Pullman Toilet Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is Right for You?

Do you need to replace your toilet, or can you just repair it instead? Well, that depends on what’s wrong with it and what kind of overall condition the toilet is in. Some problems can be fixed, but you’ll find that it’s not worth spending the money to do so when your toilet is old and could be replaced with a better, newer, more efficient model instead.

Let’s take a look at common toilet problems that you may experience and discuss whether a repair or a replacement is the right solution for your needs:

Frequent Running – A toilet that runs too long after you flush it (or won’t stop running) usually has a tangled chain or a worn flapper, fill valve, or flush valve. These are easy and inexpensive fixes, so you will almost certainly want to just repair them. However, if you get in there and find some other problem as well (like an interior tank crack), you may need to consider a replacement depending on the extent of that other problem.

Weak Flushing – Clogged rim jets are usually the root cause of weak flushing. These can be easily cleaned to avoid any actual repair work and certainly wouldn’t normally necessitate a toilet replacement unless the mineral build up was so severe that it couldn’t be removed with a brush and cleaning solution.

Frequent Clogs – Frequent clogs can sometimes signal bigger plumbing problems, although not all of them are even related to your toilet. Calling in a professional Pullman plumber to take a look at a toilet that keeps clogging is a good way to identify a more serious plumbing problem (like a main line drain clog) before it becomes even costlier to fix.

If the toilet is actually the reason for the frequent clogging, it might necessitate a replacement depending on what’s wrong with it. Sometimes the toilet just needs repairs done on its internal components, but other times the toilet just needs to be replaced. And a toilet doesn’t even necessarily need to be old for this to be the case. Often a new home will be furnished with “builder basic” bathroom appliances, including the most basic toilets available. As a result, even homeowners with newer homes may want to consider replacing their toilets before their usable life is up to help improve their performance. A better toilet will provide stronger flushing action, which will reduce the frequency of clogs.

Leaking – A toilet that’s leaking from the base may have a broken wax ring or the bolts may be loose, allowing the toilet to move some so that water escapes. A plumber will need to remove your toilet to install a new wax ring and reset your toilet to prevent future leaks.

A toilet that’s leaking from the tank will likely need to be replaced, but an experienced Pullman plumber can let you know where the water is coming from and explain your options.

Cracking – A cracked toilet will need to be replaced regardless of where the crack is. Unfortunately, porcelain can’t be repaired, which means a new toilet is in your future if you notice a crack, whether it’s leaking yet or not. Your Pullman plumber can explain your options and make recommendations about which kind of toilet will be best for your needs and your space.

In general, if your toilet is newer (less than 10 years old) and in good condition overall, you’ll probably want to repair it. However, if your toilet is older and/or showing signs of wear, you should probably replace it to avoid having to do other repairs in the future. Additionally, if you want to update your bathroom, replacing your toilet can go a long way in making your bathroom look newer and more appealing.

If you need a professional’s opinion, give us a call! Our team of experienced Pullman plumbers can take a look and tell you whether it would be better to replace your toilet instead of repairing it. Call us at 1 (800) 674-9130 today!

Additional resources:
When Should You Replace a Toilet?
Pullman Toilet Replacement Costs
New Toilet Installation Costs in Pullman
Can a Plumber Repair Your Broken Toilet?
When Should You Replace a Toilet Tank?
Average Pullman Toilet Installation Costs
Can You Replace Your Own Toilet?
Professional Toilet Installation Costs
Who Can Install a Toilet in Pullman?
Pullman Toilet Repair Companies
DIY Toilet Repair Advice for Pullman Homeowners
How to Fix Basic Toilet Problems
Understanding Your Options When Replacing a Toilet
How to Fix a Signing Toilet
Fixing a Toilet that's Running Away
Toilet Seal Repair Costs in Pullman
Pullman Toilet Unclogging Services