Should a 20 year old toilet be replaced?

Author: Ashlynn Buckridge Sr.  |  Last update: Saturday, January 24, 2026

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 you need a new toilet?

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 average life expectancy of a toilet?

On average, most toilets will have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, even with regular use. The lifespan may vary depending on the toilet model and the wear and tear it experiences over the years. Most toilets will start to give you warning signs indicating the time for replacement is near.

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.

How do you know when a toilet goes bad?

If you frequently see a puddle of water around your toilet, this could indicate that you have cracks in your tank. Even if the toilet appears to be working properly - flushing well, not clogged, not running - but there is water around the bottom, it could mean there are cracks in the bowl.

How To Install And Replace Your Old Toilet To A BETTER Efficient One! DIY

Should I replace my 20 year old toilet?

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 much does a new toilet cost?

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

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.

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.

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.

Should I keep my old toilet?

The Toilet's Age

A general rule of thumb is to replace a toilet around every 25 years, though your mileage may vary. You might also want to consider replacing your toilet if it was installed before 1994.

Is American Standard a good toilet?

In terms of performance, American Standard toilets use excellent flushing and water-refilling technology to produce great results. Each flush with an American Standard toilet uses 1.28 gallons of water, meaning they're also very water efficient.

How long should 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.

Is it better to fix a toilet or buy a new one?

If the leak is above the water line, you may only need a repair. On the other hand, if the leak is below the water line on the toilet bowl, there's a good chance you need to replace the toilet. In most cases, a replacement is the best solution.

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 I need a plumber to replace a toilet?

An experienced handyperson can likely replace your toilet. The exception would be if there are more plumbing issues that need to be fixed.

How do you know if 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.

At what age should a toilet be replaced?

According to the Energy Policy Act of 1992, toilets installed after 1994 must have a flush volume of 1.6 gallons per flush. Toilets manufactured before this policy went into effect used between 3.5 to 5 gallons. The bottom line on aging toilets? If you know your toilet is at least 25 years old, consider replacing it.

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.

How much should I pay for a good toilet?

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.

Is TOTO better than Kohler?

Who is better TOTO or Kohler? TOTO surpasses Kohler in several aspects, making it the superior choice for bathroom fixtures. TOTO products are known for their cutting-edge technology, offering innovative features like water-saving mechanisms and advanced bidet functionality.

What is number 1 toilet?

Number one is for pee (issue of first nature) and number two is for poo (issue of second nature) associated with human bodily function.

How much does Home Depot charge for installing a toilet?

The cost of toilet installation at Home Depot can vary depending on several factors such as the type of toilet, location, and any additional services needed. On average, a basic toilet installation by Home Depot can cost between $122 and $240.

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.

Does Lowes offer toilet installation?

If you don't have the time or skill needed to complete this project yourself, Lowe's has you covered with our toilet installation service.

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