Toilets are an important part of everyday living. In general, toilets are very simple to operate and repair. Most parts are also easily removed. Although working on a toilet can be low maintenance, at some point you will need to replace the toilet rather than repair it.

You use your toilet anywhere from four to 15 times per day depending on how many people live in your household. Over the course of only one year that equals thousands of flushes!

Although your toilet may be able to last as long as 50 years, you will need to replace your toilet once it is worn out. This might be anywhere from five years up to 50! Despite your toilet being able to last for a very long time, you should at least replace your toilet seat every five years.

Reasons To Replace Your Toilet

Since your toilet is made out of porcelain, it will most likely last for a very long time. The best way to know when to replace your toilet is to look for a few signs.

It Clogs Often

Although every toilet may clog occasionally, if it is clogging all the time then you have a problem. How often a toilet becomes clogged depends on the strength of its flush. It also has to do with the cleanliness of its drain pipes, as well as what it is trying to flush.

If your toilet clogs more than once per month you may have mineral deposits built up in the top of the drain. These deposits can also be within the pipes as well. These deposits make it harder for water and waste to pass through your pipes. Typically, in old toilets or those with a weak flush, the minerals are not washed away from the pipe.

Before replacing your toilet due to malfunctions, have your drain pipes professionally cleaned. If your drain pipes are clean and your toilet still clogs, you should purchase a new one.

You Can See Visual Scratches

When the surface of your toilet becomes worn, it can be more difficult to clean. The older a toilet gets, the more often it will need to be cleaned as well. Sometimes, replacing your toilet with visual scratches will save you a lot of time cleaning it.

The Bowl or Tank Are Cracked

Since toilets and bathtubs are made of porcelain, they are both waterproof and durable. Despite this, porcelain can crack. If your toilet is leaking then you will see the results of a crack. Even if your toilet isn’t leaking yet, you can still have hairline cracks. These cracks can spread and eventually destroy the entire toilet.

You should always look for cracks or leaks when you clean your toilet. Be sure to use gloves and feel around the wax sealing. This can be found at the base of the toilet. You should also look at the intake pipe behind the toilet, and all around the entire structure.

Although some cracks and leaks can be safely repaired, others may require a replacement. Leaks can cause major water damage in a bathroom; it could also possibly cause damage to your floor that provides enough give to have your toilet fall through the floor!

Your Water Bill is Rising

If you have recently noticed that your water bill has been rising, then you might think about how you can cut down on your water usage. What you might not realize is that your toilet may be the culprit.

When toilets get older, they also need to work harder. Some old models were simply made inefficient, while others are getting older and become inefficient. Either way, new toilets offer low-flow options that can save you a huge amount of money on your water bill.

It Wobbles When You Sit on It

Anytime your toilet wobbles, wiggles, or shifts when you sit on it, it is a very bad sign. Your toilet should never move in any way. If it does, then it will need to be replaced. This is because it is a signifier that it is incorrectly sealed. These toilets can leak and even damage plumbing.

The first thing you should check if your toilet is wobbling is if the bolts are tight. Sometimes this may be the fix to your problem, while other times you may have something more serious.

If you tighten the bolts and your toilet is still moving in any way, you should call a plumber. You may be able to fix your toilet, but chances are that you may need to replace it.

Was it Built Before 1994?

Although some plumbers state that your toilet can last up to 50 years, in the United States there is a federal law that states any toilet built before 1994, which holds more than 1.6 gallons per flush, must be replaced.

How Often Should You Replace Your Toilet Brush?

Your toilet brush is essential to keep your toilet clean and without bacteria. Although some home experts say you should replace a toilet brush every six months, it can depend on how often it is used. This means it may be necessary to replace it less or more often.

Brush Appearance

When the bristles of your toilet brush become yellow or orange, it is time to replace it. This will be obvious, and it will be more difficult to properly clean your toilet when it does.

Bristles Sticking Together

If you put on a pair of rubber gloves, you can confidently touch your brush. Rub a finger over the bristles and see if they stick to one another. If they do, then it is time to replace the brush. You never want to use a brush with any residue.

How to Extend the Life Of Your Toilet Brush

If you choose to put in the effort to disinfect your toilet brush after every use then you can extend its life. To do this, hold the brush in the toilet water after cleaning the toilet.

Leave the brush in cleaning detergent and flush the bowl while leaving it in there. Then you can soak the brush in a bucket that has a 10% bleach solution for 20 minutes. This will help to reduce the chance of bacteria growing on the bristles.

Related Questions

Do I need to replace my toilet if it has stains?

Although a toilet with stains may look bad, it does not make it less functional. If you can handle having toilet stains then there should be no issue. If you see stains on a toilet younger than 10 years old, you may have some other problem that needs to be identified.

My toilet flush recently become weak, why is this?

Clogged rim holes may be the culprit of your weak flushing toilet. Although most people have not heard of rim holes, they are located in the bowl under the rim. Once the toilet is flushed, water goes through the rim holes and into the bowl. When these become clogged your toilet may not flush as effectively. You can use a small wire to clean out the holes or you can purchase a new toilet.