Your toilet has an important job — but dealing with a sudden clog, leak, or flush-related issue can be a real pain in the butt. Do you need to replace the toilet, or will a simple repair do the trick? All the possibilities are enough to make your head spin.
Some plumbing problems are easy to fix by yourself, such as replacing a toilet seat or removing a simple toilet paper clog. However, there are some issues that will require the intervention of a professional plumber. It’s helpful to know when you should repair or replace your toilet so that you can ensure you’re making the best (and most cost-effective) decision.
Below, we’ll review some factors that can affect whether you repair vs. replace toilets.
Frequent Repairs
If you’re unsure when to repair vs. replace toilets, it can be useful to take a look at your recent history with your local plumber. Are you picking up the phone every few weeks to schedule toilet repairs? If so, it might be time to replace your toilet.
As toilets start to age, they can experience several problems that require professional repair. If you have an older toilet that’s constantly experiencing difficulties, scheduling a replacement could end up being the most cost-effective solution. This way, you won’t have to worry about paying for frequent repairs.
Water Leaks
A leaky toilet is no laughing matter. When left unchecked, a toilet leak can waste gallons upon gallons of water, leading to higher water bills. Of course, toilet leaks can vary in severity, and some situations can be fixed with a water leak repair service, while others will require a full-on replacement.
Consider the Location of the Leak
So, how do you know if you should repair or replace your toilet when it has a leak? You’ll want to look at the location of the leak. For example, if your toilet is constantly running, this is considered an interior leak and can usually have an easy fix. Your plumber might need to replace the fill valve or the flapper.
Now, let’s talk about leaks on the exterior of your toilet. There’s no beating around the bush: if there’s a hairline crack in the toilet tank, you’ll need to replace the tank as soon as possible. Even the smallest active leaks can turn into gushing bursts in a short amount of time.
If there’s a crack in the porcelain bowl, you’ll want to look at whether the crack is above or below the water level. When there’s a crack below the average water level, you’ll need to replace the toilet. Also, if there’s a leak at the bottom of the toilet, you can simply replace the wax seal, which is an easy fix.
Flushing Problems
Are you having trouble flushing your toilet? Are you concerned about low water levels in the bowl? If so, you’re probably wondering whether to repair vs. replace toilets with these problems.
In most cases, flushing issues can be resolved with a professional repair service. For instance, the plumber might need to replace the handle or switch out the flapper.
Recurring Clogs
Sure, a toilet can clog from time to time, but you shouldn’t be dealing with constant blockages. If your toilet keeps clogging over and over again (and not because you’re overloading it with toilet paper), it might be time to call your Fresno plumbing company for a replacement.
Some older “low flush” toilets clog easily. Although these toilets were designed to save water, they often don’t have enough power to remove waste in an effective manner.
Should you repair or replace your toilet if it keeps clogged? Really, the choice is up to you. If you have an older, low-flush toilet, replacing it with a newer model might be the best solution. This way, you can avoid frustrating clogs in the future.
Replace or Repair Your Toilet With the Pros!
Should you repair or replace your toilet? As you can see, the answer to this question depends on your specific situation. Leaks, clogs, and flushing troubles can all have different needs. Hopefully, this guide has been helpful and has made it easier for you to know whether to repair vs. replace toilets.
Whether you’re interested in buying a new toilet or repairing your current one, turn to Lee’s Air, Plumbing & Heating! Our plumbing experts have years of experience to bring you some of the best solutions around. We can assist you with everything from toilet services to leak detection in Fresno, CA, and the surrounding areas.
You can count on one of our professional plumbers to replace or fix the toilet in your home with ease. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
