How Long Do Toilets Last? Signs You Need to Replace Yours

Long-lasting and reliable, your toilet is one of the most essential fixtures in your home. Eventually, however, even the most durable toilet reaches the end of its working life and needs replacing. Some problems, like a broken flapper valve or chain, have simple DIY solutions. Others require the assistance of a professional plumber, and still others indicate it's time for a new porcelain throne. Join us as we explain when to replace a toilet. 

How Long Do Toilets Last?

The working life expectancy of a toilet is approximately 25 years, depending on maintenance and wear and tear. The average household replaces its toilets every 10 to 15 years, often during bathroom renovations. Properly cared for, a well-made toilet can last over half a century (although it will have a decidedly old-fashioned appearance). 

5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Toilet

Constantly Running 

A running toilet is often a sign of a broken flapper valve or faulty float ball, which are easily fixed. If the toilet continues to run after replacing the flapper valve and other internal components, you may be looking at a more serious problem, especially in older fixtures. 

Cracks in the Tank or Bowl

Water on the floor around a toilet may indicate cracks in the toilet bowl or tank. Add some food dye to the tank water to test for cracks. Cracks become discolored as the dye seeps through, and water on the floor will change color. A cracked bowl or tank means it’s time to replace the fixture. 

Inefficient Flushing

A toilet flush should take 4 to 7 seconds to clear the bowl. Older toilets tend to be less effective than new models regarding water conservation. Modern standard toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush, with high-efficiency toilets using 1.28 gallons or less. In contrast, toilets from the 1980s use 3.5 gallons or more. If your water bill is high, upgrading your toilet can help lower costs. 

Excessive Clogging

The occasional clogged toilet is just a fact of life. If your toilet clogs more than once a week or seemingly randomly, it may be time for a replacement. Older low-flush toilets are especially susceptible to clogs and should be replaced with newer models that use improved low-flush technology. 

Leaking

Leaking toilets may be due to worn-out flappers or damage to the wax ring that seals the toilet base to the floor. Flappers are easy to replace, while wax rings do require temporarily removing the toilet to replace the ring. Leaks due to cracks in the fixture usually mean it's time to replace the entire toilet. 

Repairing vs. Replacing

Not all faulty toilets need replacing, but if it gets to the point where easy repairs have no impact, you should consider a new model. Consider replacing your toilet if: 

• The bowl or tank is cracked and leaking.
• You have to call a plumber several times to fix the same issue.
• The toilet runs constantly, no matter what you do. 
• The toilet clogs frequently or requires multiple flushes. 
• The toilet leaks from the base or below the waterline. 
• The toilet was made before 1994.
• Your water bill seems unusually high. 

Choosing a New Toilet 

When choosing a new toilet, consider the following: 

• The toilet dimensions. Measure the rough-in size (the distance from the wall to the bolts that attach your current toilet to the floor).
• Check the features of possible new toilets, including height, antimicrobial coats, and the shape of the bowl. 
• Look for toilets that are WaterSense certified to use 1.6 gallons per flush or less. 

Types of Toilets

• Two-piece toilets are standard toilets with a separate tank mounted on a base. 
• Bidet toilets use a cleaning spray instead of toilet paper. 
• Elongated toilets have an extra-long bowl and seat. 
• One-piece toilets contain the bowl and tank in one unit for a sleek look and easy cleaning. 
• Round toilets have a round bowl and are typically shorter and wider than standard models. 
• Wall-hung toilets are attached to the wall rather than mounted to the floor. 

Flush Systems

Not all toilets use the same flush system. Options include: 

• Dual-flush toilets have one button for fluid waste and one for solid waste. The fluid waste button triggers a low-flow half flush that conserves water.
• Gravity flush toilets use the weight of water in the tank for the flush. 
• Low-flow toilets use as little water as possible—sometimes as little as 0.8 gallons per flush. 
• Pressure-assist toilets use a sealed pressure tank for a stronger flush and reduced risk of clogs. 
• Siphon jet toilets combine water pressure from the tank with water jets that push waste through the trapway.

Let Roto-Rooter Help You Flush Away Your Toilet Woes

Toilet repairs are no fun, and toilet replacement requires extensive DIY skills. Make life easier on yourself and call Roto-Rooter. We’ll evaluate your toilet’s troubles and give you the straight goods on whether repairs or replacement is better. Whether you need help with a clogged toilet or want an all-new installation for a bathroom renovation, we’ll ensure your next flush is worry-free!