9 Warning Signs You Must Replace Your Toilet

The average person uses their toilet at least three times a day, making it one of the most frequently used fixtures in a home. It is important to keep this essential piece of equipment in good condition so that it can function properly and not cause any unsanitary problems.

Plumber Brisbane North owner Charlie McCarthy explains that If you are like most people, you probably do not think about your toilet until there is something wrong with it. And when that happens, it can be an expensive and inconvenient fix. In some cases, it might be time to replace your toilet altogether.

How does a toilet function?

To understand how a toilet works, it is first important to understand the different parts of a toilet. The main components of a toilet are the bowl, the tank, and the flushing mechanism. The bowl is where you sit when you use the toilet and the tank stores water that is used for flushing. The flushing mechanism uses water from the tank to clean the bowl.

The process of how a toilet does its thing starts at that moment you sit down on the seat. The weight of your body causes the flushing mechanism to be activated, which in turn starts the flow of water from the tank into the bowl. The water then washes away any waste or dirt and flushes it down the drain. Once you are finished using the toilet, the flushing mechanism is again activated and the water in the bowl is drained away.

The following list details some warning signs that indicate it might be time to replace your toilet.

1. Your toilet has been in your home for over 10 years. Toilets typically last for about a decade, so if yours is older than that, it may likely be starting to show its age. It may have cracks in the bowl or tank, or the flushing mechanism may not be working as well as it used to.

2. You have to jiggle the handle to get the toilet to flush. If you have to keep moving the toilet handle back and forth to get it to flush, that’s a sign that the flushing mechanism is on its last legs.

3. The water does not seem to be going down the drain properly. If the water does not seem to be draining quickly or completely, that could be a sign of a clog or other drainage issue.

4. You see evidence of water leakage around the base of the toilet. Leaks are not only unsightly but can also lead to damage being done to your flooring.

5. The toilet seat is loose. A loose seat can be a safety hazard, as it can easily come off and cause someone to fall.

6. The toilet is constantly clogging. If your toilet is clogging up regularly, that’s a sign that it needs to be replaced.

7. You hear strange noises coming from the toilet. If you start hearing weird noises coming from your toilet, like gurgling or hissing, that could be a sign of a problem.

8. The water in the bowl is discoloured. If the water in your toilet bowl is murky or has an unpleasant odour, that could be a sign that it is time to buy a new one.

9. You have to use excessive amounts of water to flush the toilet. If you find yourself having to use more than a gallon of water to flush your toilet, that could be a sign that it’s time for a new one.

Most people do not concern themselves with the state of their toilet until it is too late. By that time, they have no choice but to replace it. But if you know the warning signs, you can replace your toilet before it becomes a problem.

If you or anyone else at home experiences or encounters any of the warning signs posted above, it might be time to replace your old toilet with a new one. Contact a plumbing professional for assistance in choosing the right model and getting it installed.