If your toilet is becoming a nuisance, it may be time to review the cost of having it repaired or replacing it with a new one. Installing a new toilet could be the best option, but it is not necessarily the only solution. We have seen it all in toilet issues over the years. Sometimes an adjustment or new part can make it work like new. The key is knowing when to repair a toilet vs completely replacing it. The following will help you to decide:

1. Constant Clogging – Nobody likes to deal with a clogged toilet. If you are having to flush multiple times or (worse yet) grab the plunger to clear the bowl, it’s a sign you may want to upgrade to a new, more powerful toilet. But did you know that most of the newer toilets not only flush more effectively, but they save water doing so? Yes! Toilets have come a long way and the new line of water savers work much better.
2. Cracks – If you notice puddles of water around your toilet, you need to check for cracks in the porcelain. Nearly invisible hairline cracks can develop in the tank or bowl of a toilet over time or through being struck. Unfortunately, these small cracks can turn into a flood of water at the worst possible time. We recommend you check your tank and bowl each time you clean the toilet. If you find one, we recommend you replace it right away, before it breaks completely. An unnoticed leak can lead to a ruined floor over time – a very expensive repair.
3. Repairs, Repairs, Repairs! – Weighing the cost of repair or rebuild versus having a brand new toilet installed is a wise idea. If you are planning on replacing your toilet anytime soon, we recommend you save the money on the repair and upgrade to a new one. While it may be a larger expense up front, you should save money in the long run.
4. Excessive Age – Everything in our homes has a limit to its age of usability. If your toilet is very old, a new one may be in order.
5. Wobbling, Unstable Toilet – There are few things more unsettling than sitting on a wobbly toilet. It could be a simple fix of having shims installed. It could be floor structure damage. Have it checked out by a professional.
6. Inefficient Flushing – Multiple flushes are annoying and can be embarrassing if you have guests. Plus, they waste a LOT of water. If it’s not flushing properly on the first flush, have it looked at to see if it can be adjusted, fixed, or should be replaced.
7. Surface Damage – Over time if a toilet’s porcelain gets worn or scratched, it will become increasingly difficult to keep clean. If you find yourself having to scrub and clean the toilet more often, it might be time to have a new one installed and rid yourself of the extra maintenance.
8. Built-Up Mineral Deposits – The water supply in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa is very high in minerals. These build up over time and if your toilet is not performing as expected, you may need to have parts replaced or simply to get a new, more efficient one.

Without considering the cosmetic issues of color, style, and the condition of the surface, there are still a few reasons when getting a new toilet is a good idea. To help you determine when to replace a toilet please give us a call.