The average toilet lasts between 15 to 30 years, depending on how often it is used and how well it is maintained. If you bought a high-quality toilet and maintained it diligently, your toilet could last 50 years. However, that’s not the full picture for toilet life span, and if you buy a toilet expecting to install it and leave it alone for fifty years, you will be disappointed. Here is what you need to know about how long your toilet is likely to last.
Toilet Parts
The flapper, floater, lever arm, chain, wax seal, and other toilet parts may need to be replaced long before the basin itself will ever be damaged. For example, the toilet wax seal may give out at about the 20-year mark. The toilet’s flush valve will typically last 6-7 years. A toilet fill valve might only last four to five years. In general, you should expect to replace the parts in your toilet every so often while keeping the actual bowl in place.
Maintaining the Toilet
Keeping your toilet in good working order will help it last longer. Here are some things you should do in order to maximize your toilet’s life:
- Clean: Regularly clean the toilet to prevent scale build-up and other issues. Only use cleaners designed for toilets and avoid chemicals that can damage the bowl or other parts.
- Quick response: If your toilet has a small issue like the handle gets stuck or the water is always trickling in, you should get that fixed quickly before it turns into a larger problem.
Signs Your Toilet Needs to Be Replaced
Here are some signs that you may need to consider replacing the whole toilet:
- Crack in the toilet bowl or tank: Cracks are unsafe and typically lead to leaks. Small cracks may become serious quickly.
- Leaks: Some leaks are the fault of the inner workings of the toilet. However, sometimes we can no longer find parts that will work well with the toilet due to its age. In this case, replacing it might make sense. Any toilet that is routinely getting leaks may need to be replaced.
- Discoloration: If the inside of the bowl has build-up or discoloration, this may be the result of long-term scale build-up. Sometimes it’s wiser to replace the toilet than to try to pry this scale off.
- Clogs: One clog isn’t a big deal. But, if your toilet keeps clogging, then it may be time to replace it.
What if your toilet is working perfectly well? There still might be reasons that you’d want to replace it, including:
- Efficiency: Newer toilets will use less water than older ones, and many can do so without compromising flushing power. You’ll save on your water bill.
- Style: Toilets go through styles just like other bathroom fixtures, and you may want an update so that your bathroom looks better.
- Comfort: Newer toilets may also be more comfortable.
Your plumber can help you decide whether it’s time to replace your toilet and which new model is best for you. Get in touch with us if you live in Discovery Bay, or check our service area.
