How often should a toilet be replaced?

Author: Ava Greenfelder  |  Last update: Friday, July 18, 2025

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 know when a toilet needs to be replaced?

If you think that it might be time for you to replace your toilet, here are the warning signs that you should keep an eye out for.
  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.

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.

Should I replace my 20 year old toilet?

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.

What does a handyman charge to install a toilet?

With average costs for toilet installation ranging from $224 to $533, most people around the country are paying $374 for toilet installation costs. While they are paying $120 on the lower end, installation costs can go as high as $826 in some cases.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

What is the symptoms of a bad wax ring on a toilet?

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.

Is a rubber toilet seal better than wax?

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.

Should I replace a 20 year old toilet?

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.

How do you know when you need a new toilet?

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 much would replacing a toilet cost?

The total cost of replacing your downstairs toilet can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. However, as a general rule of thumb, expect to spend between £200 and £800 for the entire project. The installation process typically takes 1-3 hours for a standard toilet and 2-4 hours for a wall-hung toilet.

How much should a plumber charge to replace a toilet?

Toilet Replacement Labor

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.

How to dispose of an old toilet?

4 Ways to Dispose of Your Toilet
  1. Ask About Curbside Pickup. Trash and recycling companies have varied policies when it comes to the pickup of old toilets, so it's best to call ahead and check. ...
  2. Landfills and Solid Waste Transfer. ...
  3. Recycle. ...
  4. Donate to Charity.

How long do toilet flanges last?

Water Leaking From the Base of the Toilet

Flanges last for about 5-20 years.

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