You’ve had your toilet for years. It works well and you’ve never had a problem. It’s old, so it must be close to wearing out.
So when is the right time to change your toilet? We’ll get to that.
Toilets are an amazing product. They are sturdy and durable devices that we use 4-5 times each day. Over the course of a year that accounts for well over 1,000 flushes!
Part of the reason toilets last so long is because they are made from porcelain clay. Porcelain is a natural substance that looks great after it’s been fired and finished. The manufacturing process allows a porcelain toilet to last up to 30 years before wearing out.
Are there signs you should change your toilet? And what about that nasty toilet brush and toilet seat?
In this article, I’ll share how often you should change your toilet, toilet brush, and seat. If you’re remodeling it will be an easy call but there are other reasons to change your toilet as well.
How Often Should You Change Your Toilet
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Prior To 1992
Many households still have toilets from the 1980s. Toilets certainly last that long, but it’s not a wise decision to keep toilets that were made prior to 1992.
Toilets manufactured prior to 1992 used a lot of water (3.5-5 gallons per flush), but toilet regulation helped push the toilet industry to be more efficient with water.
Changing an old toilet will save a lot of water and it will also save you a lot of money on your water bill (probably enough to pay for the new toilet in the first year).
If you have a toilet from the mid to late 1990s chances are it used 1.6 gallons per flush. These days you can find toilets that use an average of just 1.28 gallons per flush (my article on the best dual flush toilets).
Newer toilets equal better technology and more water/money savings.
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Stains and Ring Won’t Come Out
You should consider changing your toilet if you have stains in your bowl or a toilet ring that won’t come out. With regular cleaning, you should be able to keep your toilet looking good, yet sometimes even the strongest scrub doesn’t do the trick.
Toilets less than 10 years old shouldn’t have stains if they are well-taken care of. Older than 10 years might be a good time to make a change (my best tips for removing toilet stains naturally).
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Clogged Rim Holes
Have you ever heard of rim holes? Most people haven’t. Rim holes are located in the bowl under the rim. Once the toilet is flushed, water travels through the rim holes and into the bowl.
Over time, the small holes can become clogged and impact the effectiveness of a flush. You can use a small wire to clean out the holes or you can upgrade to a new toilet.
If you notice your old toilet has a weak flush compared to what it once had, try cleaning the rim holes (it really works).
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Remodeling Your Bathroom
A bathroom remodel is the perfect time to change your toilet. Traditional white toilets will go with any bathroom style, but a modern style will require a fashionable toilet.
I recommend 1-piece toilets and or square toilets for their sleek designs.
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You Want To Save Money and Water
As I mentioned above, toilets made after 1992 are better with water efficiency. If the environment is your priority, take a look at the best dual flush toilets I reviewed.
As a secondary benefit, you’ll save quite a bit of money on your monthly water bill!
How Often Should You Change Your Toilet Brush
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It’s No Longer White
A 1-year old toilet brush probably looks bad. It’s common to see a rusty color appearing on the brush and brushes are tough to keep clean. Most people just put the brush back in its place after using it.
If your toilet brush was once white, and no longer is, it’s best to get a new one. I update my toilet brush 1 time every year or two, but if you keep yours clean it can last much longer.
Pro tip: Buy a black toilet brush and it will look better, longer!
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The Bristles Begin To Fall Off
On an old toilet brush, you’ll begin to see the bristles fall out. It could be due to the rancid waste in your toilet or the cleaning agents you use while cleaning.
Either way, it’s a good sign that you need a new brush.
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It Smells Bad
Does your toilet brush smell bad? Even if your toilet is clean, a bad smell could be coming from your bathroom. It could be the toilet brush!
It’s best to use the brush with a little cleaning solution, that way the cleaning solution will sterilize the brush while it’s cleaning. If you don’t use cleaning solutions while brushing, leave the brush in the toilet while you flush so fresh water can rinse it off.
How Often Should You Change Your Toilet Seat
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Chip or Crack In The Seat
A chip in the seat doesn’t look great. This mostly occurs on wooden seats that have been painted white.
It’s safe to say that most people in the U.S. have plastic seats and the main problem with these seats are they can crack under pressure.
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Bolts Won’t Stay Tight
Are the bolts on your seat loose? Sometimes bolts can strip and cause a loose seat.
If so, it’s time for a replacement. Tighten the bolts correctly the first time and you shouldn’t have a problem with them in the future.
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Toddlers
If you have toddlers, it’s a good idea to use a toilet seat that has a smaller option attached. Toddler toilet seats can fit right in with the big seat and won’t require a change every time someone needs to use the toilet (check out my article on the best toilet seats).
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Warmth and Bidet
You should change your seat if you get cold while on the toilet. A heated toilet seat is amazing and a luxury everyone should have during the winter.
They plug into an outlet behind the toilet and they are perfect for cold winter mornings.
You might prefer the added convenience of a bidet toilet seat. Yes, you don’t need a special toilet, just a seat and it provides heat, front and rear wash, and warm water.
Most Americans are reluctant to try a bidet but once they do they are hooked!
Conclusion
How often should you change your toilet? The answer is not often! If you have an old toilet you are wasting a lot of water and money each month by not upgrading to a modern toilet.
Old toilets commonly use 3.5-5 gallons per flush while new toilets use as little as .6 gallons per flush.
There are other reasons for changing your toilet including;
- Broken toilet
- Remodel
- Stains
- Clogged rim holes
If you’re curious about your toilet brush or toilet seat, those should be changed as well. Monitor the color and condition of the brush and seat and changed as need.
Seats shouldn’t need to be changed often unless there is damage or if you’re upgrading. Similarly, take care of your toilet brush and it will last a long time as well.
Thanks for reading another Toilet Travels blog article. Take care of your toilet with our helpful information and recommendations.
