Toilets don’t last forever. While these systems are designed to endure persistent use for a number of years, there comes a point at which they reach the end of their functional lifespan. Unless your toilet completely ceases to function, it can be difficult to determine the right time to call plumbers in Gainesville, FL, for a toilet replacement. Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. details five of the most common signs which typically signal the need for a new toilet. Contact us today for more plumbing tips or to schedule plumbing services.
Constant Clogging
Whether in a residential setting or a commercial space, it’s not uncommon for toilet clogs to occur from time to time. However, if you find yourself reaching for the plunger on a weekly basis — or more frequently — due to persistent stoppages, it may be time to contact your Gainesville, FL plumbers for a new toilet. Constant toilet clogs may indicate the presence of accumulated mineral deposits within the pipes — our plumbers can use video camera pipe inspection to determine the exact cause of the plumbing issues.
Active Leaking
Because the majority of toilets are made from porcelain, a common issue faced among home and business owners is cracks in the toilet bowl. If you notice cracks, refrain from using it and proceed to inspect the flooring directly beneath the toilet — if the surface is damp or feels spongy, it may be due to a leaking toilet pipe or another leaking component. If left unaddressed, the leak may result in mildew, mold, and structural damage.
If you identify damage to the flooring beneath or surrounding your toilet, call a plumber with Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. for prompt emergency plumbing repair. We will inspect the toilet to determine whether the issue is due to a broken flange, a flange that is too low, or a faulty wax ring. If the toilet still leaks, we can help you choose the best upgrade for your plumbing needs, so you can avoid toilet repairs in the future.
Inefficient Flushing
Inefficient flushing includes needing to flush more than once or a toilet that uses far more water than necessary in order to flush. These may be a result of an inefficient toilet or an issue within the toilet’s internal components. If your monthly utility bills feature high water costs, it may be due to an inefficient toilet. These types of toilet flush problems are easily prevented with the installation of a new, water-efficient toilet, which uses fewer gallons of water per flush and can provide years of use.
If you look inside the toilet and notice a low water level in the toilet bowl — less than an inch from the top of the overflow tube — your toilet may not be filling to the proper level. The toilet may also need a fill-valve adjustment. If neither of these issues is the cause of your toilet’s flushing inefficiency, it may be time to call a plumber for a new toilet installation.
Excessive Cleaning
Over time and with constant use, porcelain toilets can sustain a significant degree of surface damage, including regular wear, scratches, and knicks both inside of the toilet bowl and outside of the bowl, on the toilet’s exterior surfaces. While accumulated wear to a toilet is a common occurrence, visual defects can make it difficult to keep the appliance clean and sanitized. This is often the case with older toilets that have been scrubbed many times. Replacing a toilet that is old, worn, and inefficient, with a brand new toilet can help keep cleaning requirements to a minimum, provide years of reliable use, and help keep down the cost of your monthly water bill.
Persistent Running
A toilet running can be due to multiple potential problems. In some situations, the issue may result from damage to the rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank. Issues with the flapper are relatively simple to diagnose and repair. Other causes of a running toilet include too high of a water level, in which case the water may be running into the overflow pipe, as well as cracks or leaks in old floats. However, if these plumbing components are not the cause of the persistent running, your toilet may require professional toilet repair and installation services.