The toilet is something we hardly notice, yet we use it every day. It handles a dirty, stinky job, so it makes sense that it’s one of those bathroom fixtures we prefer to blend in rather than stick out.
We only begin to notice our toilet when it has a problem. For as much as we use it (4-5 times per day), our toilets are steady performers. They also last decades, yes decades!
This begs the question: When is it time to get a new toilet? Are there signs and symptoms we can look for, or is it simply a judgment call for an old, out-of-date commode?
In this article, we’ll look at 10 signs you need a new toilet.
You’ll notice that we left off common problems with a toilet like “running” and “leaking at the base”. The reason is because those are usually simple fixes that have little to do with the toilet itself (all that’s needed is an adjustment). I’m not a plumber, so I’m not trying to sell you a new toilet!
The reasons below might not be serious, however, they should be considered if you think you need a new toilet.
10 Legitimate Reasons You Need A New Toilet
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Cracked Bowl
There are a lot of cracked bowls in households across the U.S. Some cracked bowls will be just fine and some will lead to bigger problems.
It depends on a few factors, namely:
- Location of the crack
- Depth of the crack
- Length of the crack
If you see a sliver of a crack on the bowl, make sure to keep an eye on it. If you see it growing you’ll want to act quickly. Similarly, if you’re a large individual you’ll be putting a lot of pressure on the bowl each time you sit down.
Remember, a chip in the porcelain is much different than a crack. Chips are usually superficial and although they don’t look great, they should hold up over time.
A crack displays stress to the integrity of the bowl and should be monitored or replaced.
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Discoloration
If you have an old toilet you might find that the beautiful white porcelain (or other color) is slowly losing it’s shine. Most toilets will hold up just fine because of the finishing protective coat.
Some older toilets might have a weathered look or didn’t come with the same finish we see on newer toilets.
If you’ve ever noticed that plastic yellows over time, it’s usually due to UV light. Toilets hold up to UV light, however, older toilets can get stains and look old. If your toilet it old it may be time for a fresh look!
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Updated Bathroom with Old Existing Toilet
Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most common remodeled areas of the house so it’s reasonable to guess that you will remodel your bathroom in your lifetime.
Just decades ago, the toilet options were limited. They were all white and boring looking.
In the last decade, toilets have actually become fashionable and there are plenty of designer-quality options.
If you’re creating a modern look for your bathroom you won’t want an old-style toilet. Instead, opt for a stylish 1-piece toilet or a wall-hung option which both make a bathroom pop (check out my article on fancy, stylish toilets). Sometimes they give you more space and make it easier to clean.
1-piece toilets are sleek and have more curves or lines (depending on your preference). Square toilets are funny designer options, but the best – in my opinion – is the wall-hung toilet.
The wall-hung option has style, is minimal, and it’s so easy to clean around the underneath!
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Toilet Bowl Ring That Won’t Come Off
Everybody hates toilet bowl rings and most people don’t know how to get rid of them (I know a few tricks that are 100% natural).
I’ve always been able to remove a toilet bowl ring, but maybe you have a stubborn toilet. If so, you’ll probably want to get a new toilet as it’s not only unsightly but also embarrassing when guests visit your home.
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Cracked Tank
Most people have a 2-piece toilet in their home. On a 2-piece toilet, the tank and bowl are connected by bolts. So just because you have a cracked bowl doesn’t mean you need a new tank (and visa versa).
The tank is located against your wall and stores the water before each flush. Toilet tanks are thin and can easily crack (or shatter) if something bumps into it.
Look inside of the tank if you see a thin crack. Chances are the crack will eventually make it’s way all the way through the tank. This can result in a leak or worse if not addressed.
The good news is that you won’t need an entirely new toilet. You can look up the manufacturer and model and order a new tank (it’s an easy solution compared to the alternative of buying a new bowl too).
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Cracked Tank Lid
A cracked tank lid is the least of your worries and it happens the most. I’ve used plenty of toilets where I saw a cracked tank lid – the toilets can still be operated.
A porcelain lid helps prevent evaporation (saves water and money), it prevents items from falling into the tank, and it makes the filling and flushing process much quieter.
If you have a broken tank lid, you don’t need to rush to the store and buy a new one, but you should replace it. Your toilet will be louder without a lid, it will lose more water, and it looks bad.
You don’t need to buy a new toilet if you crack the lid. Simply look up your model toilet and order the part. Replacement parts of toilets tend to be expensive, so if you were already considering a new toilet it might be the best time to act!
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Heavy Water Usage
If you have a high water bill you might want to get a new toilet. Toilets last a long time and that means there are still plenty of toilets from the 80’s and 90’s being used today.
With rising populations and more frequent drought, our freshwater resources are at risk. Cities and States are encouraging homeowners to do their part to save water and the toilet is one of the biggest water wasters in our home.
Old toilets used 3.5 gallons per flush or more (5 gallons) and in the early 1990’s the government passed a bill to make new toilets more water-friendly. Regulation now requires toilets to use 1.6 gallons or fewer.
The U.S.A. has saved billions of gallons of fresh water since then (my article on water-saving toilets)!
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High Water Bill
Okay, maybe you’re not too worried about the environment. I bet you’re worried about the amount of your water bill!
Water costs have also risen throughout the years and each month we have to pay the piper. If you live alone, the water bill might be minimal. If you have a large family you’ll want to save every penny!
Replacing an old toilet to a new option will cost a few dollars up front but you’ll be repaid by savings on your water bill.
If you have a high water bill it might be a sign you need a new toilet.
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30 Years Old
Do you know how old your toilet it? Even though water regulation was put into place way back in 1992, older toilets that were already installed were grandfathered in.
Many homes still have those old water guzzlers and I’m sure they don’t look great. A 30-year-old toilet might still work well, but it’s probably bulky, inefficient, and ugly (hacks for saving water with an old toilet).
Toilets are known to have about a 30-year lifespan, so even if your old toilet is still functioning, consider updating and upgrading. A new toilet will look better, save water, and save you money.
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Ugly
Appearance is always important, even in a bathroom. An old toilet might still be able to blend unless it’s an ugly color. Remember those pastel-colored toilets from the 1970’s? In some situations, they’ve come back into fashion, but they won’t work in most modern bathrooms.
If you have a colored toilet or an old bulky john, consider getting a toilet that actually looks good. I mentioned earlier that there are plenty of sleek-looking toilets available that will make a bathroom pop and they can give you more space.
As with most things in life, it’s always good to get a fresh look. If your existing toilet is ugly it’s time for a new one!
Conclusion
In life, you’ll rarely need a new toilet. In fact, your average toilet will last around 30 years if it’s taken care of.
But what are the reasons you need a new toilet? Some plumber might see the crack in your tank and tell you it’s time for a new toilet. You might see water leaking from below the toilet and think the toilet is at fault.
In both cases, you probably won’t need a new toilet. Instead, you may need a new tank (not bowl) and you might need to replace the wax ring on the base of the toilet.
If there is a crack (not chip) on the bowl it may be cause for alarm. Similarly, if you have a high water bill or if your toilet is old or ugly, it might be time to upgrade.
The best time to change toilets is during a remodel. There are plenty of toilet options available such as square, 1-piece, 2-piece, modern, and wall-hung.
When it’s time to get a new toilet, find something that fits the style of your bathroom and one that maximizes your space and comfort (you’ll be using it a lot).
Thanks for reading another Toilet Travels article. We’re full of great toilet information and ideas!