A home’s plumbing system and fixtures, such as the toilet, are often not given much thought and taken for granted. That is, only taken for granted until a problem arises such as a clogged toilet, a toilet leak, or other plumbing problem.

The fact is, toilets are a molded porcelain fixture, and little can be done once a toilet has become cracked or clogged up with mineral deposits. And, of course, there are other situations in which to replace a toilet, such as bathroom remodeling or changing toilet designs. What follows are common situations which may signal it’s time to replace the toilet in your home.

CRACKS IN THE TOILET

Toilet cracks can be difficult to spot. Water can migrate behind the bowl onto the floor. If you notice water on the floor around the toilet, you can diagnose a hairline leak by putting food coloring in the toilet basin and tank. If you see the colored water around the toilet, you’ve got a cracked toilet or tank. Cracked toilets should be replaced right away to prevent mold and mildew buildup.

ACCUMULATION OF MINERAL DEPOSIT

Water flushes out the toilet bowl via small holes around the rim of the bowl. When mineral deposits accumulate, these holes and inlet tubes become clogged and reduce the efficiency of flushing waste down the toilet. Also, mineral deposits can clog the syphon tube in the toilet tank and cause the same problem. Removing the mineral deposits from the bowl or tank is possible but isn’t easy.

AGE OR REPAIRS

If your toilet needs repairs, is getting older, or perhaps you are considering a new style or designer color, it could be time to replace your toilet. Rather than making ongoing repairs on your older toilet, consider a new toilet that will flush more efficiently, use less water, and look great in your bathroom! Older toilets may have worn surfaces that make them more unsightly and troubling to keep clean.

CHOOSING A NEW TOILET

Just like any other plumbing appliance or fixture in your home that needs replacing, choosing a new toilet takes some thought and consideration. Following are some of the common points to consider when buying and installing a new toilet:

  • Toilet Seat: You may be surprised by the number of toilet seat types and styles there are available. Soft seats, lighted seats, and heated seats have increased in popularity. Then you have raised seats if you have achy joints. You also have different colors and materials to choose from.
  • Bowl Shape: Round bowls may work functionally better in smaller bathrooms. However, elongated bowls add to comfort and ease of use.
  • Water Economy: Your older toilet could use more than three gallons per flush. That’s a lot of water waste. Consider a new high efficiency toilet (HET) that flushes only 1.28 gallons per flush. That’s a huge water savings.
  • Height: Taller and “comfort height” toilets are more popular these days as they are easier to use for many folks. Even an extra few inches can make a big difference. Standard toilets measure about 15 inches from the floor to the seat top, while “tall” toilets measure about 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the seat top (and are ADA compliant).
  • Flushing Systems: Old toilets simply had one type of flushing mechanism. Today’s new toilets offer more flushing mechanisms that are more water efficient, such as a dual-flush system. There’s also pressure assist and power flush toilets that rely on air pressure technology rather than gravity.

If it’s time to replace your toilet or some other plumbing fixture or appliance in your home, contact the plumbing pros at MN Plumbing & Home Services today!