Although it is used on a daily basis and is an indispensable element of their homes, most people give little thought to their toilets. However, like other items in your home, age and usage can take its toll. So, how can you know if your toilets are in need of replacement? Here are some signs that will help you determine if a new toilet should be in your future.
- The majority of toilets are made from porcelain, which over time can develop small hairline cracks. Even a small crack will leak leading to damaged flooring and subfloors. Sometimes the bolts that hold the bowl to the floor will deteriorate due to a leak, causing the toilet to rock. While this can signal a need for the bolts to be tightened, it can also mean that the floor beneath the toilet has been damaged by a leak. An experienced plumber can help determine if a repair or replacement is needed.
- If you have an older toilet in your home, it may not flush quickly or efficiently. If that is case, updating your toilet may be worth considering. Because new regulations require toilets to use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush, upgrading an older toilet can help decrease your water usage, saving you money on water bills. Furthermore, the new dual-flush toilets uses even less water for the majority of flushes reducing your water usage even more.
- If you decide to replace your toilet, there are many options to consider, so do your research and read reviews before making your selection. Think of your family’s needs and lifestyle when choosing from the broad variety of new designs. Toilets styles today range from the standard two-piece toilet to a one-piece. Also, your decision to go with a concealed base versus an integrated base style can effect your cleaning process, so be sure you understand what you are buying.
- As you are probably aware, you can still choose from a round style seat or an elongated style seat. And though white is still the most popular toilet color, there are many other color options to consider, depending on the other materials used in your bathroom.
- Seat height can also be a consideration. The majority of toilets sold are a standard 17-inch seat height, but there is also a “comfort height” available at 19 inches. These are beneficial particularly for anyone in your family who has problems getting into and out of sitting positions.
Giving a little thought and TLC to your toilet can prevent damage to your bathroom flooring and floor structure. So keep an eye out for small leaks, or movement of your toilet, to know when it’s time to replace your toilet and you’ll be more apt to avoid bigger and more expensive problems.
