The invention and creation of toilets and sewer lines were undoubtedly crucial to humans settling down and forming dense communities. Without a means to get rid of human waste from living areas, communities would have been at risk of contracting diseases like diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio. As such, your toilet plays a significantly important home in keeping your home clean and preserving the health of your family.
But like any tool that sees regular use, toilets aren’t impervious to wear and tear. Over time, toilet components will wear down and lose their efficiency. Poor plumbing practices can also damage your toilet and reduce its lifespan. This article will discuss some of the common toilet problems Las Vegas, NV, homeowners usually face and whether they require repair or replacement.
If you notice any of the following, it’s probably time for you to call a plumber near me in your area for toilet replacement.
The Toilet is Old
On average, a toilet will last 10-15 years. But since they are among the most used home fixtures and see frequent use daily, they can wear down quickly. If your home has had several occupants for the past couple of years, the toilets in the home will wear down pretty fast. Even though an older toilet will work, it won’t be as efficient as a new one as its inner components will wear down and perform poorly. This inefficiency usually results in increased water usage as the toilet tries to compensate.
Have you noticed that you have to flush more than once when a single flush used to suffice? Are you constantly reaching out to a plumber near me in your area to repair your toilet? It may be time to replace the old-timer with a new unit.
The Toilet Tank is Cracked
A toilet consists of a tank that holds water and a bowl where all the good stuff goes. Although smaller cracks under the waterline can be patched up by a plumber near me using epoxy, large cracks under the water cannot be replaced. If the toilet bowl has a large enough crack, you may notice puddles of water around the base of the toilet. Some other signs would be that the toilet tank never fills up, and the bowl doesn’t stay full.
If your toilet is exhibiting these signs, but you cannot find a crack, the tank may have a hairline fracture beneath the waterline. In this case, you should contact a plumber near me in your area to come and inspect the toilet.
The Toilet is Running of Leaking
Toilets are designed such that the tank only releases water into the bowl when the flushing mechanism is activated. Due to various reasons, some toilet tanks will let water flow into the bowl when it isn’t in use. This creates a cycle of water wastage as the tank keeps emptying its contents into the bowl and filling up, an infinite flush, if you will. A running toilet can be caused by the following:
- Faulty overflow valve
- Disconnected toilet handle
- Broken flush valve
- Leaky fill valve
- Broken flapper chain
- Cracked flapper seal
You can check if your toilet is running by putting a little dye into the toilet tank and letting the toilet be for a couple of minutes. If you find that the bowl also has the dyed water after some time, you most likely have a leak. A running toilet can also increase your water bills significantly. Although some running toilets may require repair, some fixes simply will not work. Reach out to a plumber near me in your area to determine whether your toilet needs repair or replacement if you find out that it is running.
The Toilet is Leaking
Toilet leaks are quite tricky as they are difficult to spot visually and can go undetected for months. Many homeowners in Las Vegas, NV, only found out their toilets were leaking after their water bills spiked. You may notice small puddles of water around the base of your toilet in case of a leak. Although a loose or damaged wax ring can cause toilet leaks, it can also be caused by leaks. A leak that isn’t addressed as soon as possible could compromise the integrity of the flooring and subflooring.
If you find puddles of dirty water around the base of the toilet or your water bills increase, call a plumber near me in your area as soon as possible. You may need to replace your toilet.
The Toilet Needs Constant Repairs
Most experts recommend having a professional plumber inspect your toilet every three months. While the porcelain toilet may be quite hardy, the components inside the bowl are delicate and susceptible to damage and regular wear and tear. How often are you calling a plumber near me in your area to come and repair your toilet? If the toilet requires repairs a couple of times each month, it may be time to consider if it is worth the cost.
Toilets contain more than a dozen individual working parts, and while they may not all break down simultaneously, costs will add up if you have to bring in a plumber near me in your area to repair or replace a component every other week.
The Toilet Keeps Clogging
Older low-flow toilets are susceptible to clogs as they generally don’t have enough pressure to flush the drain and tap. Mineral deposits can also cause clogs if they build up in the drainpipe or around the drain pipe. Clogs can also be caused by a partially blocked S-trap, obstructed plumbing veins, and damaged, punctured, or restricted sewer lines. A professional plumber near me in your area will inspect the toilet to find why it keeps clogging up and determine whether it needs repair or replacement.
The Cost of Repair is More Than Half the Price of a New Toilet
A few minor repairs once in a while shouldn’t be a problem. However, if your toilet needs major costly repairs, especially if the repair costs are more than half the price of a brand new toilet, you’re better off just buying a new one. If a toilet needs such significant repairs, it’s probably too old or damaged and will require even more repairs in the future.
Professional Plumber Near Me in Las Vegas, NV
A broken toilet can throw your home into disarray. Faulty toilets will also cost you a lot due to extensive water wastage and constant repairs. Sometimes it’s better to get rid of the old toilet and replace it with a newer, more efficient unit. It may be time for a replacement if your toilet exhibits some of the signs we discussed above. Craig’s Plumbing is your ideal professional plumber in your area. We offer 24/7 emergency services, same-day service, and written estimates upfront. Contact us today for more information about our services and schedule an appointment.
