How do you know if you need a new toilet?

Author: Prof. Marielle Upton  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

If you experience clogs more than once a week, or the clogs seem random and odd, you should probably replace your toilet. If you don't want to lose the water-saving benefits of a low-flush toilet, simply replace your current toilet with a more efficient and effective commode.

How do you tell if your toilet needs to be replaced?

Signs You Need to Replace an Old Toilet In Your Ottawa Home
  1. Consistently Clogging. ...
  2. The Bowl or Tank Are Cracked. ...
  3. You've Noticed a Spike in Your Water Bill. ...
  4. The Toilet Moves When You Sit on It. ...
  5. It Needs Too Many Repairs. ...
  6. Visual Scratches. ...
  7. Faulty Flushing. ...
  8. The Tank or Bowl Don't Refill With Water.

How often does a toilet need to be replaced?

Like we mentioned, a toilet does have a lifespan. While they can last a very long time, it depends entirely on the owner's maintenance. On average, toilets can last up to 50 years if they are properly maintained. But, the rule of thumb is to replace your toilet every 25 years, due to damage and regular wear and tear.

What is the average life of a toilet?

One of the most used fixtures in your home, the toilet, on average has a lifespan of 10-15 years. For being used as often as it is, the toilet can withstand a lot. Unfortunately, there will come a time when you need to replace your toilet.

Is it cheaper to fix a toilet or replace it?

Some problems require expensive, complicated repairs. If you encounter these issues frequently, scheduling a replacement will most likely be the most cost-effective solution, as you can save money.

When Should You Replace Your Toilet? | 6 Signs It May Be Time For a Toilet Replacement

How long should it take a plumber to replace a toilet?

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.

Can you replace an old toilet with any new toilet?

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.

What happens when a toilet goes bad?

After years of use, the mechanical parts of a toilet will wear out. For example, rubber flappers will dry out, crack, and leak. The harder your water is, the worse it is on metal components like pull chains. Mineral deposits will also reduce the flow of water through the rim holes under the lip of the toilet bowl.

How long should a toilet wax ring last?

Once installed, a wax seal should last the life of the toilet, 20 or 30 years, without needing to be changed. There are times, though, when the wax ring needs to be replaced, such as when your toilet begins to leak around the base or starts rocking.

Should I call a plumber to replace a toilet?

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.

How can I tell how old my toilet is?

If the flush volume is 1.28 gpf or less, it does not qualify for a free replacement because your toilet is already considered to be one that saves water. The manufacture date, if present, is often stamped inside the tank on the back wall or on the bottom of the tank lid.

Is replacing a toilet a big job?

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.

How do you test a toilet?

Put 10-15 drops of food coloring or a dye tablet in the toilet tank. Wait 30 minutes without flushing. After 30 minutes, if the water in the bowl turns color, your toilet tank is leaking. Replace the parts inside your toilet tank.

Do toilets need to be serviced?

Toilets are an essential part of our daily lives, and their regular maintenance is crucial to keep them functioning properly. The most common maintenance problems include clogs, leaky flappers, broken flush valves, and running toilets.

How to improve toilet flush strength?

6 Ways to Get a Stronger Toilet Flush in 2023
  1. Clean The Rim Jets. The rim jets are holes in the toilet's base where water comes from when you flush. ...
  2. Fix Any Clogs. ...
  3. Adjust The Water Refill Tube. ...
  4. Reposition or Replace The Flapper. ...
  5. Open The Water Valve. ...
  6. Adjust The Float.

What are the signs that you need a new toilet?

8 Signs Your Toilet Needs to Be Replaced
  • Constant Clogging. Nobody likes to deal with a clogged toilet. ...
  • Cracks. When you notice puddles of water around your toilet, you may want to check for cracks in the porcelain. ...
  • Plentiful Repairs. ...
  • Excessive Age. ...
  • Wobbling. ...
  • Inefficient Flushing. ...
  • Surface Damages. ...
  • Built-Up Mineral Deposits.

How much does it cost to replace a toilet?

How much does it cost to replace a toilet? Replacing a toilet costs between $275 and $480 in most cases, and the average cost sits around $375. This includes removing the old toilet and installing the new toilet.

What is the life expectancy of a 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.

When should a toilet be replaced?

5 Signs Your Toilet Needs to Be Replaced
  1. Water puddles. If you frequently see a puddle of water around your toilet, this could indicate that you have cracks in your tank. ...
  2. Old age. ...
  3. A wobbly base. ...
  4. Frequent repairs. ...
  5. Outdated style (round bowl).

Can you replace a regular toilet with an elongated toilet?

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.

Do I need a plumber to fit a new toilet?

It's not too difficult to replace your old toilet, as long as you can connect it to an existing branch of the soil pipe. But if you want to add a new toilet in another part of your home, you should get a professional plumber to connect into the main soil pipe.

Should you caulk around a 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.

Should you hire a plumber to replace a toilet?

Hiring a professional plumber for toilet replacement ensures the project meets all the necessary building codes and regulations, providing peace of mind and protecting you from potential code issues. Building codes often include specifications regarding accessibility, especially for individuals with disabilities.

Does a new toilet come with a wax ring?

Toilets usually include a wax ring. However, it's best to purchase a backup wax ring in case of damage during installation. You can also use a wax-free ring. These types of rings fix on the flange, rather than the toilet outlet.

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