Is It Time to Replace Your Toilet?

Your toilet is like a good friend in your bathroom, isn’t it? Or is it an enemy of your household? Some toilets just don’t work very well. Leaks, scratches, wasted water and poor functionality can all make using the toilet a far less pleasant experience. Fortunately, new toilets don’t cost that much, and installation is relatively easy. If your toilet has any of the problems listed below, then it may be time to get a new toilet.

Your Toilet is More Than 25 Years Old

In the 1950’s, toilets used 7 gallons of water for each flush. That’s a lot of water! Toilets improved with each decade, using less and less water as time progressed. Legislation mandating low flow toilets began to pass in the 1990’s, which means that if your toilet is more than 25 years old, it’s probably not a low flow model. Your home could be wasting gallons of water with each flush, which is taking a toll on your water bill and the environment. Replacing your toilet could save you money and reduce the amount of wastewater that your home produces.

You Have to Flush Repeatedly

When low-flow models were first invented, they lacked flushing power to move solid waste through the pipes. Many people who owned low flow toilets in the 1990’s overcame these challenges by flushing more than once when moving solid waste through the pipes. Doing this doubles your water usage and wastes water. If you have to flush your toilet repeatedly to clear the water in the bowl, this is a sign that you own one of the early low flow models.

Times have changed and low flow toilets work much better now. Replacing your toilet with a modern low flow model will reduce your water usage and reduce the need to flush twice whenever you do a number 2.

Cracks and Leaks

Porcelain can crack over time. Hairline cracks are more than just a cosmetic problem; they’re also a potential leak. You may not notice water leaking from the hairline cracks in your toilet bowl, but these cracks can grow larger and can begin to leak at any time. If your toilet bowl develops cracks, it should be replaced even if it doesn’t leak at first.

You Need More Space in Your Bathroom

Normal toilets can take up a lot of space. If your bathroom is very small and you’re redecorating for more space, one of the best ways that you can make more floor space in your bathroom is to replace the toilet with a more space efficient model. Some of the most space efficient toilets include:

• Pull chain models. It’s not a joke, pull chain toilets still exist and they look really cool in vintage style bathrooms. Pull chain toilets have a smaller footprint in your bathroom because the water tank is mounted on the wall near the ceiling, allowing the bowl to hug the wall.
• Wall mounted models. Wall mounted toilets are most common in public bathrooms, but you can find residential grade models as well. Like pull chain toilets, wall mounted toilets have a smaller footprint and take up less space in the bathroom.

The Darn Thing Keeps Breaking

Toilets can wear out over time, just like other fixtures in your home. If your toilet breaks more than twice in a year, it may be time to think about getting a newer, sturdier model. You’ll save money on plumbing repairs, and you’ll also save time and reduce your aggravation.

Contact Terry’s Plumbing

At Terry’s Plumbing, we sell toilets, install toilets and perform toilet repairs when they’re needed. To replace your toilet or fix your plumbing, contact us today at (412) 364-9114. We can discuss toilet models, talk about your toilet problems, administer advice and make plumbing installations as needed!