As one of the most useful plumbing fixtures in the house, toilets must be in excellent condition at all times. Most homeowners can tell when toilet repairs are necessary, such as minor leaks or constant running. However, how will you know when a quick fix isn’t enough? Below is more information about how to tell when you need a new toilet.

When Should You Replace a Toilet?

1. Outdated Model

Having an older toilet isn’t automatically grounds for a replacement, but if yours is 20 years or older, you should consider it. Outdated models are more likely to experience problems over time, requiring costly toilet repairs. Old plumbing parts are also challenging to find, so if you need to repair it, it will become more difficult as the years pass.

2. Frequent Repairs

Toilets should not need back-to-back repairs. If you find yourself calling a plumber for the same toilet regularly, you’re spending considerable time, energy, and money on a fixture that will develop more issues in the future. The price of installing a new model may even be lower than the total costs of past and future toilet repairs, especially if you have several issues at once.

3. Persistent Clogging

A stopped-up toilet is a common plumbing problem. However, toilets that clog repeatedly are a significant nuisance. Often, old low-flow toilets or issues with the water pressure cause recurring clogs. You can solve this issue by installing a new model that has upgraded internal components that force the water through the pipe. These versions are less likely to clog than their older counterparts.

4. Porcelain Cracks

Hairline cracks can form in the tank or bowl of your toilet over time. If these cracks grow, they can cause expensive leaks or bathroom floods. Puddles on the floor around your toilet are a reliable indication of a leak, so look inside and around the tank and bowl for visible cracks. You should replace damaged toilets before they worsen and cause more severe problems.

5. High Water Bills

If you feel that your water bills are unusually high for your residential area, inefficient plumbing fixtures may be the cause. High-efficiency toilets use fewer gallons of water per flush—about 1.6 gallons compared to the conventional 5 to 7 gallons—so you’ll see a drop in your water bills immediately after installation. A new low-flush toilet will save money and cut water waste, which benefits the environment and your wallet.

When you need reliable plumbing products to install your new toilet, trust that Specialized Plumbing Parts Supply will have everything you need. Located in Edgewood, KY, this shop carries a wide selection of top-quality plumbing supplies at competitive prices. They offer essential repair parts, as well as rare, out-of-commission parts you won’t find anywhere else. Call (859) 341-6666 to ask a knowledgeable staff member about their toilet repair and installation products. To learn more about their inventory, visit them online.