Toilets are one of those things in your home that is easy to take for granted. You know that you can’t live without them, but as long as they flush ok, you never really give them a second thought. But you might be surprised to know that even toilets wear out and become obsolete. A simple checklist will let you know when it is time to invest in a new toilet to avoid potential water damage and save a precious natural resource.

Old Toilet Ailments

One of the most common and annoying issues an old toilet develops is constantly running. While the sound might be all the encouragement you need to fix the problem, it is essential to understand that what most people call running is a water leak. The water is leaking from the tank and running down the drain. What you are hearing is the tank refilling. But the more problematic issue is that much water is being wasted. Replacing the flapper can work for a while, but eventually, it becomes a chore to find parts that fit your old commode.

Another common sign of old age is a leak from the base of the toilet tank. The leak could be from the threads on the fill hose. There might be a leaking seal or even a crack in the tank. You can try to fix most tank leaks, but be aware that once you begin making tank repairs, there are likely to be constant issues. A replacement is usually far more cost-effective and eliminates the potential for leaks in the near future.

That Dull Appearance

Does your toilet bowl always look dingy? If so, it is not necessarily the cleaner you are using or the effort you are putting into the cleaning process. Over time, the bowl’s surface can deteriorate, especially if you use the disc-style toilet bowl cleaners in the tank. The chlorine in these time-release cleaners eats away the smooth finish on the toilet bowl because there is far more chlorine released immediately after a new disc is dropped in the tank. And while the appearance is not as great as it once was, there is another issue. When the toilet bowl is no longer smooth, it becomes a haven for more bacteria. This can explain why you notice more odor issues and seem always to be scrubbing your old toilet bowl. A replacement is the only way to eliminate the problems related to a worn toilet bowl surface. Then be sure to only use squirt in cleaners or a leave-in cleaner that hangs in the toilet bowl to protect the surface of your new commode.

Toilet Technology?

It sounds crazy, but there have been some significant advances in toilets over the last decade. The most important improvement is in the amount of water used for each flush. Flushing the toilet consumes about 15% of the water used in the average home. And when an old toilet was swallowing around seven gallons of water per flush, that number was even higher.  New low-flow toilets get the job done using only 1.6 gallons per flush. This is a great way to reduce your home’s water consumption, save yourself a few bucks each month on your water bill, and help to conserve a limited natural resource.

Call (912) 225-4056 for a easy, affordable price quote to have a new toilet installed in your home. The licensed plumbers at Thompson & Thompson Service Group will get the installation completed quickly and cost-effectively. And the work will be backed by our complete parts and labor warranty.