exactly provide stable seating, it might be time to pull it up from the bathroom floor. There may even be an issue with the toilet’s foundation. The problem could be anything from loose mounting bolts to rotting floorboards. The bottom line is not to ignore your wobbly toilet. A new, securely installed toilet will ensure both safety and stability.
Could you use some help with a toilet installation? Please don’t hesitate to call 2 Bro’s Plumbing at 905-556-0790. You can also email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca.
