Is it time to buy a new toilet? You’ll probably choose to upgrade to a new toilet before it wears out; even the wax ring could last 30 years without breaking the seal. Yes, you may need to replace the flush valve, flapper, float, or fill valve before you replace your toilet, but those are inexpensive. In most cases, the average do-it-yourselfer (DIY) can replace those parts with little resistance. For the most part, our toilets seem to last forever.
The Best Time To Replace My Toilet
- Consider replacing your toilet when you see those nasty hard water stains in the bottom of your toilet bowl. Unlike a water heater and other appliances, a commode is an affordable fixture to replace.
- Replace it when you see rust in your tank or bowl. Rust could eventually lead to a leaky toilet, especially if it eats away at the screws and washers securing the tank. Rust in your bowl is also unsightly.
- The age of your toilet is another reason to replace it. Toilets manufactured between 1982 and 1992 used as much as 3.5 gallons per flush (GPF). Before 1982 toilets used 5-7 GPF. So if you have an old one, it’s time to replace it. However, toilets manufactured after 1992 are designed to use 1.6 GPF without giving up performance. Dual flush toilets can use as little as 1.1 GPF for liquid waste and 1.28 GPF for solid waste.
- Last but not least, improve the appearance and efficiency of your bathroom. A new toilet will not only offer better water efficiency, but it will also enhance the look of your bathroom.
A New Toilet Is Like A Piece of Furniture
Toilets are considered a fixture, but for some, they’re a piece of furniture.
For many of us, our toilet time is a time to relax for a few minutes from the daily stresses. For some of us, we choose to use our time in the bathroom to read a newspaper, magazine or scroll through our phones to relax. A questionnaire was completed and published in 2009 by Ron Shaoul, Director, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Institute at Rambam Health Care Campus. They surveyed four hundred ninety-nine men and women from ages 18 to over 65. The survey included students, builders both employed and unemployed. 64% of the men and 41% of the women surveyed confessed to being regular toilet readers.
What To Consider When Buying A New Toilet
When making a toilet purchase, take some careful considerations. First, remember your it may be with you for the next 10, 15, or 20 years. When you consider buying a toilet, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Dual-Flush Technology – These toilets have two buttons on the top of the tank. One for solid waste and one for liquid. It allows your commode to use less water for liquid waste.
2. Tank size – Pre 1992 toilets used 3.5 GPF. New toilets with the ®WaterSense label save 20% on the water when compared to the standard 1.6 GPF toilets and save 60% on water use on the old 3.5 GPF.
3. Comfort – Consider your toilet a piece of furniture and not a fixture. Check for the right height and design that best suits you and your family.
4. Color – What color will match your bathroom? Most hardware companies like Home Depot and Lowes stock standard colors like white or almond, but you can special order specific colors.
5. Bowl Shape – Do you want a round bowl or oval?
Remember you’ll probably replace your sofa four times before you ever replace your toilet again, so it’s worth the extra time to find the right one––you won’t regret it.
How Much Will It Cost?
Like any other piece of furniture or appliance, the cost will vary. Toilets range from $99 to over $5000. At your local home center, you can expect to pay around $175 to $500 for a nice one. Dual flush commodes by Glacier Bay, ™American Standard, and Delta will cost between $175 to $300. Most toilet makers package them with everything you need, including the wax ring. Have your toilet professionally installed by your plumbing professional. Call for an A+ rated plumber from Big B’s Plumbing
