For a product we use multiple times each day, most people seem to know very little about toilets. We only notice them when something goes wrong.
Toilets are in every home across American and they last a really long time. In fact, the average toilet will last 20-30 years without a problem. There might be the occasional clog but that can be fixed quickly with a second flush or a plunger.
Less frequently, you might have to call a plumber to check the pipes and that’s when things get tricky. You’re in luck if the plumber is a family friend. They will give it to you straight without trying to sell you something you don’t need.
But what if you’re unfamiliar with your plumber and they want to make an extra buck by providing a service you don’t really need?
Do you really need a new toilet?
In this article I’ll address a few instances when you don’t need a new toilet. Sure, sometimes you’ll need a new part or a thorough cleaning of the pipes, but very rarely will you need a new toilet.
4 Reasons You Don’t Need A New Toilet
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Bottom Of Toilet Leaking
Is water leaking from the bottom of your toilet? Is the floor damp around it? This could be a sign of a big problem for your floor, however, the problem doesn’t mean your toilet is broken and needs to be replaced.
Believe it or not, this happens quite a bit and it’s usually due to a leaky wax ring. The wax ring provides a seal between the toilet and the pipe in your floor and if the toilet is moved, or bumped into really hard, the wax ring seal can break (how to replace a wax ring).
Replacing a wax ring only costs a few dollars and can be done as a DIY project at home. A leak does not mean you need a new toilet!
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Running Toilet
A running toilet is a common problem. Many households don’t even notice their toilet is running, or they allow it to run because it still works.
A running toilet will make you look twice at your water bill and motivate you to fix the problem. Don’t worry, a running toilet has little to do with the actual toilet and everything to do with the parts inside the toilet.
The “guts” of the toilet are located inside the tank. They are made up of valves, a flapper, and a float. At first look, the inside of a toilet tank might look complicated. It’s not! There are only a few components and there are 3 main locations you need to check for a running toilet (read my full running toilet fix).
The 3 places are the flapper, the chain, and the overflow.
- Occasionally the flapper will need to be replaced. You can check it’s condition by putting your hand to the bottom of the tank and feeling the rubber flap that covers the exit drain. Is water leaking from under it?
- The chain is connected to the flapper and connects to the flush handle. Flush the toilet and watch the arm rise inside the toilet. As the arm rises, the flapper also rises (simple technology, right?). If your toilet is running the chain might be getting caught under the flapper when it’s flushed. This occurs because the chain is too long. You can guess the fix – just tighten the chain!
- The last reason your toilet might be running is because the water level is set too high. Every toilet has an overflow valve (much like you’d see in sinks or bathtubs). If the water level is set to high then water will constantly run down the overflow valve. A simple adjustment to the float will lower the water level so it doesn’t reach the overflow valve. A normal level is a .5-1 inch below overflow. Adjusting the float depends on the type of float you have. A quick Youtube search will help you do that!
If you ever hear someone say “your toilet should be replaced because of a running toilet” they are most likely wrong!
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Cracked/Broken Seat
Did you know that most new toilets don’t include a seat? Many people are particular about the type of seat they use and there are plenty of options.
You can go with a slow-close seat, padded seat, wooden, heated, bidet, and more (check out my article on all the types of toilet seats).
Toilet seats have little to do with your porcelain toilet. A broken seat can easily be replaced so make sure you don’t go out a buy a new toilet because of a seat.
If your seat is broken you’ll need to unscrew the bolts and remove it. Most toilet seats have the same measurements between bolts, however, take note of your bowl size (elongated or round).
Elongated toilet bowls are oval shaped and common for tall people. Round bowls are great for smaller spaces. Make sure you get a seat that matches the type of bowl you have.
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Loose Flushing Handle
Okay, this is a stretch because most of you will know that a flushing handle is not part of the toilet. I decided to include it anyway because I know how annoying a loose flushing handle can be.
A handle can loosen over time and all it takes is a few minutes of your time with a screwdriver to tighten it. Remove the lid of the tank and you’ll have access to the inside of the handle where you’ll adjust the screw. A simple fix and it will have your toilet flushing at its best in no time!
Conclusion
Your toilet has worked just fine for years, but it has started giving you problems. The toilet seat may be broken, the flushing handle isn’t working properly, there might be a leak under the toilet, or maybe the toilet won’t stop running.
Do these problems mean you need a new toilet?
Nope! You’ll be pleased to know that toilets last forever (okay only 20-30 years) and rarely will a toilet “break” and need to be replaced.
Most people purchase a new toilet because they want a fresh look or they want a water efficient model (old toilets tend to consume more water 3.5-5 gallons while new toilets have regulations that limit them to 1.6 gallons per flush).
If your toilet isn’t working properly, chances are it’s not the toilet itself, it’s simply a few of the parts inside that need to be adjusted or changed. When I was younger I looked toilets as an intimidating technology, but as I learned about them I realized they were simple and low-tech.
I hope this article puts your mind at ease and helps you fix your existing toilet. A new toilet is a big expense and if you can fix the one you’ve got you’ll save hundreds of dollars! As always, thanks for reading and be sure to check out more helpful articles on our homepage!