An average household in Canada has 3-4 toilets. Amazing, right? However, if old toilets start giving you problems, you might assume that they need replacements. Installing new ones might be a good option, but if the fixtures still have issues, they may not be ideal solutions for those current problems. Knowing how to fix minor issues can help to solve those issues and avoid investing in a new one. Importantly, you must also know when to repair and when to seektoilet replacement services.
Toilet Replacement
Although repairs may save you the costs of investing in new toilets, there are instances when replacement is a cost-effective option. For instance, if you frequently repair your toilets, then it means you need to replace them. Frequent repairs are clear signs that there is a problem with your toilet. Other instances include the following:
- Wobbles – Before you hire a plumber to replace your toilet, first tighten seat bolts. Next, consider replacing the wax seal. If these simple fixes don’t suffice, then you have to contact an expert to replace the wobbly toilet. Wobbling is often a clear sign that the fixture can spring serious leaks any time from now.
- Cracked porcelains – If there is a crack just below the bowl or tank’s waterline, then you have to replace your toilet. An expert can patch a crack in porcelain, but this won’t be a long-term solution. Instead, the crack will continue to weaken the structure. While it might not look like much, cracks may slowly leak water, and even worse than, the gaps can expand/extend and result in further damage.
- Aging fixtures – If your toilets are already ten years old or more, chances are, they have worn out internal components. This may result in reduced functionality and frequent repairs. Upgrading to newer models won’t just offer your improved performance. It will also lower your monthly utility bills and save water.
Toilet Repair
One thing we always need to remember – our toilets require regular and preventative maintenance. This should include regularly looking for cracks and other issues. If there are issues, repairing them can help to prevent further damage. Through inspection, too, an expert can also determine whether your toilets need repairs. Here are the factors that an expert will consider to know whether or not to offer you repair services:
- Clogged Toilets
Occasional clogs are completely normal, and you may easily fix them without an expert’s help. However, if they clog more often, you will need to hire a professional plumber.
- Running Toilets
If your toilets keep on running, there is a chance that flapper valves are not sealed properly. Fixing them is easy and may only require replacement of some parts.
- Not Flushing
Probably you have been faced with this problem because we’ve been there, too. Fortunately, flushing toilet problems aren’t always serious, and usually, their cause is very easy to note down, like faulty flappers, broken chains, or low water level in the toilet’s tank.
The bottom line is that, always hire an experienced plumber whenever you have toilet issues. The expert will first assess those problems to determine whether you need a toilet repair or replacement.