How long does a toilet last?

Author: Kasandra Mills  |  Last update: Friday, June 6, 2025

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.

How often should you replace your toilet?

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.

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.

What is the average life expectancy 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.

How long does a toilet flush last?

It's an entire process that typically takes about 15 seconds.

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

How much does a new toilet cost?

Replacing a toilet costs between $275 and $480 in most cases, and the average cost sits around $375.

How often should toilets be cleaned?

The answer is that you can't really clean your toilet too much, but Lysol® recommends you clean your toilet weekly. What to use to clean a toilet? Before you tackle the task, make sure you have everything you need to clean a toilet with: A toilet brush.

Should I replace a 15 year old toilet?

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 However, as mentioned previously, toilets near or beyond the 50-year mark today are vastly outdated regarding modern manufacturing standards. Consider inspecting your toilet for signs of outdated features or old age at the 10-15 year mark.

Can a toilet last 100 years?

You might have heard that toilets can last upwards of 100 years and, in most cases, that's true. Porcelain is a sturdy and durable material that does not damage easily. Although the same can't be said for your toilet's inner workings, smaller parts are often replaced on an “as-needed” basis.

How long do toilet wax rings last?

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.

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.

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.

What is the best rated toilet?

Our best overall pick, the Toto Drake Cotton Elongated Standard Height Toilet, is made with vitreous china. We recommend our best budget pick, the Swiss Madison St. Tropez Elongated Vortex Toilet, for a porcelain option.

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 do I know if my toilet needs to be replaced?

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 long does a porcelain toilet last?

Average Lifespan

However, on average, a well-maintained and high-quality porcelain toilet can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years. With regular care, proper maintenance, and attention to potential issues, you can maximize the lifespan of your toilet and potentially extend it beyond the average.

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.

How long does a Kohler toilet last?

You can expect a Kohler toilet to last anywhere from 20-40 years depending on your family size and usage frequency.

Can a toilet last 30 years?

How Often Should I Replace My Toilet? Toilets can last for up to 50 years under average conditions. However, this doesn't mean that you won't need to spend money maintaining it throughout its useful life. Furthermore, there are many factors that could cause your toilet to fail in less than 50 years.

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.

Do newer toilets flush better?

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.

Should you flush the toilet after every pee?

People should still flush their toilets at least once a day. "Things like to grow in urine and after a while the chlorine will inactivate in the toilet bowl water. It will being to bubble away and things will begin to grow. The odor will increase so it can get disgusting, smell bad and stain your toilet," he said.

How often should I change bed sheets?

To cut to the chase, Dr Browning says we should be changing our sheets once a week, or every two weeks at the most.

How often should you put vinegar in your toilet tank?

Add a cup of white distilled vinegar to the tank once a month. Leave it to sit overnight and then flush it in the morning. Check for sediment buildup and staining every month or so. This may be especially important if you have hard water or if you have a toilet that doesn't get used very much.

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