But, the rule of thumb is to replace your toilet every 25 years, due to damage and regular wear and tear. If you have an older toilet, you should consider newer model toilets as they will be more efficient in conserving water and utility costs.
Toilets themselves last indefinitely if they aren't damaged. The rubber, plastic and metal components do degrade over time. They are usually replaceable but sometimes the labor is more costly than a new toilet.
The average homeowner typically replaces their toilet every 10 to 15 years. However, when properly cared for, a toilet can last up to 50 years or longer. Toilets usually show signs that they need a repair or replacement, but some reach the end of their lifespan with little or no physical signs.
The labor cost for installing a toilet can range from $150 to $450 on average, but it can increase based on the complexity of the job and local labor rates. The basic labor usually includes removing the old toilet, installing the new one, and connecting it to existing water and drain lines.
A toilet installation can take between 1 and 4 hours, although this may vary according to your expertise, experience, and the kind of toilet. We always recommend that you hire a reliable plumber for this kind of project because it is quite complex.
While basic models are straightforward in design and function, more expensive ones might incorporate attributes such as dual-flush capabilities (for water conservation), soft-closing seats, bidet functions, automated cleaning options, and even heated seating.
It boils down to something much simpler — size. That's right, not every toilet fits in every bathroom. You need to make sure to measure your existing toilet accurately to ensure that the new one will fit in its place. Here's how to ensure your replacement toilet will fit in your bathroom.
The wax ring is exactly what it sounds like: a ring made of sticky wax that helps form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe. It requires no maintenance and can last 30 or more years, often as long as the toilet itself. But sometimes wax rings can dry out, crumble, and fail prematurely.
You can expect a Kohler toilet to last anywhere from 20-40 years depending on your family size and usage frequency.
Complex Installation: Replacing a toilet involves more than just physical labor. It requires knowledge of plumbing systems, the ability to ensure a proper seal with the floor flange, and the skill to connect the water supply without leaks.
When the federal government mandated that new toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, manufacturers had to develop a toilet that would achieve this but that would also flush properly (clear the bowl) and carry the waste to the city sewer or septic system. Some of the early models did not do this properly.
A licensed plumber will ensure your new toilet is properly hooked up and the plumbing lines are in good shape. A plumber can also perform any major repairs, such as drainpipe replacement. If the floor or wall sustains any damage during the installation, you'll want to bring in a flooring and drywall contractor.
A well-maintained toilet can last up to 50 years. However, as mentioned previously, toilets near or beyond the 50-year mark today are vastly outdated regarding modern manufacturing standards. Consider inspecting your toilet for signs of outdated features or old age at the 10-15 year mark.
An Array of Repairs = Replace Your Toilet
Repairs may include replacing the handle, the toilet flapper, the fill valve, and many other issues inside the tank. If there are multiple repairs needed at once, it may be more cost-efficient to hire a plumber to replace your toilet.
Reasons to Caulk Around a Toilet
Moisture Prevention: Without caulk around the toilet base, external water can seep under the toilet, leading to floor and subfloor damage over time. This is especially important in bathrooms with wooden floors, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rot and structural issues.
The first sign of a bad toilet ring is water forming around the base of the toilet. To test that a bad seal is the problem, grab a couple of towels and wipe up the water. Go on with your day, checking periodically to see if the water has returned.
Reusable: Unlike wax rings, rubber gaskets can be repositioned without losing their sealing capability. Temperature-resilient: Rubber gaskets are less affected by temperature fluctuations. Easy installation: Rubber gaskets are less messy and easier to handle.
One of the biggest selling points of a one-piece toilet is its ease of cleaning. With no pesky crevices or seams between the tank and bowl, there's less chance for dirt, grime, or bacteria to hide. This makes it a hygienic option, perfect for those who dread the idea of scrubbing tight spots.
Another toilet shape myth that needs busting is the belief that you can't replace a round toilet with an elongated model. Again, this is false. The shape of the fixture doesn't affect its connection to the pipe.
How Much Should you spend on a Good Toilet? One-piece toilets can range in price from as low as $100 to as high as $5,000 for certain models, although the majority fall within the $250 to $600 range, with an average cost of around $500.
There are several reasons, the biggest being their commitment to using high quality materials Kohler's dedication to craftmanship, R&D, The strong reputation and brand recognition and advertising. This blog looks at the answers behind Kohler's perceived high cost.