Is it Time for a New Toilet?
Indoor plumbing has existed in one form or another for thousands of years, but few things make as much of a difference in our lives — or are taken as much for granted — as the humble flush toilet. So let’s give it some thought; namely, whether or not it’s time for a new toilet. If your porcelain throne has lost some of its luster, here’s when it’s time to call Ace Plumbing for toilet replacement.
Age
A toilet can last up to fifty years. Just because it can last that long doesn’t mean you should wait that long to replace it, however. As we get further along in this list, you’ll find some more criteria that can narrow your decision.
Efficiency
Federal standards for toilets are currently 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF). California toilet standards are much stricter; toilets installed here may use no more than 1.28 GPF. The toilet police won’t be coming to your home to check, but if you’re trying to save water, 1.28 GPF is much lower than the 2 GPF (or higher) from many older toilets. It doesn’t seem like a big difference, but over the course of a year it certainly adds up.
Condition
Many components of your toilet are made of porcelain. Over time, the porcelain in the tank or bowl can crack, leading to leaks that can undermine your floors. That’s not the worst of it, since it’s not only the clean water that leaks. You can end up with some nasty bacteria and pathogens taking up residence in your bathroom if you’re not careful.
You should also call a plumber if your toilet wobbles. Sometimes this is a simple matter of a bolt or two needing tightening. However, if a toilet has leaked for some time without you realizing it, it may have undermined the floor boards and studs beneath, creating hazardous conditions that need quick repair.
Frequent Repairs
While most of your toilet is very durable, some parts will need replacement over the course of its life. However, if you find those repairs are coming more and more frequently, you’re also going to find minor costs adding up to a point where it may be less expensive (and much less of a hassle) to just get a new toilet installed.
Ergonomics
There’s one last thing worth considering even if your toilet is in perfect working order. If you compare an older toilet’s construction to a newer model, you’re going to notice a few things. Toilets are higher, wider, and a bit longer than they used to be. Sometimes space constraints call for using an older-style toilet, but it can be a good idea to consider a newer model for many reasons. Not only are they more efficient and easier to clean, they’re also friendlier to people with joint or mobility issues. So if you or a loved one is aging, a new toilet can have a key place in a renovation, especially if you’re making changes with accessibility in mind.
Ace Plumbing helps homeowners in Sacramento, Woodland, and Rocklin with a host of home plumbing needs. Besides toilet replacement, you can call on us for septic service, bathroom fixtures, common plumbing repairs, and much more. We’re always a phone call away at 916-455-4548.