Unfortunately, plumbing repairs are part of owning a home. But on another note, you can reduce the amount of money you spend on plumber repair services if you keep an eye out for potential problems and schedule an appointment with your plumber before anything catastrophic happens.
Otherwise, if you ignore plumbing issues, they will worsen and can eventually result in major water damage. The average cost of water damage repairs is over $2,500. This cost can be doubled or tripled if you require emergency plumbing services.
While any of your plumbing fixtures can experience a malfunction, toilets are one of the most common sources of plumbing issues. Some homeowners tend to disregard issues with their toilets and allow problems to go unaddressed for far too long. Below, we discuss four of the most common signs that your toilet needs to be replaced. If you observe any of these signs and you live in the Charlotte, NC, area, take prompt action and contact us.
1. It Clogs Frequently
The occasional clog in your toilet is perfectly normal. However, you should not be experiencing frequent or persistent clogs. If you are, this is a sign of a more serious problem.
Frequent clogging usually means a toilet is old and its flushing capabilities have become very weak. If your toilet lacks flushing power, it’s not using the proper amount of water or force it needs to get rid of debris and waste.
Your home may also be equipped with an early model low-flow toilet. These poorly designed toilets use much, much less water than traditional high-flow toilets. Most of the time, low-flush toilets simply do not have the pressure it takes to constantly push waste through the trap and drain, which leads to frequent clogging.
2. It’s Old and Wobbly
The average toilet will last 10 years or more. While your older toilet may not be actively malfunctioning, it could still be on its last leg. Upgrading to a modern toilet will reduce water usage (and thus limit waste) while also helping protect you against a major leak. (Of course, in the case of a major leak, call your local emergency plumber right away.)
Old toilets can be especially problematic if they develop a leak underneath their base. If the previous owner of your home or an unqualified repairman made the mistake of sealing your toilet’s base with caulking, it could trap water against your floor. This will cause rot that, since it’s below your toilet, will go unnoticed for a very long time. By the time you do notice the rot, it will be too late.
Another troubling sign that’s often seen in older toilets is a wobbly base. Your toilet should be perfectly level. It should not shift and wobble when you sit down on it. If it does, you should contact your plumber as soon as possible.
3. It’s Cracked or Has Surface Damage
Porcelain toilets are generally pretty durable. However, they are far from indestructible. As they age, the porcelain becomes increasingly brittle and is more prone to damage.
You should occasionally inspect your toilet for cracks. This can be done when you are cleaning the toilet bowl or bathroom. While most cracks are noticeable, microfractures in the porcelain can go undetected unless you are actively looking for them. A toilet with cracked porcelain should be replaced right away.
Surface damage is another common concern with aging toilets. Every time you clean your toilet, you leave small scratches and scuffs on its surface. Over the years, these scratches grow deeper and more visible. While they do not necessarily affect the function of your toilet, they make it look run down.
A new toilet will drastically improve the aesthetic of your bathroom and bring a bathroom remodel together. It can even boost your home’s resale value if you plan to sell in the near future.
4. It Constantly Needs Repair
Over the years, your toilet will need the occasional repair or professional drain cleaning. However, these repairs should not be a common occurrence. If your toilet seems to need constant repairs, then it’s time to consider replacing it.
The average toilet costs something between $100-$350, not including labor. Since a skilled plumber can install your new fixture very efficiently, the total cost of getting a new toilet will likely be around $750. For the sake of comparison, a basic toilet repair can cost around $150. If your toilet needs a few repairs per year, this number adds up.
As you can see, the cost of repairing an old and outdated toilet will quickly outweigh any potential benefits. When you schedule a plumbing repair service, be sure to ask for a quote on both options. This will save you money in the long run and help you avoid constant repairs.
Plumbing Repair in Charlotte, NC
If you need an emergency plumber contractor to replace your leaky toilet, Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC, is the team for the job. We are the premier residential and commercial plumber in Charlotte, NC. Our team can perform comprehensive plumbing installations, drain clearing, toilet replacements, and more.
When you are experiencing a plumbing issue in your Charlotte, NC, home, it is essential that you choose a trustworthy contractor, like Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC. We have over 30 years of industry experience and can handle any project, big or small. We offer free estimates, up-front pricing, and friendly service on both residential and commercial plumbing projects.
Do not settle for less. Partner with a superior plumbing contractor, the superior plumbing contractor, Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC! Contact us today to schedule your estimate or to book a plumber repair service.
