Kelowna Plumber: 4 Signs Your Toilet Needs To Be Replaced

Even with the best maintenance, most toilets only last 15 years. Once you start noticing certain warning signs, it’s time for a replacement. While repairs may be possible, your toilet will likely break again, and the accumulated bills for plumbing services in Kelowna will outweigh the cost of a new model. To save money and keep your bathroom efficient, it’s best to look out for these four signs that your toilet is on its last legs.

1. It Runs Constantly

Tanks have many moving parts; when they don’t work correctly, you get constant flushing. For example, a too-long refill tube will send a continuous stream of water into the bowl.

Old flappers are another common issue. These rubber pieces seal the flush valve gasket, preventing water from entering the bowl. When you flush, the flapper lifts temporarily, then falls back into place. The rubber degrades over time, and the seal is no longer water-tight, allowing a trickle that turns into a steady flush.

Finally, the float may not be in the right place, causing the tank to fill with too much water. In some cases, an adjustment solves the problem, but an old float may repeatedly stick and need replacement.

2. It’s Wobbly

If your toilet is wobbly, there’s something very wrong. Even a small wiggle means the seal between the bowl and floor flange is potentially broken. Since the floor flange leads to the sewer line, that means you’re at risk of the following:

• Leaks

• Bad smells

• Bacteria

Several factors are at play here, which may necessitate a replacement. The first is the wax ring, which keeps the connection between the bowl and flange airtight. If the wax ring is too thick or damaged, it can let through sewer gas and water. Depending on how long the ring’s been damaged, you may need to repair the floor under and around the toilet, as it may have water damage that can lead to mould and rot.

The flange may also be the problem. The toilet should sit flush with the floor, but a damaged or ill-fitting flange can cause the bowl to sit slightly above the floor, leading to wobbling.

Finally, the flange bolts may be loose. Sometimes tightening them is enough to do the trick; in others, they may be damaged or stripped. In these cases, they’ll need replacing.

3. It’s Driving Up Your Water Bill

Unfortunately, some hidden issues first show up on your water bill. A leaking or constantly running toilet uses a lot of water, driving up your utility costs without your knowledge or benefit. If your bill has been mysteriously climbing, and you’ve checked other potential causes, you may want to consider a bathroom renovation to save money in the long run.

4. It’s Cracked

A heavy impact on the porcelain can cause a deep crack, but just because your tank’s never suffered a hit doesn’t mean it’s safe. Time can weaken materials, causing hairline fissures that may grow into full-on cracks.

Epoxy can temporarily halt the damage, but it must be applied early, or the crack will keep expanding. Even then, it’s not guaranteed that another fissure won’t form.

A cracked tank means leaks. While these aren’t as messy as bowl leaks, they can still cause water damage and a general headache. If you see the dreaded fracture, you’re better off replacing the toilet rather than living in fear of a flooded bathroom.

If it’s time to replace your toilet, don’t search “handyman near me.” Instead, contact your local Handyman Connection. Our experts can assist with plumbing repairs, bathroom remodelling and flooring replacement. If your leaky toilet has damaged other parts of your home, we can help with that, too. For more information, give us a call or contact us online.