Needless to say, toilets are critical fixtures in your household plumbing system. Many people are surprised to know that the toilet is the largest residential water consumer. According to the EPA, toilets alone account for over 25% of total water consumption in an average household. Also, while plumbing fixtures are frequently updated elsewhere in the kitchen and bathrooms, the toilet is often one of the oldest fixtures in the home.
Taking all that into account, it's no surprise that, sooner or later, you'll be faced with a decision about whether to repair or replace a troublesome toilet. Here are some guidelines for making the right call.
Cracked or Not?
If the porcelain structure of the toilet has cracked — the tank or the bowl — start shopping for a new toilet. Porcelain repair kits have uncertain results at best and are often only a short-term fix. A repaired tank may suddenly rupture totally, flooding the room and causing severe water damage.
Worn Replaceables
If a toilet runs off and on or constantly, it's typically a defective flapper valve in the bottom of the tank or the fill valve that meters water from the water supply line. Similarly, a toilet with a weak flush also usually needs one or both of these parts replaced. These components are subject to normal wear and tear and occasional replacement is to be expected. Parts are not expensive and it's a fairly straightforward DIY job if you're handy, or an easy fix for any plumber.
How Old Is It?
Toilets have become far more water-efficient in recent years. If yours dates prior to the early 1990s, it could be consuming as much as 7 gallons per flush (GPF). Hanging on to these outmoded fixtures raises your water bills and wastes an increasingly scarce resource. Upgrading now to a HET (High-Efficiency Toilet) that consumes only 1.28 GPF starts saving money from day one. Even if the old toilet is still fully functional, replacement sooner rather than later is the preferred option.
Rytech Inc. offers water damage recovery and mold remediation services in over 28 major metropolitan areas.
