Toilets are a modern necessity and an important part of your home. Unfortunately, there are times when they don’t work properly, which can be a huge inconvenience and headache. Sometimes a simple toilet repair is all it takes to get it working properly again. Other times, having the toilet replaced with a new one is the best solution. How do you know when to repair your toilet and when to replace it?
There are a variety of issues you may experience with your toilet that can be solved with a repair. If you notice the below problems, try taking a look yourself or call a plumber to repair it.
Does your toilet sound like it’s constantly running? What’s happening is the water from the tank is continuing to run into the bowl. In addition to being an annoying sound, this also wastes water and can signify that there’s an issue with part of the toilet. Open up the tank and take a look. Check to see if the flapper valve is properly sealed, and jiggle it to try to resolve the issue, if not. If the flapper valve is not sealing correctly, it may need to be replaced.
There are many reasons why a toilet might not flush all the way. If you’re having this issue, try looking at the various parts in the tank to see if anything isn’t working properly, such as the flush valve, chain, or float ball. If these are the culprits, a minor adjustment will usually do the trick, or you can install new parts. Your toilet might also have a clog, in which case it’s time to use the plunger. If a plunger doesn’t help, you may need to have a plumber take a look.
A toilet that takes a long time to fill or has a low level of water may have a faulty shut-off valve. You can assess the situation by looking in the tank. The shut-off valve may have accidentally been closed, or it may be broken and need to be replaced.
Sometimes, trying to repair the toilet won’t permanently fix the problems. In these cases, it’s best to replace the toilet.
If you find yourself constantly fixing your toilet but no repairs permanently solve the issues, it might just be beyond repair. Frequent repairs can be frustrating and expensive. If your toilet is constantly causing problems, it may save you money in the long run to have it replaced.
Small cracks and scratches in the toilet’s bowl or tank may not seem like a big deal, but they can grow and eventually cause an outpouring of water. If you notice cracks and scratches or see that your toilet is leaking, it’s best to have it replaced before the problems get worse.
Old toilets are often inefficient, using more water than necessary and causing you to spend more on your water bill. Replacing old toilets with low-flush toilets will help you reduce your water use and lower your water bill.
Need some help with your toilet? Economy Plumbing is a family owned and operated company based in Austin, TX. We offer a range of plumbing services, including residential and commercial toilet repair and replacement services. If you’re having toilet troubles, we’re happy to assess the issue and offer solutions. Want to learn more? Fill out our contact form or give us a call at (512) 649-2811 for Austin, TX and (830) 253-3839 for Marble Falls, TX.