When Is It Time to Replace a Running Toilet?

The toilet is one of the most frequently used plumbing fixtures in your home. Although these fixtures are designed to withstand persistent use for several years, there comes a time when they reach the end of their useful life. Unless your toilet stops functioning altogether, it can be challenging to determine when to contact a professional plumber for a toilet replacement. At Access Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand that most homeowners may avoid a toilet replacement due to the inconveniences associated with it. For this reason, we strive to make the process a breeze.
Here are common toilet problems that warrant a complete replacement.

1. Age

Toilets are designed to work reliably for decades with minimal maintenance and care. But like everything else in your home, they don’t last forever. Over time, the components of your toilet will start wearing out or breaking down. Once this occurs, replacing the entire toilet is the best choice. Doing so might lower the risk of leaks and water damage in your bathroom.

Although toilets age differently, it’s best to have yours inspected if it’s over 25 years old. If you live in a vintage home and are unsure if the previous owner ever replaced the toilets, schedule an inspection with Access Heating & Air Conditioning. There’s a likelihood that your existing toilets are old and at risk of developing problems.

2. Regular Repairs

It’s imperative to have a plumber you can rely on whenever you face emergency water leaks and damage, but you should not have to contact them every week. If you’re dealing with constant toilet repairs, it’s time for toilet replacement. At Access Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re here to help you keep your plumbing system in perfect condition, but we don’t want you to suffer through constant repairs week after week. Once you install a new toilet, you’ll have fewer repair needs, saving money.

3. Leaks

Even minor leaks can cause considerable damage to your bathroom. As water pools around the toilet’s base, it can soak into the subflooring, causing it to rot. It’s essential to inspect the base of your toilet frequently. If you notice any collecting on the floor, contact Access Heating & Air Conditioning.

We’ll inspect your toilet to determine whether the leaks are due to a broken flange, worn-out components, or even cracks at the base of the toilet. Although we can repair these types of damage, the repairs offer a temporary solution, and you’ll need to replace the toilet in the long run. However, by replacing it as soon as you notice an active leak, you’ll prevent extensive water damage from occurring in the first place.

4. Cracked Tank

Your toilet’s tank holds water at all times. This water gets used whenever you flush and fills the bowl to make the toilet usable again. When the tank cracks, water can seep through the toilet and out of your home. Even minor cracks can result in considerable water wastage, and water exposure can damage the subflooring over time. Also, it can lead to mold and mildew growth, putting your family’s health at risk.

Although you can repair these issues, it can be costly and time-consuming. Moreover, the leaking water will cause a spike in your water bill. With a new toilet in place, however, you’ll minimize the risk of water damage in your home and the amount of water you use monthly, saving you money.

5. Inadequate Flushing

When a toilet is in pristine condition, it should be able to flush waste away from your home with a single flush. But over time, toilets might not produce enough force to push waste down your main sewer line in a single flush. This isn’t only frustrating, but it can waste a lot of water every time you flush.

If you’re flushing several times to dispose of a small amount of toilet paper, contact the pros at Access Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll inspect your toilet to determine if the flushing problem is due to a clog in your pipes or the toilet’s internal components. You can avoid these toilet flush issues by installing a new, water-efficient toilet, which uses less water per flush and can guarantee years of reliable use.

6. Constant Clogging

Whether in a commercial or residential setting, it’s common for toilet clogs to occur occasionally. However, if you are dealing with a clogged toilet more than once every week or the obstructions seem random and odd, it might be time for a new toilet. Recurring toilet clogs might indicate a bigger problem with your sewer line. Our plumbers can perform a sewer camera inspection to determine the exact cause of clogging and offer an effective solution.

7. Wobbling

If your toilet wobbles, it could mean that the screws have become loose and need to be fixed. However, wobbling can indicate a more significant problem. It’s possible that the floor underneath the toilet could be rotting or damaged by water. So, if you notice that your toilet moves whenever you sit on it, contact Access Heating & Air Conditioning to check it out.

8. Persistent Running

If you flush your toilet and it continues running for an extended period, this might be due to a damaged rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank. A running toilet can be frustrating and waste a lot of water. You can quickly address this problem by replacing the flapper valve. But what happens when you replace this component but the toilet keeps running? This could indicate a more significant problem with the toilet itself, mainly if it’s an old fixture.

9. Visible Damage

With constant use, porcelain toilets can sustain a considerable degree of surface damage, including dings and scratches both inside and outside the bowl. Although it’s natural for your toilet to wear out, visible defects can make it difficult to keep it clean and sanitized. This is particularly common in older toilets that have been scrubbed severally over their lifespan. Replacing an old, worn toilet with a new one can help you keep cleaning requirements to a minimum, provide years of dependable use, and lower your monthly water bill.

10. Toilet Won’t Flush

Whether you have a massive clog or some other issue with the toilet, an inability to flush is a severe problem, particularly if you have one toilet in your home. We can unclog the toilet or install a new flushing mechanism to address this problem. If the problem persists, then it’s time to invest in a new toilet.

Rely on the Experts

If you’re experiencing any of these issues or know it’s time to replace a toilet in your home, don’t hesitate to contact the pros at Access Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll assess your home and help you get the best replacement toilet for your needs. We have been offering exceptional plumbing services, including water heater services and plumbing installations, in Boise, ID for over 50 years, so you can count on us to provide the right solution to your problem.

Contact Access Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment.