9 Signs It’s Time To Call A Plumber To Replace Your Toilet | Irving, TX
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Toilets can often feel like a staple of the home. You might have to call in the plumber for an occasional problem, but generally speaking, you don’t think about your toilet too much. However, your toilet does have an expiration date and will eventually need replacing. The average toilet lasts 50 years, but its lifespan can be shortened with a variety of factors such as many residents in a house. If you’re starting to suspect your toilet needs to be replaced, watch for the signs on this list. Any of these nine signs might be a warning you may need to call a plumber soon.
Age
Sure, a toilet can last 50 years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it should! If your toilet is over 25 years old, it might be time to call a plumber for an inspection to see if it’s best to replace it now before it completely dies. An aging toilet will start to perform worse and worse over time, so waiting until it’s completely broken isn’t always the best choice. Additionally, models that are decades old are less-efficient, use more water, and increase your utility bills.
Endless Clogs
Every toilet clogs once in a while. This is especially true if you have children who like to throw small trinkets into the toilet all the time. However, if you find yourself addressing a clog every day or every week for seemingly no reason, it might be a sign your toilet is breaking down. Continuous clogging can start to impact your pipes and cause more havoc to your plumbing system.
When you call a professional, they will first confirm that the issue isn’t your pipeline. If it’s not the pipeline, a shiny new toilet may be the recommendation.
Leaking Toilet
Unfortunately, toilet leaks can (and often do) go undetected for several months. One of the only warning signs you have a leaking toilet is that your water bill skyrockets even though household use has remained the same. Leaking toilets can slowly cause damage to your flooring and to the rooms below. If you suspect a leaking toilet, call a professional to be sure, but be prepared that a toilet replacement is in your near future.
Running Toilet
Have you noticed that your toilet is continuously running, like a never-ending flush? After a regular flush, there will be a short amount of time when you’ll still hear water running. But, if the sound doesn’t stop, you definitely have a toilet issue. Not only does this produce an annoying noise, but it also wastes water and money. Sometimes, a running toilet is an easy fix, and you only need to replace the flapper. However, if that doesn’t solve the problem, then you will need to replace the whole appliance instead.
Cracks
If you ever notice a puddle of water forming around your toilet, there’s likely a crack in the toilet tank. Look at your toilet and try to locate the break. If the crack is above the waterline, it might be a simple repair. However, cracks below the waterline are more complicated, and it’s often recommended you replace the toilet instead.
Never ignore cracks, even if your toilet continues to work. The pooling water can damage your floors, waste water, and even cause mildew growth in the home.
Pro Tip: Just because you can’t see the crack, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Hairline cracks are nearly invisible and much more difficult for the average homeowner to find. If you don’t see the break on your own, call in a plumber for a more thorough inspection.
Constant Calls to the Plumber
As long as someone in your house isn’t flushing down incorrect items, toilets shouldn’t need constant calls to the plumber. If you find yourself calling the plumber every couple of weeks, your toilet may be giving out and needs to be replaced. Those repair costs add up. It’s often cheaper to replace the toilet versus paying a professional every other week.
Wobbling Toilet
No one likes to sit on the toilet at home and feel it wobble unsteadily underneath them. If your toilet is shaking, it might just be because of loose screws. A professional can come in and tighten the screws quickly. On the other hand, wobbling can be a sign of a much bigger problem. A toilet may be wobbling because the floor underneath the toilet is rotting away or weakened from water damage. A professional needs to check out a wobbling toilet as soon as possible to give you a diagnosis and solution.
Worn Down, Scratched, or Cracked Toilet
This replacement issue is more cosmetic than functional. If your toilet is worn down, scratched, or cracked, it can make it harder to clean. These imperfections can make your toilet look dirty, even when it’s not, which can take away from your home’s aesthetic. Small scratches and cracks can lead to deeper problems down the road too. If you find this issue bugging you, it might be time for a toilet replacement.
Mineral Deposit Build Up
If you live in an area with hard water, you’ve probably experienced mineral deposit buildup in other areas of your home. The mineral deposits in hard water can result in limescale and other buildups on your toilet porcelain. This is, on the one hand, a cosmetic issue, making your toilet appear dirty. On the other hand, if mineral deposits aren’t cleaned off right away, they can stop water from flowing effectively, making the toilet inefficient. If you can’t get the mineral buildup off yourself, consider calling in a plumber for help.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain
For anyone looking for a plumber in Irving, TX, BlueFrog Plumbing is the top choice. The bluefrog Plumbing + Drain franchise in Irving, TX, has been serving the local community for years, providing only the best in plumbing service. Don’t live with a toilet that is breaking, increasing your water bill, or making you embarrassed to have company. Our professional plumbers can come by for a toilet inspection and advise if you need a simple repair or a full toilet replacement. Book online for an appointment today.
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