A toilet is one of the most important fixtures in your home. A household in Glendora will use it multiple times a day, but it’s rarely given much thought – until it stops working. When it does, even if there is an additional commode in your home, it’s more than a little inconvenient. Like any other essential plumbing fixture in your home, it will eventually need to be replaced. The life expectancy of a basic ceramic toilet can be anywhere from 30 to 50 years. But modern toilets (made within the last 40 years) are much more efficient than older models, and come in a variety of smart designs both space-saving and ergonomic. Toilets that were built before 1980 use about 7 gallons per flush, while modern designs only use 1.6 gallons. So, when is it time to look for a replacement? If your toilet is more than 20 years old and experiencing any of the signs listed below, consider getting a modern, more efficient model. The experts at Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air can even help with your selection.

Warning Signs:

• Constant Running: This is the most common problem found in older models. A constantly running toilet could indicate a worn or damaged flapper (among other causes). This problem should be addressed quickly before it begins to affect your utility bill. However, constant running might also be a signifier of something even more problematic.
• Frequent Repairs: Have you had your toilet repaired more than once over the course of a year? Minor repairs such as a worn flapper or fill valve seal are basic maintenance issues, but when they begin to happen frequently, it could be more cost effective to buy a new model.
• Constant Clogging: A clogged toilet happens every once in a while. Most clogs are easily fixed with a plunger and a little elbow grease, but they shouldn’t be a recurring problem. Does your toilet get clogged on a regular basis? A new toilet might be a good option.
• Leaking: Toilet leaks are often invisible to the naked eye and only discovered after the surrounding floor begins to show signs of discoloration or softening. These leaks can cause mildew and extensive structural damage. A crack in the tank or bowl is easier to see – and a sure sign that the toilet needs to be replaced.
• Wobbling: Is your toilet unstable? All a wobbling toilet might require is the tightening of a few bolts. A toilet that has been in a home for several years is bound to experience a bit of wear and tear. But an unstable toilet might also indicate that the floor underneath is rotted or damaged. If tightening the bolts doesn’t address the problem, a professional should be called.
• Uncommon Parts: When older toilets (at least 20 years) break down, replacements parts are sometimes hard to locate. The handle, the flapper and fill valve get more complicated to replace the older the model. If the parts on your toilet are becoming harder to find (and are continuously causing problems), it might be cheaper to invest in a new model.