It’s probably safe to say you don’t think about the plumbing fixtures in your home all that often — including your toilet. However, when something goes wrong with your toilet, this sudden complication can throw your entire routine out of whack.
Whether you’re dealing with a hairline crack on the bowl, water leaking at the base, or some other issue, you’re probably searching for the best solution. Should you repair or replace your toilet? What’s the most cost-effective option?
Knowing when to repair vs. replace toilets can be difficult. Fortunately, we’re here to help you make the right decision! Below, we’ll go over when to choose a repair and when a replacement is best.
Cracks
Toilet cracks can come in all shapes and sizes. Believe it or not, the location of the crack can play a significant role in whether you should repair or replace your toilet.
If you’ve noticed a hairline crack in your toilet tank, you might think the problem isn’t worth worrying about. However, even the most minor porcelain cracks in the tank can lead to a gush of water if you aren’t careful. Therefore, you’ll want to replace your toilet tank as soon as possible to avoid severe water damage in the future.
Now it’s time to talk about cracks in the toilet bowl. Overall, the general rule of thumb is that you can repair cracks that are located above the water line. However, if the crack is below the water line, it’s time to replace your toilet bowl.
If there’s a toilet seat crack, you can purchase a replacement seat at your local home improvement store. Homeowners typically have an easy time replacing their toilet seats, as the task doesn’t require a lot of know-how.
Leaks
There’s no doubt about it: toilet leaks are the worst. Whether the leak is on the toilet’s interior or exterior, the issue can lead to high water bills and serious water damage in your home.
In most cases, you’ll know your toilet is leaking internally when it’s continually running. Although these leaks can be sneaky and waste a great deal of water, the good news is that they don’t usually require you to replace your toilet. Generally speaking, you’ll probably only need to replace a few components, such as the fill valve or flapper. If the water levels in the toilet are too low, there’s a good chance that the fill valve is to blame.
Now let’s discuss exterior leaks. Again, the locations of leaks can influence whether you should repair vs. replace toilets. If the toilet leaks at the base, you’ll likely only need to replace the wax seal. However, if your toilet has cracks that are causing it to leak water, you’ll want to consider replacing the entire fixture.
Is your toilet running constantly? Is there water leaking at the base? Whatever the case, call your local plumbing company for help. You should address this problem quickly to avoid a hefty spike in your water bills.
Clogs
If you’re unsure whether you should repair or replace your toilet, think about how often you use a plunger to remove pesky clogs. When you find yourself constantly running up against blockages, this could be a sign that your toilet needs to be replaced.
Older, low-flush toilets can sometimes have trouble removing waste, which means they may require more than one flush. Because of their poor performance, these outdated toilets can also clog easily.
It’s no secret that toilet clogs can have many causes. For example, you might be flushing foreign objects or products that can lead to blockages, such as paper towels and “flushable” wipes. If you take care of your toilet, but the fixture clogs frequently, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Age
It can be difficult to know when to repair vs. replace toilets. However, the age of your toilet can impact the decision you end up making. Not only are older toilets unsightly, but they can also waste more water than newer models. Plus, the older your toilet gets, the more repairs it may need — which can be costly.
If you’re constantly paying for toilet repairs, buying a new toilet could be the most cost-effective solution. Plus, you can potentially save water with a modern, efficient model.
Let Our Plumbers Handle Your Toilet Repair or Replacement!
Do you need help determining whether you should repair or replace your toilet? Hopefully, this guide will make finding the right solution for your needs easier. Many factors can affect whether homeowners repair vs. replace toilets, so you’ll want to inspect your toilet to determine the main issues.
Whether your toilet needs a quick fix or a major overhaul, turn to the plumbing experts at Pure Plumbing & Air! Our certified Las Vegas, NV technicians offer everything from toilet replacements to 24-hour water heater repairs. We’ll always provide you with an accurate, top-quality solution.
Contact us today to learn more about our plumbing fixture replacement and repair services!
