Toilets are a luxury we take for granted until they start causing us problems. Here are some common issues that indicate it may be time to replace your toilet, and how to choose the best replacement for your home.
Should I Replace My Toilet?
Your toilet is a molded porcelain fixture. There is little you can do to repair a toilet once it becomes cracked or clogged with mineral deposits. Age, repairs, inefficiency and height are other reasons why replacing may be the best choice. Here are some signs that it may be time to replace your toilet.
Cracks
If you notice puddles of water around your toilet you may have cracks in the porcelain of your bowl or tank. Sometimes these are hard to see as water may migrate behind the bowl onto the floor. Toilet cracks can be a costly problem in more than just your water bill; water leaking can damage your floor and result in mold and mildew growth. If your toilet is cracked replace it right away. To diagnose a toilet crack, put dye in the tank and bowl. If the dye makes its way to your toilet bowl or floor then you probably have a crack.
Clogging
Unclogging a toilet is tricky because of the way the inside of a toilet is shaped. The first tool to try is a plunger and this may dislodge the clog. Unclogging a toilet with an auger is possible in some cases but should be done with an auger that will not scratch the finish on your bowl. Constant clogging is the first sign that a toilet needs to be replaced.
Built Up Mineral Deposits
Mineral deposits commonly collect in the holes under the rim of your bowl. Clogged inlet tubes will reduce the efficiency of your toilet making flushing waste difficult. Mineral deposits can also clog the syphon tube in your tank causing the same problem. Removing mineral deposits is possible but not easy.
Age or Plentiful Repairs
If your toilet is older, needs repairs, or perhaps you would prefer a designer color or style, it is time to consider replacement. Newer toilets flush more effectively with less water and are a better solution than making ongoing repairs on an older toilet. Older toilet bowls may have worn surfaces as well, making them unsightly and more difficult to keep clean.
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What Toilet Should I Buy?
What is the best toilet? Although that depends on your personal requirements, here are features to consider when choosing a toilet.
Height
Tall, or “comfort height” toilets are a popular choice for homeowners these days. Even an extra 2 to 3 inches in the height of a toilet can make a big difference in comfort and ease of use. Some homeowners have commented that the extra 2 to 3 inches of taller toilets seems like 12 inches, and they really like the taller toilets. Standard height toilets measure 15 to 16 inches from floor to seat top and are not as comfortable as taller toilets. Tall toilets measure 17 to 19 inches from floor to seat top and are considered ADA compliant.
Bowl Shape
Elongated bowls can also add to comfort and ease of use. For a toilet to be considered ADA compliant, it must have an elongated bowl. Round bowls may be better in tightly spaced bathrooms, and there are even designer toilets with square bowls.
Water Economy
Most newer toilets use less water than older models, but some are considerably more efficient which can save you money in the long run. High efficiency toilets (HET) flush with no more than 1.28 gallons per flush. Older toilets may use over 3 gallons per flush.
Flushing Systems
Over the years, new and more effective flush options have been invented to drive up effectiveness and performance to the max with minimal water consumption. Dual flush systems give you the choice of using small amounts of water for liquid waste or larger amounts of water for solid waste. Power flush or pressure assist toilets rely on air pressure technology instead of a water reservoir and gravity. Touchless flushing systems allow you to flush without touching the toilet, reducing the spread of germs.
One Piece and Wall Mount Toilets
Some toilets have tanks which are molded as part of the bowl making them one-piece as opposed to two-piece. One-piece toilets are often easier to clean and more fashionable than traditional two-piece toilets. Some toilets can be mounted on the wall, allowing for easy cleaning of the floor.
Consider the Seat First
The number of toilet seats types available is staggering. Soft close seats are a great option as they do not bang when you drop them, so you don’t have to bend over to close them. Lighted and heated seats are very popular, too. Raised seats are great if your joints are achy. And if fashion is your thing, seats come in all types of fun materials and colors. And you may want to invest in the luxury of a bidet toilet seat system. Not all seats come in all bowl shapes, so if you are in the market for a new toilet, you may want to consider your toilet seat first.
Call our Expert Plumbers Today to Help you Decide
Our expert plumbers are available to help you through the process of choosing your next toilet. We can also help you repair your current toilet if that is the option you choose. Call us at A-N-T-H-O-N-Y, KS or MO (913-268-4669), submit a form here: https://anthonyphc.com/schedule-service/, or chat with us at www.AnthonyPHC.com.